Mmgl Part 014-001 - The Bowl's Greatness Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

(Amudhasurabhi was a divine bowl
Aaputhiran got. Aravana Adigal
narrated this For his charity
he had to sacrifice his life in the
hands of Lord Indran.)

AAPUTHIRAN'S GREAT GRIEF.

Aravana Adigal said to Manimegalai:

"How Aaputhiran got the bowl?
There's a story behind this bowl.
At midnight in the darkness once
Some strangers came to that place."

"They woke up Aaputhiran,
Who was sleeping then,
For food they asked him,
And prostrated before him."

"He was quite upset
Their hunger to note,
But no food was available
In that begging bowl."

THE GIFT OF CHINDHADEVI (SARASWATHI)

"He cried for those hungry people.
As no food was available.
The light of knowledge came.
Goddess Saraswathi by name."

"A divine bowl he got from her,
That will give food forever.
She told him, even in famine,
The bowl can feed everyone."

CHINDHADEVI'S BLESSINGS

"Oh Goddess of knowledge!
The light of arts of every age!
The mother sitting in our tongue!
Give us knowledge, old or young! "

"These people are hungry.
Show on them your mercy.
Listen to my humble prayer
And remove their hunger."

SOUGHT GIFT OF LIFE

"He removed their hunger.
From that day whoever
Came there they ate well
The food that came from bowl."

"People, animals and birds
All the living-being-crowds
Around him they stood,
Day and night for food."

INDRAN CAME

"His great charitable action.
It shook up and down the heaven.
There came Lord Indran
In disguise as an old Brahmin."

"I'm Indran of the Heaven.
Behind your charitable action,
Tell me, what's the reason?
Its benefits now you can own."

THE KING OF DEVAS

Aaputhiran laughed and said,
"I haven't heard what you said.
They're your words mere.
Please go away from here."

"Whatever happens in this world
May be, it's for good or bad,
It's your nature to enjoy
And come here with a ploy."

"There's none in your heaven,
To give charity to anyone,
Or, give shelter to the poor,
Or, any penance doer."

"Your place is so good,
And you're its Lord.
What's there to worry
When you're so happy."

WHAT IS YOUR GIFT?

"It's my divine bowl,
That gives all people,
To eat sufficient food
And I serve their need."

"Are you giving me Lord,
Woman, dress or food
Or, any other guard
My interest to safeguard? "