The True Spiritual Story Behind Lohri
Kabir Ji and Mata Lohi: The Sacred Spirit Behind Lohri
Kabir Ji and Mata Lohi lived a life of immense devotion to God, offering their entire existence in selfless service to God’s messengers in the form of saints. The festival of Lohri reminds us of a sacred incident from their lives that reflects ultimate sacrifice, faith, and surrender.
Once, a group of saints arrived at Kabir Ji’s home. At that time, Kabir Ji had gone out to chant the holy Name of God, and Mata Lohi welcomed the saints with folded hands. Remembering the words of her husband — “Never let a saint leave your home without being served food” — she felt it was her sacred duty to offer food to them.
Mata Lohi was extremely poor and had no provisions in the house. Without worrying about her own dignity or suffering, she went to a wealthy moneylender (shahukar) to borrow groceries. The greedy man, knowing Kabir Ji was not at home, took advantage of her helplessness. He agreed to lend her the groceries on the condition that she would spend one night with him.
Mata Lohi did not think of herself even for a moment. Her only concern was that the saints should not remain hungry. She accepted the condition silently, borrowed the groceries, prepared food with deep devotion, and offered it to the saints along with dakshina.
That very night, Kabir Ji returned home. Mata Lohi, with complete honesty and purity of heart, narrated everything to her husband. Kabir Ji listened calmly. Then, in heavy rain, he lifted Mata Lohi in his arms and carried her to the doorstep of the moneylender so that her promise could be fulfilled.
Kabir Ji stood aside as Mata Lohi knocked on the door. When the shahukar opened it, his already impure thoughts turned darker — but suddenly he noticed something shocking. Despite the heavy rain, Mata Lohi’s clothes were completely dry.
In fear and confusion, he asked her how this was possible. Mata Lohi replied with innocence and truth:
“My husband, Kabir Ji, carried me in his arms all the way to your door so that I could honor my commitment to you.”
Hearing this, the shahukar was struck with terror and realization. He immediately fell at Mata Lohi’s feet, begging for forgiveness, realizing the greatness and purity of both Kabir Ji and Mata Lohi.
Kabir Ji then took Mata Lohi back home and said:
“Lohi, this world is no longer worthy of you. People will question your purity despite your sacrifice. Your place is beyond this world.”
With complete surrender, Mata Lohi entered Agni Samadhi, chanting the holy Name of God, and merged into the divine fire.
It is believed that with the blessings of Kabir Ji and Mata Lohi, whoever performs parikrama (circles) around the Lohri fire with devotion is relieved of their sins and blessed with divine grace.