Short Answer 
“Cripple Me Father” by Basavanna is a poignant expression of humility and devotion, using the metaphor of crippling to signify the desire to relinquish pride and worldly attachments. The poem’s vivid imagery emphasizes a spiritual journey of surrendering to the divine, highlighting a commitment to personal growth and enlightenment.
Understanding the Poem
“Cripple Me Father” is a profound poem by Basavanna, a 12th-century Indian philosopher and poet within the Bhakti movement. The poem revolves around the themes of humility, devotion, and surrender to the divine. Through the title, he expresses a deep yearning for guidance, portraying an emotional plea to a paternal figure, which can symbolize both divine presence and spiritual mentorship.
The Metaphor of Crippling
Basavanna’s request to be “crippled” serves as a metaphor for shedding his pride and worldly attachments. Instead of seeking physical disability, he desires to embrace vulnerability and acknowledge his imperfections. This request signifies a longing to strip away the layers of ego and to attain a humble state before the divine, allowing for true spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Imagery and Spiritual Transformation
Throughout the poem, Basavanna utilizes vivid imagery to depict his spiritual journey. He wishes to be ‘blind’ to worldly distractions and ‘deaf’ to material temptations, focusing entirely on the divine path. His plea for divine grace to “cut off my limbs” symbolizes a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of spiritual progress, thereby illustrating his profound devotion and commitment to his beliefs. This exploration of surrender and deep devotion resonates with readers even today.