hearts of Kashmiris like a far away music of the wind rustling through the tall pine tree. And continues to vibrate as well the chords of their heart! Still these are freely and frequently quoted as maxims on appropriate occasions. Today I take you through the life, works and teachings of this fourteenth century mystic woman Lalleshwari from the valley in the highest peak of Himalayas. The Hindus called her Lalleshwari and the Muslims Lalla Arifa. But both lovingly called her Lal DED (Grandmother or Grandma). This is certain and continues as such to date. Lal in Kashmiri means an unnatural growth internal or external, or bodily projection. Lalla's belly had grown like a hanging lump of fleshy cloak down to her knees.
Birth and early Life Lalleshwari was born in 1320 about the middle of the 14th century during the time of Sultan Ala-ud-din. Lall's parents lived at Pandrenthan (ancient Puranadhisthana) some four and a half miles to the south-east of Srinagar. There is absence of authentic historical records. Thus there seems to be much confusion about the exact dates of her birth and death among historians. According to Noor Namas and Reshi Namas Lallwshwari was born sometime between 1300 -1320 A.D. and died round about 1377 A.D. However I am not going to speak to you of a historical Lalleshwari. Instead I am overflowing a Lalleshwari who is existential-one who was never born never died. Lalleshwari simply visited the valley on this planet earth during the fourteenth century. I will simply highlight those anecdotes and aspects of her life that reflect her as a mystic – a poetess and a master of tremendous insights. She was married at an early age. She was ill treated by her mother-in-law who nearly starved her. This story is preserved in a Kashmiri proverb: ‘Whether they killed a big sheep or a small one. Lalla had always a stone for her dinner’. Lalia’s hypocritical mother-in-law was cunning and tricky. She would usually place a large round shingle underneath the cooked rice in her plate at lunch and dinner-time to display her deceptive affection for Lal Ded and, at the same time, to show to
others how hefty the latter was. Lalleshwari would always finish eating quickly the scanty rice, wash her plate and the pebble and place them at their specified places before attending to other chores. She would not utter a word of protest; much less complain against such a strange behavior and illtreatment. Instead she would take every care to shield her husband as well as mother-in-law and their honor. However, once on a festive occasion while filling a pitcher at the river bank, she was asked by her girl friends what the festivity and merriment at her home was all about. She said ‘Whether they slaughter a ram or a lamb, Lalla will never miss her shingle’. Her father-in-law accidentally found out the truth. He got annoyed with his wife and scolded her. This incident invited more curses on Lalla. Her mother- in-law poisoned the ears of her son with all sorts of stories. Ultimately, the anomalies and cruelties of worldly life led her to renunciation and she discovered liberty in the life of the spirit. Lalleshwari was no exception to the common lot of womanhood, the world over in general and Indian womenfolk in particular. Her mother-in-law, perhaps as a means of cathartic projection of her own experience, often incited her son against his wife. Being unintelligent and too dull to observe and appreciate the nobility of Lalleshwari and the divine sparks in her, he would thoughtlessly slender and perplex her. Lal Ded remained ill-treated and ill-fed despite the family control of her affectionate father-in-law.
Lalleshwari and guru Sidh Srikanth She found her guru in Sidh Srikanth, whom she ultimately excelled in spiritual attainments: Gav Tsatha guras Khasithay Tyuth var ditam Diva! [Kashmiri Language] The disciple surpassed the Guru God grant me a similar boon! She pursued Yoga under Sidh Srikanth, until she was enlightened. But she did not stop there. Around her was a life of conflict and chaos. Her countrymen and women needed her guidance. She had a mission to perform.