Punya Shloka Ahilyabai…

Prasanthi Nilayam, Sunday, 10 September 2017. Visiting Parthi Yatra contingent from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh presented a dance drama entitled ‘Punya Shloka Ahilyabai’ on the illustrious life of one of India’s celebrated women warriors last evening here, in Prasanthi Nilayam.

The presentation by the Balvikas was a depiction of the distinguished life of the 18th century Marata born queen of Indore, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. Born in 1725, Maharani Ahilyabi Holkar was the Holkar Queen of the Maratha ruled Malwa Kingdom. The presentation this evening had some of the important episodes from the illustrious life of Ahilyabai, portraying the valorous women with virtues-grits galore.

Presenting the illustrious story from Ahilyabai’s introduction into the Holkar Kingdom at a tender age of 8 years, the dance drama this evening, with beautiful dance sequences at intervals, portrayed the gradual elevation and coronation of Ahilyabai to the queen of Malwa at the insistence of her revered father-in-law, Malharrao Holkar, whom she considered as her guru. At his insistence, the bold woman trudged the path, banishing herself from the custom of ‘Sati’, only to lead the Kingdom most righteously in the Name Of Her Chosen God, Malhari Martand, Lord Shiva HimSelf.

How a beautiful, pious little girl of eight years was chosen as the princess of the Malwa Kingdom…, how the bold woman banished the prevailing custom of Sati to lead the Kingdom…, how, as an astute, stern ruler she displayed great qualities, especially by being impartial to her own son who was punished for a wicked act, how, she stood for woman rights, exemplifying herself as the powerhouse of Nari Shakthi, leading from the front in decisive battles, her exemplifying devotion to her chosen Lord Malhari Marthand, how her Kingdom prospered under her astute leadership with all-round development, were the episodic beauties of this evening’s wonderful dance-drama presentation by the beautiful Balvikas children from the twin states.

Bhagawan exhorts: “The task of everyone is to do the duty that has come upon him, with a full sense of responsibility to the utmost of his capacity.” Ahilyabai stands tall as a fitting example, as she,  most boldly, banishing all reservations, plunged into the service of her subjects, at a most crucial time in her life, only to excel as one of the most fearless women rulers of Bharat. Truly, she was hailed as ‘Lok Mata Pratah Smaraniya Punya Shloka Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’.

Bhajans by MP & Chhattisgarh continued and the session ended with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II