Meera Temple — Attraction in Rajasthan

Wow superb place for tourists Meera, also known as Mirabai2, was a 16th-century Hindu mystic poet and devotee of Lord Krishna. She is a celebrated Bhakti saint, particularly in the North Indian Hindu tradition.3

Meera Meerabai 1.jpg Raja Ravi Varma's painting of Meera Bai Other names Mirabai Meera Bai Personal Born c.14981] Kudki, Pali district, Jodhpur State, Rajasthan Died c.1573, Dwaraka Religion Hinduism Spouse Bhojraj Singh Sisodia Known for Poet Bhakti movement, Vaishnavism (Lord Krishna) Other names Mirabai Meera Bai Mirabai was born into a Rajput royal family in Kudki, Pali district, Rajasthan, Mira then spent her childhood in Merta, Rajasthan. She is mentioned in Bhaktamal, confirming that she was widely known and a cherished figure in the Bhakti movement culture by about 1600 CE.[5] Most legends about Meera mention her fearless disregard for social and family conventions, her devotion to Lord Krishna, her treating Lord Krishna as her husband and being persecuted by her in-laws for her religious devotion.[1 She has been the subject of numerous folk tales and hagiographic legends, which are inconsistent or widely different in details.1 Millions of devotional hymns in passionate praise of Lord Krishna are attributed to Meerabai in the Indian tradition, but just a few hundred are believed to be authentic by scholars, and the earliest written records suggest that except for two hymns, most were written down only in the 18th century.7] Many poems attributed to Meera were likely composed later by others who admired Meera. These hymns are commonly known as bhajans, and are popular across India.[8] Hindu temples, such as in Chittorgarh fort, are dedicated to Mira Bai's memory.[1] Legends about Meera's life, of contested authenticity, have been the subject of movies, comic strips and other popular literature in modern times.[9]

Biography Edit

Meera's temple to Krishna at Chittor Fort, Rajasthan Authentic records about Meera are not available, and scholars have attempted to establish Meera's biography from secondary literature that mention her, and wherein dates and other moments. Meera unwillingly married Bhoj Raj, the crown prince of Mewar, in 1516.[10 Her husband was wounded in one of the ongoing wars with the Delhi Sultanate in 1518, and he died of battle wounds in 1521. Both her father and father-in-law (Rana Sanga) died a few days after the battle of Khanwa in exile as they had vowed not to return to Mewar until they had defeated Babur.

After the death of her father-in-law Rana Sanga, Vikram Singh became the ruler of Mewar. According to a popular legend, her in-laws tried many times to assassinate her, such as sending Meera a glass of poison and telling her it was nectar or sending her a basket with a snake instead of flowers.2 According to the hagiographic legends, she was not harmed in either case, with the snake miraculously becoming a Krishna idol (or a garland of flowers depending on the version).6 In another version of these legends, she is asked by Vikram Singh to go drown herself, which she tries but she finds herself floating on water.[12] Yet another legend states that the Mughal emperor Akbar came with Tansen to visit Meera and presented a pearl necklace, but scholars doubt this ever happened because Tansen joined Akbar's court in 1562, 15 years after she died.[12] Similarly, some stories state that Guru Ravidas was her guru (teacher), but there is no corroborating historical evidence for this. Some versions suggest this could likely have happened. Others disagree.[12]

The three different oldest records known as of 2014 that mention Meera,[13] all from the 17th century and written within 150 years of Meera's death, neither mention anything about her childhood or circumstances of her marriage to Bhojraj, nor do they mention that the people who persecuted her were her in-laws or from some Rajput royal family.[14] Nancy Martin-Kershaw states that to the extent Meera was challenged and persecuted, religious or social conventions...

Mira Bai Mandir in Medta city, Rajasthan, is a hidden gem that encapsulates the rich spiritual and artistic heritage of this region. The temple is not only a place of worship but also an architectural and artistic marvel, showcasing the devotion and creativity of the local community.

The heart of the temple houses the famous Charbhja Ji Mandir, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his divine form. The temple complex exudes a sense of tranquillity and reverence, making it a perfect place for spiritual contemplation and devotion. The presence of Lord Charbhja Ji adds to the sanctity and historical significance of this temple.

One of the most striking features of Mira Bai Mandir is the awe-inspiring work of glass adorning the walls of the temple. This intricate glasswork is not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the artistic skills of the craftsmen who have contributed to the temple's beauty. The play of light through the glass creates a mesmerizing effect, casting a divine aura throughout the temple.

A prominent highlight within the temple is the statue of the revered Mira Bai, a prominent saint and poetess who was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. Her statue serves as an enduring symbol of devotion and love, and it pays homage to the spiritual heritage of the region.

Mira Bai Mandir is a place where spirituality, art, and history come together, creating a unique and enchanting experience for visitors. It offers a glimpse into the cultural richness of Rajasthan and the deep-rooted faith that has defined this land for centuries. If you seek not only spiritual solace but also an appreciation for intricate artistry, Mira Bai Mandir is a must-visit destination. It's a place where the divine and the creative merge harmoniously, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who enter its...

Establishment: The deity appeared in a dream to Rao Dudoji and desired him to build a temple on the spot where it stands today. It is said that the idol of the deity emerged from the ground on this very spot. The famous woman devotee Meera Bai was the grand daghter of Rao Dudhoji. She is said to have given suck to the deity. Hence it is called Meera Bai temple too. There is one more belief. The cow of a cobbler resident of Merata had a cow who would come to the tmple everyday. Milk excuded from her udders here for the deity. This led to the discovery of the idol and consturction of the temple, miracle as it was. Today also the first bhog (food) offered to the devi is of jeenagar (Mochi) caste. Brief of the Diety: The temple was initially built by Rao Dudhoji. Later Meera Bai and Jaimal offered services to the deity here. To the right and the left are the statues of Shri Keshab Das and Shri Girdhar Gopal ji respectively. On the front gate are installed the statues of Meera Bai and jaimal. The priest hood is hereditary and presently the descendants of Kaluram ji are dischaging the priestly duties. Kaluram ji lined in Dangars. Now his descendants serve the deity by turns. Religious sect to which the temple belongs: Worship is performed as per tenets of the Vaishnav sect. Architecture of the Temple:Important Architectural Characteristics: The idols of the temple are the works of sculputure art. They are of marble, metal and cement. An old wooden toran still can be seen. The statue of Meera Bai and idol of Shri Charbhuja ji are placed in a position that their eyes are fixed on each other. It is said that the monolithic statue of Meera Bai was chiselled by the sculptor who would not take any food until...