Thyagaraja wasn’t for wealth, <br />But maintained perfect health, <br />To keep his daily routine going <br />On composing songs and singing. <br /> <br />The Deity was life for him. <br />In fact, he wasted no time <br />In his services to the Lord, <br />Who, by his side, always stood. <br /> <br />It was after his wife’s death <br />He went on pilgrimage-path <br />To different holy places <br />Just to satisfy his followers. <br /> <br />Tirupathi was one such place, <br />He went with his disciples, <br />To see the Lord of seven hills, <br />God Venkateswara, His Grace. <br /> <br />Hidden, in front, by a screen, <br />The Lord couldn’t be seen. <br />As it wasn’t the visiting hour <br />For anyone, who came there. <br /> <br />In praise of the Lord he sang <br />And the Lord heard his song. <br />The screen voluntarily moved <br />And the Saint saw the Lord. <br /> <br />The temple authorities realized <br />A great Soul there had arrived. <br />With full honors of the temple <br />They received him then well. <br /> <br />(He sang in Raga Madhyamavati <br />Venkatesa Ninnu Sevimpathu pathi <br />Vela kanulu Kavalanaiyya) <br /> <br />“Oh Lord Venkateswara, the Savior <br />Of all the Sages, you stay here. <br />To see you on the top of these hills. <br />One needs ten thousand eyes.” <br /> <br />“Praised you’re great world over, <br />To see you, out of love, I came here. <br />With your beautiful bright face, <br />Come and save me, Your Grace.” <br /> <br />“Your great name, like nectar juice <br />Fortunate I’m to chant in this place. <br />Oh Lord of Lakshmi, is there <br />Any match to your feet, as seen here? ” <br /> <br />“Oh Dear! You’re great! <br />Devotees are so fortunate <br />To surrender at your feet <br />And have you in their hearts.”<br /><br />Rajaram Ramachandran<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/27-thyagaraja-the-saint-s-pilgrimage/
