Akram Youth Essence Of Devotion | April 2015 | Akram Youth | Page 7

me.”
Later in the evening on her way to the
temple, Bhakti was completely engrossed in
thoughts about whom she could consider her
role model. Going by her habit of discussing
her issues with the idol in the temple, she
shut her eyes and asked the Lord, “Oh God,
please guide me. You are the one who
inspires me. Who else can I consider my
hero?”
Feeling content at having told her Lord
about it she started evaluating things in
proper perspective thinking, 'I am not
interested in the material world like others so
none of the celebrities can be my hero. What I
like most is to pray, so I would like to emulate
a true devotee and imbibe the virtues of
those who had surrendered their all in
devotion and service of the Lord. Their
supreme devotion can become a guiding
force for me.'
Then as she opened her eyes, her gaze
fell on the idol of Lord Krishna and she
realised she had found the answer she was
looking for. 'Yes! It has to be the person who
has spent his or her life in devotion of the
Lord. My idol shall be the one who shall
inspire me through my life.' On getting this
lead she was truly relieved.
She closed her eyes again and the
picture of Meerabai appeared in her mind.
She exclaimed, “Meerabai! Yes, it has to be
Meerabai!” Taking a deep breath she
thought, 'Meerabai spent her entire life in
devotion of Lord Krishna. She surrendered
her every breath in praise of the Lord.' Then
she began recalling the names of other such
devotees and remembered having read of
Narsinh Mehta and Lord Hanuman too who
had dedicated their entire lives in devotion of
Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. Tears rolled
down her cheeks as she was overcome with
emotions thinking about such blessed souls.
She bowed to each of them in appreciation.
Back home, she opened her notebook and

wrote, ‘Meerabai’ as the title of her essay on
'My Hero'.
Next day as Vineeta Ma'am inquired on the
progress they had made, Bhakti was first to
raise her hand and said with a huge smile
playing on her face, “Ma'am, Meerabai is my
role model.”
Not completely surprised as she was
expecting something different from Bhakti
she said, “Oh great! Well I thought your hero
must be someone special, but Meerabai is
truly an amazing choice. How did you think of
her?”
Justifying her choice Bhakti said, “She
attracts me a lot for many reasons. She spent
her whole life in devotion of Lord Krishna.
She renounced all material pleasures, her
kingdom, her palace and all other luxuries
even when the Lord himself was not present
physically. Her dedication to the Lord was
such that she did not even bother to think
about her own self as to where she would
stay, what she would eat and how she would
survive. Although she faced lots of difficulties
and sufferings, she remained firm. Prayer and
devotion for Lord Krishna was of prime
importance to her despite all hardships. Even
when commanded by the 'Rana' (King) to
drink poison, she drank it willingly but
remained firm in her conviction. Such was her
sincerity and devotion towards the Lord that
she happily put her life at stake but did not
flinch from her commitment of worship.
These are the rare qualities of a true devotee
that attract me.”
Vineeta Ma'am was truly impressed by
the detailed explanation but she still had her
doubts and she asked, “What is the outcome
of such devotion? It might have been
possible in that era but now in the present
times where can one find such an
inspirational figure for whom one can
devote one's life?”
Bhakti was lost in thoughts again.
Now let's see wha Y\