Mirabai
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Mirabai (मीराबाई) (c.1498-1550?) was a female Hindu mystical poet during the Mughal period of Indian history. She composed many prayerful bhajans. They are in the bhakti tradition, and most passionately praised Lord Krishna. She was from Rajasthan, and the extant version of her poems are in Hindi. Her father's elder brother Vikram Deo who succeeded to the throne arranged her marriage with Prince Bho Raj, the eldest son of Rana Sanga of Chitter. This marriage raised Meera to a very high social status, as the ruler of Chitter was considered to be the leader of the Hindu princes. However her great devotion to Lord Krishna didn't always endear her to her husband and family. Her love of Krishna was so absorbing she neglected her social and regal responsibilities. Because of this Mirabai suffered great hardship throughout her life. These physical hardships became intolerable and after praying to Krishna, she left the palace for good and went to the pilgrimage of Mathura, Vrindavana and finally to Dwarika. Mirabai spent most of her time in prayer and worship of Krishna. She left behind a legacy of many soulful and prayerful songs, which are still sung in India today.
External links
- Poetseers: Mirabai (http://www.poetseers.org/the_poetseers/mirabai) includes English translations of 35 of Mirabai's poems (links to the left).
- Mirabai - (http://home.infionline.net/~ddisse/mirabai.html)Collection of links to various sites on Mirabai