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 

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 

Not Durga, Not Lakshmi

While walking through rural Haryana, I was deeply struck by the names given to young girls: names like Antima, Kaafi, Maafi, Batheri, and Kshama. The irony of these names—synonyms for apology and regret—contrasted sharply with the lofty rhetoric of empowerment. This poem emerges from that memory, a stark reflection on the hollow celebrations of Women’s Day and the harsh reality many women endure.

And while we sit

in our plush cabins,

dressed in the choicest garms,

talking about empowerment, 

inspiration and elevation 

of "we, the women", 

a girl is born

in the rural remotes,

and for the rest of her life, 

she will be called, 

no,

not by the names of Durga or Lakshmi, 

but by the synonyms

of apology and regret.

Happy women's day.

Sounds so hollow...right???

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Her power, unbound

This poem is a spontaneous expression of admiration and reverence for the essence of womanhood. It captures the strength, creativity, and life-giving power that women embody. It attempts to celebrate their role as the foundation of life and a force of nature. Random thoughts come together in this piece as a tribute to the resilience, beauty, and limitless potential of every woman.

You are the very nature,

the seed of all life, you are,

a beautiful masterpiece.

Potent, powerful, proficient power.

Yes!!! You are!!!

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 

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 

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 

The Song of Nature

Before the call of muezzin, 

before the Om was revealed, 

before the hymns were written,

before all the sacred rituals,

that man ever invented, 

this nature sang for Thee.

The songs of rivers, whistling of winds, 

chirping of birds, sussarations of spring,

rising and falling tides, 

the prayers of grace and gratitude.

The nature sings still,

in Thy love,

all its melodies, attuned to Thee.

And some day, 

when we will all be gone,

'tis canticles will still echo.

The rhythm will never fade.

This poem reflects on the timeless devotion of nature, revealing that long before human rituals and prayers, nature already sang in honor of the divine. With the songs of rivers, winds, birds, and tides serving as prayers of grace and gratitude, this poem celebrates a primordial, eternal hymn. Even after humanity fades, nature’s canticles will continue to echo, preserving an everlasting rhythm of divine love—a sacred testament to the immutable bond between creation and the Creator. It reassures that even after humanity is gone, nature’s sacred melodies will continue to echo, eternally attuned to divine love.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

The Divine Proposal

This poem offers a meditative reflection on divine love, symbolizing the profound reciprocity between human initiative and the boundless response of the divine. It suggests that a single step toward the sacred is reciprocated with an infinite journey of care, support, and grace. The poem’s vivid imagery contrasts minimal human effort with overwhelming divine commitment, invoking spiritual assurance and hope, while evoking themes of surrender and eternal, transformative love. A timeless message of unconditional devotion.

The only proposal that has ever existed in love,

is that you take, but one step, towards Him

and He shall walk, a million miles, to meet you

embrace you and carry you, across all the way.

Happy propose day!!!

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

By Thy Word, We Dance

The universe moves in divine rhythm, an eternal dance guided by an unseen force. Every star, every planet, and every living being sways in harmony, yielding to a will greater than itself. This poem is a meditation on the sacred choreography of existence—a celebration of the cosmic pulse that unites all creation. It invites the reader to see the beauty in surrender, the joy in movement, and the interconnectedness of all things. As the elements swirl and the galaxies waltz, we too are part of this celestial symphony, bound by love, flowing with grace, and dancing to the eternal song.

The universe grooves. 

The planets, the solar systems,

the milky way, spin to Thy tunes. 

The infinite, countless celestial elements 

move rhythmically to the beat

of Thy word. 

And like the pirouetting cosmos, 

all those who bear Thy love

within their hearts

swivel gracefully, yielding completely. 

Every single living being,

every leaf, every bird,

all life dances, 

sways with Thy will.

The air twirls, water swirls, 

fire flounces,

and earth waltzes. 

All to Thy command.

Linking with Sammi Cox Weekend Writing Prompt #399 Groove

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Lord has risen

This humble composition is a belated tribute to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the embodiment of divine wisdom, courage, and righteousness. The poem seeks to glorify the eternal Lord — a Lord whom Guru Sahib revered as the ultimate sovereign, above all earthly kings and emperors.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, was not only a spiritual master but also a warrior, poet, and philosopher. He taught humanity the essence of living a life of integrity, humility, and devotion. His teachings remind us that true sovereignty belongs to the Almighty, the "King of kings", whose blessings and protection extend to all who walk the path of truth and righteousness.

As I offer this verse, I am inspired by the Guru’s unwavering faith in the divine. His declaration of “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh” symbolizes the eternal truth that all glory and victory belong to God alone. Through this poem, I aim to echo that sentiment and reaffirm the timeless message that under the Lord’s aegis, we are forever guided and blessed.

May this poem serve as a reminder of Guru Sahib’s legacy and the light he continues to shine on humanity.

In gratitude and reverence,

For Lord, Thou has risen!

Thee, who art

the Lord of all lords,

the King of all kings,

the Emperor of all emperors. 

And under Thy aegis o Monarch,

we take a seat, and Thee bestows

very many blessings, forever and evermore.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

A winter's reflection

In the quietude of winter, we often find ourselves confronted with the depths of our own being. This free verse exploration delves into the emotional landscape of this season, from despair to hope. Like the character of Ebenezer Scrooge, we may find ourselves lost in the darkness of our own hearts. Yet, through introspection and empathy, we can emerge transformed, embracing the warmth of human connection and the promise of a brighter future.

And though I have chosen a festive background, the poem is originally inspired by the photo challenge 542 shared by Mindlovemisery's menagerie 

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha

A tender embrace

Mata Gujri ji, a beacon of unwavering faith and resilience, was the mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of Sikhism. This free verse septet is a humble tribute to her, commemorating her 400th birth anniversary. It delves into a tender moment between her and the young Guru Gobind Singh Ji, encapsulating the profound bond they shared.

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha

The pulse of freedom

There is a sight I hold dear.

A misty morning, a grey veil,

green hills in the background,

lush and abundant.

On the fore,

at about 100 feets,

soars the Tricolor.

A splash of serenity,

a wave of pride.

My country, my land, my India.

And this thought alone

is so sufficient.

Welfare unto all

Rab rakha