Sambodhi 2004 Vol 27

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 33

Vol. XXVII, 2004
MĪRĀBĀI IN GUJARATI TRADITION
27
composed not more than 246 poems in Gujarati language. It is believed that, unable to bear the harassment of her brother-in-law, Mira left Rajasthan, went to Vrindavana and stayed there for a few years. After that, she came to Gujarat and spent the later years of her life there dedicating herself to Lord Krsna. This view is supported by Mirā's own poem, in which she says : 'It is sin to drink water, in the kingdom of Rana, saying thus, she leaves Mewar on the left, Mīrā goes to the West.' (Ranajina deshma mare jala re piwane dosh, dabo melyo Mewar re Mīrā gayi paschimamahya-Mirānā shrestha pada, 4).
Mīrābāi's influence on Gujarati tradition is multi-faceted. She occupies unique place in the history of medieval Gujarati literature. She is considered as the first woman poetess of Gujarat (Adi Kaviyitri). She is looked upon as one of the greatest devotional poets of contemporary Gujarati literature. She is the connecting link of love between Gujarat and Rajasthan (Gujarati ane Rajasthan ne jodati premkadi). Narasi Mehta and Mirābāi are called two jewels of Gujarati literature. Scholars of Gujarati literature believe that, for the first time, poetic flame is lit by these two poets in Gujarat. These two poets inspired several devotional poets of Gujarat. Shri Govardhanram - well-known litterateur of Gujarat, while writing on the medieval poets of Gujarat, says, "all over India new era started, new lamps were lit and new lamps were lit in Gujarat by these two poets, viz., Narasi Mehta and Mīrābāi” (A. B. Dhruva. P.). Influence of her poems on Gujarat is so great that men and women, young and old alike, irrespective of caste and creed, sing her songs at village and city temples, wedding ceremonies, at village wells and in the streets, even today. Her songs are sung in the dramas on the subject of devotion. Several dramas and novels depicting her life story, are written in Gujarat. Several poems are composed highlighting her divine love and devotion towards Lord Krsna by many poets of Gujarat. Programmes of singing of her songs are arranged on special occasions and festivals like, Krsnāstami (birthday of Krsna) and Rāmanavami (birthday of Rāma). Professional groups of singers sing her songs in temples and musical programmes. People in Gujarat like to listen to her melodious compositions full of devotion, even today.
Mīrābāi's poems are spontaneous outbursts of her emotions. She had adopted local dialect to express her love and devotion towards Lord Krsna. Though Mīrā has an all India context and significance, she has influenced peoples from all walks of life in Gujarat. Like her Marwari poems, poems composed in Gujarati language reflect intense love for Lord Krsna, obsession towards Krsna and complete self-surrender. She followed the path of divine love with unflinching faith
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