At Thy doorstep

On the ninth day of Navratri, coinciding with Ram Navami, the heart reaches its highest pitch of devotion. This poem is a prayer shaped by yearning, whispered at the doorstep of the Divine. Inspired by the quiet culmination of nine sacred nights, it captures a devotee’s longing, love, and ultimate surrender. When the Lord’s glimpse answers the prayer, pain dissolves into peace. In that moment, the soul knows—it is heard, it is held, it is salvaged.

Oh! And I yearn for Thee, 

with a heart full of love. 

Oh! And I stand at the doorstep, 

waiting for Thee to come.

Oh! And, I pray earnestly,

longing, for Thy blessed glimpse.

Oh, do You hear me

as I place my faith in Thee.

Oh! And Thy beatific sight,

my burdens dissolve,

I am salvaged.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

The Ascent

The Ascent

This poem is dedicated to the seventh day of Navratri, which honors the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)—the gateway to divine consciousness and spiritual awakening. It reflects our human imperfections and the transformative power of surrender. As seekers, we are gently guided by the grace of the Divine Mother toward clarity, compassion, and higher truth. On this sacred day, may we dissolve our ego, embrace humility, and open ourselves fully to the radiant light of Maa's love.

We, the sinners, 

full of fallacies, 

many shortcomings too,

guided towards a better self, 

with love and surrender. 

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma. 

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Towards Light

Towards Light

The Third Eye Chakra represents wisdom, insight, and inner vision. On the sixth day of Navratri, we invoke Goddess Katyayani, who grants clarity and spiritual awakening. This poem reflects the journey from ignorance to enlightenment, where the divine truth illuminates our path. Just as the third eye opens to higher consciousness, so does devotion guide us beyond illusion.

Fumbling in the dark, 

we wander and dawdle,

squandering our existence, 

and then the path is lit

with the light of divine Truth.

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Beyond Silences

On the fifth day of Navratri, we honor Skandamata, the goddess of wisdom and nourishment, while also aligning with the throat chakra (Vishuddha)—the center of communication and truth. Often, our words falter, and our thoughts remain clouded. Yet, beneath hesitation and uncertainty lies clarity and divine expression, revealed through devotion and prayer. This poem reflects the journey from doubt to spiritual eloquence, guided by the grace of the Goddess.

Words falter, 

hazy, blurred expressions, 

havering in our minds,

and underneath this veil, 

clarity and passion, with prayers. 

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

The bloom within

The bloom within

On the fourth day of Navratri, we honor Goddess Kushmanda, the radiant source of divine energy. This day is linked to the Heart Chakra (Anahata), the center of love, compassion, and harmony. Just as seeds bloom into flowers with care, our hearts blossom with kindness and devotion when nurtured by divine blessings. This poem reflects the sacred unfolding of love within, inspired by the gentle yet powerful presence of Ma Durga’s grace. Jai Ma!

Nestled in the folds,

within the layers of heart, 

seeds of love and compassion

that grow and bloom, 

with blessings. 

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse

On the **third day of Navratri**, we invoke **Devi Chandraghanta**, the embodiment of strength, courage, and serenity. This day resonates with the **Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)**—the center of inner power, will, and transformation. Just as the **sun fuels life**, this chakra fuels our ambitions and discipline. Amidst life's inner storms—desires, doubts, and struggles—devotion becomes the unwavering force that grounds us. This poem reflects that journey, where amidst chaos, the divine presence remains our anchor. **Jai Ma!**

Rough and stormy, inside, 

waves of desires and thoughts,

and at the center of this cyclone,

rests the sacral power

of devotion. 

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Glow of Grace

This senryu seeks the blessings of the radiant sun and the peaceful moon on this sacred occasion of Eid. Just as the moonlight brings serenity and the sunshine fills hearts with warmth, may this festival bring tranquility, joy, and divine grace to all. Eid is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal, and laughters this poem captures the essence of light, peace, and abundance that illuminate the hearts of believers on this joyous day.

Peace of moonshine, and, 

radiance of sun in hearts. 

Bountiful, Thy grace! 

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Sacred Strokes

On the second day of Navratri, we worship Goddess Brahmacharini, who signifies devotion, knowledge, and creativity. The sacral chakra (Svadhisthana) governs inspiration, passion, and artistic flow. This poem reflects how the divine touch transforms simple words and sketches into profound expressions of wisdom and beauty. As the Goddess blesses us with clarity and purpose, we surrender to the creative energy that shapes our journey. Jai Ma! May her grace guide our paths!

Scrambled words and faint lines

on the papyrus,

becoming insightful verses, 

even master paintings.

with grace.

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma. 

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Rooted in faith

On the first day of Navratri, we invoke Goddess Shailputri, the embodiment of strength, stability, and unwavering faith. Just as the root chakra (Muladhara) forms the foundation of our being, so does faith anchor us amidst life’s trials. This poem draws inspiration from the terra firma and the resilience of nature, symbolizing how devotion keeps us grounded while allowing us to reach skyward. It is a tribute to trust, endurance, and divine grace.

On a firm terra, 

skywards, the lush bountiful greens.

swirling and swaying

on a twisted, knotted pedestal

with faith.

Jai Ma. Jai Jai Ma. 

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Brushstrokes of love

Holi, the festival of colors, is more than just a vibrant celebration—it is a divine tapestry woven with love, joy, and unity. This poem reflects the spiritual essence of the festival, where each color is a stroke on the canvas of life, painted under the aegis of the Almighty. As we immerse ourselves in this joyous revelry, we are reminded that love and happiness, when blessed by the divine, create a masterpiece that endures beyond time.

Under Thy aegis, ever my Lord, 

on a kaleidoscopic canvas,

a story written with love and joy.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Transient shades, eternal grace

This poem contrasts fleeting worldly indulgences—that inevitably fade—with the enduring nature of divine grace. It challenges readers to recognize the transient nature of pleasure and seek lasting solace in the unwavering strength of the Divine.

All our indulgences, 

dried safflower leaves,

soul-fabric dyed and redyed.

Oh and the color always fades. 

Whilst The indulgence of Thy name, 

stays fast, like the red of madder roots.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Hymns in the wind

As the grand celebrations of Mandi Shivratri conclude, a deep silence settles over the valley. Yet, in the hearts of devotees, the echoes of festivity and devotion linger. This poem captures the essence of that spiritual afterglow—the belief that Lord Shiva’s presence is eternal, felt even in the whispering breeze of spring. Though the trumpets may quiet, the soul continues to rejoice, knowing that the divine never truly departs.

The valley falls silent. 

But there are echoes in my heart. 

Oh! I can hear, 

the trumpets of Thy footsteps.

lingering in the spring breeze.

Thou art here, with me!!!

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Cloaked in blessings

As the grand festivities of Mandi Shivratri draw to a close, a sacred ritual marks the completion of the celebrations—barely powder, sanctified in the Lord’s name, is tossed into the air, sealing divine blessings upon the valley for the year ahead. This act symbolizes gratitude, devotion, and the continued grace of the Almighty. The sacred offering becomes a cloak of protection, ensuring prosperity, peace, and spiritual fulfillment until the festival returns once more.

Handful of barley, 

crushed, sanctified by Thy name. 

Cloak of protection, 

Thy blessings cast in the air. 

The valley smeared in Thy love. 

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Until we meet again

As the grand festival of Mandi Shivratri concludes, the heart holds a mix of gratitude and longing. This poem reflects the emotions of bidding farewell to the deities and celebrations, yet finding strength in the unwavering faith that Shiva remains with us beyond the festivities. Just as devotees depart, carrying His blessings, this poem serves as a prayer—trusting in His divine strength, knowing that today and tomorrow remain safe in His eternal embrace.

So long my dear friend. 

so long,

and until then, 

strong in Thy strength, 

safe in Thy hold.

in Thee do we trust, 

our todays and tomorrows.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Whispers of creation

Mandi Shivratri, a celebration of divine order, reminds us that everything unfolds by His will. The blooming of flowers, the tilt of the earth, the fading of life—all are but echoes of His decree. In surrender, we find harmony; in devotion, we glimpse eternity. This poem is a humble offering to the One whose word alone sustains the universe. 

By Thy decree, this creation. 

By Thy will, the earth tilts.

By Thy command, the flowers bloom. 

By Thy order, the life wilts.

Thy word alone, and nothing beyond, 

creating, sustaining, magic wand.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

The grand fair

Mandi Shivratri, a grand celebration of faith, unfolds like a cosmic fair where deities, devotees, and traditions blend into a divine spectacle. Inspired by this vibrant festivity, this naani poem reflects on the world itself as a grand fair, shifting through seasons under the watchful eyes of the Supreme. Much like the fleeting nature of a festival, life too is a transient magic show, held together by the unseen hands of the Divine, reminding us of His omnipresence.

This fair, called world, 

very many 'tis seasons.

Under Thy powerful watch, 

a charming magic show. 

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

A fair of faith

Every year, the grand Shivratri celebrations in Mandi bring together devotion, festivity, and the joy of spring. This poem captures the excitement of revisiting the fair, where prayers, music, and dance fill the air in honor of Lord Shiva. The vibrant festivities reflect both spiritual devotion and the warmth of shared celebrations. Just as spring renews the earth, so does faith renew our hearts, reminding us of the divine love and blessings that grace this sacred occasion.

Oh come dear, like every year,

we shall again visit the fair,

and pray and dance and sing,

we shall celebrate the spring,

for in Thy love, all fetes and feast, 

And Thee loves me too, a handsome treat.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Where shadows fade

After relentless rains and overwhelming floods, the sun finally shines, illuminating paths once lost to darkness. Just as nature finds renewal after a storm, so do our souls in the grace of the Divine. We, the wayward, burdened by countless missteps, seek His mercy to guide us toward roads where light prevails and shadows no longer haunt. This poem is a humble prayer for redemption, a longing to walk in the warmth of His boundless forgiveness.

We, the waywards,

very many our trespasses.

Thou art the merciful,

steering us to roads

where the sun shines 

and shadows fall behind.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Footfalls of grace

This poem reflects the perennial hopes of mortal traders, who navigate both the worldly marketplace and the spiritual realm. In its vivid imagery, the "rains of Thy mercy" symbolize divine grace that satiates our hearts, while traders fervently pray for the rains to end so that the vibrant Shivratri fair may proceed bountifully. It speaks eloquently to our human desires, a deep longing for both earthly prosperity and the transcendent fulfillment found in divine embrace.

The rains of Thy mercy,

our hearts satiated.

Sunshines too in Thy embrace. 

We, the traders, wait for footfalls.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Cosmic Carnival

Set in the picturesque valley of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, this tanka captures the vibrant spirit of Mahashivratri. It celebrates Shiva’s wedding feast, where gods rejoice and devotees dance in divine harmony. The poem attempts to blend celestial festivity with inner renewal, evoking a joyous spring within every heart. In this sacred celebration, nature and spirit unite, reflecting the eternal, transformative grace of Shiva.

Blessed is the valley! 

Gods rejoice and devotees dance. 

Shiva's wedding feast. 

Within the hearts, joyous spring. 

Outside, the festivities.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha