Translation of "mivalla guna"
Is there any flaw (defect)
In your (personality) qualities?
(Is there any defect, any imperfection
that can be ascribed to you, Sri Rama?)
Whatever defects (or deficiencies) there are -
They are all solely due to me, (O) Lotus petal eyed One!
If the gold does not reach 24 carat purity
(If the gold cannot be refined to maximum purity)
What’s the point in wailing and complaining
To the goldsmith?
If the mother can’t bear the labor pains
Of her daughter, why get angry at her
Errant son-in-law?
Perhaps, in some earlier birth
I did not give (donate) to deserving person(s)
(Did not indulge in generous charitable acts)
Forgot to pray, then what’s the point in complaining
To the gods now?
Luminous (shining)
You, whose feet are praised by Tyagaraja -
You have helped my love and mind
Remain steady and grow
(You have helped my bhakti stay firm)
[I dedicate this translation to Dr. Balamuralikrishna. For many singers and music connoisseurs (particularly of Carnatic style), he was the guru in absentia. He taught us the emotional touch in vocal music, precision with diction, and how to convey the real meaning behind each word and phrase. That our birth places are separated by a mere distance of 36 miles, just half-an-hour's drive is something I would cherish forever. Foolishly I dream like the (proximate) wild creeper on a Sandalwood tree, that perhaps I too can sing as sweetly as the great genius and child prodigy. I have seen many articles written on him including several pieces in the Telugu newspapers. Here I will add only two sentences: He was a versatile consummate artist reaching extraordinary heights in literature, music composition, and singing. Truly the legendary musician can only be compared with the Trinity in Carnatic music. He was a rare phenomenon, that occurs only once in several centuries. We will definitely remember him fondly through his works and new ragas. How lucky is our generation! We got to see and know (about) the great ones in Indian philosophy, Hindu (Sanatana) Dharma, Indian music, literature, and dance. Copyright 2024 by the author]
