Gopalakrishna Bharati Translation
This is my English translation of a poem by Gopalakrishna Bharati, a Tamil poet and composer.
This is my modern English translation of a poem by Gopalakrishna Bharati (1810-1896), a Tamil poet and composer of Carnatic music. Bharati’s magnum opus was his opera “Nandanar Charitram” from which my translated lyric was taken.
“Vazhi Maraittu” (“My View is Obstructed”) from the opera "Nandanar Charitram"
by Gopalakrishna Bharati
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
A Dalit ("untouchable") approaches a temple he is not allowed to enter…
my view is obstructed, as if by a Mountain:
there’s a Bull lying here, my Lord!
am i cursed? even arriving at this Holy Temple
i remain in my sins!
am i not allowed to touch Your Feet
O Holy Shiva, Lord of the Kailas?
it suffices that i am able to glimpse You in Your Chariot!
i won’t enter the Great Temple, O Lord,
but is it possible that You might move one Mighty Foot?
to not block my vision, won’t Your Bull move just a little bit?
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