(When the scene starts, all the Yoginis are offering Haldi- Kumkum , turmeric-vermillion application to fore-head, to each other . They are smiling at each other pleasantly and engaging in light conversations. They are also performing a ceremony called 'Oti-Bharan' which means worshipping a lady by filling her lap with auspicious articles, fruits,etc. and touching each others' feet as if the other person is a goddess. Some Yoginis are standing with Mahalaxmi and they are animatedly discussing something.)
Vama:
Mother Mahalaxmi, what is the importance of Haldi-Kumkum for ladies?
Mahalaxmi:
Oh! Dear Vama, Haldi-Kukum represents mutual good-will, because when ladies apply Haldi-Kumkum
to each other, at that time their hearts unify atleast for some moments, and their mutual love increases.
Ulka:
Oh! I see, is that why there is Haldi-Kum-Kum tradition in our society from time to time. ?
Mahalaxmi:
Yes, Ulka. The other important thing is that it is a symbol of 'Soubhagya', sacred married status.
Indrani:
And Yes, Haldi-Kum-Kum is a festival of joy for ladies, isn't it?
( all Yoginis laugh mildly)
Song 1 :The worship with 'Haldi-Kumkum'
My 'sakhis' have arrived
They are my neighbors of love and affection
I worship them like 'Mother Goddesses'
It connects me to TRUTH and ultimate perfection.
We apply 'Haldi-Kumkum'1 on each others forehead
And share sorrows and joys like a kin
This then is the strength of 'Haldi-Kumkum',
It empowers us spiritually from within.
Notes:
1. Haldi-Kumkum : Turmeric and Vermilion, a pinch of which is applied by Indian ladies as an auspicious mark on the fore-head.
Varuni:
Mother Mahalaxmi, this simple tradition of Haldi-Kum-Kum leads to so much love and harmony among friends and neighbors, isn't it?
Mahalaxmi:
Yes, Varuni! Absolutely true. Indeed there is no life without LOVE.
Song 2 :No Life without LOVE
There is no life without LOVE
Look Ye! on life with LOVE .
Dear brothers , sisters, friends,
Sow hearts with LOVE and strive
To Lead a spiritual happy life. ||1||
Dear 'Sakhi'1 ,'satsangi'2, 'priyajan'3
Conquer the world with LOVE alone,
You'll triumph in every action. ||2||
Note:
1. sakhi : female friends
2. satsangi : companions in spiritual pursuits,
3. priyajan : beloved kith and kin
Song 3 :Nature composed of five elements.
Mother goddess has come to my place
Let me fill her lap with ornaments.
Let us play with first element
We play with air element
Let us play with second element
We play with fire element
Let us play with third element.
We play with the water element
Let us play with fourth element.
We play with the earth element
Let us play with fifth element.
We play with space element
Five elements compose creation.
Our life is her benediction.
Mother is wife of Lord Vishnu.
She takes our care with great devotion
Chitrini:
Oh ! mother Mahalaxmi, I am feeling very blessed to hear about 'Haldi-Kumkum' and its importance from you. I have also understood the importance of love for happiness.
Mahalaxmi:
And yes Chitrini,
One who looks after the welfare
of his contemporaries.
He performs the acts
of spirituality.
Vama:
Yes, I am fully convinced, and I also feel that
One should keep
one's body and mind pure ,
For it is the garden of God.
Mahalaxmi:
God's Love
'When tragedies befall a society
Incarnations of 'Shakti'1 manifest themselves.
And depending on the type of work involved.
They animate, some people accordingly.
One who understands my this method of working
His hands shall perform auspicious tasks.
Keep Ye! My image undoubtedly in your heart,
Then, you shall receive the love of God.
Note:
1. Shakti : Divine Energy
Song 4: Divine Faculties
Mother goddess has given divine tools.
Use them with purity
Keep your devotion steadfast
Remember her in your heart
Song 5: Path of Development
Let us strive together tirelessly
We are all anxious
for spiritual development
Remember Lord Krishna
with sunrise daily. ||1||
Let there not be
wasteful talks
But let us learn
from each other quickly. ||2||
Then our hands
will get work certainly
And we will find the path
of development swiftly ||3||
Song 6: Beyond characteristics and forms.
The effulgence of planets.
Dazzling expanse of universe
Lord Brahma's creation.
Vishnu maintains its condition. ||1||
Visible and invisible
Creating countless lives
Amazingly the creator
Is beyond characteristics . ||2||
These infinite galaxies
God keeps in momentum
Engulfing the ten directions
He often annihilates some. ||3||
In the flowing river of knowledge
Let your boat be of wisdom
Boatswain Satguru1 ,
Will lead to shore of salvation . ||4||
Note:
1. Satguru: Spiritual Master
Ulka:
But some devotees express their devotion through 'Naam-smaran', repeating the name of the Lord; some through singing hymns of praise, some through reading of Scriptures and some through silence. Then for someone who has come newly into the path of devotion, who should be the role model.
Mahalaxmi:
Oh! Ulka, when you go to a doctor,he gives
different medicines to each type of patient, isn't it?
He gives that medicine which is appropriate.
The other person's medicine may not suit you.
Indrani:
Indeed, we take only that medicine which suits us, isn't it?
Mahalaxmi:
Something similar applies to devotion.
Song 7: Blossoms of 'Tulsi'
One takes medicine
When one comes to a doctor.
That which suits one's health.
And not any other. ||1||
Devotional 'Tulsi'1 blossoms
Are of nine types2 and parts
Offer that to the diety
Which pleases your heart. ||2||
Note:
1. Tulsi : sacred basil
2. Nine Types: Denotes Types of devotion
Song 8: Originator of our Speech
Originator of our speech is special
He initiates all the deeds.
All 'Dharma'1 He drives
Yet aloof he thrives. ||1||
The tree blooms
With impulse to reach the sun.
Spiritual knowledge blossoms
In urge to reach the 'Nirguna'2 ||2||
Notes:
1. Dharma : Righteous Duty, ethical conduct, Organisation of life in the different ‘ashramas’
2. Nirguna : Beyond characteristics of the three ‘Gunas’
- ‘Sattva’, pure and subtle
- ‘Rajas’, Worldly
-‘Tamas’, Gross
Song 9: Nature is all decked up
Nature is all decked up
Our vision is enhanced
The land is decorated with forest flowers
Raindrops fall with a pitter-patter
Countless creatures scurry around.
They sing in beautiful voices.
Indeed, nature is all decked up
Our vision is enhanced.
Varuni:
Yes, this is beautifully expounded. But may I ask one thing? For the love of devotees you yourself have come to reside in Kolhapur, isn't it?
Mahalaxmi:
Song 10 (A) : The Glory of Mahalaxmi's temple.
In the deep forests
in ancient times.
I was standing in the form of 'Adi-Shakti', the timeless divinity. ||1||
A self created sculpture
I came to my devotee's dream
He then established me wholeheartedly.
In this Blackstone Temple. ||2||
For ages, I stand like this.
In the bonds of love of devotees.
I help fulfill their wishes.
As per their devotion.
And I will give spiritual development,
most certainly, to them. ||3||
Alas, not many understand my love
If only they did,
And gave same love to others,
There will never be any sorrow . ||4||
Mahalaxmi:
Song 10: The Glory of Mahalaxmi's temple.
In the deep forests
in ancient times.
I was standing in the form of 'Adi-Shakti', the timeless divinity. ||1||
A self created sculpture
I came to my devotee's dream
He then established me wholeheartedly.
In this Blackstone Temple. ||2||
For ages, I stand like this.
In the bonds of love of devotees.
I help fulfill their wishes.
As per their devotion.
And I will give spiritual development,
most certainly, to them. ||3||
Alas, not many understand my love
If only they did,
And gave same love to others,
There will never be any sorrow . ||4||
Song 11: Mystical Questions
This pot
Pot,pot,pot,pot
Pot is filled with water
Pot is filled with water
Pot is broken,
Water is spilled
What is left my dear? ||1||
This 'Suup', pan to clean grain
'suup', 'suup', 'suup',
'suup' is filled with peanuts,
'suup' is filled with peanuts,
On cleaning with 'restraint'
What indeed ensues ? ||2||
This 'sahaan', stone to grind sandal-wood,
'sahaan', 'sahaan', 'sahaan'
Used to grind water and wood,
While memorizing name of Lord,
What is the beautiful harmony ? ||3||
Song 12: The court of 'Devi', Goddess
We dance , dance, dance
In mother's court in trance.
Mother 'Bhavani', Mother 'Bhavani'
Durga Bhavani , dance. ||1||
In many various forms,
She signals us at once
On righteous path you dance
To spiritually advance. ||2||
Yard's filled up with incense
She tells a tale in prance
Your clothes from mother's house,
Have virtues and temperance1 ||3||
So dance dance dance
Note:
1. temperance: self-control
Varuni:
Oh! Mother, you have given us the example of
'Pandharpur's Lord God Vitthala'. But could you please tell us about other such sacred places? And which of these is the most sacred to cast away all sorrows and be happy?
Mahalaxmi:
Oh! Varuni, Whenever you visit a place of pilgrimage and imbibe the philosophical essence of that place into your life, then your own heart will be converted
into an abode of bliss. Remember, God is not someone to be seen, but to be experienced.
Song 13: The abode of bliss
O! Mother , where shall I find the 'abode of divine bliss' ?
Lord Kunjbihari1 resides in Vrindavan
Lord Rama in Panchvati
Lord Shiva resides in Rameshwar
All have chronicles of their own beauty. ||1||
When you visit each pilgrimage centre,
Realise Ye! the same TRUTH they reveal
Imbibe the essence of each holy place Ensconce in your heart as ideal.
Then you'll realize that the 'ABODE OF BLISS'
Is truly found in your own heart. ||2||
Heart is where you shall find the 'abode of
divine bliss'.,dear!
Heart is where you shall find the 'abode of
divine bliss', dear! ||3||
Note:
1. Kunjbihari : Lord Krishna
Song 14: Yearning
Come to me like a child
Remain like a shadow close to me ||1||
This is the fact of several births
It is the yearning dear devotee
of 'Jeeva'1 and 'Shakti'2 ||2||
On a truthful path of 'Moksha'3
Like an eagle her eaglet flies
I will take you dear
Soaring into skies. ||3||
Song 15: The accumulation of 'Karma'
When the accumulation of 'Punya Karma' #
Takes place over several births,
The divine form of Mother Goddess
Shall incarnate in your heart.
Note:
1. Jeeva : living soul
2. Shakti : Divine energy
3. Moksha: liberation from samsara, thecycle of death and rebirth or reincarnation and all of the suffering and
limitation of worldly existence
#. Punya Karma : Good deeds.
And so ends Pushpamala 6
Om Shantih Shantih Shantih