#27 (Thyagaraja) The Saint's Pilgrimage Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

Thyagaraja wasn’t for wealth,
But maintained perfect health,
To keep his daily routine going
On composing songs and singing.

The Deity was life for him.
In fact, he wasted no time
In his services to the Lord,
Who, by his side, always stood.

It was after his wife’s death
He went on pilgrimage-path
To different holy places
Just to satisfy his followers.

Tirupathi was one such place,
He went with his disciples,
To see the Lord of seven hills,
God Venkateswara, His Grace.

Hidden, in front, by a screen,
The Lord couldn’t be seen.
As it wasn’t the visiting hour
For anyone, who came there.

In praise of the Lord he sang
And the Lord heard his song.
The screen voluntarily moved
And the Saint saw the Lord.

The temple authorities realized
A great Soul there had arrived.
With full honors of the temple
They received him then well.

(He sang in Raga Madhyamavati
Venkatesa Ninnu Sevimpathu pathi
Vela kanulu Kavalanaiyya)

“Oh Lord Venkateswara, the Savior
Of all the Sages, you stay here.
To see you on the top of these hills.
One needs ten thousand eyes.”

“Praised you’re great world over,
To see you, out of love, I came here.
With your beautiful bright face,
Come and save me, Your Grace.”

“Your great name, like nectar juice
Fortunate I’m to chant in this place.
Oh Lord of Lakshmi, is there
Any match to your feet, as seen here? ”

“Oh Dear! You’re great!
Devotees are so fortunate
To surrender at your feet
And have you in their hearts.”