English Translation of "Pahi Rama Prabho" Song

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This is only a partial translation of the song. Mostly if not always the prospective (Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam) dance choreographer or vocalist need to know the meaning of each word distinctly. Within certain bounds (‘cause you cannot find the exact English word) I will try to attempt to provide a faithful comprehensive meaning of this exquisite composition; in hundred twenty lines (more like stanzas) the venerable bhakta Ramadasu pours out his soul and heart, urging Lord Rama for a speedy rescue.

Save (me), O Lord Rama

Save (me) O Lord of the Bhadra Mountain (Bhadrachalam)

The Lord of Sita (of Videha kingdom)

Where will I see your beatific form?

Seated in the lotus-like heart of Indira (Sita)

(When) will I feel your exquisite bliss

(When) Will I glance it to the joy of my eyes

Ah, what a pleasure it would be to

See your feet adorned with Tulasi (sacred Basil)

By the gods and other devotees

You’re the mother, you’re the father

You are our benefactor

And you are our (elder) brother

How come your arrows

Do not trouble and pierce

My enemies?

I keep on arguing thus

“You are the One at the

Beginning, middle, and end.

You are the Atman – that dwell

Inside as well as outside”

O Lord of the Universe

I keep on uttering

Repeatedly your excellent Sri Rama mantra

With wonder

O Rama, my mind yearns only

For the essence of Your name,

My mind wants to drink

The ambrosia of Your name

In the Kali-yuga you’ve taken

The form of Kalki;

(For us) You reside on the Bhadra Mountain

By thinking (meditating) about you, your imperishable quality

Your Manifestations (Forms, Avataras)

The rishis (devotees) have become gods

O Rama of Bhadrachalam

Save (me), Sri Rama

Please take care of those

Who seek shelter at your lotus-like feet.

Copyright 2018 by the author
(Telugu lyrics were given in the previous post here)