Ode to Mother Divine

I bow down in deep gratitude at the venerable lotus feet of Om Swamiji, my Guru, on the occasion of India’s Independence Day and then to Sri Hari, whom I have visualised as Mother Kali, an embodiment of complete freedom, liberation and independence from all illusions and delusions, to evince the bhava for my Ishta. 

I respectfully offer my pranaams and heartfelt gratitude to all the divine and distinguished Sadhvijis, Sadhus and other renunciants in the order, a stellar team handpicked by Swamiji; to the selfless devotees associated with various social welfare projects of the Ashram and sincere staff members. With their dedicated and devoted efforts, and continuous striving for excellence, the path to our inner transformation and right motivation is made possible, through the state-of-art Sri Badrika Ashram. They all meaningfully make our stay a ‘home away from home’.

Through hills and meadows
meandering, myriad woody roads and distant green fields,
down the muddy earthen path
to the auspicious magical world;
The Tapobhoomi of bygone sages,
of red spire structures on pious soil;
The abode of Primal Mother, Sri Hari, my Maa Kali
consort of The Supreme Lord,
my companion of yore;
May everything I do Mother be in your love
the strength to behold You in prayer in one pointed thought.

In the elegantly lit Temple Hall
stands Mother’s consecrated ever smiling graceful form;
Eyes half-closed to see the outer world with inner eyes
darkness is from where light emerges
listening to all woes;
And here,
as Her messenger benevolent
she takes the form glorious,
“A Sage King” in ochre robes
drunk with overwhelming love
pulling like magnet innumerable hearts.

Flanked by joyous devotees
as celebrities are thronged by fans;
Folded palms and bent knees
maddened by the self-effulgent radiant face
and, a fragrant tranquil gait;
Sweet melodious nectar ancient words of Bhagavad Gita
blissful compassionate heart;
All chasing in love and adoration
talking dreams;
Perhaps a soul connection to the timeless truths
of Vedic hymns and modern thought that we all seek.

Sparing not a glance
I too partake the “Love Elixir”
from her brimming cup
and quench my longing thirst;
Flitter my wings given by Her
extend my reverential hand
for soaring towards the self
crossing the mystical bridge;
Think have begun the flight,
She is the Sovereign
am just an humble soul.

Thought I had built a wall of stone
poured out my bleeding heart
on Mother’s Abhishekham chant,
venting out from leaking crevices
somewhere buried inside;
The supremely independent Mother
came out of the sanctum sanctorium  
caressed my determined undying soul;
For Kali’s boon is freedom
to revel in the moment
won after accepting silence.

In the indrawn hermitage, auspicious nights like these
on the dark mountain gorge;
Kali’s breathtaking formless beauty sparkles
hues of terror, fierce self-compassion, gleaming face
disheveled hair and a lolling tongue;
Stars as diamonds, silver moon
adorn the splendorous undulating form;
Murmuring Giri Ganga bring conch-shell sounds,
Winds the incense divine,
Crickets chirp celestial mantras,
Come Mother, sit in my heart shrine with your transcendental limitless void.

She lays the trap, laughs and claps;
Vanquish the unceasing tricks of ego
I, me and mine;
Hope, positivity and happiness
are birds that live in the nest of contentment
says The Sage;
Choose wisely as an escape to freedom,
Be real and simple;
Come home to the self
in this rare human birth
and become cheerful witness to Her play.

The Supreme Mother, form and formless
I take complete refuge in You;
After all, what all that there is
..is only because of Your grace!!!
Angels are sent my way even before seeking a ray;
The divine work is indeed incomparably great!
A peaceful smile
is what will only remain
upon each delightful self-reflective face;
What God-sent treasures I have discovered
in these golden mountain monastic caves!

🇮🇳 Vande Mataram 🇮🇳