Kolaru Pathigam is a powerful Tamil devotional hymn composed by the great Shaivite saint Thirugnana Sambandar, one of the foremost Nayanmars (devotees of Lord Shiva). It is a part of the 7th-century Tamil Shaiva canon known as the Tevaram. This hymn is renowned for its protective and auspicious power and is chanted to ward off the ill effects of planetary influences, especially during inauspicious times.
According to legend, when Thirugnana Sambandar was about to travel to Madurai to counter the Jain influence and restore Shaivism, his followers warned him of the inauspicious planetary positions. In response, Sambandar composed these ten verses, declaring that for a true devotee of Shiva, no planet or star can bring harm.
He proclaimed that the Navagrahas (Nine Planets) would only bring auspiciousness to Shiva’s devotees, turning potential dangers into blessings.
Meaning of Kolaru Pathigam
The term “Kolaru” means evil or negative influence, and “Pathigam” means a set of ten verses or hymns. Thus, Kolaru Pathigam is a set of ten verses that protect devotees from evil planetary effects, astrological doshas, and misfortunes.The Kolaru Pathigam consists of 11 verses (10 main + 1 closing verse) and follows the poetic style of venba. Each verse mentions various celestial bodies – Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu – and states that these do no harm to the devotee who sincerely worships Lord Shiva.