Classic Poem

How merrily the girls watch the procession of the fine young groom!
How pure and clean he looks with tilak adorning his forehead!
How attractive are his consorts! How happily they sprinkle vermilion around!
How merrily the girls watch the procession of the fine young groom

The palanquin is of green bamboo shoots, and is carried by four,
Wet cloth they have for headgear, Rama Nama they chant!
How merrily the girls watch the procession of the fine young groom

They have built the pendal for the ceremony and fetched dung fuel for fire;
As mongrels are already eyeing the sweets with relish!
They are carrying firewood in the front; they are also carrying fire at the back!
How merrily the girls watch the procession of the fine young groom

Lo, here the groom is going to his in-laws, so the mother-in-law is overjoyed!
The fiery sparks beautify the pendal, and the fire decorates the marriage altar!
O Wake up hideous mother-in-law, the groom is at your door!
How merrily the girls watch the procession of the fine young groom

`Cremation's the name of the ceremony and `crematorium' the village of marriage!
Chita Kukmari is the bride's name and she is daughter of Lalbai, the Red One!
How merrily the girls watch the procession of the fine young groom

The groom here has decided to stay at his in-laws, his escorts have returned!
Lavishly they spent on the feast and had a grand marriage!
Putting a rupee on earthen pots and bowls, indeed, they have performed it well!
Go and tell the groom's father to lament loudly if he wishes!
How merrily the girls watch the procession of the fine young groom

The Jiva is being whisked away by the heralds of Death!
See how they have tortured his mortal remains!
It is good if one meets Narsaiyya's Lord, for He alone can rescue one from the world of woes!
How merrily the girls watch the procession of the fine young groom