“Meerabai Jayanti”, celebrated annually, is a day dedicated to honoring the birth anniversary, the life and devotion of Meerabai, one of India's most revered saints and poets from the Bhakti movement. Known for her unwavering love and devotion to Lord Krishna, Meerabai’s spiritual poetry continues to inspire millions across the world. There is no definitive historical record of Meera Bai's birth anniversary, but according to the Hindu lunar calendar, her birth is commemorated on the day of Sharad Purnima. Hence, this year, we are observing the approximately 526th birth anniversary of Meera Bai on the 17th of October ‘24.
As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Meerabai Jayanti”, coinciding with “Sharada Purnima”, in ‘24 is as follows:
Meerabai Jayanti on Thursday, 17th of October ‘24
Meerabai was born around 1498 CE in Kudki, Rajasthan, into a Rajput royal family. From a young age, she exhibited a profound and unique devotion to Lord Krishna, considering him not just a deity but her eternal husband. Her life is a remarkable testament to the power of spiritual love and devotion, transcending societal norms and familial obligations.
Meerabai was the daughter of Ratan Singh, a royal from Merta. Her deep connection with Krishna began at a very young age when she was gifted a small idol of Krishna by her father. She would often play with the idol, treating it as her closest companion, and this bond only grew stronger with time. Despite her royal background, Meerabai was deeply spiritual, finding solace only in her devotion to Krishna.
At a young age, Meerabai was married to Bhoj Raj, the crown prince of Mewar. However, her marriage did not alter her dedication to Krishna. Even as a queen, she continued her devotional practices, composing and singing songs in praise of her beloved deity.
After her husband's untimely death, Meerabai faced severe opposition from her in-laws and society. Her open devotion to Krishna, particularly her publicly singing and dancing in temples, was considered inappropriate for a woman of her royal status. Her in-laws, unable to curb her devotion, even attempted to poison her. Legend holds that Krishna miraculously saved Meerabai from the poison, further solidifying her faith.
Meerabai eventually renounced her royal life, choosing to live as a wandering ascetic. She visited sacred sites such as Vrindavan and Dwarka, completely surrendering herself to Krishna’s divine will. Her life of simplicity and devotion continues to inspire people to this day.
Meerabai’s poetry is a treasure trove of spiritual devotion, expressing her intense love and yearning for Krishna. She composed approximately 1,300 poems, most of which are in Rajasthani and Braj Bhasha. Her songs, known as bhajans, are filled with longing and divine love, portraying Krishna as her beloved.
Some of her most famous compositions include:
Meerabai’s poetry transcends time and space, offering a glimpse into her deep spiritual connection with Krishna. It has been a source of inspiration for poets, musicians, and spiritual seekers throughout history.
Meerabai was a significant figure in the Bhakti movement, a spiritual movement that emphasized personal devotion over ritualistic practices. The movement sought to break down the barriers of caste, gender, and class, encouraging a direct, personal relationship with the divine. Meerabai’s life and works are seen as an embodiment of this philosophy.
Despite the societal constraints of her time, Meerabai's devotion to Krishna remained steadfast. Her life is a powerful symbol of defiance against patriarchal norms, as she rejected the traditional roles expected of women in royal households. Instead, she followed her own spiritual path, one that prioritized love and devotion over worldly responsibilities.
“Meerabai Jayanti” is celebrated with great fervor, particularly in northern India. Devotees gather in temples dedicated to Krishna, singing Meerabai's bhajans and reciting her poetry. The day is marked by spiritual gatherings, special pujas, and dramatic enactments of Meerabai’s life. Temples are beautifully adorned with flowers, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion and reverence.
The singing of Meerabai's bhajans is a central aspect of the celebrations. These devotional songs bring to life the intense emotional connection Meerabai had with Krishna. Many devotees spend the day immersed in her poetry, singing her praises late into the night.
In regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, special programs are organized in temples, with devotees offering flowers, sweets, and prayers to Krishna. Pilgrimages to sacred sites associated with Meerabai, including Vrindavan, Dwarka, and her birthplace in Rajasthan, are common during this time. These pilgrimages are seen as acts of devotion, allowing devotees to connect with Meerabai’s spiritual journey.
Meerabai’s life is a timeless story of love, faith, and defiance. She defied societal norms, choosing to follow her heart and devotion to Krishna, even in the face of immense opposition. Her life stands as a testament to the power of individual agency and spiritual freedom.
For many, Meerabai is not just a historical figure but a living symbol of devotion. Her unwavering love for Krishna, her courage to defy societal expectations, and her timeless poetry make her an eternal figure in the spiritual landscape of India.
As “Meerabai Jayanti” ‘24 approaches, devotees and spiritual seekers alike will gather to celebrate her life and legacy. Her devotion to Krishna, her poetic genius, and her defiance of societal norms continue to inspire generations. On October 17th, as we sing her songs and reflect on her journey, we are reminded of the transformative power of love and devotion.
Meerabai’s legacy transcends time, offering a beacon of hope and spiritual guidance for all who seek the divine through love and surrender.
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