Mirabai
Born:
Died:
1498
1547
State:
Rajasthan
Summary:
Mirabai was a revered poet-saint of the Bhakti movement whose life and compositions embodied intense personal devotion to Lord Krishna. Rejecting royal conventions, caste restrictions, and patriarchal norms, she expressed spiritual longing through devotional songs that remain central to India’s cultural and religious heritage. Her fearless commitment to faith over social obedience made her a lasting symbol of spiritual freedom and devotion.
Biography:
Mirabai was born in 1498 into a Rajput royal family of Merta in present-day Rajasthan. From an early age, she showed deep devotion to Lord Krishna, whom she regarded as her eternal consort. Married into the royal household of Mewar, her spiritual inclinations clashed with courtly expectations and rigid social norms, especially those imposed on royal women.
Mirabai’s life became an act of resistance through devotion. She openly sang bhajans dedicated to Krishna, associated with saints regardless of caste, and refused to conform to orthodox rituals or political duties. Her poetry, composed in simple regional languages, conveyed surrender, love, and longing for the divine, making spiritual expression accessible to common people. She faced social ostracism and persecution but remained unwavering in her faith.
In her later years, Mirabai renounced palace life entirely and traveled to prominent Krishna pilgrimage centers. She is traditionally believed to have passed away in 1547, with legends suggesting her complete spiritual union with Krishna. Mirabai’s songs continue to be sung across India, and her life stands as a powerful legacy of devotion, courage, and the spiritual agency of women.
Key Movements:
- Bhakti Movement
- Krishna Bhakti Tradition
- Women’s Spiritual Expression in Medieval India
- Vernacular Devotional Poetry Movement
