Saint Mira

Author(s): T L Vaswani
Publisher: Saint Miras English Medium School

Page 47

SAINT MIRA
Image Mira would often sit and sing songs of thanksgiving to Sri Krishna. She did not neglect her household duties. Her devotion to her husband was as keen as her bhakti for Krishna.
Soon after her marriage, Prince Bhoj Raj died. And Mira was filled with the spirit of vairagya (detachment, renunciation). Day and night, she would sit at Krishna's Feet and sing songs dedicated to the Lord. The one word on her lips was “Gopala”. This word means “Guardian” of the Earth as, also, “Protector” of the Cow. Gradually, Mira grew, also, in the love of sadhus (servants of God). She served them with singular dovotion.
The ruler of Mewar,--Mira's father-in-law, Rana Sanga,--died. He was succeeded by Rana Ratan Sing, who was succeeded by Rana Vikramajit : it was he who subjected Mira to many hardships. He had a bad temper, and he was not well-disposed to Mira. Day after day, was Mira persecuted. She bore it all in patience : she was dauntless in her devotion to Sri Krishna : in every difficult situation she found consolation in remembering the Lord.
The Rana asks her to give up bhakti for the Lord. Gentle yet firm, Mira continues to sing her songs of devotion. The Rana tells her to think of what the people will say. Mira's answer is :-“Let them say!" Thc Rana asks her to keep away from the