Mirabai

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Many scholars have tried to piece together information about the life of Mira. Most of the sources used to put the pieces of her life together have been through her autobiographic poems. Mirabai was born in 1498 A.D. in Kudki. She was the daughter of Ratan Singh. Her grandfather was Rao Duda, who was the ruler of an independent powerful state in Rajasthan named Merta. Mirabai's mother died when she turned two, and so her grandfather took her to Merta and raised her there.

Rao Duda was a "man with a devotional bent of mind," (Sethi 4) because of this, there were regular visits by holy men at his palace. This strong presence of devotion undoubtedly had an influence in Mirabai's spiritual tendencies. Not only did Mirabai have a strong devotion in her spirituality, however she was known to have a gifted voice and was said to be one of the great beauties of her time. Mirabai had the customary royal upbringing, including royal education, which consisted of "knowledge of scriptures, music, spinning and sewing, along with archery, fencing, horse-riding and driving chariots" (Sethi 4). All of these traits made her more attractive. The King of Mewar, Rana Sanga approached Mirabai's grandfather for her hand in marriage for his eldest son.

A few months after Mirabai's engagement, her grandfather Rao Duda passed away. This was a devastating shock to her because Rao Duda raised her as both a mother and father figure. Mirabai later got married at the age of eighteen in the year 1516. Her husband was said to be handsome and a well-known warrior. About ten years after their marriage, in 1526, Mirabai had another devastating shock, her husband died in battle. Mirabai was selected to be the future Queen of Mewar. Six mont...

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...hi 25). Scholars however believe that she escaped, so she would not have to return to Chittor, as there were no guards at the temple.

What made Mirabai's devotion to Krishna so deep? This is perhaps a question we will never find the answers to. Was it the spiritual devotion taught to her as a child? Perhaps it the many deaths of loved ones she had to endure. This question can be argued, however something that may not be argued is that she had a strong devotion to her Lord. She cut social ties, risked being murdered, and stood through both public and family criticism. Not much is certain about Mirabai, nor her life, however what is certain is that she dedicated her life to Krishna. She dedicated her life to getting to know the Lord. Today Mirabai is noted as a great devotionalist, poet, and her songs are sung throughout different parts of India.

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