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| candlelit leaf boat courtesy google image |
Tuesday, 10 November 2015
River
Haridwar
A piece of heaven on earth
Made holy by a few drops of Amrita*
Here flows the Ganga
The Goddess in Her river form
Giving Moksha** She washes the sin of her
children
Who take a dip in her bosom
Pilgrims in millions stream there
For a touch of the Ganga
I was once among the millions
When the setting sun tinged Her body ochre
Like everyone I sailed my candlelit leaf boat
Carrying a pilgrim’s wish
Pinned with a dream was your name
A year after, to me, you came
My
child, you made this life a dream
*The elixir of immortality. In Hindu Mythology
once the gods and demons churned the ocean. The process released many things.
Amrita was one of them.
**Freedom from the cycle of death and birth
Posted for Poets United Midweek Motif ~ River
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"A piece of heaven on earth
ReplyDeleteMade holy by a few drops of Amrita*"
As the river, so the child.
A mother holding a name--both one among millions. Amazing images. I see, I see.
A wonderful tribute! such lovely depiction in your verse :D
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
Respect for the life sustaining rivers in India is a trait that would be valuable in so many other countries where they are not valued in the same way.
ReplyDeletethis touches the spirit of everything that is. we are the beginning we are the end like a river to the ocean
ReplyDeletegracias
Lovely... I can imagine all the lights on the Ganga ...surreal.
ReplyDeleteSuch a touching poem and what better gift than a child...
ReplyDeleteRespect and gratitude for life given, "A piece of heaven on earth' - humble and kind way of being...
ReplyDeleteinteresting paradox of the gift of moksha and the granting of the pilgrim's wish for a child - a divine divali poem
ReplyDeleteOh so beautiful, entering the Ganga with your prayer, your daughter born a year later, the dream of her life............how amazing it must be, to enter the Ganges and feel cleansed.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful lines...Sumana. This is one place where I want to visit again n again. Those floating candle-lit cups look so breathtakingly beautiful bobbing on the serene waves... Esp during ganga aarti in the evening. Take care... May God give you strength.
ReplyDeleteYou were missed...Good to have you back. Shubho Bijoya.
Sumana, how wonderful that you were one who once sailed a candle-lit leaf boat in the Ganges. This must really have been an awe-inspiring experience. Lovely poem & lovely photo.
ReplyDeleteWhat a divine gift - the Ganga. And what a gift it bestowed on you. Lovely poem Sumana.
ReplyDeleteThe Ganges, lifeline for many on its banks and the savior for its many pilgrims through the years.Truly a blessing for the faithfuls!
ReplyDeleteHank
Yay! a lovely tribute to the Ganges River: a sanctuary for believers!!! thanks for this week's motif. have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteAncient and sacred wisdom!
ReplyDeleteLove this description and the beautiful photo.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this trip to the Ganga ~ what a treat! Thank you x
ReplyDeleteLovely! I have not participated in that ceremony, but I have taken a dip in her mighty bosom, and immersed myself completely. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting poem... the Ganges being a goddess and a life force... like holy water granting your prayer for a daughter.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful poem, Sumana, making the holy, mighty Ganga friendly and approachable. There is a sadness in this poem too...
ReplyDelete