p-101 to p-152

p-101-to-p-151

-------

"VARASIKHI VAHANA" (Supradipa)

Oh Lotus-eyed Lord mounted on an excellent peacock !

Bestow welfare, Oh Lord who excels a crore of Manmathas

by your form !

Oh Lord born in the reed-grove, whose feet are praised

by gods like Indra! Oh Kumara of excellent qualities! Oh

Fire that destroyed demons, Taraka and Sürapadma! Son

of Devi! Heroic nephew of Rama! Oh Friend! Generous

and compassionate Lord, praised by Tyágaràja!

====================================================

“OH RANGA SAYI" (Kambhóji)

Oh Rangasayi! When I implore you to come to me,

why should you not? Has not Siva become Kailásapati at

your instance ? If you (forgetful of other things) give yourself

up to enjoyment in the company of Lakshmi, taking

Srirangam to be Vaikuntam on earth, when is there to be an

end to my worries and concerns ? I have suffered much,

living in the midst of envious people who cannot stand to

see others prosper and have come to you to have darsanam

of your divine rüpam bedecked with garlands of pearls.

Oh Tripurasundari ! Pray, find me out in the crowd and

bless me! Don't ignore me because it is all. crowded here.

Why don't you show compassion ?

“DARIN! TELUSUKONTI” (Suddha SAvéri)

Oh Merciful Goddess! Sister of my Sri Rama! I have

now known the way to salvation and have sought refuge in

youalone. [have learnt the path by following which Brahma,

Indra and other Gods and devotees have reached the ocean

of eternal bliss and swam in it, and I have found in you the

104 TYAGABAJA KIRTANAS

protector of the distressed and the fulfiller of the desires of

those who have faith in you

You are the mother that confers inestimable prosperity

and wealth, that protects devotees, destroying the wilder-

ness of their past karma. I have now understood how great

sages of the world, by the glory of your grace, have freed

themselves from the bondage of worldiness and attained

eternal bliss.

That I have been privileged to witness the Friday

worship of yours is due to my past lives’ merits.

I have learnt why great men consider that your japam

alone throughout one's life is the way to salvation.

====================================================

================================================

Sadbhakti-Sangita-prasamsd 105

=================================

“RAGA RATNA MALIKA" ‘{Ritigowla)

Sri Hari is resplendently shining with the garland of

songs in hundred gems of Ragas, composed by Tyigarija

for his salvaticn from Samsára. Come, we shall sing well

and attain all the blessings. These songs contain the signi-

ficance of the Vedas, the six Sástras, Puranas and Ágamas.

They show the path by which the great Yogis attain bliss.

The songs are sung by eminent Bhágavatars in congregation.

=================================================

“NAMA KUSUMAMULACHE'" (Sri Ragam)

Oh Mind! That human life is a really blessed life in

which the Lord is installed on the golden throne of thought

108 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

and worshipped with flowers of His Holy names like Siva

and Rama.

Place Him, the reveller in the sport of Universe, the

ornament of Tyágarája's heart, on the gem-bedecked seat

of Swaras born out of Nida and worship His holy feet with

the flowers of His Names.

===================================================

"SOGASUGÁ MRIDANGA" (Sriranjani)

Where is that great man who, to the accompaniment

of Mridanga and Tala, makes you delight and adores you with

the songs which have words that convey the true spirit of

the Upanishads, have correctness of the notes, rhythmic

pauses, true devotion, dispassion, simplicity and elegance

and the nine Rasas ? Is it possible for Tyágarája to do it ?

Sadbhakti-Sangita-prasamsd 107

===============================================

"SANGITA SASTRA GNÀNAMU" (Silagabhairavi)

Music, as learnt and practised by discriminating Tyaga=

raja, when it has the blisstul ocean of Ramakatha full of all

rasas for its subject, is capable of securing for one the

bliss of 'Sárüpya, affection, devotion, attachment to good

men, the Lord's grace, austerities, meditation, glory and

wealth.

108 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

===========================================

"CHINTISTUNNADE" (Mukhari)

Seeing all the good men doing bhajana all the time,

Yama has become anxious.

Looking at his emissaries armed with tfridents: and

nooses, Yama has begun to think that the time has come for

their enthusiasm to subside.

As people have taken to the Tarakanama that destroys

the terrible hell, even as formidable Agastya dried up the

ocean, Yama has become anxious.

Yama has become anxious that even those, who wander

without knowing the true path and would thereby come to

him, are (now) singing the meritorious songs of Tyagaraja.

============================================

" SWARARAGASUDHA”

109

Devotion associated with the ambrosia of Swara and

Riga is verily paradise and salvation, O Mind! What is the

110 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

good of a crane and a frog trying to frolick over the lotus of

Brahmánandam! To know and realize the nature of Nada,

originating from Mul&dhara, is itself bliss and salvation.

Likewise is a knowledge of the various resonant sthanas

(parts of the body) from which emanate the glorious Sapta-

swaras. One attains salvation when he becomes a Jnáni

after several births; but he who has knowledge of ráAgas

along with natural devotion is indeed a liberated soul.

Can happiness be had merely by thumping without the

least knowledge of mridangam, talam, and gati? Similarly

a man doing worship without purity of mind is no better

than a pig.

A deep knowledge of the secrets of the Swarárnava,

imparted to Párvati by Lord Siva is possessed by blessed

Tyágaráje. Learn them from him, Oh Mind! by approach-

ing him with faith.

==============================================

"SANGITA GNANAMU” (Dhanydsi)

Knowledge of Sangita (Music), bereft of devotion, is

valueless and cannot secure salvation. The music practised

by Bhaktas like Bhringi, Natesa, Anjaneya, Agastya, Matanga

and Narada can alone secure it.

Tyagaraja, who is able to distinguish between Nyàya and

Any&ye, who knows that the world is Maya and who knows

also how to conquer the six inward enemies of man, Kama

etc., knows this matter well.

==================================================

112 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

“MARIYADA GADURA" (Sankarábharanam).

Oh Merciful Lord ! It is not becoming of you to treat alike

all and sundry. Bhágavatas who have no knowledge of

music (RAga-Tàla) no real devotion and love, no Jnana

Yoga or sympathy live only an animal life !

================================================

? SITAVARA SANGITA” (Devagaándhari)

Oh the Great One, adored by Tyágaràja who revels in

*suswara' and has direct vision of Atmarama who is none

other than Brahman with his body of Akasa, and who realises

that the Universe is Spirit! To be qualified to be a jivan-

mukta, which is the teaching of the Gita and all Upanishads,

one must be blessed by Brahma with the gift of Sangita Jnana.

==================================================

KADDANUVARIKI” (Tódi)

They proclaim that for those who consider that He is,

He is; will the words of the great become false now ?

Why don't you come before us who desire to see your

beautiful face with cheeks shining like mirror ?

You are the compassionate Lord that protects those

devotees who sing of you, casting off their sleep, taking a

beautiful Tambura, with pure mind, with correct intonation

of the swaras and without swerving from the path of

tradition.

114 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

==============================================

==================================================

BHAKTI YOGA

Bhakti-mahima-prasamsá

“TAPPI BRATIKI" (Todi)

Is it possible in this Kali, Oh Rama! to escape, with a

firm mind, from getting immersed in the dangerous tank of

the senses, and survive ?

Is it possible to have a mind that can regard valuable

metals as poison and potsherd ?

Is it possible to remain firm and unattracted at the sight

of wily and beautiful women well dressed and with the

charm of curly hair ?

Bhakti-mahimü—Samsüra-dosha-niváraka 115

Without adopting the right royal way and worship-

ping sincerely the Lord adored by Ty&gar&ja with jasmine

and other flowers, is it possible to escape getting immer:

sed in the dangerous pond of the senses and survive in

this Kali?

===================================================

“ENTA NERCHINA ENTA JÜCHINA " (Udayaravichandrika)

One, who has not bestowed constant thought on the

right path that is after the heart of the Lord of Lakshmi,

however learned, however extensive his Kshetratanam

(pilgrimage), and however great he may be, is bound io

become a slave to women. Such a one is also liable to

become addicted to vices like cruelty to others, coveting

other's women and wealth, slandering others, living upon

others and uttering lies.

116 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

=================================================

“SAMSARULAITE” (Saveri)

It matters little ii people are samsarikas, ( leading

family lives )

if they come to feel the presence of the Lord,

Bhakti-mahimá— Samsàára-dósha-niváraka 117

if they constantly believe in the Lord, refrain from (evils

like) harming others, delight in the company of Sadhus and

spend their time in praising the Lord,

if, even being in the world, which discounts Jnana and

Vairágya, they take to Dhyana yoga and chant the Lord's

holy name, surrendering the fruits of all their karmas,

if they ceaselessly worship whole-heartedly the holy

feet of the Blessed Lord, driving away all evil thoughts and

making the members of their families do service to Him,

if they, with firm faithin the Lord, join the company

of devotees, surrendering all pleasures as offering to Hari

alone, and sing His praise with Srirága on the Vina.

=============================================

“KADATERA RADA” (Tédi)

Oh Mind! Why do you not listen to the appeal of

Tyágarája, the true devotee of Sri Krishna and get emanci-

pated from the bonds of vicious worldliness by doing

118 TYAGABAJA KIRTANAS

incessant Bhajana and by using your knowledge in discrimi-

nating between the permanent and the impermanent (Satya

and Asatya)?

Bhakti Màhátmya.

============================================================

"CHAKKANI RAJAMARGAMU" (Kharaharapriyà)

Oh Mind! While a good, royal road is available, why

take to bylanes ? When good milk with cream is available,

why should one go in for toddy ?

Devotion to Sri Ramachandra of Ayódhyà whose bewit-

ching beauty is a feast for the eyes, whose blessed name

Bhakti-máhütmya 119

ison the lipsof Lord Siva and who has taken his abode

in the house of Tyágarája,—when there is this royal road

to salvation, why take to bylanes?

===============================================

" ANURAGAMU LENI” (Saraswati)

The mind that is bereft of love (devotion) will not be

blessed with the divine Jnana. This maxim is well known.

to enlightened souls, Like unto the satisfaction of one who

is served with a variety of dishes is the happiness of one

who meditates on the Lord with attributes (Saguna Dhyana).

======================================================

"EMIJÉSITENEMI" (1599

Of what availis anything done by people who have

not been blessed with the Grace of Sri Rama and by people

who, being slaves to lust and other passions, are incapable

of knowing and understanding the sastraic commandments

of Sri Ráma ?

What if they have house, properties and loaded their

wives with jewels and what if they are adepts in sexual

science, if they have not the Grace of the lotus-eyed one?

What if they perform Yàgas, what if they beget sons to

inherit their property, what if they adopt others’ sons for

that purpose, if they have not the Grace of the auspicious

Sri Rama ?

What if they build palatial houses and fit them up with

rows of lights; what if they know the art of pleasing women,

if they fail to get the Grace of the incomparable Sri Rama?

What if they rule over kingdoms and command the

respect and regard of the public, what if they feed people

with rich and sumptuous meals, if they do not get the

Grace of the worshipful Sri Rama ?

What if they attain the status of Gurus, what if, for the

look, they appear grand and big, what if they initiate

others in mantras, if they are not blessed with the Grace of

Sri Rama ?

122

“IKA GAVALASINA DEMI”

TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

(Balahamsa)

Oh mind ! What more is wanted ? | Why should you not

be happy when the Lord of the whole Universe has firmly

taken his abode in you, when Sit&pati, the root of all bliss, is

ready with his sword to destroy the forest of your sins com-

mitted in previous births,

when Sri Ramachandra himselt

is by you with the sun and the moon as his eyes to dispel

Bhakti-mühátmya 123

the darkness of your Kama, Kródha. Lóbha, Moha, Mada and

other inward enemies, when the all-merciful Ramabhadra

is with you unfailingly to give you prosperity and look after

your welfare and fulfil your desires ?

==================================================

"RAMABHAKTI SAMRAIYAME” (Suddhabangala)

The sight of those great souls who have been blessed

with the kingdom of Ramabhakti itself confers supreme

Brahmánandam. This bliss does not admit of any descrip-

tion in words; it can only be realised by self-experience.

124

====================================================

“APPA RAMABHAKTI" (Pantuvarali)

How great and grand is Ramabhakti, devotion to our

beloved father Rama! It stops the wanderings of the mind

and protects one as eyelids do the eye (involuntarily).

Otherwise, will Lakshmi Devi come down on earth as ‘Sita

to love Rama? Will Lakshmana serve him? Will sharp-wit:

ted Bharata long to be seeing him and get enraptured?

Will Sabari offer leavings to Him? Will Lord Siva praise

Bhakti-mühütmya 125

him? Will the Lord bestow everlasting high status on

Swayamprabh4 ? Can a monkey cross the ocean? Will a

woman tie the Lord to a mortar ? Will a defaulter like Tyaga-

raja get increasing bliss ?

======================================================

“IDE BHAGYAMU" (Kannada)

This alone is the real blessedness to be coveted—to

worship incessantly your lotus feet with the whole heart;

to cast aside the bonds of desire, keeping the mind

free from everything, giving up (fruits of) Karma and to

worship you as the ocean of mercy ;

to be firmly and lovingly devoted to you, as one adored

even by Lord Siva, without impairing health by associating

with wicked people ;

to install you in the lotus of the heart, fix the entire

mind on you tothe exclusion of other gods of earth and

Heaven and to enjoy the supreme bliss (Brahmánandam)!

to take you as the sole refuge, pray to you as the

Vedas and Agamas do and thereby cross the ocean of

Samsara which is beset with passions and desires.

===================================================

PÁHIMAM HARE” (Sowrashira)

Oh Raghava! Oh Mahánubháva! I have worshipped

you day and night, loved you as my wealth, and incessantly

128 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

sought you. I have secured the precious pearl of Rama

Nama. I was born uttering Rama Nama and have stead-

fastly kept on to ite 1 have reposed my faith in your holy

feet with a devout mind and sung their glory; desiring

Paramapada, I have meditated on you and have become

your devotee.

===============================================

“IMENU GALGINANDUKU” (Varsli)

Having taken this human body, which is prone to a life

of indiscipline and rank material outlook, through the

operation of lust, greed and other evil propensities, one

should make proper use of it by taking to the chanting of

the holy name of Sri Rama (to save himself). When the

hunter Valmiki, who had been tormenting cruelly people

on the way, prayed to the enlightened for being shown the

right path, was he not initiated with Rama Nama and did

he not become blessed ?

Was not the Apsaras who as the result of the curse of

the Rishi had the form of a crocodile and was undergoing

unbearable suffering, saved by Anjaneya through the chan-

ting of Rama N&ma ?

When Gajendra was caught by the crocodile and cried

to the Lord for help, addressing him as Adi Milam (the

Prime Source of all) did He not come to his succour at once

190 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

and protect him? When the Rakshasa carried away the

Vedas and when Brahma appealed to the Lord for help, by

praising the Tárakanàma, was not his fear dispelled ?

===========================

" RAMINCHUVAREVARU " (Supdshini)

Oh Raghüttama! Who is there among the beings in the

whole Universe who can transport one to transcendental joy

but you? Even the shining Devas could not know the

secret significance of your holy name, nor secure the wealth

of bliss which it brings.

=====================================================

“INTA SOWKHYAMANI" (Kap!)

It is not possible for me to describe the Anandam one

derives from the chanting of the Rama Namam. Who knows

its measure and quality? Only great and true devotees

know ite Lord Sankara, who delights in drinking the nectar

of music with the sugar-candy of Rama Namam mixed,

knows it well.

132 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

============================================

“RAMA RAGHUKULA JALANIDHI” (K&pi)

Is it possible for Brahma even to know your greatness

and glory ?

When Vibhishana sought your refuge, you, without

minding that he was the brother of the enemy of Gods,

sages and men,. accepted him, proclaiming at the same time

your general resolve to protect all who seek refuge (what-

ever may be other considerations), and made him Lanka-

pati You blessed Sankara, Sità, Lakshmana, Anjsneya,

Parvati, Sugriva, Bharata, Satrughna, and Vibhishana

with Divyachakshus (divine insight) to enable them to see

your divine Riipam. You also arranged that Sankara

should utter in the ears of the men of this world your

Taraka Mantra TT

=============================================

" CHINTISTUNNADE” (Mukhari)

=============================================

"SÁRAMÉGÁANI" (Pantuvarali)

Oh Mind! Rama Namam alone is the precious thing

worthy to be coveted. Why bother with the thought of

other paths, listening to the words of all and sundry? Did

not sage Narada, who constantly drinks the nectar of Rama

Nima and traverses the whole Universe with the name of

Narayana on his lips, lovingly initiate Valmiki with this

mantram ?

did not Suka Brehma, who had drunk deep the nectar

of Rama Nama, uttering the holy name of Hari, earning un-

equalled glory and losing himself (in transcendental bliss),

give the mantra to Parikshit ?

Did not Lord Siva, delighting in Samagina, the Lord of

Kailas, with all earnestness, drink the nectar of Rama Nima,

besides unceasingly uttering the holy name, initiate his

beautiful consort, Párvati with the mantram, explaining its

great efficacy and significance ?

“MELU MELU” (Sowr&shtra)

Oh Mind! the happiness that Rama Nima. gives to one is

positively higher than

Nama Mühütmya 137

the pleasure which a man of intense thirst derives on drink-

ing water,

the pleasure which a man of dire poverty derives on coming

by a treasure-chest,

the pleasure which people suffering from unbearable

drought derive when they get nectar-like water in

the well,

the pleasure which a helpless man in fright derives when

he acquires courage,

the pleasure which a hungry man derives when he gets a

sumptuous feast,

the pleasure which one derives in meditating upon Sri

Rama, the bestower of prosperity,

the pleasure which a man in an undesirable angry mood

derives when he calms down;

the pleasure which an utterly ignorant man derives when

he suddenly acquires proficiency in all branches

of knowledge,

the pleasure which a true devotee of Rama with proficiency

in music derives,

the pleasure which peple, without associating with ignorant

secular-minded people, derive from spiritual experience,

the pleasure which one derives after a successful Vedantic

inquiry,

the bliss which one derives from realization of Nirguna Para-

Brahma,

138 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

the happiness which one derives from worship, free from

taint of RAjasic and Tamasic gunas, and

the happiness which was vouchsafed to Lord Siva. This

fact is testified to by Lord Siva himself and sages like

Valmiki, Parvati and Hanuman.

====================================================

."EVARANI NIRNAYIMCHIRIRA” (Dévamritavarshini)

What do people determine you to be and how do they

worship you? As Siva, as Madhava, as Brahma, or Para-

brahma? I prostrate before those wise ones, who found the

solution by picking out and combining the soul of each of

the two mantras—Mà from Siva Mantra (Panchakshara) and

Ra from Narayana Mantra (Ashtakshara).

==========================================

"TELISI RAMÁCHINTANATO" (Pürnachandrikà)

Mind! chant the Lord's name with understanding and

thought of Ràma, stopping the wanderings of the mind (clos-

ing the gates of the mind) at least for a minute and realising

the true significance of the form of the great Redeemer.

140 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

'Rüma' is the name for woman also. If when uttering

that word, your mind dwells on that object, you will have

only to wrestle with lust and other passions. But ‘Rama’ is

the name for Parabrahmam also, and if your mind dwells on

it, while utteing the word, your life's ills will come to an

end.

‘Arka’ is the name for the poisonous tree. By thinking

of that object while uttering the word, how can your restless

(monkey) mind get controlled ? ‘Arka’ is the name for the

sun also. If you visualise him when uttering the word, your

tendency to disputation and ignorance will vanish.

‘Aja’ is the name for agoat. If you think of it only

when uttering the word, how can your true desires be ful-

filled? ‘Aja’ is the name for Brahma also If you think of

him when uttering the word, you will be blessed with

victory.

================================================

“RAMA NIYEDA PREMA” (Kharaharapriya)

Will the man that is devoid of devotion to you know the

sweetness of your holy name? Willa man in the garb of a

woman realize the character of a chaste woman? Will milk

come forth for the child from a tiger which has put on the

mask of a cow ? Could people, who have no self-realization

try to preach to others?

=============================================

142 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

"SUKHI YEVARO” (Kanada)

Who is the blessed and happy one that enjoys the bliss

of Rama Nàmam which is the best of all mantras calculated

to save men from bondage ?

Who is that blessed one, who unflinching from truth,

serves all humanity and who, without disregard or hatred

towards other Gods, sings always Rama Nama, with music

associated with fixed and pure swara?

=================================================

“NAMA KUSUMAMULACHE" (Sriraga)

ships the feet of Rama with the flowers of His Name.

See above pages 105-106

========================================

“RAMA NAMAM BHAJARE” (Madhyamavati)

Oh Mind! Take the holy name of Sri Rama and

chant it.

Why roam about like a thief?

Embrace the blessed feet of Lord Ranganathaand chant

his name.

Wherever you may be, seek Sri Hari as the only God,

get lost in his marvellous beauty and chant his name-

144 TYAGARAJA KIBTANAS

Stop wandering, see in you the Lord, with charming

face like the moon, ask of him what you want and chant His

name.

Having secured the rare human body, dispel all doubts,

pray that you may be blessed with mukti and chant His

name, addressing him as Vaidehi's fortune.

Following the teachings of the stainless Great Ones, do

your SAdhana and get rid of the disease of Sams&ra, chant-

ing the name of the Lord.

Be you helpless or wise, offer your body to the Lord

with love and devotion.

Besides Sri Rama, the ideal and the fortune (Bhagyam)

ofthe good and the wise, who have conquered greed,

anger, lust, etc,, there is no refuge for one.

Nama Mahatmya 145

"SMARANÉ SUKHAMU” (Janaranjani)

. For one born as man, the chanting of the holy Rama

Naima, in the way the desireless Tyágarája does, is itself

happiness; and for Raja Yogis it is bliss (ànandam) Does

not the constant hearing of Rama Nama transform the Nama

itself into a glorious form, filling the heart with love divine ?

=======================================

"BHAJANA SEYA RADA” — (At&na)

Oh! Mind! Why can you not make Ráma Bhajana

which is the great mantra constantly meditated upon by

146 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

Brahma, Rudra and other Gods? Thinking always in the

mind the smiling face of Sri Rama adorned with golden

cloth, shining with ruby-hued lips, beautiful white teeth and

glossy cheeke; why can you not listen to the appeal of

Ty&garija to make Rima Bhajana with the redeeming

Rama Nama, which will enable you to cross the ocean

of Samsara.

==========================================

"HARI YANUVANI" (Todi

Who is equal to one who chants the name of Hari,

driving out of the mind various thoughts that arise, main-

taining steady devotion, casting away discordant religious

differences, earnestly longing and pining, installing the

holy feet of Lord Hari in the heart, regarding them as

coveted wealth as sage Suka and other great saints did,

treating as the snake's poison the company of those who do

not appreciate the happiness above mentioned, and treating

as real wealth conversation with genuine devotees and

getting transported to ecstacy on meditating on the names

of one adored by Ty4garaya.

=======================================

sita

=====

"SARIYEVVARE SRI JANAKI” (Sri Ranjani)

You are matchless. You have qualified yourself perfectly

in associating with Paramátma Sri Rama to serve him by

constantly keeping him in prosperity. You have chosen to

follow him to the dreadful forest and provide him in every

place with royal comforts and pleasures.

====================================

"MA JANAKI" (Kambhoji) -

Oh Rama! You have become great and famous by

taking the hand of our Siti (in marriage), and have acquired,

Bhakta Mahdtniya—Bata 149

thereby, the glory of being Ràvana's vanquisher. She

accompanied you to the forests, as ordained by you, she

left her real form beside Agni (the fire) and took a Maya

form to follow the Rakshasa Ravana; stayed under the

Asoka tree; though offended at his words, desisted from

killing him (by her indignant look) and wanted to leave

the credit of killing the enemy only to you.

===============================================

“SRI JANAKATANAYE” (Kalakanthi)

Oh Daughter of Janaka, the blessed abode of refugees !

Oh Consort of Sri Raghu Rama, bedecked with shining

gem-ornaments! Pray, protect me always! You are the

150 TYAGARAJA KIBTANAS

wind that destroys the clouds of demons like the hundred-

headed R&vana; you are the indweller of the hearts of

devotees; your feet shine with the lustre of gems set in the

crown of Indra.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

“DEHI TAVA PADA” (Sahina)

Oh! Vidéhi, Redeemer of the fallen! Pray, vouchsafe

to me constant devotion to your blessed feet. Oh! the

giver of temporal and spiritual benefits and the mother of

Brahma and Manmathal Oh! Devi born of the ocean :

Bhukta Mahétmya—Lakshmana 151

adorned with golden jewels, delighted by the musical

chanting of Agastya; Oh! the consort of Sri Rama! The

whole Universe is your form. Your hair is beautifully black

as the bee. You are the queen of the protector of (Viswa-

mitra’s) yàga; you are the cause of my fortune; you

protect those that take refuge in you. You are the destro-

yer of the arrogance of the hundred-headed Ravana. You

have beautiful, red lotus eyes and dwell in the heart of

Tyagaraja. l

“MITRI BHÁGYAME" (Kharaharapriyà)

Lakshmana's fortune is unique. He had the rare

privilege of rocking Sri Ráma in gem-bedecked seshatalpa

152 TYAGARAJA KIRTANAS

and of getting thrilled when rare ragas were being sung to

the delectation of Sri Rama, praising the Tattvartha (of

the Lord's) incarnation.

===========================================================

"PÁHI RAMA DUTA” (Vasanta Varali)

Oh Ràma's Messenger! Bless me. You have crossed

the ocean and killed Ravana’s son, (Akshayakumara) Your

Bhakta Mahatmya 153

lotus-like face shines like the fully risen sun. You are as

brilliant as myriad suns. You hold the blessed feet of Sri

Rama in your hands. You are the wind to disperse the

cloud of the sins of the iron age. You are like Agastya to

the ocean of dreaded R&akshasas. You always carry out

(successfully) whatever task is assigned to you. Oh! Dweller

under the Párijàta tree! You move as fast as the wind.

You conquer evil spirits by the strength of your feet. You

are the redeemer of sinners. You are well-versed in

the Vedas and SAstras. You are the best of beings; you

are the pure-minded- You are full-of compassion. You

have a body which resembles in hue Mount Meru. You

are the foremost among the Lord’s devotees. You are a

giver of boons.

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