"feet of the baby that never touched the earth."
Madhavan and Shalini starrer Alaipayuthe's popular song – Pachai Nirame has the above line beautifully tucked in; to describe the color red, the poet skillfully employs this incomparable metaphor – with that of a baby's feet that has a light-red hue, feet that have not been seasoned yet by Bhooma Devi.
Until about a week ago, it's only the toes and the knees that had felt Bhooma Devi... and one day, lo and behold, Bhooma decided to spread her arms and hold the tiny feet firm, welcoming the child with all her warmth and love.
No support, nothing to hold on to, the feeling of independence, transforming as boundless joy!
My uncle reminded me about this puranic story in this context –
When child Prahladha told his father Hiranyakashipu about the nine types of Bhakthi –
- Shravanam: Listening to the Lord's glories
- Kirtanam: Chanting the Lord's glories
- Smaranam: Remembering the Lord
- Pāda-sevanam: Serving the Lord's feet
- Arcanam: Worshiping the Lord
- Vandanam: Offering prayers to the Lord
- Dasyam: Considering oneself as an eternal servant of the Lord
- Sakhyam: Serving God in the mode of friendship
- Atma-Nivedanam: Completely surrendering oneself to God
Hiranyakashipu pushed Prahlada from a mountain. Bhoomadevi then caught Prahladha and asked what boon he wanted for which Prahladha selflessly answered: when small children like me fall on earth when they start walking on your surface, oh Bhooma Devi, You should protect them without hurting by making Your surface soft like that of a flower. This retelling of the puranic story makes it so apt to this narrative.
May you stand tall and rooted in everything you do, Niraamaya
May you learn to explore on your own, and may Bhooma Devi protect you, keeping you safe and secure.
Wishing you many more firsts!
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