The Mother Figure in Marathi Bhakti Literature : 7

                   The Mother Figure in Marathi Bhakti Literature : 7

The saint-poet we are today going to look at is not exactly associated with the motherly affectionate tenderness in the popular imaginary. Mostly, he is considered to be the guide who would help the devotee lead a life in this world, without being of this world, Often, morevoer, he is associated with Lord Shri Rama.

If, however, we were to look at his entire ouevre, especially his abhanga's, we realise that he has composed any number of verses dedicated to each and every godhead. So large-hearted, catholic is his perception that he finds all of them to be the manifestations of Shri Rama. Let us some other time discuss this brilliant vision that questions and critiques and rejects the differentiating sub-sects.

Right now,given the present focus, let it suffice to maintain that the wor(l)ds of affection resonate most tenderly in his writings. The best example of this warmth would be that sure he does use the metaphor of the fish out of water to describe the centrality of god in the devotee's mind.

The most apt example, however, would be his use of two conventions not so very often used in the literary sphere. In Sanskrit and Marathi literature, it is believed that a fish remembers its offspring as a mode of bringing it up. The very rememberance of the child is the way of rearing him. Similarly, it is believed that the tortoise takes care of its little one just by looking at it. Sant Ramdas makes use of such unusual images that look at the world beyond the rational and the logical to establish God's care of-n-for his devotees. He sure does use the well-established cow metaphor, the mother bird image as well to describe the intense love of the Lord for the devotee. The mother figure in his writings is, in brief, unique and remarkable. 

pratima @ the genuine motherly love best reflected in `other' images