In your shrine, we offer prayers And seek your loving care May you shield our child from harm And bless them with wisdom and health

The is a sacred Tamil lullaby dedicated to Goddess Mariamman , the deity of rain and healing . Unlike traditional lullabies meant to soothe a baby, this folk hymn is sung to appease the Goddess herself, often to seek protection from diseases like smallpox (historically called "pearls" or muthu ).

: Following tradition, the song begins by asking the elephant-headed god, the eldest son of Lord Shiva, to lead and bless the activity.

| Tamil (Transliteration) | Literal English Translation | Cultural Note | |------------------------|----------------------------|----------------| | Thalelo amma, thalelo | Rock to sleep, mother, rock to sleep | The devotee assumes the role of parent cajoling the goddess. | | Mariyamma thalelo | Mariamman, rock to sleep | | | Kannip pongal vaiththu | Having offered the first harvest rice | Pongal (rice pudding) is a key offering. | | Kari vilakku ettri | Lighting a wick lamp of thick ghee | | | Neem poo choodi | Wearing neem flowers | Neem is sacred to Mariamman for its medicinal properties. | | Nila vaanam paarthu | Looking at the moonlit sky | | | Unakku pallu illaiyamma | You have no teeth, mother | A paradoxical lullaby motif — ascribing infant attributes to the powerful goddess to evoke tenderness. | | Pasi eduthaal pal kudippai | If you feel hungry, you will drink milk | |