You are truly great,
performing all three functions.
You created the entire wide world
around which Aruna drives his seven horses
in a chariot with fluttering banners.
You preserve the world you created.
You destroy it.
Your intention is to seize
entire cities of your enemies, isn’t it?
Is it really prowess
to destroy the homes
we made as playhouses?
We are just little girls
with anxious eyes,
waists burdened
with the support of our heavy breasts,
and flower-like hands reddened
from sifting sand.
With your holy lotus feet,
sought by Indra and the other gods,
don’t destroy the little houses of us little ones.
Rich one of Tiruccentur,
where the waves cast up pearls,
don’t destroy our little houses.
Translated from the Tamil by Paula Richman