The Mother Figure in Marathi Bhakti Literature : 9

     The Mother Figure in Marathi Bhakti Literature : 9

In this penultimate enunciation of our series, let us today, on the eve of the Ashadhi Ekadaashi, look at an indeed unique aspect of devotion to Lord Vitthal and the mother figure reflected in it. 

What helps a common man survive in the corporeal world? It is his profession that gives him/her not merely money, but the very identity as well. In the saintly poetry, this profession is often referred to centrally. Sant Janabai's appellate for herself is, for example, " Jani, the house-help of Namdeva".

Many other saints, too, refer to their professions in explicit details and as metaphors for their relationship with Vithoba. The submission, hence, of this presentation is that the profession that so closely connects the saint-poet to his Lord is, too, a paradigm for motherhood. The livelihood feeds physically, Like a mother. Similarly, the livelihood in its intensity  becomes sustenance, for all that is the good in the selfhood. This aspect functions like the nurturing of the soul, heart and conscience of a child by the parents, often mostly by the mother.

"Kanda, mula, Bhaji" (=onion, radish and veggies..) by Savta Mali or " Deva, mi tuza sonar" by Narhari Sonar or abhanga's by Gora Kumbhar are a few examples. Hence this attempt because in such abhangas, there is a complete and total development of the base metaphor of vocation that empowers the avocation. The work ethic, often instilled by the parents, especially by the mother strictly, hones the self. Hence my submission. Actually every word, every line in these abhanga'a fits in to such an interpretation.  In brief, like mothering, in the sant wani, there is no othering, even professionally!

pratima@self extended to include the hands defining us in multiple ways, and beyond the typical head/heart/soul trinity