Context:

• Prime Minister participated in ‘Sant Mirabai Janmotsav’ – a programme being organized to celebrate the 525th Birth Anniversary of Sant Mirabai in Mathura.

Commemorative coin of ₹525 to mark the occasion of the 525th Birth Anniversary of Saint Mirabai

• The PM released a commemorative stamp and a coin in honor of Saint Mirabai.

About Saint Mirabai:

• Birth: Mirabai was born into a royal family in Kudki, now Pali district of Rajasthan in 1498 CE. 
  • Her childhood name was Yashodha.
  • In 1516, Mira Bai was unwillingly married to Rana Bhoj Raj the crown prince of Mewar. After the death of Bhoj Raj in 1521 CE, Mira Bai left Mewar in search of lord Krishna. Saint Mirabai is one of the famous Hindu mystic poets of the 16th century and a great devotee of lord Krishna belonging to the medieval era.

• Devotional Journey: It is said that Mirabai met a saint in childhood who gifted her a statue of Lord Krishna and from there, her devotional journey began. 
  • She started praying to Krishna considering him as her divine lover. Mirabai was given royal education including music, religion, and instruction in politics and government.
• Biography: Bhaktmal, a poetry collection that describes the biography of Mira Bai, was written by Guru Nabha Dass ji in 1585 CE in Braja language.
• Contribution to Music: The songs Mirabai sang in Braja language while offering prayer and expressing her emotions to lord Krishan are considered her poetry collection. 
  • These include Raag Govind, Narsi Ji Ka Mayara, Geet Govind ki Tika, Mirabai ki Malhar, Raag Vihaag, and Garba Geet.
  • Her Rag Govind narrating her love for Krishna exemplifies the true spirit of the bhakti movement. 
• Death: She died in 1548 CE at the age of 50 in Dwarka, Gujarat.

News Source: PIB

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