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Mātṛ Devo Bhava — Reverence to the First Guru
“Mātṛ devo bhava” — Let your mother be a goddess to you — is not merely a quote from the Taittiriya Upanishad, it is a timeless reminder woven into the spiritual DNA of Bharat (India).
In the Sanatana Dharma, the mother is not just a biological parent — she is seen as Shakti, the creative energy of the universe. She is Janani (the giver of life), Annapurna (the nourisher), Jagatmata (the mother of the world).
From the stories of Yashoda’s pure love for baby Krishna to Kaushalya’s devotion to Shri Ram, the epics are filled with mothers whose devotion shaped the destiny of divine incarnations.
🪔 The Mother: Bearer of Dharma and Culture
While fathers were often out fulfilling duties as warriors, kings, or sages, it was the mothers who ensured that dharma was passed on — not through lectures, but through lullabies, stories, and daily actions.
In fact, our samskaras (cultural impressions) begin in the womb. The Garbhadhana Sanskar and Abhimanyu’s story from the Mahabharata are profound examples of the mother being a child’s first spiritual environment.
🌼 Honoring the Divine Feminine on Mother’s Day
Though Mother’s Day is a modern observance, its essence beautifully aligns with Bharatiya values. Here’s how to celebrate in a spiritually fulfilling way:
- 🕯️ Light a diya in front of your home altar and offer a prayer of gratitude to your mother and all mothers.
- 📿 Chant a mantra such as “Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Matri Rupena Samsthita” from the Devi Mahatmya.
- 🍛 Cook her favorite meal or offer her prasadam made with love and devotion.
- 📖 Share a story or memory of your mother’s guidance on your blog or social media with the hashtag #MatruDevoBhava.
🌺 Not Just One Day: A Lifetime of Reverence
True celebration of motherhood isn’t limited to a single day. In our culture, each day begins with remembering and honoring our parents and gurus. Let us:
- 👣 Touch their feet each morning with gratitude.
- 🎁 Give them time, respect, and joy — gifts that go beyond material.
- 🧘 Dedicate your own spiritual progress as the highest offering to your parents.
💗 A Salute to All Mothers — Human and Divine
Whether it is a biological mother, a spiritual mother, or Mother Earth herself — motherhood is the highest expression of selfless love. In every religion, in every corner of the world, the mother is sacred. But in Bharat, she is divine.
On this Mother’s Day, let us renew our bond with the feminine divine — within us and around us.
