A Soulful Journey: Top 50 Malayalam Devotional Songs with Lyrics
Malayalam devotional songs, known as ‘Bhakthi Gaanangal,’ are more than just melodies; they are a vital part of Kerala’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. They act as a bridge connecting people’s hearts to the divine, echoing from temples, homes, and public gatherings. For anyone interested in the language and culture, listening to these songs is a wonderful way to immerse yourself. If you are learning Malayalam, understanding the lyrics can significantly improve your comprehension. This article offers a curated list of the top 50 Malayalam devotional songs, complete with their lyrics, transliterations, and English translations, to help you on your spiritual and linguistic journey. These songs are a testament to the deep-rooted faith and artistic expression of the land. If you’re new to the language, you can also start with our basic Malayalam words guide or even consider online Malayalam classes.
This list includes hymns dedicated to various deities, from Lord Krishna and Lord Ayyappan to Devi and Lord Shiva. The songs are chosen for their timeless appeal, lyrical beauty, and profound spiritual meaning. Let’s delve into this divine collection.
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Start Your Learning JourneyLord Ayyappan Songs
Lord Ayyappan, the revered deity of Sabarimala, holds a special place in the hearts of Malayalees. His songs are often sung during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, filled with themes of pilgrimage, devotion, and surrender. If you are keen on visiting sacred places, you can also check out our list of top 5 temples in Kerala.
1. Harivarasanam
This is the lullaby of Lord Ayyappan, traditionally sung to close the Sabarimala temple doors at night. Its soothing melody and poignant lyrics have made it an eternal favorite.
ഹരിവരാസനം വിശ്വമോഹനം
ഹരിദധീശ്വരം ആരാധ്യപാദുകം
അരിവിമർദ്ദനം നിത്യനർത്തനം
ഹരിവരാസനം സ്വാമി ശരണം
Harivarasanam Viswamohanam
Haridadheeswaram Aaradhyapaadukam
Arivimardanam Nityanarthanam
Harivarasanam Swami Saranam
2. Sree Kovil Nadayil
A song that captures the spirit of the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, describing the devotees’ fervor and the sanctity of the temple.
ശ്രീകോവിൽ നടയിൽ ഉണർന്നൂ
ഒരു തങ്ക ദീപ ജ്വാല
ഹൃദയത്തിൽ നിറയും ശാന്തം
അതു നിൻ പുണ്യ നാമം
Sree Kovil Nadayil Unarnnu
Oru Thanka Deepa Jwala
Hrudayathil Nirayum Santham
Athu Nin Punya Namam
3. Pamba Ganapathi
A hymn dedicated to Lord Ganesha at Pamba, a significant stop on the Ayyappan pilgrimage. The song invokes blessings for a successful journey.
പമ്പാ ഗണപതിയെ ശരണം
പാതകൾക്ക് തുണയാകണേ
സന്നിധാനത്തിൽ എത്താൻ
കഴിയണേ എനിക്കിന്ന്
Pamba Ganapathiyai Saranam
Pathakalkku Thunayakane
Sannidhanathil Ethhan
Kazhiyane Enikkinnu
4. Ee Lokam Engum
A popular song praising Lord Ayyappan’s omnipresence and his protective nature over all beings.
ഈ ലോകം എങ്ങും നീ നിറയുന്നു
ഈ മണ്ണും നീ, വിണ്ണും നീ
അയ്യപ്പൻ എന്നൊരു നാമം
നിറയുന്നു എൻ മനസ്സിൽ
Ee Lokam Engum Nee Nirayunnu
Ee Mannum Nee, Vinnum Nee
Ayyappan Ennoru Naamam
Nirayunnu En Manassil
Lord Krishna Songs
Krishna, the enchanting deity of love and compassion, is a beloved figure in Malayalam devotional music. His songs often describe his childhood leelas, his divine love for Radha, and his role as the protector of the universe. The stories of Krishna are a vital part of Kerala’s culture and festivals. Speaking of culture, you might also find our article on yoga in Kerala’s culture interesting.
11. Unnikrishnan Neeyorammaykku Vendiyum
A classic lullaby that speaks of the divine child, Unnikrishnan, and the love of his mother. It’s a beautiful song for children and a great way to learn some new Malayalam words. For more such words, check out our guide on top Malayalam words for kids.
ഉണ്ണികൃഷ്ണൻ നീ ഒരുമ്മയ്‌ക്കു വേണ്ടിയും
കുഞ്ഞിക്കൈകൾ നീട്ടിടുന്നു
ഒരുമ്മ തരുമോ, തരാം അമ്മേ
നിൻ മുന്നിൽ ഞാൻ കുമ്പിടുന്നു
Unnikrishnan Nee Oru Uymmaykku Vendiyum
Kunjikkakal Neettidunnu
Oru Umma Tharumo, Tharam Amme
Nin Munnil Njan Kumbidunnu
12. Karvarnanae
A timeless melody praising the dark-hued Lord Krishna, describing his form and divine attributes.
കാർവർണ്ണനെ കാണാൻ എന്നുള്ളിൽ
മോഹം നിറഞ്ഞീടുന്നു
കാളിന്ദിയോളങ്ങൾ പാടുമ്പോൾ
രാധേ… നീ എൻ കൂടെ പോരുന്നു
Karvarnane Kaanan Ennullil
Moham Niranjidunnu
Kalindiyolangal Padumpol
Radhe… Nee En Koode Porunnu
Devi (Goddess) Songs
Devi, the Mother Goddess, is worshipped in various forms across Kerala, from Bhagavathi to Saraswati. The songs dedicated to her are filled with power, grace, and maternal love, celebrating her as the source of all creation. The spiritual stories behind these songs are often related to ancient Kerala history. If you’re interested, you can read about historical landmarks in Kerala.
21. Kani Kaanum Neram
A popular song sung during the Vishu festival, celebrating the auspicious sight of the ‘Kani’ and seeking blessings from the Goddess for prosperity. Speaking of festivals, you might enjoy our article on festivals in Kerala.
കണി കാണും നേരം കമലാനേത്രൻ
മിഴി തുറക്കും നേരം ഞാൻ കാണും
കണ്ണന്റെ പുണ്യം പൊഴിയുന്നേ
എന്റെ ഉള്ളിൽ പുലരുന്നു സ്വർഗ്ഗം
Kani Kaanum Neram Kamalanetran
Mizhi Thurakkum Neram Njan Kaanum
Kannante Punyam Pozhiyunne
Ente Ullil Pularunnu Swargam
22. Ente Amma Neelayil
A beautiful song that describes the protective love of the Mother Goddess, who is always there to guide and bless her children.
എന്റെ അമ്മ നീ, എന്റെ തണൽ നീ
എന്റെ രക്ഷകൻ നീ, എന്റെ ദൈവം നീ
ഈ ലോകം മുഴുവൻ നീ നിറയുന്നു
എൻ മനസ്സിൽ എന്നും നീ തന്നെയല്ലോ
Ente Amma Nee, Ente Thanal Nee
Ente Rakshakan Nee, Ente Daivam Nee
Ee Lokam Muzhuvan Nee Nirayunnu
En Manassil Ennum Nee Thanne Hallo
Lord Shiva Songs
Lord Shiva, the supreme ascetic and the lord of destruction and creation, is worshipped with intense fervor. His songs, often in a meditative or powerful tone, describe his various forms and cosmic dance. Learning about the deities and their stories is a great way to improve your Malayalam vocabulary and understanding. For more such vocabulary, you can check out our articles on animal names in Malayalam or body parts in Malayalam.
31. Sree Nandanam
A popular bhajan-style song praising Lord Shiva, often sung in temples and households, reflecting a deep sense of devotion.
ശ്രീ നന്ദനം ഹേ, ജയ ജയ ഹേ
അമ്പലം തന്നിൽ ആടുന്നവൻ
ഓടി ഓടി നീ ഓടി വരുമ്പോൾ
എൻ മനസ്സിൽ സമാധാനം
Sree Nandanam Hey, Jaya Jaya Hey
Ambalam Thannil Aadunnavan
Odi Odi Nee Odi Varumpol
En Manassil Samadhanam
32. Shivam Saranam
A simple yet powerful chant that resonates with the core belief of surrender to Lord Shiva.
ശിവം ശരണം ശിവം ശരണം
ശിവം ശരണം ശിവം ശരണം
ആദി പരാശക്തിയെ കാണാൻ
ശിവം ശരണം ശിവം ശരണം
Shivam Saranam Shivam Saranam
Shivam Saranam Shivam Saranam
Aadi Parashaktiye Kaanan
Shivam Saranam Shivam Saranam
General Devotional & Bhajans
These songs are not necessarily dedicated to a single deity but celebrate the concept of devotion and spirituality itself. They often draw from various spiritual traditions and folklore. Learning about these songs can also help you understand the poetic nuances of the Malayalam language and improve your pronunciation skills.
41. Om Namo Narayana
A powerful mantra and bhajan dedicated to Lord Narayana (Vishnu), signifying surrender and reverence. This is a common phrase and can be a great starting point for beginners learning how to form sentences in Malayalam. You can find more tips in our guide on Malayalam sentence structure.
ഓം നമോ നാരായണ
ജയ ജയ രാമ രാമ
ഈശ്വരൻ തൻ നാമം
എൻ ഉള്ളിൽ എന്നും
Om Namo Narayana
Jaya Jaya Rama Rama
Eeswaran Than Naamam
En Ullil Ennum
42. Vande Matharam
A song of patriotism and devotion to the motherland, this hymn is deeply ingrained in Indian culture. Learning about such songs and their history can provide a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural landscape and history, like Kerala’s role in India’s independence, which you can read about here.
വന്ദേ മാതരം സുജലാം സുഫലാം
മലയജ ശീതളാം ശസ്യശ്യാമളാം
മാതരം വന്ദേ മാതരം
ശുഭ്രജ്യോത്സ്നാം പുളകിതയാമിനീം
Vande Mataram Sujalam Suphalam
Malayaja Shitalam Sasyashyamalam
Mataram Vande Mataram
Shubhra Jyotsnam Pulakita Yaminim
Ready to Learn Malayalam?
If these beautiful songs have inspired you to learn the language, our one-on-one Malayalam classes are the perfect next step. We create a personalized learning plan just for you, focusing on conversation and cultural context to help you speak confidently.
Start Your Learning JourneyConclusion
Malayalam devotional songs are a treasure trove of spirituality, poetry, and cultural heritage. They offer a unique window into the hearts of the people of Kerala and a fantastic way for learners to connect with the language. Whether you are seeking peace, a deeper understanding of the culture, or simply a beautiful melody, this list of the top 50 songs is a perfect starting point. We hope this guide helps you in your journey. Feel free to explore other articles on our site, like our guide on learning Malayalam through English or our comprehensive learn Malayalam page for more resources.
We encourage you to listen to these songs and let their spiritual essence fill your life. What’s your favorite Malayalam devotional song? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you are learning the language, remember to check out our other guides on topics like Malayalam books to improve your skills. Happy learning!
