R16. Parasara And Vyasa Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

SRI RAMANUJA

In the memory of Parasara and Vyasa,
Who produced the Vishnupurana,
It was Ramanuja's third promise
To trace another pair of scholars.

This third promise of Ramanuja,
Was fulfilled by his disciple Kuresa,
Who, along with his wife Andal, was
Taking care of his daily needs.

Kuresa, a rich land lord, came,
From the Town Kanchipuram.
He spent all his wealth in charity,
To the needy with all his pity.

Not happy with his rich life,
Accompanied by his wife,
He went to serve Ramanuja
In the temple at Srirangam.

He followed his Guru always
During the trip to other places,
And begged for his food there,
Like an ascetic with no care.

By the Lord Ranganatha's grace,
Andal delivered a pair of twins,
Who were named by Ramanuja,
As the next Parasara and Vyasa.

Parasara, as he grew up, became
A great scholar of that time,
And later on succeeded Ramanuja
As a great leader of Vaishnavas.

If Ramanuja could easily guess
What the three folded fingers
Of the dead Guru wished to cover?
It was by his amazing divine power!

He was Lord Ranganatha's choice
That many devotees heard his voice
And turned themselves as Vaishnavas,
Thus following his divine foot steps.

Not only was he a Temple Head,
But also as a great leader he served
For the cause of his religious belief,
And with pure devotion spent his life.