Meera Bai was a divine and versatile soul. Born a princess, she chose to forsake her life of luxury and comfort, embracing the path of renunciation and detachment. Her life on earth was filled with hardships and struggles, yet her unwavering faith and deep devotion to her beloved Krishna remained unshaken. She walked fearlessly on the path of divine love, indifferent to societal norms, judgment, or royal expectations.
Guru Maharaj Sant Trilochan Darshan Das Ji once narrated a profound episode from the life of Meera Bai, a sacred conversation that took place between Meera and her Guru, Sant Guru Ravidas Ji.
With deep curiosity and sincerity, Meera Bai questioned her Guru:
"Guruji, why is my devotion to Lord Krishna so intense? Why am I not afraid of kings or society’s restrictions? Why do I feel fearless and drawn only to Him?"
Sant Guru Ravidas Ji gently asked Meera to close her eyes. Through a meditative vision, he led her back into the memories of her previous birth.
Madhavi – The Story of Meera's Past Life
In her past birth, Meera was born and raised in Vrindavan and was known by the name Madhavi. During those times, child marriages were a tradition—marriages were arranged in childhood and solemnized once the couple came of age. Madhavi’s marriage was similarly arranged in her childhood with a young man from Nandgaon, one of Lord Krishna’s childhood friends.
Years passed, and the time came for Madhavi to leave her parental home to live with her husband in Nandgaon. Before her departure, Madhavi’s mother gave her a solemn warning:
"Madhavi, never show your face to Krishna, and never try to see His. People say those who come under Krishna’s influence lose control over their lives. It will disturb your married life.”
Respecting her mother's words, Madhavi silently promised to avoid any encounter with Krishna.
As Madhavi and her husband journeyed to Nandgaon, they happened to cross paths with Lord Krishna. Her husband greeted Krishna with joy and shared the news of his recent marriage to Madhavi. Krishna, pleased, expressed his desire to see the bride and requested her to show her face.
Madhavi, recalling her mother's warning, firmly refused.
Krishna smiled and, with a gentle yet serious tone, said:
"Madhavi, you have denied me a glimpse of your face today. I vow that I too shall never show you mine again—not in this birth.”
Madhavi held on to her resolve and lived her life without ever attempting to know more about Krishna. Years went by.
The Turning Point – Govardhan Leela
One day, torrential rains flooded the village. To protect the villagers, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain with the little finger of His left hand. People rushed to take shelter under the mountain.
Madhavi, too, came under the divine refuge.
There, she overheard someone say, “It’s Krishna who has lifted the entire mountain to save us.” A wave of curiosity and wonder surged within her. Forgetting her mother’s words, she slowly lifted her veil to look at Krishna.
The moment her eyes met His divine form—calm, radiant, and glowing with heavenly light—she was left awestruck. She couldn’t take her eyes off Him. In that moment, she saw not just Krishna but the very presence of Narayan manifesting through Him.
When the storm passed and people began to leave, Madhavi remained frozen in awe, her gaze still fixed upon Krishna.
Sensing her presence and unwavering stare, Krishna turned away and began to walk.
Madhavi, overcome with remorse and longing, ran after Him and fell at His feet:
“It was my mother’s command, Lord! I was only obeying her… please forgive me!”
But Krishna, with deep calmness, replied:
“If you truly repent for this moment, let that repentance last your whole life.”
And with that, He walked away.
The guilt and pain of losing Krishna overwhelmed Madhavi. She fell severely ill, unable to recover from the sorrow of separation. Her condition worsened, and a message was sent to Krishna, pleading for His presence.
But Krishna, keeping His earlier vow, did not return.
On her deathbed, Madhavi left a powerful message for her family and all around her:
“This veil and these rituals separated me from Krishna.
In my next birth, I will take form again amidst these veils and social rituals, but this time, I will break through them. Whether Krishna comes to me or not, my love and devotion will compel Him to accept me.”
Back to the Present – Meera's Realization
As the vision ended, Meera and Guru Ravidas Ji opened their tear-filled eyes. Meera bowed with folded hands and thanked her Guru from the depths of her soul.
She now understood her life’s purpose—the deep longing that had always pulled her toward Krishna, the fearless love that no societal force could shake.