R18. The Melkote Temple Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

SRI RAMANUJA

Once some Muslim invaders,
Who destroyed many temples,
Attacked the Melkote temple,
And the surrounding people.

Yadavadripati, the Deity was
Buried deep under the sands
To save Him from the invaders,
But not known where He was?

It was the most auspicious time,
When the buried Deity came,
One night, in Ramanuja's dream,
And revealed where to find Him.

The Lord was taken out then
And was installed once again
In a newly well built temple,
For worship by all people.

Where had the Deity gone
That was every time taken
Out on streets in procession,
For the devotees' Darshan?

In his dream once again,
He had a divine vision,
It was at Delhi in the hands
Of a Muslim young princess.

The King returned the idol,
But it was so dear to the girl,
That she followed the same
All the way to Srirangam.

After the King Kulotunga died
More tolerant Kings succeeded,
With liberal views on religion,
That facilitated Ramanuja's return.

Though a Muslim girl she was
None of the visiting devotees
Objected to her movements
Inside the temple premises.

Her mad love for the Lord,
All of them well realized,
And not her own religion
That may invite an objection.