Songs of Grace · Book IV

O King who manifests in the wondrous golden hall! Rare nectar, my love, my knowledge, great ocean of compassion, my eye, Lord with the eye on the forehead, joyous ecstasy, true refuge, great tree embracing the tender green vine born of the mountain, radiant lamp shining at the crown of the Vedas and Agamas. I have become an accomplished Siddha beautifully in this world. This alignment is indeed the alignment granted by your divine grace.

O perfectly full light of love for Sivakami adorned with perfection, pure space of Siva that is eternal absolute fullness, King with the dark-stained throat, jointed sugarcane, rock sugar, sweet fruit, my eye, pupil of my eye, mountain peak crowned with the crescent moon, great ocean of compassion, supreme reality worshipped by all the great ones. I wander bearing flaws. Relieving me of all flaws, accepting all my faults as virtues is your true nature.

O mountain of great compassion who joyously granted the greatness of turning male palmyra trees into female, transforming bones into a beautiful maiden, and turning everyone into light at the wedding of grace! O life that dispelled all my sorrows and granted me true life! O Lord who became my friend, my father, and my good guru, approaching within the heart of this dog-like devotee! Even if I grow excessively tall like a useless palmyra tree and draw water for barren land, all my desires are nothing but the desire of your grace.

With a mind distracted by many things, I am a lowly one wandering about. Alas, I stand bewildered, not knowing what to do. O supreme one, I know no other companion but you. Upon your oath, upon your oath, know that this is the truth. I can no longer endure this wavering of the mind. You must show mercy and grant me your grace. This is the moment, my father, O dancing King shining in the ruby hall to dispel the sorrow of pure-hearted ascetics and those like me.

O shining ruby flame with a divine form of coral hue, pure space of Siva residing within the transcendent space, our mountain of bliss crowned with matted hair, ocean of grace, Guru, my ruler, my King. I can no longer bear to suffer like this, O Lord. You must show mercy and grant me your grace. See that this is the moment. Even if I commit faults, do not resolve to abandon me, O my mother whose lotus feet perform the dance in the peerless hall.

O sugarcane with the prominent eye on your forehead, O nectar brimming within the sugarcane. O rock candy, O sugar, O fragrant plantain fruit. O vast light towering in the sky, O light within that vast light. O rider of the bull, O one with matted locks, O supreme meaning at the crown of the Vedas. O great noble one shining with a woman on one side, O great Lord holding a deer in one hand. Even though I am a lowly person filled with endless thoughts, I am your devotee. Do not resolve to abandon me. Bestow your sweet grace upon me.

I know nothing of the ways of true devotees on the holy path. I know no focus, I know no wisdom, and I do not know what actions to take. I am the lowest of the low wandering in the cycles of birth. I study, yet I do not perceive the state of deathless learning. I babble about attaining the state of true spiritual perfection on the great path, but alas, I lack the merit for it. O gem who forcefully claimed me along my way, O great life of the Hall, grant me your grace.

O undiminishing mountain of virtues, O unstrung gem. O Guru, O tender shoot of Siva who claimed my entire lineage. You stand as my father and my mother. O companion of my soul who has ruled me through all seven births. O imperishable reality, O fruit of true merit. O great noble one who forgave all the faults of this false devotee. O graceful Lord who sat beneath the banyan shade on that day. All the desires of this lowly one rest entirely upon your feet, and there is nothing else.

O supreme reality adorned with unimaginable ornaments. You graciously forgave all the faults of this false devotee, revealed all unseen sights, and perform the dance of grace within me. How can I describe such compassion? I am a cruel person lacking noble qualities. Whenever I think of this, my heart melts and tears stream from both my eyes. Even though I am worthless, I realized that I have been your devotee since ancient times. After realizing this, my heart blossomed.

Ah, this is a wonder. This is a wonder. What can I say? You made me, a lowly person devoid of wisdom, realize true knowledge. O gem with the crescent moon on your matted locks, you revealed your feet and crown. You showed me this, you showed me that, and you showed me my own true state. You revealed the unique secrets of the joyful Siddhas. You showed the deathless state and the natural state. You showed the place where the wandering mind, running like a stream, finally went and dissolved. You filled me with joy. Who else possesses the boundless generosity of your grace?

O Lord who graciously sits in the temple of your devotees’ hearts. O treasure of bliss dancing in the Hall. O luminous gem who hides within the hearts of the cruel while still granting light. O shining full moon at the crown of the Vedas and Agamas. Without considering my maturity, you took me by force and granted me the state of bliss. O intelligence within my intelligence. I do not know if your path of grace involves examining a person’s earlier and later maturity to bestow your blessings.

O crystal mountain of radiant light shining like milk. O fruit that tastes sweet in the state of devotion. O Lord of the sacred dance who brings joy to Sivakama Valli, she who reveals divine grace with the corner of her carp-like eyes. Without casting illusions and hiding yourself, you became the wisdom of my wisdom. You showed me the path and the way you grant your grace. You showed me your feet and made me see through those very feet. I have no recompense for this compassion you have shown me.

In my tender youth when I knew absolutely nothing, you took your seat in my heart. Whenever I grew confused, you showered me with love like a mother. Time and again, you brought me clarity and instructed me like a father. What shall I call you? Shall I call you my life? Shall I call you the love that remains my life’s enduring companion? Shall I call you my Guru who severs all suffering and bestows grace? What shall I call you? I shall call you my very own bliss.

In my tender youth when I did not know the slightest thing about singing, you made me compose and sing verse upon verse. You made seekers of truth hold me in high esteem. You granted me a measure of good wisdom and drove away my base ignorance. You established this lowly one in the enduring pure Siva path of Sanmarkkam. What can I say of your grace? All those capable of union await your sign. O mountain of virtue who accepts all flaws as merits.

You took me by force and ruled me even when I lacked the slightest wisdom. You gladly accepted all the faults committed by this lonely one. You made great people who have learned, listened, and gained clarity look upon me with joy. You removed my past karma and taught me everything else to be known. O Primal Reality of true blissful life dwelling permanently in my heart. Tell me, how did you develop such immense compassion for an ignorant fool like me?

Devotees study all those texts without realizing that the path is an illusion. They did not see the truth in the past and they do not see it today. My Lord, you perform the dance of bliss in the gem-set hall surrounded by dashing waves. By your grace, what I learned was from you. What I later heard was from you. What I saw was from you. What I absorbed within was from you. What I received was from you. The bliss I experienced was from you. I performed great penance. My attained state is a wonder.

When I climbed but did not know how to ascend to a certain state, I grew weary. To remove all my fatigue, a powerful manifesting energy extended her hand and lifted me. You made me climb higher and united me with her. You made my mind perfectly clear and lucid like pure water. Who else could perform this deed? You are the one supreme Reality who joyfully dances in the open hall of the hearts of those filled with welling true love.

I was a lowly person, weary and distressed in mind because I lacked the wealth-yielding treasure. You dispelled all my weariness. You made the two goddesses of great wealth bow to me, joyfully sing “Accept our salutations, father,” and dance before me so that immense riches would come to me. You bestowed this state upon my ignorant self. You must joyfully grant me the supreme treasure, the treasure of your grace. You are the supreme Reality who performs the dance of bliss in the high universal hall.

“Do not fear, my son. I have bestowed my grace upon you. Dance as you wish, dance in this world. Witness the holy dance in the hall of Thillai surrounded by fertile fields of red paddy. Become the embodiment of love. Attain purity of mind. Revel in the flood of bliss for an endless time and live most sweetly.” Thus you blessed me. You are the King of the pure dance, free from slumber, beginning, and end. You are the self-effulgent Jothi gem shining in the center of the transcendent state.

You grant me everything I ask for. Oh good Lord, you are the all-powerful Siva Siddha. Without having to ask for anything, you comprehended everything entirely and at once. Oh embodiment of truth, our Lord wearing the moon on your matted hair. You hold on one side the goddess whose words are sweeter than honey. Oh Siva, our Lord, the Lord of the gods. You perform the dance in the hall of Thillai whose fame reaches the heavens. Oh greatly compassionate benefactor with a sapphire throat, you are the apple of my eye.

O nectar of bliss who dances the dance of bliss in the space of bliss, taking the form of bliss. O Reality revered by those who have seen and known all ends, beginning with the end of sound. O red fruit wearing the white moon on your crown. You graciously revealed the secret of remaining flawless even while living in this fleshy, illusory body. O good one, please come joyfully and tell me how I can realize this secret and practice it.

You clearly revealed to me the cause and the effect, showing that the dance you perform in the hall is the very truth established by the Vedas and Agamas. O Lord with the eye on your forehead, I know no way to repay you for this. As a lowly one performing complete service at your feet, I rejoice in praising you, crying “Praise, O Siva, praise.” Please graciously instruct my dog-like heart in that conduct which is hard to behold even for Vishnu, Brahma, and the other gods.

O Lord, by your grace I found myself. I saw you within me, and then I was amazed to see us residing together as one. I do not know the secret to transcend this amazement. You must graciously tell me that secret. O life who dances in the imperishable hall of gems. O source of life, ocean of supreme bliss, apple of my eye. O flawless cool moon. O flawless hill of virtues upon which the tender vine of Sivakama Valli spreads and flourishes.

O True Guru who graciously performs the peerless dance in the public hall, embodying existence, pure consciousness, and bliss. O Supreme Reality who granted me clear intellect, spiritual attainment, and good wisdom, making me abide in the imperishable pure state. Eradicate the remaining delusion of this lowly one who knows no devotion. Make me an embodiment of supreme bliss, banish my deceitful mind, remove the dualistic awareness of “you” and “I”, and joyfully grant me the supreme state beyond bliss.

I was a lowly one sitting in darkness, knowing nothing. You lifted me out and caused a little knowledge to dawn in me. You taught me from within my own awareness so that I could understand the Vedas and fundamental arts without reading them, and you revealed the true state of grace. You prevented me from walking the flawed paths of various religions and guided me into the true, universal path of holy grace. Whenever I grew confused, you told me, “Do not be bewildered, my son.” O pure Supreme Reality residing within me, you dispelled all my delusion.

I do not know the beginning, I do not know the end, I do not know any conclusion. O Lord, you lovingly bestowed grace so that many who gather in various states rejoice in their hearts without finding fault with any word spoken here, whether thought out or spontaneous. O great light of truth that never diminishes in its state. O supreme reality of truth who dances in the peerless hall. In this state, you must remove all my remaining delusions and take me as your servant. See, this is the right moment.

I was a simpleton in that childhood stage, knowing nothing of how to experience even a little through the five senses, only crying, rejoicing, and playing. Did you not make me sing of you so that even those excelling in true knowledge rejoice, and set me to desire and walk the path of grace? You must graciously tell me what penance I, a cruel one with a base mind of false knowledge, performed in my past birth. O form of bliss, the pure, completely perfect reality who dances in the ruby hall, acting as the knowledge for pure knowledge.

O great noble one filled with grace. O nectar of bliss. O King who dances in the wondrous golden hall. O honey that tastes sweet in the clear mind. O ripe red fruit. Our Lord with red matted locks adorned with the moon. O great ocean of compassion who saw all the deceit of my cruel, delusion-filled mind and still joyfully granted me a sweet life. You must graciously clear away my remaining dark delusions. My Lord, see, this is the moment.

O great gem who performs the dance of bliss in the enduring golden hall. O shining jewel of light in my two eyes. O complete perfection of goodness who graciously abides in your own nature. O supreme reality. O supreme consciousness. O great light of truth. O pure non-dual state without any other. O supreme reality seated without beginning or end. Granting me grace fitting my nature, you must remove my remaining delusions and rule over me. See, this is the moment.

O true lamp who sat in my karmic heart and illuminated it to reveal the nature and combinations of everything from the physical elements up to the supreme state of sound, and to make clear all the states of the Vedas and Agamas. O reality who exists as the state of knowledge and the state of bliss beyond it, performing the dance of true knowledge and bliss in the common hall. I ask you to protect me by removing my remaining delusions so no harmful state befalls me. See, this is the moment.

You have a red sacred body, green on one side, and you shine with the color of crystal. O sweet fruit! O true Reality beyond the reach of the Vedas, which cannot define you by saying you are like this. O my life! O Lord who graciously resides within my life! O Great One of such magnificence! O rare nectar dancing in the Hall! You must instruct me how I, your servant, should act here with a joyful heart. O my Master, see that this is the right moment.

O Lord of the dance of grace who delights Ananda Valli! Your beautiful red feet shine as the dual states: the state of light from which all worlds arise and the state of space where true bliss is experienced. Walking until those feet ached, you searched for and reached the place where this poor one was in the night. You opened the lock of the peaceful street door, joyfully called me there, and gave something into my hand. What can I say of your greatness, you who are an infinite ocean of grace?

O Supreme Reality who performs the divine dance in the common hall so that those of clear understanding may offer their love! The crowns of the endless Vedas praise your supreme flower-like feet as the form of light and the form of space. Graciously walking until those tender feet ached, you reached the place where I was and opened the door. You joyfully called me and placed something beautiful in my hand. I do not know how to marvel at or even conceive of the nature of your grace.

O supreme jewel! Even Vishnu took another form to live long and searched for your red feet but could not find them. Walking graciously on the earth until those very feet ached, you purposefully searched in the night for the place where this deceitful one stayed. You opened the street door, stood there, and revealed your divine form glowing golden-green amidst the red. You gave me a great, colorful, and radiant tender flame. I rejoiced contemplating your divine grace.

One day in the past, you came in the night, drew near, and opened the door. Placing your graceful, flower-like red feet firmly outside and inside the threshold, you summoned me. You said, “Son, do not sorrow. Take this.” When this lowly one refused, you insisted, forcefully placed it in my hand, and vanished, saying, “Dwell here.” Today I, a lowly servant, am ready to experience it. What penance have I done? I have no more sorrow now.

O King who performs the divine dance of bliss in the center of the hall, making the serpent on your waist sway! Walking in the night until your feet ached, you opened the beautiful door and called me. You said, “Son, do not let your heart grow weary, faint, or confused in the wilderness of this world. Take this with joy.” Placing it in my hand, you opened your divine mouth and said, “Dwell here firmly in joy.” Your great grace has no equal. What can I say?

One day during the still night, you came seeking poor me. You searched for my dwelling and made me open the door. You placed your unfading flower-like feet on the beautiful doorstep, one outside and one inside. You joyfully called me there and said, “Do not be bewildered. Take this here in the world. My son, play and live happily.” O Lord who wears the serpent, I wandered without knowing the rarity of your grace. Today I, a false devotee, finally understand it, and my heart swells with joy.

One night you walked until your feet ached. You searched for the place where this devotee stayed and made the door open. Placing one fragrant flower-foot inside, you rejoiced and called me. You said, “Take this.” When you offered it and I refused, you insisted, forced it into my broad hands, and told me, “Join here.” In these coming days, I understand its rarity and rejoice. O ruby gem dancing in the gem-set hall!

Tall Thirumal searched for a long time as a rushing boar but could not find them. Yet you placed those tall flower-feet on the crown of the earth maiden who approached like a worn garland. You tracked down the dwelling of this devotee bound by old karma. In the dead of the dark night, you made me open the door. You called the lowest of the low, placed something in my hand, and opened your holy mouth to say, “Cast away your cruel delusion and rejoice.” O mountain of virtues, today I understand your gift.

Your red feet shine as the crest-jewel of the Vedas. Those feet walked upon the earth to come to me. To end my flaws, you made the door open, stood there, called out to me, and gave me a gift of grace. O King with the dark-stained neck, O vast ocean of compassion! O light rising in the eye, O space within the dense space of consciousness! O great tree of a God with the crescent moon on your matted hair, O Guru! O great Supreme Reality dancing in the grand hall!

That day you walked into my home until your feet ached, called me, and said, “Fear not, my son.” You gave me something. Being small and dense of mind, I did not understand it and wandered in vain. Seeing this, you took pity. Firmly resolving to bring me joy, you entered my home today, revealed its meaning to me, and gave me bliss. Who else possesses your compassion? O unique Guru who shines dancing in the hall! O good Supreme Reality worshipped by all the mighty!

O rare treasure seated and shining in the temple of devotees’ minds! You walked to the house where I, the chief among cruel deceivers, stayed, until Your lotus feet ached. You had the door opened, joyfully called me there, and said, “May all your sorrows vanish. Take this here. You are My servant.” O my Lord! How can I speak of Your grace? How can I marvel at it? How can I ever forget it, O true Guru who shines as the life of my life?

Graciously walking on the earth until Your feet ached, You had the door to my dwelling fully opened. You told me, “O son whose mind is troubled thinking of the nature of time, do not be troubled.” Giving something into my hand, Your divine mouth blossomed and said, “Live in a state of virtue.” O Lord Siva! What can I say of Your great divine grace? O rare and immensely glorious Light, possessing a beautiful neck that holds the dark poison! O King who performs the divine dance in the Hall!

In the dark night, You walked until Your feet ached, searched for the place where I live, and had the door opened. You summoned me and said, “O son who is bewildered by a mind filled with delusion, do not be bewildered.” You placed a thing of pure clarity into my fair hand. O Supreme Reality who stood in splendor! What can I say of Your divine grace? O Reality filled with grace! O King who dances in the Hall of Bliss that has no beginning and no end!

You walked until Your divine feet, which can melt even stones, ached, searching for the place where I, the lowest wretch, live. In the middle of the ancient night, You had the door opened, called me with resolve, and placed a pure thing into my hand. You said, “Live with a mind free of cruelty.” O great Gem, what can I say of the bounty of Your divine grace? O self-existent Reality! O supreme Light of Truth who graciously performs the matchless dance of bliss in the golden Hall of pure consciousness!

You moved Your greatly compassionate divine feet, which stand supreme at the base, crown, and middle of the Pranava, walking purposefully until they ached. You searched for the place where I live, graciously had the door opened, and called me, the lowest of all. You said, “O My son who suffered seeking refuge, hold this here,” and gave something into my broad hand. You offered the divine word, “Live without death.” O Lord of the Hall! Who else possesses the bounty of Your grace?

You are the inner light of the primal sound Om, and the light within that light. Your fearless feet of dual form endured hardship as you walked here in the night. You came to where I dwell, opened the beautiful door, and forcefully called me. You placed a beautiful thing in my hand and instructed me to live a noble life, O Supreme Reality. Casting away all ego, I understand this, rejoice, and experience it, O King who dances in the public hall.

Vishnu, Brahma, and all the gods cannot comprehend or approach your rarely glorious lotus feet. Yet on that day, your feet endured hardship as you walked in the pitch-dark night to where I live. You opened the door, placed something in my hand, and told me to live with rightful authority. You gladly came this night as well and awakened my realization. How can I describe your great love for me? O King who performs the great dance in the public hall, O Guru who forgave my faults.

Narayana, who is called the source, and Brahma find it difficult to behold your anklet-adorned feet even in their dreams. Yet your feet endured hardship as you walked through the town and sought the place where this lowly one dwells. You gladly placed something in my hand and told me to abide here in joy. What did I ever know of your glory to praise it? What penance did I perform in the past? The devotees of the world lovingly sing your praises. You wear serpent adornments and perform a beautiful dance in the ruby hall, O Lord.

Your twin feet shine with self-luminous light in the center of the supreme sound in the transcendent space. They endured hardship as you walked with love, seeking out the place where this lowly one lives. You opened the great door, called out to this fool, placed a rightful substance in my hand, and told me to abide here in joy. O Supreme One, I realized later that your grace is the greatest reality above all great realities. I did not know this before.

Even the one who stood as the vast primal source searched for a long time but could never see your feet. Yet your feet endured hardship as you walked and sought the place where I dwell, though I am unfit to be your servant. You opened the beautiful door, called me inside with love, and said, “Do not be bewildered in vain, my son. Receive this.” You placed it directly into my lotus hand. Listen, O companion of my life, you are the ultimate reality of sound who dances to Vedic songs in the radiant hall.

O Pure Supreme Reality! You are pure form, pure formlessness, and the indestructible pure form-and-formlessness. O Mountain of Virtues! Your lotus feet, adorned with golden anklets of the resounding Vedas, perform the unique dance in the Hall. Letting those lotus feet suffer, You took a physical form and walked here searching for me. You had the street door opened and placed a unique thing in my hands. You opened Your sacred mouth and said, “My son, do not be bewildered by your maddening mind. Rejoice.”

O Guru of Grace! O our King of the Golden Hall! While countless crores of Vedas run across the world in bewilderment, Your lotus feet dance on the crown of the supreme sound. Letting those lotus feet suffer, You walked a great distance, reached the place where I, a poor wretch, live, and opened the street door. Placing a unique thing in my hands, You opened Your sacred mouth and said, “Do not run aimlessly and suffer. Rest here.” You made my sorrows scatter swiftly, telling each other to move aside and run away. I do not comprehend this wonderful outcome.

O King who stands as the fivefold functions and dances in the Hall! I sat in bewilderment, not knowing what to do. Startled, I stood up when You opened the street door. You joyfully placed a means of salvation in my hands. Even after You spoke the truth to me, saying, “My son, rejoice and be saved, and from today onward fear nothing,” I remained afraid. Tonight, You awakened my realization once more and completely removed my fear. Your wonderful lotus feet suffered just for my sake.

O Hill of Red Coral dancing in the Hall, while the beauty of Your throat, dark as the pitch-black night, sways gracefully! Your protective feet act as the inner sun and moon, sustaining all the worlds. Letting those feet suffer, You walked a great distance in the dead of night to where I live. You opened the entrance door, called me to the porch, and said, “My son, do not harbor even a sesame seed of worry and become bewildered.” You placed a unique thing in my hands and filled me with joy.

O Ocean of Grace! O Great One with eyes brimming with compassion! O Master Jewel who dances in the Hall of Gems! O Guru who lives in the temple of Your devotees’ hearts! Your soft feet are the intelligence within shining intelligence and the embodiment of experience blossoming in the true state of Turiya. Letting those feet suffer, You searched and walked to the place where I, a trembling little wretch, live. You opened the linked doors, called out to Your servant, and placed a flawless thing in my hands. You granted me Your sacred word, saying, “Stay in joy.”

Supreme reality performing the dance in the Hall to grant bliss to souls! Your soft feet, which are the flame atop the crown of the Vedas and the shining light atop the Agamas, suffered as you walked upon the crown of the elements and came to the place where I was in the night. You caused the locks of the door to open, showed your sacred form that shines atop the crown of Nada, and placed the good substance into my hand. If your greatness cannot be fully spoken, what can I say?

Lord of the sacred dance who delights Sivakama Valli! Rich mountain of light like coral with matted hair adorned with the moon! My Guru who forgave all the countless faults of this lowly one here! Substance that grants bliss to my soul! One night, your lotus feet, which create, grace, and direct all the moving and unmoving things that exist, suffered greatly as you walked alone. You made the door of the house where I was open in the dark of night, and you gave something into my hand. How can I describe your compassion?

Supreme substance who dances in the common hall and rules us! Your lotus feet do not suffer even while dancing in the hall of consciousness causing the great Maya to move. Yet those feet suffered as you graciously walked. On that night, you caused the beautiful door to open, placed something in my palm, and happily said, “Do not fear anymore.” You gave me sacred words that were like squeezing and filtering the fruit of a sweet mango and mixing it with fragrant ghee and honey. O King, how can I express the greatness of your grace?

King performing the dance of bliss in the unique hall! Flood of supreme bliss that knows no obstacle! Your lotus feet cannot be attained even if the creator and the protector desire and try to see them for many days. Yet those feet suffered as you walked for the sake of this lowly wretch. In the night, you made the door open properly, granted me something, and besides that, you came in the intervening days and made all the confusion of my heart vanish. How can I describe your sweet grace?

Pure supreme substance performing the sacred dance in the vast common hall while the moon sways on your red matted hair that resembles lightning! Your lotus feet, the crown jewels of the ancient Vedas, suffered as you walked in the dead of night and reached the place where I, a poor soul, was residing. Showering more affection than a mother, you made the beautiful door open, gave something into my palm, looked at me with love, and said, “Do not be confused anymore, my son, remain in joy.” How can I express your sweet grace?

O Lord who performs the dance of light in the lofty Chitrambalam. O Reality difficult to realize even for those who chant and meditate. Your feet shine as the light of grace in the supreme state. For the sake of this karmic one, you walked in the night and caused great pain to your feet. You made the glorious door open, placed something in the red hands of this lowly one, and said, “Fear no more. Live here surrounded by great generous people.” O great gem, who else possesses the bounty of your holy grace?

O great Guru of grace who shines in the transcendent space of Turiya beyond all boundaries of deception. Your soft feet rest graciously to illuminate both ends known as Vedanta and Siddhanta. Causing pain to those feet, you walked just as you graciously walk in the space beyond sound. You reached the place where this lowest dog resides, revealed your holy form that shines above the culmination of consciousness, and fittingly placed something in the hand of this base one, O Reality.

O Lord who protects us and dispels all the confusion caused by mingling in darkness for a long time. Your two feet graciously perform the dance of light in the common hall, revealing duality within oneness. Causing pain to those feet, you walked with great difficulty and reached the place where this simple one resides. You opened the beautiful door, placed something in my palm, and opened your holy mouth to say, “May you shine in greatness.” O ocean of great compassion, what can I say of your nature?

O Reality who dances in the common hall so the minds of the liberated ones taste sweetness. Your red feet shine as the sovereign of both the state of Bindu and the state of Nada. Walking until they suffered great pain, you firmly arrived at the place where this small one resides. You opened the jeweled door, called out to me, “O son,” and revealed your holy form crowned with the moon. You placed something in my hand and said, “Attain bliss.” I do not know what penance this small one performed in the past to deserve this.

O Pasupati who performs the dance in the supreme transcendent hall. Your golden feet approach as the sovereign wielding authority over all nine states. Causing them pain, you walked and graciously arrived at night at the place where this lowest base one of a ruined state resides. You opened the door, called out to this devotee, and placed something in my red hand so I could attain the state of Siva. Opening your coral lips, you said, “Reside here with a joyful heart.” I, this lowest dog caught in the cycle of worldly existence, do not know what penance I practiced to receive this.

O King who performs the dance of bliss in the solitary hall while Your red matted hair, adorned with the cool white moon, dances along. Your beautiful golden lotus feet that enter and shine in the temple of virtuous hearts grew weary as You walked to where I, a poor wretch, stay. You had the door opened and placed a good substance into my hands. If thinking of Your greatness melts my heart every time, how can I describe Your grace, my Lord?

O Perfect Great Reality who dances in the hall of Thillai surrounded by blossoming groves and grants bliss to souls. Your ancient holy feet, unattainable even by the three gods, grew weary in the deep night as You walked with difficulty to grace me. You reached the place where I, the lowest of all, stay, had the beautiful door opened, called me inside, and joyfully placed something in my hands, saying, “Son, receive this which is rare even for the gods.” How can I describe Your holy grace?

O Guru of Grace who dances in the common hall for both the detached and the attached. O Supreme Reality of Existence, Consciousness, and Bliss. Your anklet-adorned feet, sweet as the juice of the three fruits in the minds of the learned, grew weary as You walked swiftly in the night. Unseen by others, You reached the place where I, a poor wretch, dwell, had the house door opened, compelled me to approach You, and placed something in my hands, saying, “Receive this which is rare even for great ascetics.” How can I describe the friendship of Your immense compassion?

O great ocean full of grace. O King who dances as the form of supreme bliss in the hall. Your anklet-adorned feet, which sit as the form of compassion within the hearts of devotees, grew weary as You walked in the night. You reached the place where I, a small one filled with delusion, stay, had the jeweled door opened, joyfully called me, and properly placed something in my hands, saying, “Son, receive this which is full of meaning right here.” How can I describe Your golden grace?

O Lord of souls who remains all-powerful. Your feet, which perform the five cosmic acts in the form of grace, swayed and grew weary in the night as You walked to my place in a form of clarity. You had the street door opened, called me, a small one, and placed something into my red hands. You said, “My son, do not be deluded like others who embody ignorance. Come joyfully along the path of holy grace.” What penance did I, a cruel-hearted one trapped in the form of darkness, ever perform to deserve this?

Your incomparable lotus feet are the three ultimate truths, and they become the crowning gem on the heads of those who have fully realized everything. You walked swiftly so that those feet suffered in the deep midnight, a time even ghouls cannot comprehend, and you reached the place where I, a lowly dog, dwell. Affectionately calling me “Son” so I would remain flawless, you placed something in my hands and said, “Bow and receive this.” You commanded, “Worship and sing of me.” O Pasupati, how can I ever speak of and marvel at the greatness of your pure grace?

O gem-like Nataraja! Your lotus feet shine far beyond every measure conceived by the mind. You walked joyfully so that those feet suffered and reached the place where I, a small one who yearned for milk, reside. You made the thick wooden door open. You affectionately called me “Son” and placed something directly in my hand, saying, “Everything you wished for will be fulfilled, and this is a flawless thing.” I have not conceived of a single way to repay you. How can I, a lowly dog, express your grace?

O King who dances in the hall of bliss, far beyond the measure of the noble sages and beyond even that! You walked so that your twin feet, the self-luminous Jothi that outshines the sun and moon, suffered. You walked in the night to the exact place where I, a cruel one with not the slightest trace of sharp true knowledge, reside. Calling out, “I have a task for you,” you made the door open and gave something into my hand. What can I say of your compassion?

O King who performs the divine dance of blissful experience filled with Sivam in the holy gem hall of pure consciousness! Your lotus feet appear in the realm where the ego does not arise. You graciously walked alone so that those feet suffered and came in the night, when sunlight had gone, to the place where I reside. You made the beautiful door open and called this lowly one. You gave something of golden beauty into my hand and said, “Settle into a state free from impurity.”

O great Gem, the supremely compassionate Lord who dances in bliss in the gem hall while good sages offer praise! Your ankleted feet rest fully and immortally in the realm where all mental fabrications dissolve and vanish. You walked completely alone without a companion so that those feet suffered. You swiftly came in the night and caused the door’s lock to open. Treating me, a worthless one, as someone of worth, you graciously called me and placed something in my palm. How can I ever speak of your grace?

O true Guru shining in the hall of gems! Your shining feet become one, become two, and become the pure experience between one and two. Letting those feet suffer, you walked through the night on that day and reached my dwelling place. You caused the door to open, called me with love, and graciously placed a good thing in my hand. You told me, “Approach here and conduct things just as you intend.” Today you came and made me realize this. How can I describe your grace?

O my Lord who performs the blissful dance in the common hall! Your peerless feet shine everywhere, embody pure bliss, and grant feeling to my feeling. Letting those feet suffer, you walked through the deep swelling night and arrived at my dwelling. You caused the lock on the jeweled door to open. You called this servant who abides there, placed something in my palm, and compassionately opened your sacred mouth to say, “May you live long.” How can I express the greatness of your grace here?

O mountain of joyous red rubies with three eyes, performing the blissful dance in the hall for the assembly of liberated souls to witness! Your sacred feet are the pure supreme consciousness where all other consciousness manifests, and they taste sweet in the mind. Letting those feet suffer, you graciously walked through the dark night, reached the street door of the house where your servant lives, and caused it to open. Arriving there, you gracefully called me and placed something in my palm. You possess more love than a mother. How can I describe your grace?

O Supreme Reality who dances blissfully in the high common hall while great ascetics, freed from sorrow, gather to rejoice and praise you! Your lotus feet shine as the Supreme Reality in a space untouched by worldly entanglement and dark isolation. Letting those feet suffer, you graciously walked in the middle of the night after the day had passed. You reached my dwelling, caused the jeweled door to open, and called me, saying, “Come here.” You fittingly placed something in my hand. How can I describe your golden grace?

O rich fruit that becomes clear ambrosia and sweetens the minds of all devotees! O Lord of the sacred dance in the hall of gems! Your supreme red lotus feet reveal the light and shine at the very moment the heart melts. Letting those feet suffer, you joyously walked and sought out the house where I live with my deceitful mind. Arriving there, you graciously caused the door to open and joyfully called me to you. You said, “We have given this to you in this world. Rejoice, and live by doing good to all living beings every day.”

O King of the blissful dance in the ruby hall, at the moment the formless night of impurity came to an end, you walked with your golden sacred form while your rising lotus feet grew weary. You reached the place where I stay, made me open the door, called out to me, and placed into my hand something that resembled your own form. Delighted, you told me to stay here. How can I describe your greatness, you who made me realize my own true form?

O Supreme Reality performing the blissful dance in the high public hall, O nectar that never cloys no matter how much one consumes it. Your beautiful red lotus feet, from which all types of universes and physical bodies emerge and resolve, grew weary as you walked. In the middle of the night unseen by anyone, you reached my place, made me open the door, called me, your servant, and placed something in my hand. O Lord, how can I describe the ancient nature of your supreme grace?

O perfect heavenly Reality dancing in the golden hall. Your pair of feet, which manifest as the fragrant honey of grace when the inner lotus of the wise blossoms, grew weary. You searched, walked, and reached the place where I live separated from you. You had the great door opened, called me, a madman, and offered a gift saying, “O resolute one, take this.” When I refused, you placed it once more into my hand. I am devoid of understanding. How can I express your boundless compassion?

O Supreme Reality who owns me, O companion of my life, O radiant gem performing the dance of grace in the public hall so that we may be saved. Your red feet, shining as light in the center of the vast expanse devoid of sensory objects, grew very weary from walking. Keeping even this lowest person in mind, you reached my dwelling, had the door opened, and offered something into my hand. When I refused it, you offered it again, saying, “Do not refuse, my son.” How can I describe your sweet grace?

O Lord of my life performing the blissful dance in the public hall. You are the companion who appears when I am alone, and the unseen companion when I am not alone. Your sacred feet that accept and bestow grace grew weary as you walked. You reached the place where I live, had the door opened, called me, and placed something in my hand. Lacking wisdom, I do not know what to do. I realized clearly that not even a mother possesses your level of compassion.

O dancing King! You dance in the holy ruby hall to grant bliss to enduring souls, clearing their delusion and awakening true feeling. Your beautiful, lotus-like red feet, which manifest as all things within the grace-filled heart, grew weary as you graciously walked. In the dead of night when nothing could be seen, you came to where I live. You had the street door unlocked, called me there, and placed a shining object of wisdom into my red hands. What can I say of Lord Siva’s immense grace?

O great Lord dancing in the holy ruby hall! Like sugar, honey, milk, ghee, and the juice of ripe fragrant fruit blending at the right moment, you sweeten my heart, my life, and my consciousness. Your shining feet grew very weary as you graciously walked, reached my street, had the doors of my house unlocked, and placed a single object into my red hands. How can a small one like me describe the nature of your grace?

O mountain of immense grace! You dance as the embodiment of bliss in the golden hall, acting as the intelligence within all enduring intelligence. You graciously consumed my awareness, united with me, granted me my bliss, and made me Yourself. Your golden feet, shining as absolute intelligence, grew weary as you walked alone. You had the street door unbolted, called me forth into primal awareness, and placed an object in my hands. O primal Lord, how will I speak of your sweet grace?

O Supreme Reality! You dance to grant bliss to souls in the ruby hall that shines like the hearts of steadfast yogis. In the experience of supreme yoga, your pair of lotus feet, which are the supreme light where inner and outer vanish, grew weary as you walked. While great yogis marveled, you came to where this servant lives. You had the locks of the street door opened, and saying, “This is rare even for steadfast yogis, receive it,” you placed it into my red hands. What can I say of your divine grace?

O King who performs the dance of bliss in the peerless hall! Your two feet, which rest in the center of the transcendent state as the true meaning of words and the literature describing it, grew weary from walking. Graciously arriving in the middle of the vast night, you had the heavy lock of the door opened, called out to this wretched one, and placed a wholly fulfilling object into my hands. You beautifully opened your holy lips and said, “My son, may you flourish!” How will I speak of the nature of your absolute grace?

The crowns of the Agamas declare that liberation is one and manifestation is one. Your holy feet, praised by those scriptures, suffered greatly. For the sake of me, the lowliest one, devoid of any devotion, You searched for the place where I lived with a deceitful heart and walked there. Showing Your divine form of perfect accomplishment, You made the door of the house open. You called me there and joyfully placed a divine power into my red hands. What can I say of Your cool grace, O King who performs the blissful dance in the unique Hall!

When good and evil appeared the same to me, Your beautiful feet, which manifest equally in both states, suffered. Bearing a form pleasing to Yourself, You walked gracefully in the lonely night and reached the place where I, the lowliest one, stayed. You caused the heavy street door of the house to unlock, called me with joy, and placed something in my hand. You told me, ‘This is the state sweet to you,’ and departed. O Master, the greatness of Your grace cannot be told.

At the very moment a nature arose in me desiring none of the pleasures found in this world or the next, Your holy feet suffered. Those feet shine perfectly as two states: the beginning of pure bliss in complete natural form and the experience of pure bliss in inherent natural form. Reaching me, the lowly one, You placed something into my red hands. I do not know what penance I performed in my previous births, O Supreme Reality who dances in bliss in the high public Hall!

All the wise revere Your lotus feet as giving love first and giving bliss later. Those feet suffered as You, my Lord who exists as the life of lives in all embodied beings, walked gracefully. You made the door open, called out to me who possessed a sorrowful heart, looked at me with a pure, gentle smile overflowing on Your face, and placed something in my hand, saying it was given before. O Primal One, I cannot fathom the greatness of Your grace.

Your yogic lotus feet are praised as a raft to cross the dark ocean of delusion and a companion to grant full, enchanting bliss. Those feet suffered as You walked gracefully. For the sake of me, a person devoid of understanding, You walked in the dark night. You made the large door of the house open, entered, called me, the lowliest one, and placed something fitting into my hand. O Lord who dances in the Hall adorned with shining serpent gems, Your great compassion cannot be expressed.

O King performing the great dance of bliss in the hall of gems! You are the light that reveals things to the seeing eyes. You are the light that reveals things to that showing light itself. Walking until your adorned sacred feet suffered, you reached the place where this devotee stays and made the door open. You asked, “My son, why do you feel shy with a wavering mind? Live without any lack,” and happily gave me a unique gift. How can I describe the greatness of your glorious grace?

The wise who know the ultimate fruit declare that one of your sacred feet reveals the nature of the thirty-six principles and everything else, while the other foot illuminates in our consciousness the majestic true self-nature and all that lies beyond. Walking in the night until those precious sacred feet suffered, you reached the place where this ghost-like devotee stays. You called me and placed into my hand a unique substance that serves as supreme nourishment. O Jothi in the common hall, the greatness of your grace can never be fully told!

The great ones declare that one of your feet of refuge unites the faculties with us, operates them in the mind, and reveals the world, while the other foot separates all those instruments and faculties, casts them away, and leaves us in solitary oneness. Walking until those two feet of refuge suffered, you searched for me in the night and reached the place where this devotee stays. You resolutely placed a luminous gift into my hands and said, “Do not fear. Rejoice greatly from this day forward!” O wondrous Lord, the greatness of your divine grace cannot be fully marveled at!

Those who know the subtle truth declare that one of your companion-feet removes primordial entanglements, grants purity to the soul, and transforms it into the divine state, while the other foot merges it into the Jothi itself to encompass all things. Walking through the street until those companion-feet suffered, you searched for the place where this devotee stays. You reached me with love, called me, and gave me a supreme fruit. O Lord of Souls who shares half your form with the Goddess, I have realized the abundant nature of your compassion. I have attained an everlasting friendship with you.

“One foot lifts us all from the dark prison of impurity, while the other grants us the state of bliss.” So praise those who possess the true wealth of meaning. Walking in the silent night until your golden feet suffered, you searched for the place where I stay and entered it. You called me, who was bound in delusion, summoned me near, and joyfully placed a unique beautiful gift into my hand. How can I express the supreme treasure of your grace? O King, you who graciously perform the sacred dance of bliss in the common hall!

One foot shines within the realm of Unmani. The other rises outside of it. Your holy feet, shining as pure consciousness, grew weary as You graciously walked the streets for the sake of this little cur. Your golden holy form radiating light, You came to me and placed an object perfectly into my hand. O flawless one, how can I describe Your grace? You are the Lord who dances in the public hall, taking the form of perfect bliss.

One foot grants the five functions to the five gods. The other rejoices in serving as the cause of those functions. The wise constantly praise them as the divine path. Those holy feet suffered greatly, walking through the street. You caused the door of the house where I stayed to open, rejoiced, called me there, and gave something into my hand. O Supreme One performing the incomparable dance in the beautiful hall of Saivism, the greatness of Your grace cannot be expressed.

At the moment grace dawns, Your holy feet take the form of nectar and abide as pure bliss. Graciously walking through the dark, gathering night, those feet grew weary. You made the door of my house open, entered, and summoned me whose mind breeds delusion. You looked at me, rejoiced, and offered an object into my hand, O true Guru. O King performing the holy dance in the beautiful hall where clarity dawns! O Lord Siva, I marvel at the nature of Your compassion.

When I saw them, they were a natural mass of radiant light. When I held them, they took the hue of a beautiful lotus. Whenever I think of them, they taste sweet like milk mixed with honey. Rejoicing, You placed them upon my head that day, completely cooling my body and my worthy soul. Those lotus feet grew weary walking through the vast space to come here and grant this to me. O King of the dance in the hall, Your great compassion is a marvel.

One foot rests at the summit of yoga. The other joyfully rests at the summit of the kalas. Those of true awareness realize this in solitude. Those twin feet grew weary walking and searching for the place where I stayed, all for my sake. You opened the sturdy front door, summoned me, and joyfully placed something into my hand. O three-eyed King dancing intimately in the public hall, praised by those who have severed the dark blindness of delusion!

The Vedas remain hidden from great intellects. The Vedas esteem Brahma. Joyful Brahma esteems great Vishnu. Vishnu greatly esteems Rudra. Rudra esteems the Lord above him. The Lord above him esteems shining Sadasiva. Whenever they meditate, your flower-like feet remain hidden within their hearts and above their heads. Yet, letting those feet suffer, you walked to me so my heart could rejoice, and you gave me one thing. You dance in the hall. The greatness of your grace is a wonder.

When the two karmas balance and the impurities ripen, at that moment your holy feet take the form of the natural light of wisdom within. They take the form of the primal sound outside, rising to awaken and teach. Letting those holy feet suffer greatly, you walked for the sake of this poor one. You made the street door open, called out to this lowly one, revealed your Guru form, and placed one thing in my hand. O mountain of virtues, to your grace, all my faults appear as virtues.

If your devotees suffer, you cannot bear it for even a moment. You approach them and compassionately remove all their afflictions. Letting your peerless feet suffer, the feet that claim them saying, “These are our devotees,” you walked in the night and reached the place where this poor one lives. You made the heavy locks of the smith-forged door fall open, called this lowest one, and placed one thing in my hand. Taking me into your divine heart, you said, “He is our devotee.” O dancing Lord, your good grace is a wonder.

Your holy feet dance in the gem-set hall, transcending elemental physical forms, and they are difficult even for celestials to attain. Letting the sharp red pebbles hurt those feet, you walked in the street at night. You had the street door opened, called this little one, and joyfully gave a unique treasure into my hand, a treasure unattainable for the unworthy. You said, “May your sorrow end, and may you live well.” This is a wonder for those in this world and in the celestial world. O our Lord, how can anyone fully praise the greatness of your grace?

Taking four formed states, four formless states, and one state both formed and formless, you transcend these nine. Your twin feet reside in the center of the supreme state of Turiya that defies investigation, fully embodying the experience of your true nature. Letting those feet suffer, hurt by small red pebbles, you walked on the street and reached this lowly one, placing one thing in my red hand. You are sweet to embrace, and you dance in the hall! O great ocean of compassion, your greatness is beyond praise.

Just as a fine banana perfectly ripens in its season, the minds of devotees ripen through supreme grace. Your golden feet merge and taste sweet within those flawless minds, like clear nectar mixed into that fruit. Letting those golden feet suffer, you walked through the deep darkness of the night, reached the great house where this poor one resides, and made me open the door. You called me close, gave me a thing, and said, “Stay here.” My Lord, your supreme grace is a wonder!

To all those who know the inner truth, you are the essence of the Upanishads. To those who do not know it, you are the reality that grants the blessings of this world and the next. Your lotus feet dance to be realized through measured wisdom. Letting those feet suffer, you walked in the night, reached me, and called out to this one who knows only deception. You made me open the door and placed a thing in my hand. What can I say of your grace? O brilliant great gem, you perform the luminous dance in the public hall while Brahma and the lord who threw the calf at the wood-apple tree bow and praise you.

You are the space where every world, every soul, and every action appears and moves. You are the space where everything ultimately dissolves. Your feet taste sweet in the minds of the realized beings who see the world of foes and the world of friends equally. For my sake, you let those feet suffer by walking in this world during the night. You made me open the beautiful door and placed a thing in my hand. O hill of red coral, you perform your dance in the hall as all the worlds, starting from the supreme world, rejoice and praise you.

You set into motion the principles of man, mohini, the great maya, and vainduvam, making them reside and move within one another. You made the flesh and the soul’s consciousness blend together completely. Then, at the time when the soul’s deeds reach perfect balance, your holy feet taste like nectar mixed with honey. Letting those feet suffer, you walked, reached this servant, and gave me a supreme entity that shines with the heavens. O king of the dance in the hall, your great grace is a wonder!

You showed the way to sever the ties binding the soul and the world. Becoming the supreme reality within, you made me grasp you, and you bestowed the unequaled experience of supreme bliss. Your red feet, which are that very experience, suffered upon the earth as you walked. You reached the house where this servant resides, made me open the tightly shut door, stood there, called me with deep affection, and gave me a thing. O Lord riding the bull, how can I express my wonder at the greatness of your grace?

You are the beginning, the end, and the middle. You are the secret supreme reality without beginning, end, or middle. You are the light. You are the supreme from which all lights appear. Your pair of feet that shine as the transcendent state grew weary as you walked in the middle of the night to the place where I live. Reaching there, you caused the locked street door to open. You called out to me and placed something in my hand. O Master, how can I joyfully express the greatness of your Grace?

While all the chanting Vedas gather on one side and dance, and devotees and liberated souls watch and dance, your holy feet that dance in the public hall grew weary. You walked to the place I dwell, arriving in the night and causing the lock to open. Calling out to this seeking, lowly one, you looked at me with grace. Smiling, you gave something into my hand. Because of this, all my withering sorrow is gone, and I rejoice. O King, how can I praise your golden Grace?

Remaining exactly as you are, you are the agreeable experience for everyone in every religion. You are everything and you are none of those things. You dance joyously in that golden hall of wisdom. Your rare, great, and beautiful pair of feet moved and grew very weary as you walked in the night specifically for my sake. You caused the beautiful door to open, called me there, and placed something in my hand with balanced grace. How can I describe this compassion? O shining gem of light enduring in the awareness of those who know themselves!

Your dancing feet grew weary traversing all the spoken expanses: the expanse of the elements, the expanse of the faculties, the expanse of nature, the expanse of illusory experience, the expanse of great illusory yoga, the Vedic expanse, the lower bindu expanse, the lower nada expanse, the singular expanse, the supreme expanse, the expanse of wisdom, the great nada expanse, the pure empty expanse, and the absolute open expanse. Walking for the sake of this flawed and lowly one, you reached me. You placed something in my hand. Who possesses compassion like yours?

Your feet embody the nature of unobstructed experience: the moment of becoming the vastness when the soul’s impurity vanishes and one stands alone, the moment the shining supreme blissful joy surrounds one, and the moment of attaining the natural state where one becomes That and That becomes one. These feet grew weary as you walked with great dignity to reach the place where this lowly one dwells. You caused the jeweled door to open, joyfully called me there, and gave me a supreme object. What can I say of your grace? O my Great Jothi who dances in the hall!

One day, without my realizing my head was lowly, you placed your golden feet upon it, and they turned red. Today, those same feet walked in distress, reddening greatly from the exertion, and reached the place where I, a poor wretch, stay. You made the door open, called me with sweetness, and placed something in my hand. O King, how can I describe the bounty of your great grace? You are the great gem of shining light who performs the snake dance in the hall of gems, praised by immortal ascetics and liberated souls.

You fill all refuge-seeking souls as their consciousness and bliss. Your nature is such that you are unaware of your own greatness. One day, you placed your feet upon the lowly head of this deceitful one, and they turned red. Later, those beautiful red feet walked again in distress through the dark night and graciously reached my dwelling. You caused the beautiful door to be opened, called me, and granted me something. O Supreme One who performs the transcendent dance of bliss in the vast hall, how can I express the wondrous greatness of your grace?

You became the letter, the word, the mantra, all the worlds, the fundamental principles, and the spoken arts. You exist inside and outside of all these praised forms. You are the guiding path and the sovereign fullness that sustains them. Yet you remain separate from all these, existing far beyond them and even beyond that beyond. Even so, your feet walked in distress through the night, reached me, and gave me something. O my Lord, how can I express your wondrous greatness?

You appear on the great warring bull and on the bull Nandi, dispelling the sorrows of your devotees and granting them a flourishing life. Like the fragrance within a flower, you fill all beings as the soul of their souls, granting joyous experiences through your grace. Yet your golden feet suffered as you walked swiftly through the night and caused the door of my house to open. With compassion, you called me and gave me something fitting. O Lord who dances in the universal hall, praised in wonder by poets whose tongues are fragrant with sweet words, this indeed is your boundless grace.

Brahma seated on the fragrant lotus, Vishnu, and the other gods felt envy in their hearts while I, a lowly one, suffered in the past. Alas, unable to bear my sorrow even for a moment, you walked through the night so that your compassionate feet suffered, sought me out, and gave me something. In the past, I wasted my time in ignorance, not knowing the secret truth. Today I have learned the secret, and my heart rejoices. O King who performs the dance of bliss in the peerless hall while all the Vedas stand apart and praise you with fresh flowers!

O Reality performing the dance of Grace in the ruby Hall, praised by the wise who realize the truth of giving and uplift others! Walking in the harsh night until your good holy feet, shining like long lotuses, ached, you made me open the fastened door. You resolutely called me out and gave me something, saying, “Let go of all sorrow, take hold of this.” O Mountain of virtue who accepted all my faults as virtues despite my cruel nature, what can I say of your intention?

O King performing the great dance in the ruby Hall so that earth and heaven may flourish, who possesses your generosity? For all your true devotees who are greatly exhausted and thinned in the harsh summer of worldly existence, your companion feet serve as a desired cool grove, pure shade, and nectar, removing all their fatigue. Yet you resolutely walked until those feet ached greatly, reaching the place where I was in the middle of the night to save me. You made the high door open, joyfully called me out, and gave me one thing.

O Reality performing the dance in the Hall, praised by ascetics of flawless senses! I have realized that your Grace is the true Reality. Not taking the pettiness of my small self into your divine heart, you walked in the dense night until your holy feet, which graciously sit upon my head, ached. Reaching where I was, you made the street door open and called me out with special regard. Affectionately saying, “Receive this inseparable companion here,” you spoke and gave me one thing. What can I say of your greatness?

O Reality always wearing sacred ash and dancing in the ruby Hall! I have realized that your Grace is the true Reality. In my early days, not minding my limited knowledge, you claimed me. Walking on the earth in the night until your feet, which sit upon my head, ached, you graciously arrived. You made the wide street door open and affectionately called me out. Saying, “Hold this, rejoice always, and perform great acts of dharma according to your heart’s desire,” you spoke and gave me one thing.

O Reality dancing in the Hall! I have realized that your Grace is the true Reality. So that I, a small one, might know both worldly ways and the ways of Grace together, you instructed me from within my awareness and shone as the life of my life. Shining like a sacred mark and sitting upon my head, your holy feet ached as you graciously walked. In the night, you made the door of my shining house open, sweetly called me out, and gave me one thing. Rejoicing, you said, “May you live for a long time yet, praised by the wise.”

You assumed a divine form and appeared before this lowly one. You untied the pouch of holy ash and offered me a flower of bright red flame. Standing like a rooted tree, I bowed in reverence, received it, and asked again, “O treasure of compassion, please give me holy ash as well.” You spoke and said, “We gave you holy ash on that day in a fragrant form. Today we joyfully give you these flowers.” O supreme Guru who assumes the form of a Guru and performs the dance of grace in the hall of Ambalam! O mountain of virtue who claimed me in the days of old!

So that my being might flourish, you assumed a golden form and appeared before me. Looking at me, you smiled gracefully, untied your unique pouch of holy ash, and offered me a fitting flower of flame. I received it and rejoiced. Then I said, “O great Lord with the form of lightning, you must give me holy ash as well.” You spoke and said, “We happily gave that to you before. See it upon your own body.” O King who performs the dance of light and the dance of open space in the hall of Ambalam!

You assumed a divine form brimming with beauty and appeared before your servant. With a graceful smile, you seated me amidst the assembly of devotees and happily distributed holy ash to all of them. But when you turned to me, your compassionate face blossomed, and you took a tender flower of red flame from your pouch and gave it to me. O Guru, I do not understand your divine intention. O Lord who performs the blissful dance in a form of light in the gem-like public hall, wearing the shining hide of a young elephant!

You assumed a divine form like a priceless gem and appeared before this karma-bound one. While true devotees looked on with desire, you opened the outer corners of your eyes with great compassion that surpasses the bounds of all things beyond learning and transcends the realm of sound. You placed a fragrant, rich flower that bloomed in the waveless ocean into the palm of your servant. I do not understand the intention of your grace. O bountiful Lord, O Guru of grace who dances in the hall with cassia flowers swaying on your tall shoulders that rise above the mountains!

You assumed a divine form that could make a withered tree flourish and joyfully appeared before this senseless one, revealing a blossoming face brimming with deep compassion. You untied the pouch of holy ash with your lotus hands and distributed the radiant ash to everyone gathered there. Then you placed a fragrant flower of grace into my hand. I do not understand the intention of your grace. O vast ocean of compassion who mingles with those who unite with you and dances in the gem-like golden hall! O light seated in my eyes!

O tender shoot of Siva. You claimed me in days past. You dance in the celebrated Golden Hall, your earrings and your matted locks swaying. Did I perform great penance, or is this the greatness of divine grace? I do not know. I am a lowly one who knows nothing but faults. Yet you approached me in the form of a Guru. A crystal garland shone on your beautiful throat, dark as a raincloud. You stood before me with affection, opened a pouch of sacred ash, and gave me a radiant, fragrant flower of grace.

O rare nectar dancing as the embodiment of bliss while those gods praise you. You are the great companion of my life. You dance in the universal hall where those who speak of consciousness and those who speak of the One realize they are the same after gaining clarity. The three gods plunged into the river of envy, but you graciously appeared before me in a unique form resembling a flawless gem. You placed in my hand a fragrant flower that is exceedingly rare for any god to attain. I do not know your intention in this.

O Lord who possesses the Goddess. O light the world cannot comprehend. You become pure intelligence free of deceit, blending as the awareness within that intelligence. O ocean of great mercy. O my very eye. You are the rich fruit that melts, ripens, and sweetens all my faculties whenever I consume it. O pure honey from the highest branch. O Guru shining in the universal hall. You took a sacred form like clear nectar, graciously appeared before this lowly one, and gave me a rich, fragrant flower. O nectar within, I do not understand your divine intention.

O Pasupati performing the supreme dance in Chidambaram. The goddess Sivakama Valli, who dispels worldly desires, attains her loving desire for you. The two great sages rejoice in their hearts. The musical Vedas stand and praise you in many ways. You took a form of compassion and graciously approached me, the lowest of the low. My eyes filled with love, and my faculties melted and ripened. You joyfully gave me a fragrant flower desired by the whole earth and stood there saying, “May you prosper.” I do not know your mind’s intention.

O Reality performing the universal dance while the lady Sivakama Valli, the auspicious mark on the golden forehead, rejoices on your side. You took a form that never tires the mind or the senses, and you graciously appeared to the delight of true devotees. You looked at the face of this lowly one, who lacks even an atom of merit, and with a blossoming face you gave me a rich, fragrant flower. I cannot certainly know the intention of your divine heart, which is so hard to approach. Even so, I rejoice with a steady conviction.

Walking with golden anklets jingling on her divine feet radiating grace, she entered my mind and merged with you. She is the pure one seated on the high peak of the Vedas, free from delusion. To make the heart of this great goddess Sivakama Valli rejoice, O Lord, you perform the dance in the hall of gems while the two incomparable true devotees watch with joy and praise you. Free from sorrow, I, your humble servant, have received a great boon and sing of you. I have attained the great season of grace.

She lovingly gave nectar to make the tender shoot of the Vedas from Sanpai rejoice. She is compassionate, she claims me as her own, and she possesses all powers. Her golden form is like the champak flower and her feet are red lotuses. To make the heart of this great goddess Sivakama Valli rejoice, O Supreme Lord, you perform the dance of bliss in the golden hall praised by music. I joyfully sing of your divine grace. I do so knowing you are my Lord who accepts all my countless faults as virtues.

The gracious Lady is my mother. She loves her devotees, she is like nectar, and she is the wondrous queen of women. Her feet taste sweet in minds possessing clarity. To make the heart of this great goddess Sivakama Valli rejoice, O Lord, you perform the great dance in the hall of gems so that all delusive maya wears away. I, a humble person with a dark mind, sing of the nature of your enduring grace so that all the wise will recognize and respect that I have attained the season of grace.

She forgave all my ignorant mistakes and granted me boons. She is the queen of women. Her feet are adorned by the four Vedas. She is radiant and her form is the clear nectar of bliss. To make the heart of this great goddess Sivakama Valli rejoice, O Lord, you perform the grand dance in the hall that serves as the single shade against the fierce heat of flawed worldly existence. I, a person full of faults, sing only of your grace. I am freed from all sorrow. I am experiencing the state of bliss attained by true devotees.

The Supreme Goddess granted me an unfailing boon. She possesses the power to join together all the elements starting with space and all the instruments of action. She is worshipped by the Goddess of Wealth, the Goddess of Arts, and Rudrani. To make the heart of this great goddess Sivakama Valli rejoice, O Lord, you joyfully perform the sweet dance of bliss in the golden hall of gems. Thinking of your grace, I sing without distress so that all the meritorious ones who have reached the mature season of grace will appreciate it and rejoice.

The vine of grace ripe with virtue, my Mother who fed me ambrosia, the ruler of the universe, Sivanandi, Soundari, whose feet wear anklets made of sounding gems, Sivakama Valli, the great Goddess. To make her heart rejoice and to clear all the delusion of those steeped in sin, O Lord, you perform the great dance in the ruby hall. I, your servant, sing of your bounty outwardly, so that all the meritorious ones who sing inwardly will consider me a newcomer.

The noble one who makes ambrosia spring in the heart, my Mother who sits beautifully on the seat of Omkara, whose form is clear ambrosia, whose feet grant wealth, Sivakama Valli, the great Goddess. To make her heart rejoice, O generous Lord, you cut off deceit and illuminate grace, planting one foot and lifting the other to dance in joy in the ruby hall. I sing of your grace by your grace, free of mockery. How could faults be found in this song here?

The green vine that bloomed on earth, the queen of golden women, the supreme one, the consciousness, the absolute, the flawless one, the primal one, whose feet wear anklets of the divine and excellent Vedas, Sivakama Valli, the great Goddess. To make her heart rejoice, O my precious Lord, you perform the dance of bliss in the beautiful ruby hall. Thinking of your sweet grace, I shed tears from my eyes like a heavy rain from dark clouds, and I have attained the joy of singing with a deeply melting heart.

The perfect one, the pure consciousness, the experiencer of Siva, the ascetic of Siva, the queen of women, she who became the five elements herself, the lady of Thillai city with long streets adorned with chariots, Sivakama Valli, the great Goddess. To make her heart rejoice, O our Lord, you become the form of bliss and perform the dance of bliss in the beautiful ruby hall. I have attained the fitness to sing of you on this earth, for you have accepted all my nature as good.

The pure one who supports all worlds in her own light, the supreme one, the space, the great space of consciousness, the energy of consciousness, she consented for you to rule me at a young age. Sivakama Valli, the great Goddess. To make her heart rejoice, O shining Lord, you perform the dance of bliss in the enduring golden ruby hall. I think of your great compassion, rejoice, realize it, and melt as I sing. O our Master, this itself is the mark of your grace.

O Lord of grace, I am your servant. I do not know the greatness of your grace. You forgave all the faults of my ignorant rejection. You called me, a person filled with delusion, and joyfully gave it back into my hands. The nature of this great compassion has not left my mind and my clear eyes. Even though it still remains visible, my heart does not melt. It is not impossible for even a dark stone to melt at this. O peerless tender flame of Siva performing the sweet dance in the Hall!

O Lord of love, I am your servant. I do not know the greatness of your grace. You forgave all the faults of my ignorant rejection. You called me, a person filled with hardness, and forcefully gave it back into my hands. The nature of this great compassion has not left my mind and my joyful eyes. Even though it still shines brightly, my cruel mind does not melt. It is not impossible for even a body of bone to melt at this. O peerless tender flame of Siva performing the sweet dance in the Hall!

O Lord who rules me, I am small and do not know the greatness of your grace. You forgave all the faults of my ignorant rejection. You called me, a person possessing a sword-like cruelty, and forcefully gave it back into my hands. The nature of this great compassion has not left my mind and my long eyes. Even though it still manifests, my heart does not melt. It is not impossible for even a firm mountain to melt at this. O peerless tender flame of Siva performing the sweet dance in the Hall!

O rare ambrosia, I am your servant. I do not know the greatness of your grace. You forgave all the faults of my ignorant rejection. You called me with love and joyfully gave it back into my hands. The nature of this great compassion has not left my mind and my excellent eyes. Even though it still remains visible, my heart does not melt. It is not impossible for even a dry tree without moisture to melt at this. O peerless tender flame of Siva performing the sweet dance in the Hall!

O Lord of wonder, I do not know even a little of the greatness of your grace. You forgave the thousands of faults of my ignorant rejection. You called me, a stubborn person, and forcefully gave it back into my hands. The nature of this great compassion has not left my mind and my chaste eyes. Even though it is still seen, my stony mind does not melt. It is not impossible for even hard iron to melt at this. O peerless tender flame of Siva performing the sweet dance in the Hall!

O Lord! I wandered without knowing the preciousness of your Grace. You forgave all my faults of refusing it that night. You desired me, called me near, and again placed the nature of your Grace abundantly into my hands. Although it remains visible even now and never leaves the mind and seeing eyes of this karmic being, I do not see my heart melting. Even a hard unmelting rock would easily melt for this. O peerless tender flame of Siva performing the sweet dance in the Hall!

O King! I know nothing of the preciousness of your holy Grace. You forgave all my faults of refusing it in ignorance. With mingling love, you called me and forced into my hands that wondrous manifestation of your great compassion. Although it still shines and never leaves my mind and my powerful flower-like eyes, my heart does not melt. Even those with the nature of the dark night would easily melt for this. O peerless tender flame of Siva performing the sweet dance in the Hall!

O Master! I know nothing of the preciousness and greatness of your Grace. You forgave all my faults of refusing it in ignorance. O Truth, you called me that day and forced into my hands that wondrous manifestation of your great compassion. Although it is still seen and never leaves my mind and my unfailing eyes, I do not see my heart melting. Even unyielding hard pebbles would easily melt for this. O peerless tender flame of Siva performing the sweet dance in the Hall!

O Father! I do not know the preciousness of the great nectar of your holy Grace. You forgave all my faults of refusing it that night. You called me in this world and sweetly forced into my hands the bliss of your great compassion. Although it still appears and never leaves my mind and my pure eyes, this wicked heart does not melt. The heart of any sinner would easily melt for this. O peerless tender flame of Siva performing the sweet dance in the Hall!

O Lord! I know nothing of the preciousness of the power of your Grace. You forgave all my faults of refusing it that night. Dispelling cruel illusion, you called me near and placed abundantly into my hands the manifestation of your great compassion. Although it still resides and never leaves my mind and my dark collyrium-lined eyes, my deceitful heart does not melt. Any heart steeped in illusion would easily melt for this. O peerless tender flame of Siva performing the sweet dance in the Hall!

Whenever I hold in my heart your sacred form shining in the exalted space that transcends the top, bottom, and middle, manifesting as the embodiment of supreme bliss along with the great goddess Sivakami whose eyes rival the carp, it feels like tasting squeezed fruit mixed with milk, honey, syrup, and fresh cow’s ghee. If merely thinking of it feels like this, it is impossible even to imagine the state of the eyes that gaze upon it with intense love.

O Lord who joyously arises whenever those in a pure sorrowless state worship you. Whenever I, a cruel person with a hard stony heart, think of your form shining in the assembly along with the Goddess, the great mother who grants bliss and dwells in my heart, my heart melts and becomes pure bliss. If it is so for me, who can ever describe the state of those loving devotees who stand and gaze upon it endlessly?

On the day I, a person lower than a dog, thought of your form shining at the crown of the nine yogic forms in the public hall of pure gold and gems, along with Sivakami, the goddess who rules the world and grants the union of divine yoga, my mind and my worldly senses became entirely filled with bliss. If it is so for me, how can I describe the state of the ascetics of great virtue, ripened in true knowledge, when they behold it?

O primal Lord, your form shines in the hall of divine wisdom to grant every kind of liberation, alongside Sivakami, the divine energy who possesses me and grants all attainments. When I, a lowly person with a foolish mind, seek it, my intellect unifies and it feels like drinking fresh nectar or even something beyond that. If it is so for me, what must the state be for those filled with perfect devotion when they behold it? It is impossible to say it is exactly like this.

O divine Guru, you taught me the way of salvation in days past, and on this day you came in the middle of the night and granted me awareness. Your form shines in the auspicious assembly, alongside Sivakami, the goddess worshipped by all divinities who nurtured me, granting all spiritual states. When I, a cruel person, merely think of it, I become aware of my true self. If it is so for me, who can possibly describe the experience of those who have transcended the five senses when they behold it?

The queen of the southern language gave me the wealth of grace. O True Reality, perceived only in the vision of those possessing the gaze of wisdom, subtler than the words of scriptures and their meanings! You stand shining in the golden hall of red gold and gems alongside Sivakama Valli, beyond the praise of the heavens. If my lowly mind cannot express the experience it gained when it grasped your form, who can ever conceive of and describe the true state attained by true lovers when they behold you?

Our Great Lady with a slender waist is Sivakama Valli, whose feet the gods worship. You stand beside her, shining in the excellent gem-studded hall. Whenever I, a cruel person, think of your form, my heart softens, melting completely and dancing unsteadily. If this is my state, who can describe the unwavering state of your steadfast devotees when they joyfully behold you with their eyes? If anyone can speak of it, they are equal to God Himself.

My mother Abhirami, Ananda Valli, is like rare nectar. You shine alongside her in the hall. When I speak of your sacred form made of great nectar, it emits a sweet fragrance. It also becomes excellent nectar, making everything taste sweet. If this happens to me, a base one with not even a little love, it is impossible to even imagine the state attained by devotees of great and flowing love when they speak of you.

O King of the dance of wisdom, performed at the crown of sound! The lady with golden feet removed my desire for gold. You shine in the hall that transcends words alongside Poorani, the creeper of blissful Siva experience. Whenever I, an impure person, think of your form, my mind softens and becomes the embodiment of supreme wisdom in the realm of consciousness. If this is my state, the excellent state attained by clear-minded devotees when they behold you is extremely difficult to describe.

She forgave all my faults and brought me forth in the beginning. She is the Goddess, Sivakama Valli, my mother. You shine alongside her in the open hall of bliss. When I think of your nature, how can I ever express it? It becomes the form of love. It becomes everything. It becomes a ripe fruit, the juice of that fruit, and its rare sweetness. My bones melt and my mind becomes the embodiment of wisdom. If this happens to me, what can be said of the state of true devotees when they unite with you and behold your vision?

She who is sweet as sugarcane remained in my two eyes. When I, burdened by past actions, merely think of your form shining in the beloved gem-adorned Hall alongside the golden Kalpaka vine Sivakami, what can I say? My iron-like heart softens, melts, and becomes a state of immense bliss. If this happens just by thinking, who can comprehend the experience of divine bliss that blossoms when true devotees actually behold you? Only you know, our King of the Hall.

While I was rejoicing with the power of worldly desire, she made me unite with the supreme power of wisdom. Whenever my mind grasps your holy feet shining in the Hall alongside the beautiful power Sivakami, a flood of bliss brims, overflows, and surges within me, a weak and powerless man. If this is so for me, who can ever describe the greatness of the blissful experience attained by those wise and powerful sages when they behold you?

Oh friend, this is a wonder. This is a wonder. What shall I say? Brahma and the other gods spent a long time renouncing illusion and crying out loudly. He did not grant them grace. I was deeply bewildered by darkness. I lacked understanding and multiplied my karmic actions. I remained in this worldly form. I knew no love. I am small. Yet thinking of me, He came to my place and granted me His own radiant form so that the world might praise me as a worthy man. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

Oh friend, this is a wonder. This is a wonder. What shall I say? Vishnu and the other gods spent a long time renouncing their attachments and crying out with longing. He did not grant them grace. I wasted my days in delusion. I am lower than a wandering dog that sifts through refuse. I hold nothing but degradation. I am wicked. Yet thinking of me, He came to the place where I live. He joyfully gave me the true substance of His own Jothi. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

Oh friend, this is a wonder. This is a wonder. What shall I say? All the sages chanted the secrets of the Vedas and cried out together. He did not grant them even a little grace. I am like a chameleon. I do not know my duty. I never concentrate my mind. I am a wild monkey. I possess immense faults. I am lower than the lowest dog. Yet thinking of me, He walked in search of the place where I live. He gave me a supreme attainment to unite with the truth. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

Oh friend, this is a wonder. This is a wonder. What shall I say? The wise mastered their five senses, came to Him, and cried out. He did not grant them grace. I am a fool whose mind wanders every day into delusion, following whatever path it chooses. I roam along the path of degradation as the world points out my low state. Yet thinking of me, He reached the place where I live as a poor wretch. He joyfully granted me His own radiant form. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

Oh friend, this is a wonder. This is a wonder. What shall I say? Those performing rare austerities yearned for Him. They suffered greatly, strove in their hearts, and remained on this earth. He did not grant them grace. Out of delusion, I desired worldly ways. I committed cruel deeds. I degraded myself everywhere and simply followed my mind’s cravings. Yet thinking of me, He searched out the place where I live and reached it. He gave me His unfailing form of light and saved me. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

O mother, this is a wonder, this is a wonder, what shall I say? All the devotees strive and strive, suffering to attain bliss. They praise him as our Great One, yet he does not grant them grace. Deluded, without thinking about what is good and what is evil, I rejoice in dark ignorance and perform only cruel deeds. I am a deceiver. Yet, considering me, he came and rejoiced, marveled at his own greatness, and bestowed honor upon me. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

Ah, this is a wonder, this is a wonder, what shall I say? All the devotees think and think of him, their hearts opening, softening, and melting. They call out to him ceaselessly, yet he does not grant them grace. I rejoice endlessly in the illusory pleasures of the world, striving for them, bound to fall into the fierce mouth of hell. Yet he gave me the clarity to chant Sivayanama, granted me the boon of deathlessness, and made me his servant. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

O brother, this is a wonder, this is a wonder, what shall I say? Those whose tongues speak righteousness melt and melt in their hearts, shedding floods of tears from their eyes and suffering, yet he does not grant them grace. I am lower than the lowest dog. I am a cruel sinner with a base heart who does not think even a little about the true path. Yet, considering me, he came on his own accord to the place where I was and gave me the cooling, white lunar nectar as food. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

O sir, this is a wonder, this is a wonder, what shall I say? The virtuous ones, who know his greatness, desire his grace, perform many rightful duties, and stand firmly in truth, remain waiting. I am a small one with a base heart, not even equal to a blade of grass. I am a lowly one, full of arrogance, who wanders about doing petty deeds that should never be done. Yet he kept me in his divine heart, revealed the beginning, the end, and the middle, and gave me the singular truth. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

Ah, this is a wonder, this is a wonder, what shall I say? Those who know the greatness of grace desire the nectar of grace, worrying and waiting, asking why he does not grant grace here. I possess no goodness whatsoever. I walk the path of evil. I am a foolish-hearted base one who knows neither what is ahead nor what is behind. I am utterly cruel. Yet, considering me, he graciously appeared before me and gave me the state of oneness, united with him. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

Alas, this is a wonder, this is a wonder. What can I say? The wise ones who speak the truth walk the righteous path so that harsh karmas do not approach them, and they wait in longing. Yet I bathe in the ocean of cruel karma. I rejoice in watering weeds. I speak lies, multiply my baseness, diminish my standing, and wander with a flawed heart. He thought of me, entered me, and bestowed His grace. He forcefully gave me a thing so that I might attain the union of compassion. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

What is this? This is a wonder, this is a wonder. What can I say? Those who perform true penance abandon all desires, reach the forests and mountains, and stay awake meditating on Him. Yet I refuse to let go of worldly matters. I have learned nothing. I am the lowest of the low. I am a thief with a merciless, stony heart. He thought of me and gave me something here that is not small at all, but exceedingly great. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

What is this? This is a wonder, this is a wonder. What can I say? Those who performed true penance in the past sit in one place without knowing night or day, and they still wait here today. Yet I stand foremost among fools. I am a cruel person with a deceitful mind. I am a base one with a deep love for gold. I have sunk lower and lower here, worse than a lowly worm. He thought of me, gave me a thing so that I might attain love for Him, and He rejoiced. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

Oho! This is a wonder, this is a wonder. What can I say? There are devoted people who long for the True One with their whole heart, singing and tasting Him like sweet syrup or the juice of the three fruits. Yet I wander without a single trace of devotion. I am a cruel person, wandering while the world cries out in distress at my actions. I am a bound soul who knows only faults and no virtues. He thought of me and gave me a state that completely cools my inner thirst. He dances sweetly for the peerless Sivakama Valli.

Not knowing well how to act, I feigned anger with divine grace and spoke a few words. I am the smallest of the small, devoid of wisdom. I am of a false nature. You must forgive the faults I spoke. O meritorious One! O One with twisted matted hair adorned with the moon! O One with the bull! While true devotees stayed awake seeking You, You desired me even then and forcefully claimed me, destroying my karma, O pure One! As the five kinds of gods and the brahmins offer praise, You perform the joyous divine dance in the Hall, O our King!

Not seeking to know my state, I feigned anger with Your grace and spoke unseemly things. I am the lowest, not treading the good path. I am a lowly dog. You must forgive the faults I spoke. O holy One who dances surrounded by hosts of elements! O One with heavy coral matted hair adorned with the moon sought by the arts! O One who bestowed grace on me in those early days when my mind had no intent! Shining upon the heads of supreme sages of wisdom, You possess holy feet. O Satguru who claims me, my King!

Not knowing well the end of learning, I feigned anger with Your mighty grace and spoke harsh words. I did not realize You are the raft in the ocean of sorrow. I am a base person. You must forgive the faults I spoke. Praise Siva! Praise Siva! Praise Siva! Praise! At the front doorway on that night, You pressed down one lotus foot and placed the peerless truth in my hand, O compassionate Lord! O mountain of virtue unattainable by those who murder! Dancing in the Hall, You protect and rule the world, O Guru!

Not knowing Your fame well, I feigned anger with Your grace and spoke things contrary to the path. I do not stand desiring the good state. I am a petty, base person. You must forgive the faults I spoke. O perfect, conscious Siva! O holy One who grants the true reality! On that night at my side, You graced me with Your presence, O my Guru! O good gem shining in my two eyes! In the beautiful Hall where loving devotees attain bliss, You dance as mother and father, O Lord!

Not knowing well the scale of justice, I feigned anger with Your supportive grace and spoke flawed words. I do not know how to speak of the gift of grace. I am a base, cruel person. You must forgive the faults I spoke. O One with red matted hair where the surging waves of the Ganga and the moon rest! As the mountain creeper, my Mother, the Lady of grace, Sivakama Valli, the vine of the Vedas, sings Your praises and stands watching, and as sages who well understand the arts see and praise You, You dance in the Golden Hall, O causal Satguru!

Without proper understanding, I sulked with the Lord’s grace. I spoke words of blame, a deceitful one ignorant of the ways of compassion. You must forgive the mistakes uttered by this lowly worm-headed one. O True Reality abiding in the hearts of the virtuous. O vast ocean of compassion wearing poison on your neck. You allowed your flower-like feet to blossom upon my head. O True Guru who shines as the embodiment of true knowledge and bliss, dancing in the ruby hall praised by supreme sages.

Without understanding your protection, I sulked with your abundant grace. I spoke words of blame, a lowly one ignorant of the light of compassion. You must forgive the mistakes uttered by this false devotee. O fresh ambrosia. O pure, blissful, and perfect supreme consciousness. O red coral mountain performing the dance of grace in the hall, praised with a joyful heart by the saintly king Aiyadigal Kadavarkon. O lamp shining in the hearts of true devotees. O excellent True Guru seated upon the crown of the Vedas.

Without clear understanding, I sulked with the divine grace. I spoke evil words, having no clarity about the nature of your compassion. You must forgive the mistakes uttered by this deceitful outsider. O pure one who linked everything from the five elements to the primal sound. O Guru embodying truth, knowledge, and bliss, shining in the hearts of those with steadfast true awareness. O Lord of the divine dance who directs the five divine actions in the beautiful golden ruby hall, praised by great ascetics.

Without investigating and realizing the truth, I sulked with your divine grace. I spoke careless words, completely ignorant of the nature of your divine compassion. You must forgive the mistakes uttered by this wanderer who went astray. O lamp of the supreme sound shining above the summit of knowledge. You are the great Lord dancing in the supreme hall, shining with ornaments like the creeping hooded serpent bracelet. You are the compassionate supreme head, the unique source and my parent, who supports and protects in every way those who take refuge in you.

Without knowing the proper way, I sulked with your grace. I spoke harmful words and do not know how to soothe my sorrow. You must forgive the mistakes uttered by this base person. O great Lord whose golden body shines adorned with sacred ash. O Lord of the supreme state, the reality in the transcendent space of the supreme sound beyond words and meanings. O God of grace performing the dance praised by the expansive Vedas, so that the tender goddess Sivakami watches and rejoices.

O Siva Guru, the clear nectar of Gnanasambandar from the excellent and beautiful city of Kazhi! In my tender youth, when I did not possess even an atom of worldly awareness, you remained within me. Since I lacked the capacity to ascend the path of grace, whenever I slipped, you repeatedly helped me climb back. Later, you bestowed your grace so I would never slip away again.

O supreme true Guru known as Gnanasambandar! You joyfully drank the milk of wisdom offered by the Goddess in your third year and established the flourishing crop of the true path. You taught me: “If you attain the experience of the soul, from there the exalted experience of grace will manifest. Within that flawless experience of grace, the pure experience of Siva will manifest.”

O treasure of Gnanasambandar in the good city of Kazhi of the siddhas! O my true Guru! You taught me that climbing the levels of reality one by one to reach the space of the supreme primal sound, and experiencing yourself as of that very nature without the sense of ‘you’, is the experience of the soul. Dwelling within me in this vast space, you bestowed this upon me, did you not?

O my jewel of a true Guru named Gnanasambandar! You transformed me into your own nature above the space of the supreme primal sound. You shone as the eternal and unwavering reality, becoming the inside and outside of the supreme beyond. Existing in a sweet state that cannot be described in words, you granted me this state and declared it the experience of grace.

O supreme, pure, and true Guru Gnanasambandar! You inwardly bestowed upon me the pure experience of Siva. You revealed it as existing above the one great space of reality, becoming all that exists. It becomes the center, becomes mine, becomes ‘I’, becomes the foundation, and becomes ‘That’ which is hard to express. You declared that this indescribable beyond, and the absolute void beyond even that, is the experience of Siva.

O Lord who rode the pearl palanquin of liberation and established the primal kingdom of the path of grace. How can I describe your supreme unique compassion that blessed me with these words: “The substance that cures the ingrained disease of primal impurity is the experience of grace. The regimen for this cure is the experience of the soul. Grasp this without any other attachment. This is the truth.”

O formless ocean of compassion, O gem who received grace at three years of age. I suffered deeply and repeatedly wondered what constitutes the foot and what constitutes the crown of the gracious Supreme. Seeing my sorrow, you arose out of grace and cast your compassionate glance upon me to remove my destitution. You told me, “The foot and the crown shine right within you.”

O Lord Sambandar, O lamp that arose to dispel the hostile darkness of Jainism. You are the true Guru who graced me with these words: “If you properly align your dense senses and mind even once, every state will be revealed at the end of that focus, and you will attain everything you envision within yourself. This alone is the painless way.”

O Guru who is the very life of my life, O unique tender shoot of the Vedas who brought joy to the whole world by resurrecting bones into a living female form. When I stood with a confused mind pondering my past and future states, you, O King, dispelled my doubts using the loving path of divine Tamil.

O exalted and unique gem of the Kaundinya lineage, you compassionately transformed all those who gathered to witness your grand wedding at Perumananallur, allowing them to attain the form of wisdom and ascend. How can I describe your great compassion that granted me in a single day all those rare abilities that remain unattainable even after striving for many eons.

O radiant lamp shining in the divine lineage of the Kavuniyars of excellent Sanpai! O honey that sweetens the heart without ever cloying! O imperishable wealth! O wish-fulfilling tree sprouted from the eye of the dark-throated coral mountain! O sugarcane! O fruit! O my two eyes! O the dark pupil in my eyes! O tender sprout who spoke joyous babbling words when Mother Umai fed you sweet breast milk at the beautiful age of three! O singular companion to my precious life! O greatly renowned Lord Gnanasambandar! Those who speak your divine praise will shine in immense wealth, prospering more and more.

By the great grace of the tender sprout of Siva rising in the glorious, grace-filled shrine of Thiruvathigai, you became the very embodiment of true awareness. You received the supreme name Sovereign of Speech so the light of the Saiva path would shine. O virtuous one who fittingly held the weeding implement in your hand. O pure one of vast glory. O brilliant moon of arts seated in my mind. O ocean of compassion and wisdom. Please grant that I may meditate upon your holy feet.

You swam across all the treacheries repeatedly committed by the truthless Jains using the great power of divine grace. O radiant, jewelled lamp who rises to make the pure Saiva path shine. O my companion. O wealth who came to rule us, keeping us close and bringing us near. O great and noble one endowed with boundless eminence and deep inner inquiry. O nectar. O ornament of the Saiva path. O divine one bearing the name Sovereign of Words.

O Sovereign of Speech, you stand radiant, wearing on your head the holy lotus feet of the Supreme Lord worshipped by all the gods. O Lord of wisdom desired even by the four-faced Brahma. O friend to the good. O Lord whose very nature is to remove all our sins and grant the quality of grace. I long to serve and love the devotees who bow and desire to reach you. Please ordain that I may do so.

I am bound by karma, lacking the maturity to discern rules from prohibitions. Yet, O benevolent one, you must love me, light the lamp of understanding within me, and make me attain the life of wisdom in the house of grace. O master of all the ascetics who have reached the shade of the good Lord’s lotus feet. O divine one bearing the name Sovereign of Words. O wish-fulfilling tree granting liberation. O essence of the three sweet fruits. O ocean of wisdom. O my very thought. O resident within my eyes.

O jewel shining within my eye. O fruit of the Saiva path. O Sovereign of Speech. O sweet red sugarcane. O fruit of grace grown within the melodies of the Vedas. O exalted treasure of the true Lord. I do not desire any pleasure found in heaven, only your holy feet. You must rule over me. O pure one who sang that the Lord placed nine gates within this single body. O you who help with a joyful heart.

I am a lowly one who does not realize the benefit of the unique mantra Omkara. In this worldly life, I wander full of arrogance, like a large elephant intoxicated by ego. I have shown no love at all for your true devotees. Is there any way for me to attain grace? I possess every kind of evil deed. What will I do, O King of Words? What will I do?

I am a lowly one who knows no course of action. Caught in this petty worldly life, alas, I commit only falsehood. O virtuous one, I do not praise your golden feet. O holy one, how will I be saved? What will I do? I believe you alone are my firm support. Will you consider guiding me, who lacks understanding, on the true path? O King of Words, O King who shines as my life’s companion.

You lovingly placed within your heart the true reality that rests at the peak of the four Vedas like a shining jeweled lamp, making all flawless true devotees rejoice. On that day, you crossed the ocean using a stone pillar as a float and reached the shore. You embraced the great and radiant path of Siva. O companion of wisdom, our Lord, our pure bliss, O benevolent one who came to foster the ever-prosperous Agamic path, please grant your grace.

O gem born after the grace-bestowing mother Tilakavati, O King of Words, O great jeweled lamp of rich flame who came to illuminate the path of Siva that grants the clarity of wisdom. Lift me, a lowly one, out of this dark worldly existence and rule me by granting your sweet grace of wisdom. If you do not, alas, I will spin in the deluding path of endless births. I know no way to be saved. This does not befit your grace.

O rich honey that wells up with immense sweetness in a clear heart. O King of Words, O divine one, O great and noble one who gave joy to Appudi Adigal who shone in truth. O our father, O fullness of sharp inner intellect, O my Guru. O our family deity, O tender shoot of the Saiva path. O companion on the great path free from sorrow. O peerless wealth, you shine as a father.

O great Vantondar, you graciously wove a garland of words filled with profound and sweet meaning to praise the divine fruit who wears the moon on His red matted hair, the healing medicine dancing in the hall. You made the great Vedic path of sacred rules and the true Agamic path shine brightly in the world.

I joined people of unsteady and base paths and swayed helplessly like a pole planted in mud. Please rule over me and save me. O great one of supreme grace, you meditated on the exalted holy feet of the Lord, dropped all your rare gold into the river, and retrieved it safely from the temple tank.

O great Vantondar, you summoned the crocodile in the pond to release the babbling child from its mouth and graciously brought the boy back to flourishing life. Comparing the primary scriptures of the northern language to your divine Tamil hymns falls utterly short of comparing a tiny atom to the towering golden mountain.

All the Vedas and primary scriptures swiftly recite His praise countless times, yet even an atomic fraction of our Lord remains entirely beyond their comprehension. O great Vantondar, please tell me what immense penance you performed to have His sacred lotus feet rest directly upon your devoted head.

You once sang of the Lord as the seven musical notes, the fruit of music, sweet nectar, and your very own companion. O great one of supreme compassion, when I deeply contemplate the meaning of your magnificent words, my inner faculties melt completely and I experience eternal bliss.

O great lord of Navalur. By the grace of the Lord, you mounted the peerless white elephant. The heavens, Indra, Vishnu, Brahma, and the great ascetics watched you. The king watched you rise in glorious majesty. Yet I was not blessed to witness that celebrated form of yours.

O great one of supreme compassion. Every day when I read your sacred songs, which are a nectar sweeter than honey, I lose all awareness of myself. Is it only my tongue that reads? My flesh reads, my heart reads, my life reads, and the very life of my life experiences reading it too.

O great one of grace-filled songs. Our Lord, who performs the blissful dance in the universal hall, delights in your songs in a way He does not delight in the songs of anyone else. Even as I declare this in my own song, see how all my troublesome inner faculties harmonize in love for your songs.

O great one of absolute primacy. You firmly established a friendship with the Supreme Reality who abides in the transcendent state of Turiya. Seeing your greatness, all the good gods worship you to receive boons. If this is so, what can I, with my limited capacity, possibly say to praise you?

O lord of Aroor. To resolve the lover’s quarrel in the heart of Paravai in the great town, you made our Lord walk as a messenger through every chariot-running street of Thiruvarur in a single night, while the townsfolk whispered many things. Your greatness is impossible for even Brahma and Vishnu to measure.

O clear nectar that tastes sweet in this world. O Manikkavasagar. O great ascetic whose very form is bliss. You are completely free of flaws. Please grant me the grace to experience the transcendent state of the great Tamil Veda that blossomed from your divine mouth.

Seekers wander madly for a long time after the vast space that transcends all faculties and exists both inside and outside the primal void. While they merely spin around in the space of their own minds, you merged flawlessly into the space of divine form. O exalted gem of Vadavur, you are praised by the Vedas.

Ascetics perform penance for a long time. They fix their minds intensely on the center of their eyebrows and become mere skeletons. While all of them are left utterly disappointed, you first attained a form of love, then achieved a form of grace, and finally became the very form of bliss. O beautiful Lord of Vadavur.

The entire world praises the sacred verses of Thiruvandappaguthi, which blossomed from your divine mouth, as the great Veda of the manifest universe. O King, all great ascetics proclaim you as the supreme Guru. Please reveal to me the deep meaning of that unparalleled sacred verse.

You are the rare nectar dancing beneath the red feet of the Lord, who dances as pure consciousness in the highly sought hall of blissful wisdom. O Lord of Vadavur, sought by everyone. I am a lowly devotee. Please come to me just once and banish all my withering sorrow.

O great gem praised by the world as the god of prosperous Thiruvadavur! Whenever I think of the words you spoke, it brings a joy sweeter than the joy of a secure, chaste wife contemplating union with her deeply desiring lover.

O Manikkavasagar who merged with the heavens! When I become one with your words and sing them, they mix into my flesh and my life breath like good sugarcane juice mixed with honey, milk, and the sweet taste of rich fruits, sweetening me without ever cloying.

O Manikkavasagar who utters enduring words! If just a single word among your words unites me with my Master and grants everything, why engage in further practice? Why this agitation? Tell me why one would desire another guru’s words and gather elsewhere.

O virtuous one! Was it not for your sake that the great Lord who bears the Goddess on his side arrived like an esteemed warrior on a horse, stood carrying earth at the Vaigai river, and bore the wound from the Pandyan king’s cane?

O unfading Manikkavasagar! When they heard your words, even the lowly bird species and fierce hunting animals there fixed their sights on true wisdom. This being so, it is no surprise that I attain it here.