#Ganikas

[rrcraft-and-lore]

Tawaif - a highly skilled courtesan (skilled in: music, dance, poetry, and singing) who catered to nobility in South Asia. Similar in respects to Geisha in many ways, including that sex was NOT obligatory. It occurred, but the primary function was entertainment.

Most commonly romantic poetry like Ghazals -a form of Arabic poetry that made its way over to South Asia: odes of long lost lovers, tragedy, separation, stuff to pull at your heart strings. And, shairi, another Arab/Persian kind of poetry that is built on monorhymed quatrains or four sixteen syllable lines (keeping to the same rhyme scheme) with a caesura used between lines 8//9 to break up the first half from the second. During the British Occupation, they were simply called, Nautch girls or dance girls. But this is far from all they did or were capable of. The name itself, Tawaif, is the term for a HIGHLY SKILLED courtesan. They were trained to the upmost of artistic forms.

They were not there to perform sex acts - that was often incidental and not contractual. And the women had the power to rebuff men's advances.

The Tawaifs of India were regarded as some of the greatest performing artists of their time with documented praise and examples from travelers such as Xuanzang, a Chinese pilgrim, notable traveling Buddhist Monk and scholar who frequented India, remarking on the Tawaifs skill, beauty, and performances during once such visit to the Sun Temple in Multan. Al-Biruni, often regarded as the father of Comparative Religion studies, an Iranian polymath and scholar, regarded on their skill and larger numbers during the 11th century CE upon a visit, Ganikas, another entertainer, are a public dancing girl (very common in cities from the Vedic period upward) who received classical arts training (most obviously dancing) and often performed from public settings up to royal private ones - and would compete to become Nagarvadhu - the most beautiful woman and most highly talented in forms of art (dance mostly).

Many young girls would leave or were taken to be taught these skills, and yes, there were schools for this too as well as private tutelage. People don't often realize this, but Ancient India was a place of extreme learning with all kinds of schools for different disciplines. A place of academies. Something I've talked about, like places like Nalanda, the world's oldest residential university that attracted people from far as Greece to Japan.

Anyways, Tawaifs were so successful and sought after, that records show they were consistently among the highest tax payers. Records also show that their wealth was used (by their consent/given) to help fund rebellions against the British Raj - enough so that the British passed laws to strip them of their ability to work as courtesans and left them only with sex work, which is sadly why some stories today only speak of them as prostitutes and not knowing their full, complex, and impactful history It's said the art of all this came from Urvashi, an Apsara (celestial being of dance, song, seduction/temptation, art, music).

[ramayantika]

Thank you for summarising the history of Ganikas here. Classical dance owes its ancestry and heritage to them.

My blood boils each time I see these men go around insta and talk about tawaifs in such degraded manner without reading up about the history.

We had ganikas first, well educated female artists who were then degraded into prostitutes much later. Tawaifs have had a rich socio-cultural history before being labelled as whores by the same men who went to them leaving their wives and children at home.

Well can't really expect much. As a classical dancer myself I have heard those funny taunts about being an entertainer for free, an eye candy for the masses who will dance anywhere any time, nachnevali.

Heermandi flopped so hard, but i still agree with the last scene of the series where the narrator talked about how these women would still have to fight a war for their identities, for their art.

These women aren't the only ones to blame.

Bye

[psychic-winged-turtle]

[mecthology]

Vishkanya from Indian mythology.

According to ancient tales, it's said that kings employed vishkanyas to charm and eliminate foes through poisoned drinks or kisses. Vishkanyas served a broader purpose beyond assassination, engaging in espionage, sabotage, blackmail, and infiltration. Their ability to gain trust and intimacy allowed them to uncover secrets and weaknesses of targets, while their charm and poison could manipulate or influence others. They were occasionally known as nagarvadhu (city bride) or ganika (courtesan), adopting the guise of enchanting women who entertained men in public spaces.

Vishkanyas were thought to possess distinctive physical traits like blue eyes, pale skin, sharp teeth, long nails, or a snake-like tongue, setting them apart from regular women. Yet, these features could be concealed or altered through makeup or magic.

Vishkanyas weren't consistently loyal to their masters; at times, they betrayed them for personal interests or emotions. Instances included vishkanyas falling in love with their victims, attempting to rescue them, or seeking revenge against masters for cruel treatment.

Follow @mwcthology for more myths and lores.

Source: themysteriousindia.net & Wikipedia

[santmat]

Light and Sound on The Path: Mystic Poetry of Baba Somanath, Sant Namdev, Soami Ji Maharaj, and Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram -- Sant Mat Radhasoami

Master Blog Archive RSS Feed (for those wishing to subscribe and follow via RSS): 

https://SantMatRadhasoami.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Mystic Poetry (Bhajan, Hymn) of Baba Somanath: O beloved ones, repeat the Simran of Naam, Otherwise your life will be spoiled.

Naama sumirana karale pyaare

Nahi to hoya khuwaari (refrain)

O beloved ones, repeat the Simran of Naam,

Otherwise your life will be spoiled.

Kaama kalpanaa chora jaga se, hoya raho tuma nyaari

Cast out fantasies of desire from your heart;

Remain detached from this outer world.

Dhyaana guru kaa dhaara tu, jaise chandra chakoraa

Nirakhata raho nisadina, aatha hi praharaa

Hoi hai dyaala to kari hai nihaala

Pala me deya ubaari (1)

Contemplate on the Guru as the moonbird gazes at the moon;

Maintain your watch all the hours of the day and night.

When He becomes gracious, He showers His blessing on you,

And in an instant you attain salvation.

Dhru, Pralhaada, Vibhishana, aur Bhilani Shivari

Ganika Ajaamila jaise paapi naama anekana taari

Patita paavana naama nirmala

Tuma kyon chale bisaari (2)

Dhru, Prahlad, Vibhishana, 30 and Bhilni Shivari were saved.

His Naam liberated countless sinners like Ganika, the prostitute, and Ajamila, the sinner. 31 

The Immaculate Naam is the purifier of the fallen ones.

Why do you persist in your forgetfulness?

Nita nema kara prema se, svaasa svaasa ura dhaari

Chita dvai nainana madhye, sthira kara samhaari

Dhuna dhadhakaara hotaa jahaa

Ghantaa naada jhanakaari (3)

Constantly meditate with true love; with each and every breath, cherish the Naam in your heart.

Fix your attention between the two eyes; become firm and concentrate within.

Where the Dhun is resounding,

You will hear the peeling of Celestial Bells.

Dala sahasra kanvala ke paarachala, kaala kalaa saba haari

Sthula sukshama kaarana shariraa, mana na maayaa thahari

Sthaan trikuti brahma langa ke,

Manasarovara naahari (4)

When you travel to the regions beyond the Thousand-Petaled Lotus, the tricks of Kal are all conquered.

Rising above the physical, astral, and causal bodies, neither mind nor Maya remain.

Crossing over Trikuti, the region of Brahma, bathe in the waters of Mansarovar.

Hansa hoya sataloka sidhaare, satta purusha hi nihaare

Nita hota bina dhuna jahaa, satta hi satta pukaare

Bhaja Somanaatha naama niraamaya

Guru prataapa te huye nyaare (5)

The swan-bird of the soul departs for Sat Lok, where it beholds Sat Purush, the True Lord.

The music of the veena reverberates perpetually on the air.

In that Realm, the Truth of Truth calls forth.

Somanath says: “Repeat the Immaculate Naam.

Through the glory of the Guru, you will become free from this world.”

Hear It Being Sung by Baba Somanath: Audio: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/19h5GIfdiAx0tonC4-lzlma5gabOZSUoh

Mystic Verses of Sant Namdev from Three Sources

Namdev advises to accept divine instruction so that humanity may be contented and happy:

When I sing of God, then I behold Him;

Then I, His servant, obtain contentment.

Accept divine instruction, 0 man;

the true guru shall cause thee

to meet God.

Where the heavenly Light shineth,

There playeth spontaneous Music.

'God's Light is all-pervading'--

By the guru's favour I know that.

In the chamber of the heart are jewels

Which glitter there like lightning.

God is near, not distant,

And His Spirit completely filleth mine.

Where the inextinguishable sun of God's Word shineth,

There earthly lamps grow pale:

Through the guru's favour I have know this.

God's slave Nama hath been easily absorbed in Him.

-- Sant Namdev, Vani of Namdev quoted in, "Sant Namdev -- The Facts of His Religious Ideology", O.P. Ralhan, Anmol Publications, New Delhi

I Shall Never Forget the Lord Now

I shall never forget the Lord now,

I shall keep him clasped to my heart.

Were I to forget him, I should indeed lose all I have.

Every moment I offer my body and mind to the Lord,

Never for a moment do I let him go from my mind.

With every breath I drink the nectar of his remembrance --

This beggar thrives on the nectar of the Lord's Name.

Engrossed in his love, I keep repeating his sweet Name.

Were I to forget him, I would certainly come to grief.

Says Namdev, I shall never fix my hope on any but him.

I shall lay down my life to attain the wealth of his Name.

-- Sant Namdev, "Saint Namdev", translated by J.R. Puri, V.K. Sethi

It is your Music

I hear

0 Lord.

The rhythm of drums

jantar

and vina.

The supreme moment

has come.

I had chains around

my feet.

But now I have no fear

of this ocean of samsara [world of changes].

I looked within

and perfected devotion

says Namdev.

Govind [God] is right

here.

My heart dwells

at his feet.

Never will I give up

my love for him.

Let people laugh

all they wish.

Govind's [God's] name

will take you across

the ocean of samsara.

Why work yourself

to death

for the falsehood

of maya [illusion]?

A man will stake his life

for his money.

Should a bhakta [lover of the Beloved] not cherish

his love?

All that I want

is to please Ram [God]

says Namdev.

-- Sant Namdev,

"The Hindi Padavali",

Winand M. Callewaert translation

Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi

Beloved Radhasoami (Lord of All Souls) is Your Protector

Some selections of Radhaswami hymns found in the book, "Niyamawali," published in Agra, India:  

Guru is my Father and Mother. Who can describe His glory and eminence?

Beloved, merciful to the humble, Radhasoami, does good to my soul every moment. (Prem Bani Radhasoami, Huzur Maharaj)

0 Jiva [soul]! Why do you worry? Beloved Radhasoami is your protector. When you were born, He arranged milk for your feed and had your mother bring you up. He took care of you in every way and attracted you to His Holy Feet.

He provided you with all the pleasures of the senses and showed you the transitory nature of the world. He then drew you to Satsang and gave out to you the secrets and mysteries of the Nij Ghar (True Home). By His grace and mercy, go up and open the Tenth Door.

He improves your understanding by His discourses. He lets you examine the true nature of the mind, enabling you to give up your entanglements, delusions and adherences to past beliefs. He applies your Surat [Soul's Attention] to Shabd [inner Current of Sound and Light]. Ascend to higher regions and see beautiful scenes.

He makes the bell and the conch audible to you in Sahas-dal-kanwal [Thousand Petaled Lotus]. He shows you the splendor of Guru in Trikuti [Causal Plane, second inner Region]. See moonlight in the expanse of Sunn, and, reaching the perfect region beyond Bhanwargupha, perform Arti of Sat Guru.

Taking a telescope from Sat Purush, proceed to Alakh and Agam. Beyond lies the infinite Radhasoami Dham. Behold it and be enriched place your head at His Holy Feet. (Prem Bani Radhasoami, Huzur Maharaj)

Have patience. Do not be dejected. Fix your Attention on, and absorb yourself in the Holy Form of Guru. Always sing His praises. Make no excuses. This should be your aim, just as the Papiha (the sparrow hawk) patiently waits in expectation of the Swanti rain with a fixed aim.

Direct your Attention inward, do not allow it to flow out anywhere else. Put up with every thing inwardly. Accept nothing but internal joy. Have patience. Do not divulge acts of grace of Sat Guru to others. Live with Radhasoami like a fish in water. (Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry, Soami Ji Maharaj)

[dhirajsahu68]

# CASTE IS THE REASON FOR THE UNREST AMONG HUMANS.

Garib, unche kul mein Duryodhan Ravan,

neeche kul ki ganika .

Ganika bhilni paar utar gayi,

garv karo mat dhan ka.

[ashoklavishkumar]

#जाति_मनुष्यकी_अशांति_का_कारण

CASTE IS THE REASON FOR THE UNREST AMONG HUMANS.

Garib, unche kul mein Duryodhan Ravan, neeche kul ki ganika.

Ganika bhilni paar utar gayi, garv karo mat dhan ka.

Only by abandoning the ego of caste, family, and wealth and by serving the Lord with humility and obedience can one please the Supreme God and attain salvation. Therefore, we should transcend the boundaries of caste and religion and take refuge in Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, thereby embracing the religion of humanity.

#casteism #hinduism #atheism #reelschallenge #jatipratha #untouchability #equality #religiousequality #caste #viral #viralvideos #viralpost #trendingreels

#SantRampalJiMaharaj

#casteisminindia #castepolitics #castesystem #जातिवाद #socialjustice #viralreels #explorepage #goviral #exploremore

#spiritual #jaishreeram #radheradhe #krishna #devotion

#SantRampalJiMaharaj

#Satlok

[samerdas]

#GodMorningMonday

Castle is the reason for the unrest among Humans.

Garib unche kul mein Duryodhan Ravan neeche kul ki ganika. Ganika bhilni paar utar gayi guru karo matdhan ka.

To receive free initiation and spiritual books by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. Gyan Ganga Ph+91 7496801825

[9725137073sblog]

CASTE IS THE REASON FOR THE UNREST AMONG HUMANS.

Garib, unche kul mein Duryodhan Ravan, neeche kul ki ganika. Ganika bhilni paar utar gayi, garv karo mat dhan ka.

#जाति_मनुष्यकी_अशांति_का_कारण

Living Being Is Our Race

[rrcraft-and-lore]

Tawaif - a highly skilled courtesan (skilled in: music, dance, poetry, and singing) who catered to nobility in South Asia. Similar in respects to Geisha in many ways, including that sex was NOT obligatory. It occurred, but the primary function was entertainment.

Most commonly romantic poetry like Ghazals -a form of Arabic poetry that made its way over to South Asia: odes of long lost lovers, tragedy, separation, stuff to pull at your heart strings. And, shairi, another Arab/Persian kind of poetry that is built on monorhymed quatrains or four sixteen syllable lines (keeping to the same rhyme scheme) with a caesura used between lines 8//9 to break up the first half from the second.

During the British Occupation, they were simply called, Nautch girls or dance girls. But this is far from all they did or were capable of. The name itself, Tawaif, is the term for a HIGHLY SKILLED courtesan. They were trained to the upmost of artistic forms. They were not there to perform sex acts - that was often incidental and not contractual. And the women had the power to rebuff men's advances.

The Tawaifs of India were regarded as some of the greatest performing artists of their time with documented praise and examples from travelers such as Xuanzang, a Chinese pilgrim, notable traveling Buddhist Monk and scholar who frequented India, remarking on the Tawaifs skill, beauty, and performances during once such visit to the Sun Temple in Multan. Al-Biruni, often regarded as the father of Comparative Religion studies, an Iranian polymath and scholar, regarded on their skill and larger numbers during the 11th century CE upon a visit Ganikas, another entertainer, are a public dancing girl (very common in cities from the Vedic period upward) who received classical arts training (most obviously dancing) and often performed from public settings up to royal private ones - and would compete to become Nagarvadhu - the most beautiful woman and most highly talented in forms of art (dance mostly).

Many young girls would leave or were taken to be taught these skills, and yes, there were schools for this too as well as private tutelage. People don't often realize this, but Ancient India was a place of extreme learning with all kinds of schools for different disciplines. A place of academies. Something I've talked about, like places like Nalanda, the world's oldest residential university that attracted people from far as Greece to Japan anyways, Tawaifs were so successful and sought after, that records show they were consistently among the highest tax payers.

Records also show that their wealth was used (by their consent/given) to help fund rebellions against the British Raj - enough so that the British passed laws to strip them of their ability to work as courtesans and left them only with sex work, which is sadly why some stories today only speak of them as prostitutes and not knowing their full, complex, and impactful history.

It's said the art of all this came from Urvashi, an Apsara (celestial being of dance, song, seduction/temptation, art, music).

[ramayantika]

People think kathak is a not so pure form of dance because mughals patronised it the most and the courtesans performed it

Who's gonna tell them about history of Indian classical dance, ganikas and other types of dancers who were respected everywhere than these pathetic modern generation crowd who barely no a thing about traditional music and dance???

[psychic-winged-turtle]

[harendra123]

सी+*

जाति मनुष्यों में अशांति का कारण है।

Garib, unche kul mein Duryodhan Ravan, neeche kul ki ganika. Ganika bhilni paar utar gayi, garv karo mat dhan ka.

जाति, परिवार और धन के अहंकार को त्यागकर और विनम्रता और आज्ञाकारिता के साथ प्रभु की सेवा क���के ही मनुष्य पूर्ण परमात्मा को प्रसन्न कर सकता है और मोक्ष प्राप्त कर सकता है। इसलिए हमें जाति और धर्म की सीमाओं से ऊपर उठकर संत रामपाल जी महाराज की शरण में आकर मानवता धर्म को अपनाना चाहिए।

#जाति_मनुष्यकी_अशांति_का_कारण

Living Being Is Our Race