A welcome glint

In moments of stillness, when the chaos quiets and nature reveals its gentle truths, even a fleeting beam of sunlight becomes a messenger of grace. This haiku captures that sacred instant—the golden light piercing through a canopy, evoking hope, presence, and spiritual awakening. Inspired by the beauty of the natural world and the soul’s readiness to receive illumination, this poem is a quiet welcome to the divine radiance that surrounds and sustains us.

Blinding golden glint, 

peeping from lush canopy. 

I welcome the light.

Linking with Moonwashed Weekly Prompt 

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

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 

Color me joy

Holi, the festival of colors, is a celebration of love, joy, and togetherness. As the day begins with vibrant hues splashed in the air, distinctions blur, and all become one in the spirit of festivity. This poem captures the essence of Holi—where laughter, playfulness, and color unite souls. In this moment, differences dissolve, and only shared happiness remains.

Dazzling day begins, 

with joyous splash of colors.

You and I are smeared.

Happy Holi !!!

Welfare unto all 

Rab rakha 

Canvas of joy

This haiku celebrates the vibrant spirit of Holi, blending the festive energy of spring with the transformative power of color. The joyful splatters evoke the lively celebration of life, while the image of a "canvas of heart" suggests that the festival touches us deeply, painting our inner world with renewed hope and creativity. This piece encapsulates the magic of Holi in its purest form.

Vibrant festal spring.

Joyful splatters of colors,

on canvas of heart.

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 

Smear of love

During Holi, vibrant hues blend into one another, mirroring the union of lover and beloved, and leaving behind an indelible stain of love. This poem celebrates that transformation—where differences dissolve, and hearts merge into a single, passionate embrace. It captures the spirit of unity and eternal togetherness, as the colors of life meld into one harmonious expression. Through these vivid images, we are powerfully reminded that in love, all barriers vanish, and souls truly unite.

Such, the smear of love.

One shade ends, other begins, 

this fusion seamless. 

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 

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 

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