#25 (Thyagaraja) Musicians Admired The Saint Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

Musicians around the country
Heard the growing popularity
Of the great Saint Thyagaraja,
O’er his devotion to Lord Rama.

They all came one by one,
To the Tiruvaiyar Town
Heard his music, in turn,
Gave him their appreciation.

Gopinatha Bhattacharya from Kasi,
A musician famous in Hindustani,
He came all the way to meet
And hear the songs of the Saint.

Pleased with his request,
A song came out
From the Saint then
A pleasant melodious one.

(He sang in Raga Thodi
Dasaradhi Nee Runamu Theerpa Naa
Tharama Parama Pavana Nama)

“Oh the great Dasaradha’s son,
How can I repay your loan?
Oh Master of my listeners,
For whom my music shines.”

“To me, you only taught,
Both day and night,
All the songs, more divine,
For the pleasure of my fans.”

Thus, it was his humbleness,
That brought him greatness.
Besides the melody part
Of each song that came out.

A Saint who loved music,
Who lived always for music,
Whose very breath was music
Gave an eternal life to his music.