Question

Write a short note on the life of Mirabai as a saint.

Hint:

When writing about Bhakti saints, highlight their specific deity of devotion (Mirabai -> Krishna), their form of expression (poetry/bhajans), and how they challenged societal norms. This provides a comprehensive overview.

Answer 1

Mirabai (c. 1498–1547 AD) was a 16th-century Hindu mystic poet and one of the most revered saints of the Bhakti movement. [24, 32] Born a Rajput princess in Rajasthan, she defied the strict social and patriarchal norms of her time to dedicate her life to the worship of Lord Krishna.
From a young age, Mirabai considered Lord Krishna her divine husband. [25, 37] Although married into the royal family of Mewar, she refused to follow conventional duties and instead spent her time composing and singing devotional songs (bhajans) in praise of Krishna.
After the death of her husband, she faced intense persecution from her in-laws for her public displays of devotion, which included singing and dancing in temples, something considered improper for a royal widow. Legend says there were several attempts on her life, including being given a cup of poison, but she survived through divine grace.
Leaving the palace, she lived the life of a wandering ascetic, visiting places associated with Krishna like Vrindavan. Her compositions, filled with intense love, longing, and unwavering faith, are still sung across India. Mirabai's life is a powerful symbol of spiritual devotion, female empowerment, and the transcendence of social barriers for the love of God.