The key to the future progress and development of any nation is held by mothers. As a child’s first God upon earth, first teacher, first source of nourishment, mothers are everyone’s source of primary knowledge. A mother’s influence on her child begins from its first home within her womb, where teaching begins. As she is considered to be the embodiment of the Divine Mother, her investment in her children’s future is solid and can only redound to their long term benefit. Collectively, such investment germinates into productive adults, communities and by extension, countries.
As shapers of generations and makers of the world, mothers endow their children with values, virtues and practices of restraint that constitute the high-quality moulding-clay for sculpting progressive societies. Hindu scriptures extol the role of ideal motherhood, proclaiming Maatri Devo Bhavah (Mother is God). Despite various challenges, many of our mothers have justified the pedestal position in which they have been placed. These women demonstrate exemplary courage and vision and an unswerving steadiness and discipline, which they instill in their children. The unparalleled love possessed by a mother for her children are the subject of numerous slokas and scriptural verses. Without doubt, mother is the very embodiment of love, of sacrifice, of forbearance and selfless service to her children.
The mere presence of the mother invests one with protection; the reverse deprives one of sustenance and fulfilment. Indeed, Shri Raam, who is God in human form, teaches the world that the source of bliss and blessings is Maa (mother). The word Maa comprises the Hindi consonant Ma and vowel aa. This consonant pertains to the heart which evokes the emotions of love, joy and happiness, while the vowel relates to aanand shakti or the power of bliss. It is not by chance, then, that one’s mother is the treasury of all bliss, love and success.
The bhajan below demonstrates the source of infinite love, care and concern invested in a child by its mother for his or her successful growth and future. It is the prayer of every mother and the most valued investment that a child may have.
Meraa Deepak Juga Juga Jalay
Meraa Deepak juga juga jalay
Juga Juga prakaasha phailaayay
Lord, let this lamp of mine light from age to age.
Let the brilliance from it spread everywhere.
Itanaa maangu Bhagavaana aayay aandhi yaa toofaan
Yay jyoti na bujhanay paayay
Let no darkness or storms come this way.
Let not this light be ever extinguished.
This is what I ask of You, Lord.
Meray naino kaa yay taaraa meray jeevan kaa unjiyaaraa
Mukha kamal khol musakaayay
This child is the star of my eyes
And also the light of my life.
May that smile ever cover this lotus-like face.
Manmohan madhura salonaa meraa tootnaa jaayay khilonaa
Tum deen bandhu kahalaayay
This wonderful child of mine, Manmohan.
Let not this toy of mine ever be broken.
Lord, heed my call,
For You are called the friend of the poor.
