For Mother Divine

KIRAN DHAR





Dusk is falling, lamps are lit, the autumn air is cool and still.The bells are calling from afar.Join in Mother's adoration hour. I enter slowly, my heartbeat overtakes me. Will I see Her face to face? How shall I greet.... Dare I touch Her holy feet? The air is filled with incense smoke, the priest prostrates in reverent pose. The Mother in regal splendour stands enrobed in silks of red and gold. Glittering jewels and golden crown, from head to feet do Her adorn.Hibiscus, roses, marigold -in garlands fragrant, Her form enfold. Compassion fills Her lustrous eyes. Her coral lips are half-asmile. One hand is raised to grant us boons, the other dispels our deepest fears. Her beauty is beyond compare, with radiance of a thousand moons.The drums are beating rhythmic time, the cymbals sound a resonant chime. The bells are ringing loud and clear, conch shells sounding everywhere, scent of incense fills the air, devotees' voices raised in prayer, glory to the Mother evermore.Besides the Mother's shining form, a lovely maiden stands alone, gently turning with her hands a silken fan of rainbow hues. The priest begins the evening prayer, with sonorous chanting loud and clear. Then he takes the incense urn and all around the Mother turns.
O holy incense, fragrant smoke, your perfume does the Mother cloak. Next he takes the golden lamp, ablaze with myriad dancing flames, waves in circles round Her form, Around, around and all around, joy in every heart abounds. O holy lamp of brilliant light, blest you to be in Mother's sight.