Chapter 2 : Pad (Meera)

The second chapter features the devotional verses of Meera Bai, the legendary saint-poetess of the Bhakti era known for her unconditional love for Lord Krishna. Her 'Pads' are lyrical songs that express her deep longing, surrender, and faith. In the context of the Class 10 curriculum, these verses showcase the 'Madhurya Bhava' (sentiment of sweetness) of devotion, where the devotee approaches God as a lover or a servant.In the first Pad, Meera addresses Krishna as 'Hari', pleading with Him to remove the sorrows of His devotees, just as He saved Draupadi from humiliation and protected the elephant (Gajraj) from the crocodile. She cites mythological examples to remind God of His compassionate nature. In the second Pad, she expresses her desire to become a servant ('Chakar') in Krishna's household just to be near Him. She vividly describes her daily routine of planting gardens and singing His praises in the lanes of Vrindavan.The poetry is rich in visual imagery, describing Krishna's yellow garments (Pitambar), the peacock feather crown, and his flute playing on the banks of the Yamuna. Meera's fearless defiance of social norms for the sake of her devotion serves as a powerful theme. Students learn about the depth of spiritual connection and the rich cultural heritage of the Bhakti movement through these timeless verses.