Temples of Pattadakal

On the hallowed steps

of a cauldron ancient,

I stand.

Where the alchemy of symmetry

was sculpted

by unknown hands.

On the pallet

of the sky

were chiselled the ‘nagaras’.

On the mountains

of clouds

were carved the ‘vimanas’.

Into the inchoate stones

were engraved

the music of ‘ragas’.

Into the unformed shapes

were sculpted

the tempo of ‘talas’.

Curlicues multitude

depict

the legends of yore.

O mighty ‘Chalukyas’,

the arabesques intricate

speak of your lore.

In the darkness divine

of ‘garbhagrihas’,

still linger your passions.

In the quietude

of ‘mandapams’,

echo your victory chants with, effusion.

O temples of ‘pattadakal’,

you are the flowers

of imperishable bloom.

In rains do your

beauty awaken,

to fight off time’s impending doom.