आमुक्तमाल्यदा (विजयनगर सम्राट् श्रीकृष्णदेवराय - गोदा देवी आण्डाल भक्ति एवं साम्राज्य-नीति)

APPENDIX
GODA DEVI: A LYRIC DAWN
I
The time had come
for the spread of a new idea-force
that would thrill human existence
with the lyric dawn
of a spiritual Sunrise.
As Vishnuchitta bent low
for the scented leaves of Tulsi
in his well-tended garden
in Villipputtūr on hallowed ground,
he saw a moon-lit babe new-born,
sweet featured, soft, auspicious,
smiling mid the basil-bush.
It seemed natural, the sight
of that living icon in his garden.
Dare we question the ways
of Providence to reach out far
and respond to the aspiring soul?
Vishnuchitta took the baby home,
and Viraja felt transported.
They named her Goda of wondrous tresses,
A Vedic Hymn in human form.