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Rabindranath Tagore’s “Charana Dharite Diyo Go” (“Allow me to touch your feet”) is a poignant prayer-song composed on May 17, 1914, at Ramgarh in the Himalayas. It is believed that Tagore wrote this piece in remembrance of his father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, whose 97th birth anniversary was on May 15, 1914. The song was later performed by Tagore himself during the Maghotsav celebration at Jorasanko Thakurbari on January 31, 1915.

Set in Raag Bhairavi and Ardha Jhaptaal, the song is part of the ‘Puja’ (worship) section in Tagore’s collection and falls under the subcategory ‘Prarthana’ (prayer). It reflects a deep yearning for surrender, a plea to the divine to accept the devotee’s life with all its joys and sorrows.​

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Let me rest at your feet, O Eternal One,
Do not turn me away, do not remove me.
With life and death, joy and sorrow entwined,
I yearn to embrace you, to hold you close.

The weight of desires, loose and faltering,
I have carried for so long, wandering aimlessly.
With your own hands, weave them into a garland,
Do not cast me aside, let me be yours.

Quench the ever-thirsty pain of yearning,
Revive it with your touch, your grace.
Let my final victory be in surrender,
Losing myself only to you.

Having sold myself, I can no longer roam,
From door to door, seeking solace.
Make me yours, O Divine,
By adorning me with the garland of acceptance.

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“Charana Dharite Diyo Go” stands as a testament to Tagore’s profound spiritual introspection and his desire for unity with the divine. Through its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody, the song encapsulates the essence of surrender, the shedding of ego, and the embrace of a higher consciousness. It invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, the burdens they carry, and the ultimate peace found in devotion and acceptance.

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NOTE

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I have always cherished the works of the great Rabindranath Tagore. In my humble efforts, I have been attempting to translate his creations so that those who do not understand Bengali may still catch a glimpse of the beauty and depth they hold.

I believe that a song becomes far more enriching when one understands the meaning it seeks to convey through its lyrics.

I am but a speck of dust before the towering genius of the indomitable Rabindranath Tagore, and I offer my translations with utmost reverence. I sincerely apologize in advance for any errors or shortcomings. Kindly point them out, so that I may correct them and strive toward a more faithful rendering.

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