English Translation of "Sarasa Sama Dana"

Sarasa Sama Dana

You - are adept in

Jovial talk, benevolence, creating differences,

And meting out just punishment

Who, among the gods is equal to you?

The mighty Ravana, who used to

Boast (himself) as the foremost

Devotee of the transcendent Lord, Siva

Could not know  You (decipher You)!

You’ve spoken many well-wishing words

(via a messenger before the war)

Gave away Ayodhya permanently (to brother Bharata)

Rather than just returning (to Ayodhya)

After crowning the dejected brother (Vibhishana)

You - totally destroyed …

(O Rama) praised by Tyagaraja.

[Salutations to the great grandfather of Telugu lyrical poetry, Annamayya. Who, except Annamayya – could really describe the anguish of a soul (ఆకటి వేళల అలపైన వేళల)? At such sorrowful desperate times, only Hari nama is the sole solace. So, to recover a bit of  mental tranquility, I give here the translation of a well-known Tyagaraja kirtana.

This is a faithful translation of the famous song, “Sarasa sama dana”. Detailed commentary will be given later. I learnt the song from an old cassette;  the legendary Sri Maharajapuram Santanam did an excellent rendition, except for the phrase: “ parama sambhava-agrEsa..”. The Telugu lyrics were taken from Syamasundari’s compilation. This was originally scheduled for Rama-Navami festival. As usual, I am always running late!]