In the heart of Rajasthan, nestled within the ancient town of Merta, lies a place soaked in divine poetry, unwavering devotion, and spiritual resilience — the land of Bhakt Shiromani Meera Bai. Revered as one of the greatest saints and poets in Indian history, Meera Bai’s life is a story of deep love for Lord Krishna, a defiance of worldly norms, and the transcendence of pain through faith.
Merta, her birthplace, is a revered destination for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts alike, where the air still hums with her hymns and the earth echoes with tales of her divine journey.
The Birth of a Saint – Meera Bai’s Early Life
Meera Bai was born in the year 1498 CE in the royal Rajput family of Rathores of Merta, a principality in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. From a tender age, Meera was deeply drawn to Lord Krishna. It is said that when she was just a child, she saw a marriage procession and innocently asked her mother, “Who will be my groom?” Her mother, lovingly pointed to the idol of Krishna and said, “He is your eternal husband.”
This single moment would define the rest of Meera’s life. From then on, she considered herself married to Lord Krishna, the divine cowherd of Vrindavan.
Marriage to Prince Bhojraj and the Path of Bhakti
Despite her devotion to Krishna, Meera Bai was married to Prince Bhojraj, the crown prince of Chittorgarh, around 1516 CE. Though Bhojraj admired Meera’s spiritual inclination, his untimely death a few years into their marriage marked a turning point in her life.
Widowed at a young age, Meera turned completely towards the path of bhakti (devotion). She renounced royal luxuries, withdrew from courtly affairs, and immersed herself in singing bhajans, dancing, and composing poetry dedicated to Krishna. Her poems, written in Rajasthani and Braj Bhasha, became hymns of love, longing, and surrender.
Defying Norms and Facing Persecution
In a deeply patriarchal and orthodox era, Meera’s open devotion, especially her mingling with saints and singing in temples, was considered scandalous. Many legends recount how the royal family, disturbed by her defiance of social conventions, attempted to kill her multiple times.
From poisoned cups of nectar, beds of thorns, and cobras hidden in baskets, each assassination attempt failed miraculously. Meera, protected by the grace of Krishna, remained unharmed — her survival becoming further testimony to her divinity.
Eventually, Meera left the royal palace, embracing a life of detachment (vairagya), singing and dancing in the streets as a wandering devotee, ultimately choosing Krishna over kingdom and kin.
Meera Bai Light & Sound Show – A Spiritual Spectacle
To celebrate her life and message, Merta now hosts a Meera Bai Light & Sound Show, a spellbinding spectacle that combines DMX-controlled LED luminaries, gobo lights, and a 5.1 audio surround system to bring Meera’s story to life.
The show is structured to depict:
- Her childhood fascination with Krishna
- Marriage to Prince Bhojraj of Chittorgarh
- His early demise and her deepening spiritual path
- The trials and assassination attempts she endured
- Her ultimate renunciation of royal life for the love of Krishna
This immersive experience not only showcases her poetic legacy but also rekindles the emotional and spiritual connection that continues to inspire devotees today.
Important Sites in Merta Related to Meera Bai
1. Charbhuja Temple
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is believed to be the very deity to whom Meera Bai offered her devotion since childhood.
2. Meera Mahal
This historical building commemorates her life and houses many of her relics, manuscripts, and artistic depictions.
3. Meera Bai Museum
An insightful collection of portraits, manuscripts, and dioramas portraying Meera’s life, her compositions, and her devotion.
Meera’s Poetry – Songs of the Soul
Meera Bai’s poems — her bhajans — remain timeless. Full of spiritual ecstasy, love, and surrender, they reflect the yearning of the human soul for the divine.
A few of her most famous bhajans include:
- “Pag ghunghroo baandh Meera nachi re”
- “Mere to Giridhar Gopal, doosro na koi”
- “Aisi lagi lagan, Meera ho gayi magan”
These compositions continue to be sung in temples and homes across India, embodying Bhakti Yoga in its purest form.
Meera Bai’s Legacy
Though she passed away in the mid-16th century, Meera Bai’s legacy has transcended time. Her story is not just one of devotion but also of courage, individuality, and spiritual liberation. She remains a beacon for those who seek truth beyond societal norms, and her story has been celebrated in literature, music, films, and art.
How to Reach Merta
- Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (~150 km)
- By Train: Merta Road Junction is well connected to major cities
- By Road: Merta is well connected by buses from Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Nagaur
A Spiritual Journey Awaits
Visiting Meera Bai’s Merta is not just a travel experience — it’s a soulful journey. Here, you don’t just witness monuments and museums; you feel the devotion, you hear the music, and you walk the very earth that nurtured the spirit of one of India’s greatest saints.
Let the words of Meera guide you:
“My heart sways like the wave of the ocean, I am lost in the rhythm of Krishna’s name.”