Mirror: Maheshwar - Jai Ma Narmade!

In the middle of mythology, in the middle of a river

Neck tensed for a glance past the gossamer cover

Plying a long pole, the oarsman got our boat ashore

The sun shining subtly on the tiny island temple fore

Stepping into the sanctorum, I bowed to the Shivling

Held by the locals as the centre point of our dwelling

The joy of discovery soon led to a surreal cognizance

As I folded my hands to soak this ethereal experience

The revered river Rewa has woven in its gentle waves

Culture, devotion, & valor, along the course it paves

On one bank were the stirring tales of a warrior queen

On the other, the cosmic calmness of a country green

Adored as a goddess, for her devotion to her people

In 1766, Ahilyabai made this ancient town her capital

Devotees taking a quick dip, praying & singing bhajans

Hailing Ma Narmade to bless them & their dear ones

Steps from the ghat take you across the imposing walls

Then turn to the left to treasure its traditional textile halls

As colours, patterns, faith, and diligence come together

the rap-tap-tap of the handloom serenades like no other

A few steps ahead is a giant doorway to the Ahilya fort

Here she lived in a modest Rajwada with an open court

Encouraging all to do their best, farmers or merchants

She indulged in kindness sans any personal penchants

Staying in the same fort is an emotion I fail to describe

It’s not just the food or the comfort but a feeling of tribe

Giving an aura of that holy era is the evening aarti ritual

When bells, chants & fire blend to seek out the spiritual

Waking up to the view of ghat life unfolding at a slow pace

And dozing off to the mystic hymns till midnight is a grace

Hundreds of diyas still float in my eyes from the evening

I don’t want to wake up; I also don’t want to be sleeping!

Mirror