EXCERPTS FROM BHASKARA SATAKAM

(An English Translation)

 

(A free translation of a few lines from Bhaskara Satakam, a book

in Telugu containing a hundred verses)

 

MS. B. INDIRA KUMARI

 

  1. Ah! Ever to do good

      And never to return evil

      Is nature of the noble-minded

      Though hurt by the wicked

      If such, indeed they be,

      No wonder it seems to be,

      For, even when well-churned.

      The curd gets not polluted

      But gives forth sweet butter

      Making no complaint whatsoever.

 

  1. Though single, any wondrous act

      He alone can do perfect

      who with his strength never yielding

      Keeps himself in fame astounding

      See, fearless Arjuna the hero alone

      Freed the cattle by the myriads captured

      And with an onslaught of arms put to ridicule

      The enemies’ arms and made them retreat.

 

  1. However great be one’s learning

      It all goes surely for nothing

      As ill-luck could have it if so happens

      That one lacks aesthetic sense,

      Can, any dish however well cooked.

      Be delicious if it be not properly salted?

 

  1. Never does he aim at a selfish end

      Who, self denying, ever works hard

      Bearing only others’ good in mind.

      Don’t we see ‘Sesha’ the thousand-headed God

      Shouldering the Earth entire for no selfish gain?

 

Back