This page features a video of the poem “Upagupta”, prescribed under the Karnataka State Syllabus for 9th Standard English Second Language. Along with its summary in three languages and transliterated songs. It serves as a valuable learning resource for students and parents, with each song accompanied by its respective lyrics for easy sing-along. The synchronized lyrics help learners follow and recite the song as it progresses, making memorization and learning by heart easier, more effective, and enjoyable.
Lyrics
English
Upagupta the disciple of Buddha, lay asleep on
the dust by the city wall of Mathura.
Lamps were all out, doors were all shut, and
stars were all hidden by the murky sky of August.
Whose feet were those tinkling with anklets,
touching his breast of a sudden?
He woke up startled, and the light from a woman’s
lamp struck his forgiving eyes.
It was the dancing girl, starred with jewels,
Wearing a pale blue mantle, drunk with the wine
of her youth.
She lowered her lamp and saw the young face
austerely beautiful.
“Forgive me, young ascetic,” said the woman,
“Graciously come to my house. The dusty earth
is not fit bed for you.”
The young ascetic answered,“Woman,
go on your way;
When the time is ripe, I will come to you.”
Suddenly the black night showed its teeth
in a flash of lightning.
The storm growled from the corner of the sky, and
The woman trembled in fear of some
unknown danger.
A year has not yet passed.
It was evening of a day in April,
in spring season.
The branches of the wayside trees were full of blossom
gay notes of the flute came floating in the
warm spring air from afar.
Upagupta passed through the city gates, and
stood at the base of the rampart.
Was that a woman lying at his feet in the
shadow of the mango grove?
Struck with the black pestilence, her body
spotted with sores of small-pox,
She was hurriedly driven away from the town
To avoid her poisonous contagion.
The ascetic sat by her side, took her head
on his knees,
And moistened her lips with water, and
smeared her body with sandal balm
“Who are you, merciful one?” asked the woman.
“The time, at last, has come to visit you, and
I am here,” replied the young ascetic.
the dust by the city wall of Mathura.
Lamps were all out, doors were all shut, and
stars were all hidden by the murky sky of August.
Whose feet were those tinkling with anklets,
touching his breast of a sudden?
He woke up startled, and the light from a woman’s
lamp struck his forgiving eyes.
It was the dancing girl, starred with jewels,
Wearing a pale blue mantle, drunk with the wine
of her youth.
She lowered her lamp and saw the young face
austerely beautiful.
“Forgive me, young ascetic,” said the woman,
“Graciously come to my house. The dusty earth
is not fit bed for you.”
The young ascetic answered,“Woman,
go on your way;
When the time is ripe, I will come to you.”
Suddenly the black night showed its teeth
in a flash of lightning.
The storm growled from the corner of the sky, and
The woman trembled in fear of some
unknown danger.
A year has not yet passed.
It was evening of a day in April,
in spring season.
The branches of the wayside trees were full of blossom
gay notes of the flute came floating in the
warm spring air from afar.
Upagupta passed through the city gates, and
stood at the base of the rampart.
Was that a woman lying at his feet in the
shadow of the mango grove?
Struck with the black pestilence, her body
spotted with sores of small-pox,
She was hurriedly driven away from the town
To avoid her poisonous contagion.
The ascetic sat by her side, took her head
on his knees,
And moistened her lips with water, and
smeared her body with sandal balm
“Who are you, merciful one?” asked the woman.
“The time, at last, has come to visit you, and
I am here,” replied the young ascetic.
Summary
The poem "Upagupta" presents a story connected with nature and the environment. It introduces a situation involving woman, young, ascetic, upagupta, and city and follows how the people, animals, or speakers respond to what happens. As the events develop, the poem shows changing feelings, choices, and consequences. The experience also brings out ideas about health and good habits, giving the reader something meaningful to reflect on. Overall, the poem presents its subject through a memorable situation and a clear central idea.
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