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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[AUGUBT, 1903.
consciousness, her parents affectionately told her that, if it made her happy, she might take Ginhar Lal with her without any further ceremony. She replied that if they valued the happiness of her life, they would give her the image, and she would worship it with heart and soul. Her parents had already perceived that she was a saint and lover of God," and so at the moment of separation from their beloved danghter they presented her with the image as part of her dowry.
Mira Bai, who was overjoyed at obtaining possession of the object of her devotion, set it up in her palanquin, and during the journey feasted her eyes on its beauty. On arriving at her new home, her mother-in-law, the Rini, had hardly paid her the rites of hospitality, when she asked her to worship Durga, a goddess of a totally different temper from the playful Krishņa. Mira Bal said, however, that she had devoted her body to Girdhar Lal, and she would bow her head to none but him. Her mother-in-law replied that a good wife was improved by worshipping Darga. But Mira Bat closed the discussion by saying it was of no use to press ber further, and she would abide by her first determination. On this the Rant became very angry, and went to complain of Mira Båt to the Rana: “ This daughter-in-law of ours is worthless, as on the very day of her arrival she refuses to obey me and puts me to shame. It is clear what our fature relations are going to be."
The Bana became excessively incensed and went to his daughter-in-law with the intention of panishing her. The Rani, however, had sufficient sense to restrain him; and he decided that the interests of domestic peace would be consulted by putting Mirå Båt into a separate apartment. The point decided was that, although it is admitted by the author of the Bhagat Mald that Rukniipi, who became Krishņa's consort and the milkmaids who became Kțishna's playfellows, did not meet him until they had sacrificed to Dargi, as Mira Bat had already obtained Krishộa, it was unnecer sary for her to worship Durga, and no exception could be taken to her condact on the precedent of Rukmiņi and the milkmaids.
Mira Bal on finding herself in a private apartment became excessively happy, and gave full scope to her religious enthusiasm. She set up her image, deoked and adorned it, and devoted herself night and day to the company of saints. Her sister-in-law Udai BA was sent to remonstrate with her, and said " You are born of a noble house. Be wise and desist from the company of faqire, which casts a slur on both our families." Mfrá Baf replied “The slur of hundreds of thousands of births departs on association with the saints. The slar is on her who loves not their company. My life depends on the company of the saints. To anyone who is displeased with it your remonstrance would be proper." It was on this occasion that Mira Bải composed the following hymns:
O my friend, my mind is attached to Krishna ; I shall not be restrained from loving him.. If anyone give me a reproach, I will give a hundred thousand in return. My mother-in-law is severe, my sister-in-law obstinate ; how can I ondure this misery? Mire for the sake of the lord Girdhar would endure the obloquy of the world, I have the god Girdhar and no other; He is my spouso on whose head is a crown of peacock feathers, Who carrieth a shell, discus, mace, and lotus, and who weareth a necklace.! I have forfeited the respect of the world by ever sitting near boly men. The matter is now public; everybody knows it. Having felt supreme devotion I die as I behold the world. I have no mother, father, son, or relation with me. I laugh when I behold my beloved ; people think I weep. I have planted the vine of love, and irrigated it again and again with the water of tears. I have cast away fear of the world ; what can anyone do to me ? Mira's love for her god is fized, happen what may.
This is a desoription of Visbņu, of whom Krishpa was an incarnation
