Ode To Pandalam Prince Poem by Indira Renganathan

On the bank of Pampa river
Wails of a babe, heard Pandalam king Rajasekhar
Found You o' divine child with splendour
God's mercy to his fervent prayer
Rajasekhar accepted You to his throne, an heir
Saranam Ayyappa, saranam Ayyappa

Beads collared You are manikhanta; per
Mythology son of Hari and Har
Human but God yet given all academic lore
Grew well versed to be the king's saviour
To Your divine wisdom super
Saranam Ayyappa, saranam Ayyappa

Their own son the queen bore
For the king Manikhanta the son elder
Fate, innocent queen became bitter
Conspired with the corrupt minister
Wanted her son to be the heir
Saranam Ayyappa, saranam Ayyappa

Fell sick, a fake stomach-ache, plotted a slaughter
Royal physician turned an accomplice there
Cunningly prescribed leopard's milk for her cure
Never did Ayyappa, You fear
Marched into the threatening woods afar
Saranam Ayyappa, saranam Ayyappa

You could simply hunt a leopard, Your vigour
Fetch its milk to Your mother, Your valour
A divine child of bold endeavour
Suited to be a warrior, king's heir
So do we wonder and utter
Saranam Ayyappa, saranam Ayyappa

Despite the protestations of Your foster-father
Bon-expedition of Your bravery, Your lustre
Came with leopard and cubs Your venture
Into the Sabari hills did You though disappear
Devotees still hope You'll again appear
Saranam Ayyappa, saranam Ayyappa.