தேவாரம் — தோடுடைய செவியன் — Benefits & How to Chant
தேவாரம் — தோடுடைய செவியன்
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting தேவாரம் — தோடுடைய செவியன்
The first verse of the Thevaram
the foundational hymn-corpus of Tamil Saivism — held supremely auspicious to begin worship of Shiva.
Sung daily in Saiva temples across Tamil Nadu, especially as the first song of the Oduvar (temple singers).
Invokes Lord Shiva in His most beloved iconographic forms, deepening loving devotion (anbu) and surrender.
Believed to draw Shiva's grace and protection, as Sambandar's own hymns were said to perform miracles.
Cherished as the opening of the Tirumurai, the sacred Saiva scripture, and a treasure of Tamil bhakti.
How to Chant தேவாரம் — தோடுடைய செவியன்
Instructions
Bathe and sit before an image or lingam of Lord Shiva, light a lamp and apply sacred ash (vibhuti). Recite the verse in its traditional pann (melodic mode) if known, dwelling on the form of Shiva described line by line — His ear-ring, the bull, the crescent moon, the sacred ash. As the very first Thevaram verse, it is fittingly chanted at the beginning of Shiva worship.
Spiritual Significance
It is said that the divine milk of wisdom given by Goddess Parvati made the infant Sambandar an instant poet-saint, and that his very first words formed this perfect hymn 'Thodudaiya Seviyan' — his hymns thereafter healed the sick, opened locked temple doors and even restored life, by the grace of Lord Shiva.
Origin & History
Source: Thevaram, Tirumurai 1 — first padhigam of Thirugnana Sambandar (Tamil, c. 7th century CE)
Author: Thirugnana Sambandar (Nayanar saint)
Tradition holds that as a small child at Sirkazhi, Sambandar was left by the temple tank by his father; crying for his parents, he was nursed by Goddess Uma (Parvati) with the milk of divine knowledge. Pointing to the Lord, the child sang his first hymn beginning 'Thodudaiya Seviyan Vidaiyeri' — and so this verse became the opening of the entire Thevaram. Sambandar went on to compose thousands of hymns and to perform many miracles in praise of Shiva.