Mirabai was a great saint and devotee of Sri Krishna. Despite facing criticism and hostility from her own family, she lived an exemplary saintly life and composed many devotional bhajans. Historical information about the life of Mirabai is a matter of some scholarly debate. The oldest biographical account was Priyadas’s commentary in Nabhadas’ Sri Bhaktammal in 1712. Nevertheless, there are many oral histories, which give an insight into this unique poet and saint of India.
Early Life Mirabai
Mira’s journey began in the early 16th century, right in the heart of Chaukari village in Merta, Rajasthan. Her dad, Ratan Singh, traced his roots back to Rao Rathor, the visionary behind Jodhpur. When Mira was just three, a wandering Sadhu gifted her dad a Sri Krishna doll. Initially hesitant, he thought little Mira wouldn’t appreciate it. Yet, Mira, with eyes full of wonder, fell head over heels for the Krishna doll. She refused to eat until it was hers, seeing Krishna as a living presence. Her commitment to Krishna was unwavering through life’s ups and downs.
In her youth, Mira saw a wedding procession and innocently asked her mom, “Who will be my husband?” The half-jesting, half-serious reply was, “You already have your husband, Sri Krishna.” Mira’s mom supported her religious inclinations, but alas, she passed away when Mira was still young.
Mira’s dad arranged her marriage to Prince Bhoj Raj, the heir to Rana Sanga of Chittor, elevating her social status. However, the opulence of the palace didn’t captivate Mira. She dutifully served her husband but found solace in evenings dedicated to devotion and singing to her beloved Sri Krishna. Lost in the melodies of her bhajans, Mira often entered states of ecstasy and trance, transcending the world around her.
Legends of Mirabai
Sadly, in 1521, Bhoj Raj lost his life in a battle, leaving Mira with a deep void. Finding solace in her religious practices, she immersed herself in dancing and singing for hours in front of the temple. People from all walks of life flocked to hear her soulful songs. However, her brother-in-law Vikram Singh, who assumed the role of the head of state, disapproved of her public displays of devotion. At one point, he even attempted to confine her within her quarters and, shockingly, made two unsuccessful attempts to poison her. Miraculously, she survived each time.
Eventually, she was forced into exile. Undeterred, Mira chose to leave Rajasthan and headed to Vrindavan, the childhood home of her beloved Krishna. There, she embraced a life of solitude, expressing herself through poetry, engaging in discussions with fellow sages, and embarking on pilgrimages to Krishna’s sacred places.
Contributions of Mirabai
Mirabai left behind a beautiful collection of poems that resonate with people worldwide. Her impassioned emotions, expressed through her poetry, have garnered immense popularity and have been translated into numerous languages, including English. Mirabai actively participated in the ‘Bhakti’ movement, a challenging period in Indian history marked by Hindu-Muslim religious disagreements. During this time, she dedicated herself sincerely to the movement, expressing her devotion through public and joyous religious songs and dance.
Mirabai’s poems, presented in the form of song verses known as ‘padas’ and spiritual love poems called ‘bhajans,’ are truly remarkable. She even created a unique raga, named ‘Mira’s Malar,’ for her songs. Mirabai wrote her poetry in a blend of Rajasthani and Braj Bhasa languages, and although originally in these languages, they have been lovingly translated into Hindi, Rajasthani, and Gujarati for a broader audience to appreciate.
Interpretation of Mirabai’s Song
In her poems, Krishna is a ‘yogi’ and lover, and she herself is a ‘yogini’ ready to take her place by his side into a religious marital happiness. Following are some of the lines from one of Mirabai’s works, which was translated by John Stratton Hawley:
My Dark One has gone to an alien land. He has left me behind, he’s never returned, he’s never sent me a single word So I’ve stripped off my ornaments, jewels and adornments, cut my hair from my head. And put on holy garments, all on his account, seeking him in all four directions. Mira: unless she meets the Dark One, her Lord, she doesn’t even want to live.
Akbar and Mirabai
Legend has it that Mirabai’s fame reached the ears of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, known for his deep interest in various spiritual paths. Intrigued, Akbar, along with his musical maestro Tansen, embarked on a journey to meet Mirabai. Disguised as beggars, they experienced the enchanting music of Mirabai, and Akbar, moved by her talent, humbly placed a priceless necklace at her feet before departing.However, this visit didn’t escape the notice of Mirabai’s husband, Bhoj Raj. Angered that a Muslim had set eyes on his wife, he commanded Mirabai to end her life by entering a river. Despite planning to obey her husband’s directive, a divine intervention occurred. As Mirabai stepped into the river, Lord Krishna appeared to her, guiding her to go to Vrindavan, where she could worship him in harmony and reconciliation.
Death of Mirabai
Mirabai spent her final days in the enchanting town of Dwarka. In the year 1547, she gracefully departed from her earthly existence, choosing to join hands with Krishna. The exact circumstances of Mirabai’s passing remain a bit mysterious, but the prevailing belief is that she seamlessly merged with the divine essence of Lord Krishna, becoming one with the beloved deity.
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