Ghana tami Shukra

 

This evergreen poem by easily one of the best Marathi poets of all times B R Tambe is truly a treatise on positivity!! Each word, each line speaks of how to look at things with the utmost optimism even in the darkest moments, whether going through the tribulations of life or standing on the threshold of death. Tambe’s poems are mystical ! They are indeed very special because they are a unique blend of chosen exquisite words, arranged in a delightful lyrical flow, seeping with tender emotions and carrying at its core, deep spirituality. They found the worthiest of expression in the voice of Lata Didi and compositions of Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar. Often Tambe would  himself suggest what raga would best suit his song. 

It is difficult to pick one and decide which is the best of his poems. Yet this one could be ranked very high on the list.

घन तमीं शुक्र बघ राज्य करी ई ई
घन तमीं शुक्र बघ राज्य करी ई ई
रे खिन्न मना बघ जरा आ आ आ तरी ई ई
घन तमीं शुक्र बघ राज्य करी ई ई

ये बाहेरी अंडे फोडुनि
ये बाहेरी अंडे फोडुनि
शुद्ध मोकळ्या आ आ आ वातावरणीं
का गुदमरशी आतच कुढुनी ई ई
रे मार भरारी जरा आ आ आ वरी ई ई
घन तमीं शुक्र बघ राज्य करी ई ई
रे खिन्न मना बघ जरा आ आ आ तरी ई ई
घन तमीं शुक्र बघ राज्य करी ई ई

फूल गळे फळ गोड जाहले
फूल गळे फळ गोड जाहले
बीज नुरे डौलात तरु डुले
तेल जळे बघ ज्योत पाजळे
का मरणिं अमरता ही ई ई न खरी ई ई
घन तमीं शुक्र बघ राज्य करी ई ई
रे खिन्न मना बघ जरा आ आ आ तरी ई ई
घन तमीं शुक्र बघ राज्य करी ई ई

मना वृथा का भीशी मरणा
दार सुखाचे ते हरि करुणा
मना वृथा का भीशी मरणा
दार सुखाचे ते हरि करुणा
आई पाही वाट रे मना आ आ आ
पसरोनी बाहु कवळण्या उरीं ई ई
घन तमीं शुक्र बघ राज्य करी ई ई
रे खिन्न मना बघ जरा आ आ आ तरी ई ई
घन तमीं शुक्र बघ राज्य करी ई ई

Here he is talking to his inner self, his dejected mind, when it is clouded with doubts, disappointment and depression. 

He uses the metaphor of dark clouds to describe the state of his mind as well as difficult times. And Venus to represent unwavering hope, light, happiness and God.

So what if Venus is hidden from your eye by the clouds? If you know deep inside that behind that transient curtain it is still shining bright as ever and holding its reign in the sky you will not be affected by the moment. The conviction will keep you going. So look up and see that Venus with your inner eye.

Don’t keep suffocating, hurting, pining within yourself. Come out of your shell and enjoy the wide open atmosphere all around you. Take a leap of faith and soar high up in the sky.

A fruit gets ripe and sweeter when the flower drops. When the seed ceases to be, a majestic tree rises and sways gloriously in its place. Oil burns away in a lamp only to keep alive a flame that brings illumination to larger surroundings. Isn’t it true that Death opens the door to an eternal existence?

Then why are should you hold any fear of Death? 

Know that it is the door taking you to the merciful Lord. The Loving Mother is eagerly waiting beyond that door to hold her dear child in her arms, close to her heart !! 

Ghan tami shukr bagh raajy kari
Re khinn mana bagh jara tari

Ye baaheri ande foduni 
Shuddh mokalaya waataawarani
Ka gudamarashi atach kudhuni
Re maar bharaari jara wari

Ful gale, fal god jaahale
Bij nure, daulaat taru dule
Tel jale bagh jyot paajale
Ka marani amarata hi n khari ?

Mana writha ka bhisi marana
Daar sukhaache te hari karuna
Ai paahi waat re mana

Pasaroni baahu kawalanya uri

Even the best of us tends to occasionally find ourselves sinking into deep pits of desolation. Despite our deep faith and successful navigation through life there come moments when we can’t overcome the dark thoughts that arise in our minds.  We forget to see that a seeming end of anything is actually a new beginning of something more precious and wonderful. There is a grander plan ahead that our physical eye can’t perceive.  At such times the uplifting words from poets like Tambe prove to be the guiding light. Indeed in Marathi poets are called Drishtaa! They have a sixth sense. A power to see beyond the present moment. Great is the power , beauty and grace bestowed upon us by these blessed people. Let us keep these treasures in our hearts as we walk on our paths and remind ourselves at very step to look for that ever shining star no matter if the sky remains clear or cloudy.

Saree is a cotton Sambalpuri by a master weaver. Tree of life is depicted in different configurations all over the body as well as on the pallu.