Mirabai was a 16th-century Bhakti saint, poet, and Krishna devotee known for her devotional songs (bhajans). She is one of the most famous female saints of the Bhakti Movement, promoting Krishna Bhakti (Vaishnavism) and rejecting social norms, including caste and gender discrimination.
Basic Information on Mirabai
- Full Name: Mirabai (Meera Bai)
- Born: 1498 CE (Approximate)
- Birthplace: Merta, Rajasthan, India
- Philosophy: Krishna Bhakti, Bhakti Movement, Vaishnavism
- Religious Tradition: Saguna Bhakti (Worship of Krishna in form)
- Major Influence: Ravidas, Vallabhacharya, Bhakti Saints
- Main Themes: Unconditional love for Krishna, detachment from worldly life
- Sacred Texts: Meera Bhajans (Collections of devotional songs)
- Death: 1547 CE (Dwarka, Gujarat)
Early Life of Mirabai
- Born in a Rajput royal family in Rajasthan.
- From childhood, she considered Krishna as her divine husband.
- Forced into marriage with Prince Bhoj Raj of Mewar, but she remained devoted to Krishna.
- After her husband’s death, she renounced palace life and wandered, singing devotional songs for Krishna.
Philosophy and Teachings of Mirabai
1. Krishna Bhakti (Unconditional Devotion to Krishna)
- Worshiped Krishna as her husband, friend, and ultimate love.
- Saw Krishna as the only true relationship, rejecting material bonds.
2. Bhakti Over Rituals & Social Norms
- Rejected traditional rituals and caste discrimination.
- Opposed restrictions on women’s freedom to worship.
3. Mystical Love for Krishna
- Expressed spiritual longing (Viraha Bhakti) for Krishna through songs.
- Many of her bhajans describe separation from Krishna and the pain of waiting for him.
4. Detachment from Worldly Life
- Abandoned palace luxuries to live as a wandering saint.
- Believed in Satsang (association with devotees) and Kirtan (devotional singing).
Major Works – Meera Bhajans
| Theme | Famous Bhajan | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Love for Krishna | “पायो जी मैंने राम रतन धन पायो” | “I have found the priceless jewel of Rama (Krishna)” |
| Devotion Beyond Social Norms | “मेरे तो गिरधर गोपाल दूसरो न कोई” | “Only Krishna is mine, no one else matters” |
| Detachment from the World | “चलो मन गंगा जमुना तीर” | “O mind, let’s go to the sacred rivers and leave worldly attachments” |
Mirabai and the Bhakti Movement
- Popularized Krishna Bhakti across India through simple bhajans.
- Inspired women to participate in Bhakti, challenging gender restrictions.
- Encouraged direct devotion to God without priests or rituals.
- Helped spread Vaishnavism and Krishna worship in North and West India.
Mirabai’s Conflict with Rajput Society
- After her husband’s death, her in-laws opposed her devotion to Krishna.
- She refused to follow Sati (self-immolation), which was expected of widows.
- She faced persecution from Rajput rulers but remained steadfast in her faith.
- Eventually, she left the royal palace and traveled to Vrindavan and Dwarka.
Mirabai and Krishna Temples
- Govind Dev Ji Temple (Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh)
- Dedicated to Krishna, where Mirabai spent time in devotion.
- Dwarkadhish Temple (Dwarka, Gujarat)
- Mirabai is believed to have merged with Krishna’s idol here at the end of her life.
- Meera Temple (Chittorgarh, Rajasthan)
- Built by Rana Kumbha, honoring Mirabai’s devotion to Krishna.
Comparison: Mirabai vs Surdas
| Feature | Mirabai | Surdas |
|---|---|---|
| Main Theme | Love for Krishna | Krishna’s Childhood (Bal Leela) |
| Sacred Text | Meera Bhajans | Sur Sagar |
| Worship Style | Bhakti (Emotional Love for Krishna) | Bhakti (Devotion to Krishna as a Child) |
| Philosophy | Saguna Bhakti (Personal Relationship with Krishna) | Pushtimarg (Krishna as Child) |
| Language Used | Rajasthani, Braj Bhasha, Gujarati | Braj Bhasha |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Born In: Merta, Rajasthan
- Philosophy: Krishna Bhakti, Saguna Bhakti
- Main Teachings: Love for Krishna, Bhakti over rituals
- Sacred Texts: Meera Bhajans (songs)
- Famous Poems: “मेरे तो गिरधर गोपाल दूसरो न कोई”, “पायो जी मैंने राम रतन धन पायो”
- Death Place: Dwarka, Gujarat
MCQs on Mirabai
1. What was the main theme of Mirabai’s poetry?
A) Shiva Bhakti
B) Krishna Bhakti
C) Rama Bhakti
D) Buddhism
✅ Answer: B) Krishna Bhakti
2. What is the name of the famous devotional songs composed by Mirabai?
A) Ramcharitmanas
B) Sur Sagar
C) Meera Bhajans
D) Bhagavad Gita
✅ Answer: C) Meera Bhajans
3. Which temple is associated with the legend of Mirabai merging with Krishna?
A) Meenakshi Temple
B) Dwarkadhish Temple
C) Kashi Vishwanath
D) Jagannath Temple
✅ Answer: B) Dwarkadhish Temple
4. In which language did Mirabai compose her bhajans?
A) Sanskrit
B) Braj Bhasha & Rajasthani
C) Awadhi
D) Tamil
✅ Answer: B) Braj Bhasha & Rajasthani
5. Who was the spiritual influence on Mirabai?
A) Kabir
B) Vallabhacharya
C) Surdas
D) Guru Nanak
✅ Answer: B) Vallabhacharya
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Mirabai, and what were her main teachings?
- What is the significance of Meera Bhajans in Bhakti tradition?
- How did Mirabai contribute to Krishna Bhakti?
- Name any two famous bhajans of Mirabai.
- What were the challenges Mirabai faced in her life?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the role of Mirabai in the Bhakti Movement.
- Explain the themes of Krishna Bhakti in Mirabai’s poetry.
- Compare Mirabai and Surdas in their devotional teachings.
- How did Mirabai’s works influence Hindu devotional traditions?
- What are the main teachings of Mirabai on Bhakti and renunciation?