Dr Sandhyaa Bombay
Little Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari arrived lightly,
Dressed in turmeric yellow and brown,
As though the sun had slipped from the sky,
To dance on earth with a golden smile.
Glancing around, she softly said,
“I have come to play, to bless, to bring delight.
Next came Maa Gayatri.
In orange-pink and glamorous red,
Sober and serene, where the sun had fled.
Recalling Vedic chants of sages old,
She stood upon the stage, a memory of gold.
Thereafter appeared Maa Annapurna,
In mustard yellow, adorned with nature’s bounty.
With grains and greens, O Maa, you nourish every soul,
With health and food, you make us whole.
Then arrived Maa Chandi.
Her face, a flamboyant red,
Gentle in anger, full of holy grace.
You chide our sins, lest we repeat the wrong,
Through homam or havan, you turn our failings into a kinder act.
Soon after, Maa Lalitha Devi arrived.
O charming Lalitha, pleasant and divine,
Every woman chants your name as sacred wine.
Fierce yet sweet, like the juice of sugarcane,
Your serpent-like plait – a beauty beyond words to contain.
Following her came Maa Saraswati.
Beloved Saraswati, reside within us, that our words may be true,
Let knowledge be our food, and time our treasure.
Free us from fear and anger, that we may live in harmony,
Drinking ever from your eternal spring of wisdom.
Next appeared Maa Mahalakshmi.
Lotus-born and lotus-eyed, in a lotus pond you dwell,
No eye can capture all your magical spell.
They say Lakshmi never stays in one home,
O Maa, please stay, and let us never wander alone.
Not for gold alone, but for your grace,
Shower your blessings upon this sacred place.
Maa Durga arrived, radiant in red,
Embodying controlled wrath.
No Vedic chant is complete, O Maa Durga,
Without your powerful, sweet name.
You are humanity’s shield and strength in every fight,
While some women celebrate Bathukamma beside you,
Circling floral towers, singing sacred songs hand in hand.
Thereupon appeared Maa Mahishasura Mardini.
Your red turned redder still,
As you slew the demon with unshaken will.
You destroyed the darkness in the minds of men,
So peace and joy could live on earth again.
Finally came Maa Raja Rajeshwari,
Forever cherished in every heart,
Your blessings shine with sacred light,
Your loving presence guides our homes,
Filling every life with warmth and grace.
How can we bid you adieu, O Mother Divine?
No child can bear to see his mother depart,
Stay forever within our loving hearts,
Guiding our lives with your sacred light.
