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 

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 

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 

In the arms of Shiva

This devotional piece is a loose adaptation of the revered "Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Ih" composition, reimagined for the sacred celebrations of Mahashivratri. In this heartfelt invocation, the devotee passionately pleads for divine strength, courage, and unwavering commitment to righteousness, even in life's fiercest battles. Embracing the timeless spirit of Lord Shiva, the poem encourages a relentless pursuit of good deeds and an enduring bond with the divine, even as mortal life fades into dust.

Bless me, oh Supreme Master! 

Grant me this boon

that I may never sidestep

from doing good deeds.

That beyond all fears,

I may have the courage

to face every battle of my life

and I may have the faith too, 

that by Thy grace, I shall win them all.

That I may teach myself

to be hungry always, to be greedy, 

for singing Thy glories.

And that I may not forsake Thee

even in the eventide of my life. 

That when my mortal self turns to dust, 

I should still be fighting hard to hold on to Thee.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Echoes of Shivratri

This free verse poem vibrantly captures the spirited celebration of Maha Shivratri in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. It brings to life the dynamic energy of the divine procession, where beating drums, lush greens, and clear blues echo the mystical pulse of spring. It appears that nature joins in a jubilant cavalcade of devotion and renewal during the arrival of deities. 

I can hear the drums beating. 

That mystic rhythm,

spellbinding, irresistible refrain.

Far away in my valley, 

the Lords are arriving.

on the palanquins of spring.

Oh! I can feel it in my heart, 

the pulse, the cadence, the melody

of their arrival. 

I can see

the lush greens, the clear blues, 

the royal cavalcade.

Oh! And I am there.

By all my heart.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Sacred love

On Valentine’s Day, this bhajan-style poem celebrates the essence of love through vivid, playful imagery and dynamic metaphors. The beloved is portrayed as a lush mountain, a soothing silver moon, and a humble earthen lamp, while the speaker transforms into a dancing peacock, a faithful partridge, and a burning wick. Through its devotional tone and rhythmic repetition, the speaker has attempted to evoke both sensual delight and deep reverence, inviting readers to honor an everlasting union of pure passion and devotion.

Such is the nature of love. 

Thou be the mountain, lush and green,

and I shall come dancing, swirling like peacocks.

Thou be the moon, that soothing silver sliver, 

and I shall be the partridge, ever facing Thee.

Thou be the lamp, tiny little earthen clay lamp

and I shall be the wick, burning for Thee all night.

Such the bond of my true love,

so much in love with Thee.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

The Cuckoo's Prayer

Just as the cuckoo waits patiently for the soothing kiss of rain to bring relief and salvation, so too does my spirit yearn for a divine embrace that offers spiritual solace. In this haiku, nature’s tender moment becomes a metaphor for inner longing—an appeal for renewal, hope, and transcendent comfort. It invites us to reflect on our own search for spiritual relief, finding inspiration in nature’s ephemeral yet profound, truly transformative, embrace.

The pied cuckoo thirsts,

waits for the kiss of raindrops.

And I wait for Thee.

Happy Kiss Day!!!

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Wrapped in Thy hug

On Hug Day, this pantoum transforms the simple act of embracing into a sacred dialogue between the human heart and the divine. The poem invites us to hold onto a higher presence as one would clutch a cherished hug. The journey through life's labyrinth becomes a meditation on faith, trust, and surrender, with every verse echoing the timeless comfort found in a divine embrace.

Through everything that transpires

may I have the faith to clasp Your hand

and walk through this entire labyrinth

finding a refuge for my soul. 

May I have the faith to clasp Your hand

holding on to You through my trials,

finding a refuge for my soul,

beyond my many imperfections. 

Holding on to You through my trials,

my only prayer be, the courage

to embrace You, in absolute surrender

through everything that transpires. 

Happy Hug Day!!!

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

In His hands

This heartfelt naani poem on Promise Day invites us to trust in the sacred promise that if we commit wholeheartedly to Him, He will gracefully arrange every aspect of our lives. The poem reminds us that by surrendering our worries and entrusting our affairs to the divine, a future filled with peace and order awaits.

This He promises to us all,

that we commit to Him,

and He shall sort out, 

all our affairs, henceforth.

Happy Promise Day!!!

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha