2024 Mirabai Jayanti : Date, Story and Rituals
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the festivals will revolve around the birth anniversary of Meerabai, the holy saint and poetess. Devotional singing, processions, and prayers in Krishna temples are common during the festivities. This is because people worship Meerabai for her love for Krishna and her works are filled with devotion and yearning for him.
Date
Approximately 526th Birth Anniversary of Meera Bai
Meerabai Jayanti on Thursday- October 17, 2024
Purnima Tithi Begins - Oct 16, 2024, 08:40 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends - Oct 17, 2024, 04:55 PM
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| Mirabai |
Story
- One of the festivals celebrated annually is Meerabai Jayanti in remembrance of the birth anniversary of a 16th-century saint, poet, and Krishna devotee Meerabai.
- Meera, as she is also known, was born in 1498 in Kudki, a part of Rajasthan, into the royal Rajput family of Thakur Ratan Singh.
- She is well remembered for her bhajans singing pure devotion towards Krishna and her everlasting love and extreme yearning for him.
- Generally, Meerabai Jayanti is celebrated on the day of Sharad Purnima, which in the lunar calendar falls around the month of Ashwin, either in September or October.
Early Life and Devotion
- Meera was the wife of Mewar King Bhojraj but her zeal for Lord Krishna was stronger than any worldly ties.
- After the death of her husband, the family politics were such that they did not allow Meera to practice religion.
- However, she did not remain silent and started to write many bhajans – hymns full of longing and love for Krishna. Her poetic works are famous for the devotion and emotions exhibited in them.
Persecution and Miracles
- Meera’s family would at times be an obstacle to her unswerving devotion to Krishna.
- Myths say that she had to run for her life on several occasions, for instance, when she was poisoned and even when snakes were sent to kill her, all of which she triumphed over with the help of Krishna.
- In the end, she gave up her crown and royal dress and went to many sacred places, dedicating herself to worship and the mission of Krishna-prema.
Legacy and Teachings
- The life and the poetry of Meera are those of perennial blossoming of surrender, love, and devotion to God.
- Meera is regarded as one of the foremost representatives of the Bhakti movement and is venerated for her ardent devotion and violation of social conventions.
- Her bhajans remain popular and are still sung extensively in India especially in temples and towards Krishna faithful populations.
Last but not least, Meera’s memory as a saint and bard continues to evoke admiration in innumerable hearts due to her unfathomable affection towards Lord Krishna and conviction that devotion can lead one to liberation.
Rituals
The various practices and traditions related to Meerabai mainly revolve around her devotion to Krishna which is evident in her life and teachings as well. Discussed below are a few of the ceremonies that are performed in her praise, especially during festivals such as Meerabai Jayanti, which marks the birth anniversary of the medieval saint:
Bhajan Kirtan
- People actively participate by singing bhajans composed by Master Meerabai and idolatrous musical songs directed to Lord Krishna. These gatherings referred to as satsangs, aim at devotional singing and chanting puja to the followers who wish to immerse with the Lord through music.
Puja
- Worshiping Krishna in India during Meerabai Jayanti and even at other times is unique to the devotees. Devotees offer puja by placing flower and fruit offerings alongside incense sticks burning to Krishna images or idols and prayer verses reciting from Meera Bai’s poems.
Processions
- As is the case with other lovers of religion, in many places, and mostly gained popularity in Rajasthan, devotees can also call for processions on behalf of Meerabai, whereby iteration of avril background of Krishna images and/or idols is set. This has the purpose of exhibiting her impact, and more importantly, the indication of devotion she preaches.
Community Dining
- Shri-Meera bai Prabhu Mandir ka Prasad sampradaya – Some communities conduct after the puja special feasts (Langar or Prasad) for all the participants, offering everyone food. This practice enhances the feeling of togetherness and brotherhood among the devotees, which is the true essence of love and devotion that this saint Meera exemplified.
Storytelling and Recitations
- On the Observance of Meerabai Jayanti, Vyasa Pooja recalls portraying the journey, struggles, and teachings of Meerabai. These stories are devotional, enable us to understand her importance in the Bhakti movement, and urge her devotees to be equally affectionate and devoted to God.
Meaning of Celebration of Meerabai Jayanti
The observance of Meerabai Jayanti marks the anniversary of the birth of Meerabai, an eminent saint, poet, and Krishna bhakta, who has been instrumental in shaping the culture and spirituality of India, especially the Bhakti Movement.
- Spiritual Perspective: Her strong belief and dedication to Lord Krishna is a source of encouragement to all devotees. It is clear from the life of Meera that love and devotion are more important for a person than family and society, which inspires one to follow that path which is often ridiculed by family.
- Traditions: The day focuses on her input to Indian literature and music, mainly thanking her for her compositions of countless bhajans to a great number of followers. The celebration of this day, the anniversary of her birth, enables the people to preserve her traditions in the cultural memory of the society.
- Oneness and community: The ceremonies conducted to mark the celebration of the anniversary of Meerabai’s birth are parts of the whole community’s activities and thus all participants feel as one. Bhajans and processions encourage the sharing of food and other practices that support the spirit of the community and the spirit of god’s service as one.
- Women's Empowerment: In this aspect, her rebellion against society and adherence to the spiritual truth shows how devotion and faith can encourage women’s empowerment.
Commemorating Meerabai Jayanti is meant to respect her memory as well as call people to strive to live up to the values of love, devotion, and perseverance embodied by her.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is the significance of Meerabai Jayanti?
Meerabai Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Meerabai, a poet-saint and devotee of Lord Krishna, who flourished in the sixteenth century. His life and devotional ballads encourage people to cherish love and faith beyond the barriers of order. It commemorates her life and achievements in the Bhakti movement as well as spirituality in India.
How is Meerabai Jayanti celebrated?
Devotees commemorate this day by singing the bhajans of Meeera Bai, doing puja of Lord Krishna, and taking part in processions. Such celebrations, particularly in Rajasthan, are in the elaboration of her devotion and unities people to mourn for her.
When is Meerabai Jayanti celebrated?
In the Hindu calendar, the festival of Meerabai Jayanti is celebrated every year, on the full moon day (Purnima) of Ashwin month which corresponds to October. In 2024, the date will fall on the 17th of October.
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