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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Woman-saint who sought and got God's vision

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI, JAN. 24. Devotion displayed towards God can assume any form - carrying

out with all sincerity the scripture-oriented spiritual duties, individual

worship, meditation, singing, showing ecstasy through dancing, Bhajans or be

associated with saints. All these steps condition the mind, help in detesting

ephemeral pleasures so as to seek only God's vision. While some saints who led

or guided others to the goal were deeply attached to Lord Rama, there were an

equal number for whom Lord Krishna was the sole object of worship and they could

never bear separation from the Lord, their companion. One such saint was a woman

hailing from a royal family who, however, discarding comforts, chose to be

utterly devoted to Lord Krishna. She too underwent suffering because jealous

people could not brook her popularity but Krishna was with her and ultimately

took her into His fold. That was Mira Bai whose songs, full of devotional

content, are ever fresh, spreading spiritual vibrations !

even today.

>From her childhood, Mira, who came to possess Krishna's idol, lavished her

God-love on it and gave all her attention to it when engaged in any type of

worldly activity. The shrine that was built for her was filled with other

devotees. A prince fell for her charm but Mira replied that she had already

given her heart to Krishna. She was, however, convinced that this spiritual

relationship has nothing to do with physical marriage. Even after the wedding,

the glory and grandeur of her husband's palace gave her no happiness or were of

any meaning for her and she continued to offer her prayers to the Lord's image.

Her husband allowed her to continue her style of living but others tried to

poison his mind. Once when she was ``talking'' to the Lord, those who heard the

conversation informed her husband who rushed to her asking ``Where is your

friend''. ``He disappeared into the image'' was her reply. Since there was none

with her, he was apologetic. Mira was only intoxicated with Di!

vine joy.

 

In his Harikatha, Sri Krishna Premi mentioned about the visit of Emperor Akbar

along with Tansen, both disguised, to her Bhajan, and admiring the Divine

melody, left a necklace which Mira, not knowing wherefrom it came, placed it

around the image. This act of the Emperor was mistaken and from then on, she was

subjected to severe ordeals including an attempt to poison her. Between God and

the world, Mira chose the former, sang the praise of Krishna, whom she

ultimately reached.

 

 

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