For the Mother's Recovery
In 1914, Bhagavan's mother, returning from a pilgrimageto Tirupati, paid a brief visit to him at Tiruvannamalai. While
there she had a severe attack of fever, which some thought to
be typhoid. Her life was despaired of and Bhagavan composed
the following poem for her recovery. Needless to say, she
recovered. Two years later she came and took up her abode
permanently at Bhagavan's Ashram on the hill.
1. Hill of my refuge that cures the ills of recurring births!
O Lord! It is for Thee to cure my mother's fever.
2. O God that smitest Death itself? My sole refuge!
Vouchsafe Thy grace unto my mother and shield her from
Death. What is Death if scrutinised?
3. Arunachala! Thou blazing fire of Jnana [?]! Deign to wrap
my mother in Thy light and make her one with Thee. What
need then for cremation?1
4. Arunachala, that chasest away illusion (maya [?])! Why
delayest Thou to dispel my mother's delirium! Besides Thee,
is there anyone who with maternal solicitude can protect the
suppliant soul and ward off the strokes of destiny?
(Translated by Prof. K. Swaminathan)