Kamat's Potpourri: The Bridal Mysticism

The Bridal Mysticism

by Jyotsna Kamat

First Online: June 04, 2001
Page Last Updated: August 20, 2024

Bridal mysticism is a form of Bhakti as practiced by Andal and Akkamahadevi, wherein the devotee looks upon herself as a bride and the Lord as bridegroom. It is an example of sublimating all mental powers through power of imagination. The Lord, soul of all souls, is invoked for internal bliss and the craving for the Lord is evinced in the soul-stirring poetry written by these two proponents of the Bhakti movement.

The bridal mysticism gave way to yet another form of devotion in India where the women (abused, unmarried, or even married) could address God as their savior, and supreme lover.

I love the Handsome One:
He has no death
decay nor form
no place or side
no end nor birthmarks.

I love Him O mother. Listen.
I love the Beautiful One
with no bond nor fear
no clan no land
no landmarks

So my Lord, white as jasmine, is my husband.

by Akkamahadevi

Translated by A. K. Ramanujan

The Bridal Mysticism

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