Holy Mother By Swami Nikhilananda: 013 Saturday 16-01-2016
16-01-2016 Saturday
Holy Mother By Swami Nikhilananda: 013
Introduction: Women of India - 09
The Moslem domination of India, which had preceded the British, lasted for about seven hundred and fifty years, from the eleventh century to the middle of the eighteenth. The alien rulers challenged the religious traditions, social integrity, and moral values of the country. India accepted the challenge. During that period women did not lag behind. They produced mystics, poets, able administrators, and military commanders.
An outstanding woman saint born probably before the twelfth century in southern India was Godai, popularly known as Andal. Andal imbibed her father’s devotional fervor and dedicated her body and soul to Vishnu, who was worshipped in her part of the country as Ranganatha. She refused to marry, and Ranganatha became the sole object of her love and devotion. She lived in her own world, created by her spiritual enthusiasm and filled with the living presence of Ranganatha and His companions. To win His love observed vows and penances and completely detached herself from the world. Her father began to wonder how to wed his daughter to the Deity, when Ranganatha bade him in a dream to take her to the holy shrine at Srirangam. Attired in bridal garments, Andal went to the temple and fell into an ecstasy. According to tradition, she disappeared into the image. Andal composed many songs which have enriched Tamil poetry. She realized God through ecstatic love, without the practice of austerities and other spiritual disciplines.
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Holy Mother - Being the Life of Sri Sarada Devi Wife of Sri Ramakrishna And Helpmate in his Mission By Swami Nikhilananda p: 6 – 7
