Learn about the life and spiritual devotion of Mirabai, the poet-saint whose love for Krishna inspires millions.

Introduction to Meera

Meera, also known as Mirabai and revered as Sant Meera, was a 16th-century Hindu mystic poet and devotee of Krishna. She is celebrated as one of the most important figures in the Bhakti movement, particularly within North Indian Hindu tradition. Meera’s profound love for Krishna and her spiritual devotion made her one of the most beloved saints in Indian history. Her devotion and life have been immortalized through her extensive collection of hymns, devotional songs (bhajans), and miraculous stories that have inspired millions.

Meera's Life Journey

• Early Life and Family Background
  • Born into a Rathore Rajput family in the town of Kudki, Meera spent her early years in Merta.
  • She was the daughter of Ratan Singh Rathore and the granddaughter of Rao Dudaji of Merta.
• Marriage and Tragic Loss
  • In 1516, she was married to Bhoj Raj, the crown prince of Mewar.
  • Her life took a dramatic turn after his untimely death in 1521.

Spiritual Journey and Devotion

• Intensification of Devotion
  • After her husband's death, Meera's devotion to Krishna intensified, leading to numerous trials and persecution by her in-laws.
  • Her commitment to her faith and music, which was disapproved of by her in-laws, is a recurring theme in her life.
• Persecution and Miracles
  • Meera faced constant opposition from her in-laws, including poisoned food and dangerous gifts like a basket containing a snake.
  • Miraculously, she was saved through divine intervention, with one legend recounting her being protected by a thread tied around a Krishna idol.
  • Another popular legend tells how her in-laws tried to drown her in a lake, but she floated, carried by divine forces.

Meera's Poetry and Musical Devotion

• Devotional Poetry
  • Meera’s poetry, mostly written in Rajasthani and later recorded in Hindi, expresses her intense love and devotion to Krishna.
  • Her famous bhajan, "Payoji maine Ram Ratan dhan payo", translates to "I have been given the richness of God's name blessing."
• Music in Devotion
  • Music was a crucial element in Meera’s devotion to Krishna, with her bhajans sung to classical ragas.
  • Her compositions became both a personal expression of devotion and a collective worship medium, strengthening the bond between her and her followers.

Meera's Influence on Indian Mysticism and Bhakti Movement

• Impact on the Bhakti Movement
  • Meera played a significant role in the Bhakti movement, advocating for personal devotion to God and rejecting caste distinctions.
  • Despite the patriarchal society, she transcended gender and class through her spiritual journey, making her an icon of spiritual liberation.
• Legacy and Shrines
  • Meera’s influence is reflected in temples and shrines dedicated to her, particularly in Rajasthan, with the Chittor Fort being one of the most famous locations associated with her life.

Meera's Mystical and Spiritual Death

• Disappearance and Final Years
  • In the later years of her life, Meera is said to have gone on pilgrimages to sacred places like Dwarka and Vrindavan.
  • She is said to have disappeared into a Krishna idol after being poisoned by her brother-in-law in 1547.

Meera's Connection to Other Bhakti Saints

• Connection to Ravidas
  • Meera is often linked to other Bhakti saints like Ravidas, whom she considered her spiritual guru.
  • Her poems in praise of Ravidas highlight the interconnectedness of Bhakti saints, who shared a common vision of devotion and love for the divine.

Meera’s Influence on Sikh Literature

• Inclusion in the Adi Granth
  • Meera’s compositions were included in an early version of the Adi Granth compiled in 1604 by Guru Arjan.
  • Although later removed, this inclusion reflects her spiritual importance within the broader context of Indian devotional literature.

Meera in Modern Culture and Translations

• Modern Popular Culture
  • Meera's story and poetry continue to inspire modern artists, writers, and spiritual seekers.
  • Her life has been depicted in various forms of popular culture, including movies, comic books, and stage performances.
• Global Recognition through Translations
  • Meera’s poetry has been translated into numerous languages, making her teachings accessible to a global audience.
  • Translations such as A.J. Alston’s Mystic Songs of Meera and V.K. Subramanian’s The Devotional Poems of Mirabai have contributed to her international recognition.
  • Her bhajans have been rendered into English by poets like Robert Bly and Jane Hirshfield.