R18. The Melkote Temple

SRI RAMANUJA Once some Muslim invaders, Who destroyed many temples, Attacked the Melkote temple, And the surrounding people. Yadavadripati, the Deity was Buried deep under the sands To save Him from the invaders, But not known where He was? It was the most auspicious time, When the buried Deity came, One night, in Ramanuja's dream, And revealed where to find Him. The Lord was taken out then And was installed once again In a newly well built temple, For worship by all people. Where had the Deity gone That was every time taken Out on streets in procession, For the devotees' Darshan? In his dream once again, He had a divine vision, It was at Delhi in the hands Of a Muslim young princess. The King returned the idol, But it was so dear to the girl, That she followed the same All the way to Srirangam. After the King Kulotunga died More tolerant Kings succeeded, With liberal views on religion, That facilitated Ramanuja's return. Though a Muslim girl she was None of the visiting devotees Objected to her movements Inside the temple premises. Her mad love for the Lord, All of them well realized, And not her own religion That may invite an objection.