The Broken Wing/Kali the Mother
Kali the Mother
All Voices: O terrible and tender and divine!
O mystic mother of all sacrifice,
We deck the sombre altars of thy shrine
With sacred basil leaves and saffron rice;
All gifts of life and death we bring to thee,
Uma Haimavati!
O mystic mother of all sacrifice,
We deck the sombre altars of thy shrine
With sacred basil leaves and saffron rice;
All gifts of life and death we bring to thee,
Uma Haimavati!
Maidens: We bring thee buds and berries from the wood!
Brides: We bring the rapture of our bridal prayer!
Mothers: And we the sweet travail of motherhood!
Widows: And we the bitter vigils of despair!
All Voices: All gladness and all grief we bring to thee,
Ambika! Parvati!
Ambika! Parvati!
Artisans: We bring the lowly tribute of our toil!
Peasants: We bring our new-born goats and budded wheat!
Victors: And we the swords and symbols of our spoil!
Vanquished: And we the shame and sorrow of defeat!
All Voices: All triumph and all tears we bring to thee,
Girija! Shambhavi!
Girija! Shambhavi!
Scholars: We bring the secrets of our ancient arts.
Priests: We bring the treasures of our ageless creeds.
Poets: And we the subtle music of our hearts.
Patriots: And we the sleepless worship of our deeds.
- ↑ These are some of the many names of Kali the Eternal Mother of Hindu worship.