SANT MIRABAI JANMOTSAV” – CELEBRATING THE 525TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Why in the News?

  • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will partake in Sant Mirabai Janmotsav‘ which is set to commemorate the 525th Birth Anniversary of Sant Mirabai on 23rd November, 2023

Highlights

  • The Prime Minister will also attend a cultural program involving the release of a special commemorative stamp and coin dedicated to Sant Mira Bai.
Mirabai: The Bhakti Reformer and Poetess

Mirabai, a prominent Bhakti reformer, hails from the royal Rajput family of Kudki, Rajasthan, and matures in Merta. As the spouse of Rana Bhojraj, a Rajasthan royal, her life unfolds with profound contributions:

·  Pioneering Bhakti Movement: 

o    Revered as the most popular Bhakti reformer.

o    Mirabai introduces the Giridhara Gopala cult of Brindavan and

o    Pioneers Bhajan in the Bhakti movement.

·  Linguistic Legacy: Composing her bhajans in the language of Braj Bhasha, Mirabai’s poetic expressions embrace the essence of devotion.

·  Cultural Presence: Around 1600 CE, her mention in Bhaktamal solidifies her status in Bhakti culture, narrating tales of her devotion to Krishna and struggles with in-laws.

·  Varied Folklore: The folklore surrounding Mirabai presents a myriad of contradictory tales, each contributing to her mystique and revered legacy.

·  Literary Contributions: Though credited with millions of devotional hymns, scholarly scrutiny reveals authenticity in only a few hundred, primarily transcribed in the 18th century.

·  Poetic Style: Mirabai’s lyrical padas in Rajasthani, presented in works like Raag Govind and Meera Ki Malhar, reflect her poetic brilliance.

·  Sikhism Influence: Her poetry finds a place in Sikhism’s Prem Ambodh Pothi, attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, showcasing her universal impact.

·  Multilingual Composition: Written in Braj Bhasa and Rajasthani, Mirabai’s linguistic richness adds depth to her spiritual expression, leaving an indelible mark on India’s cultural tapestry.