Kabhi Fursat Ho To Jagdambe(कभी फुर्सत हो तो जगदम्बे): A Prayer from the Heart

Introduction

In the vast ocean of Hindu devotional music, certain bhajans transcend mere religious verses to become universal expressions of the human soul’s yearning for divine grace. “Kabhi Fursat Ho To Jagdambe” (When You Have Time, O Divine Mother) is one such bhajan, a deeply moving prayer that captures the essence of humble devotion, acknowledging material poverty while celebrating the wealth of faith. This simple yet profoundly touching composition has resonated with millions of devotees across India and beyond, reminding us that the Divine Mother values sincerity over grandeur, love over luxury, and devotion over display.

The Essence of the Bhajan

कभी फुर्सत हो तो जगदंबे,

Translation:

Whenever you find some time, O Jagadambe,

Explanation:

The devotee humbly calls the Mother Goddess, asking her to notice him whenever she can.

निर्धन के घर भी आ जाना,

Translation:

Please come to the home of the poor as well.

Explanation:

He requests the Goddess to bless even those who are poor and forgotten.

जो रूखा सूखा दिया हमें,

Translation:

Whatever simple and plain food I offer you,

Explanation:

The devotee admits that his offering is very modest.

कभी उसका भोग लगा जाना,

Translation:

Please accept it as your offering.

Explanation:

He asks the Goddess to value sincerity over material richness.

कभी फुर्सत हों तो जगदंबे,

Translation:

Whenever you find time, O Jagadambe,

Explanation:

Repetition shows patience, humility, and continuous hope.

निर्धन के घर भी आ जाना।।

Translation:

Please come to the poor devotee’s home as well.

Explanation:

The devotee believes divine grace should reach everyone.

ना छत्र बना सका सोने का,

Translation:

I could not make a golden canopy for you,

Explanation:

He expresses his inability to arrange grand worship items.

ना चुनरी घर मेरे तारों जड़ी,

Translation:

Nor do I have a veil decorated with stars,

Explanation:

He lacks luxurious decorations for the Goddess.

ना पेड़े बर्फी मेवा है माँ,

Translation:

I do not have sweets or dry fruits, Mother,

Explanation:

The devotee openly accepts his poverty.

बस श्रद्धा है नैन बिछाए खड़ी,

Translation:

Only devotion stands here, waiting with hopeful eyes.

Explanation:

True faith is presented as the only offering.

इस श्रद्धा की रखलो लाज हे माँ,

Translation:

Please protect the honor of this devotion, O Mother,

Explanation:

He asks the Goddess to respect his sincerity.

इस अर्जी को ना ठुकरा जाना,

Translation:

Please do not reject this humble request.

Explanation:

A heartfelt plea for acceptance.

जो रूखा सूखा दिया हमें,

Translation:

Whatever simple offering I give,

Explanation:

He again emphasizes humility.

कभी उसका भोग लगा जाना,

Translation:

Please accept it as your offering.

Explanation:

Devotion matters more than wealth.

कभी फुर्सत हों तो जगदंबे,

Translation:

Whenever you find time, O Jagadambe,

Explanation:

A gentle reminder filled with hope.

निर्धन के घर भी आ जाना।।

Translation:

Please come to the poor devotee’s home as well.

Explanation:

The refrain highlights compassion and equality.

जिस घर के दीये में तेल नहीं,

Translation:

In the house where there is no oil in the lamp,

Explanation:

This line depicts extreme poverty.

वहाँ ज्योत जलाऊं मैं कैसे,

Translation:

How can I light a sacred lamp there?

Explanation:

The devotee feels helpless in performing rituals.

मेरा खुद ही बिछौना धरती पर,

Translation:

When my own bed is the bare ground,

Explanation:

It shows a life of hardship and simplicity.

तेरी चौकी सजाऊं मैं कैसे,

Translation:

How can I decorate your ceremonial seat?

Explanation:

He cannot arrange formal worship.

जहाँ मैं बैठा वहीं बैठ के माँ,

Translation:

Mother, sit with me wherever I am seated,

Explanation:

He invites the Goddess to accept simplicity and closeness.

बच्चों का दिल बहला जाना,

Translation:

And lovingly comfort your child’s heart.

Explanation:

The devotee sees himself as a child seeking comfort.

जो रूखा सूखा दिया हमें,

Translation:

Whatever simple offering I give,

Explanation:

Humility continues.

कभी उसका भोग लगा जाना,

Translation:

Please accept it as your offering.

Explanation:

Faith is repeated with devotion.

कभी फुर्सत हों तो जगदंबे,

Translation:

Whenever you find time, O Jagadambe,

Explanation:

Unbroken hope and surrender.

निर्धन के घर भी आ जाना।।

Translation:

Please come to the poor devotee’s home as well.

Explanation:

A prayer for divine presence.

तू भाग्य बनाने वाली है,

Translation:

You are the one who shapes destiny,

Explanation:

The Goddess is acknowledged as the controller of fate.

माँ मैं तकदीर का मारा हूँ,

Translation:

Mother, I am struck by misfortune.

Explanation:

The devotee expresses suffering.

हे दाती संभालो भिखारी को,

Translation:

O Giver, take care of this beggar,

Explanation:

Complete surrender before the Goddess.

आखिर तेरी आँख का तारा हूँ,

Translation:

After all, I am the apple of your eye.

Explanation:

Despite suffering, the devotee believes he is loved.

मैं दोषी तू निर्दोष है माँ,

Translation:

I am flawed, you are flawless, Mother,

Explanation:

He admits his faults and praises her purity.

मेरे दोषों को तू भुला जाना,

Translation:

Please forgive and forget my mistakes.

Explanation:

A plea for mercy and compassion.

जो रूखा सूखा दिया हमें,

Translation:

Whatever simple offering I give,

Explanation:

Humility remains till the end.

कभी उसका भोग लगा जाना,

Translation:

Please accept it as your offering.

Explanation:

Devotion is offered again.

कभी फुर्सत हों तो जगदंबे,

Translation:

Whenever you find time, O Jagadambe,

Explanation:

Enduring faith and patience.

निर्धन के घर भी आ जाना।।

Translation:

Please come to the poor devotee’s home as well.

Explanation:

The bhajan ends with surrender, faith, and hope for divine grace.

The Theological Depth of Simplicity

Democratizing Devotion

This bhajan performs crucial theological work by democratizing religious practice. In many traditions, worship can become hierarchical, with elaborate rituals and expensive offerings creating a subtle class system where the wealthy appear to have privileged access to the divine. “Kabhi Fursat Ho To Jagdambe” challenges this hierarchy by asserting that:

Simple offerings have spiritual value: The “rookha sookha” (simple food) offered with love equals or surpasses elaborate feasts offered mechanically.
Material poverty doesn’t indicate spiritual poverty: Lack of gold canopies and jeweled sarees doesn’t reflect a lack of devotion or divine favor.
The Divine Mother is accessible to all: She is not too busy attending to royal palaces to visit humble homes.
Devotion itself is the greatest offering: Pure shraddha (faith) outweighs all material gifts.

Redefining Success in Spiritual Life

The bhajan subtly redefines what constitutes successful religious practice. Success is not measured by:

The value of offerings
The elaborateness of rituals
The grandeur of worship spaces
Social status or material wealth

Instead, it’s measured by:

Sincerity of devotion
Humility in approach
Trust in divine compassion
Consistency of remembrance

This reframing liberates countless devotees from feelings of inadequacy, allowing them to approach the Divine Mother with confidence despite their material limitations.

Contemporary Relevance

Economic Disparities and Faith

In today’s India, where economic disparities continue to widen, this bhajan speaks powerfully to millions struggling with financial pressures. It offers spiritual dignity to those who might feel excluded from elaborate temple rituals or expensive religious ceremonies. The message that divine love is not for sale, that it cannot be purchased with gold and jewels, provides profound comfort and empowerment.

Materialism vs. Spirituality

In an increasingly materialistic world where success is often measured purely in economic terms, “Kabhi Fursat Ho To Jagdambe” offers a counter-narrative. It reminds us that:

True wealth lies in faith, not finances
Spiritual richness can coexist with material simplicity
The most precious things in life love, devotion, divine grace cannot be bought

Mental Health Perspective

From a psychological standpoint, this bhajan models healthy spirituality by:

Encouraging honesty: The devotee openly acknowledges limitations rather than pretending or hiding them.
Reducing shame: By celebrating simple offerings, it removes the shame often associated with poverty.
Building self-worth: The claim of being the Mother’s beloved child counters negative self-perception.
Promoting trust: Faith in divine compassion provides emotional security despite material insecurity.

Singing the Bhajan: Practice and Devotion

When to Sing

This bhajan is particularly appropriate during:

Navratri: The nine nights dedicated to the Divine Mother make an ideal time for this humble prayer.

Friday: Traditionally associated with Devi worship, Fridays are auspicious for singing this bhajan.

Dur ga Puja: During the grand festival celebrating the goddess, this bhajan reminds us that she equally loves humble devotees.

Personal Difficulties: When facing financial hardships or feeling spiritually inadequate, this bhajan provides both comfort and a channel for prayer.

Daily Practice: Many devotees incorporate this bhajan into their daily spiritual routine, particularly in the evening.

How to Enhance Devotional Experience

Create Sacred Space: Even without expensive items, create a clean, dedicated space with whatever you have a small picture or idol, perhaps a simple lamp.

Sing with Feeling: The bhajan’s power lies in emotional authenticity. Don’t just recite the words; feel them. Let humility, the longing, the confidence in divine love flow through you.

Reflect on the Lyrics: Contemplate each line. What does it mean to offer “rookha sookha” to the Divine? How does it feel to claim status as the Mother’s beloved despite imperfections?

Share the Experience: If possible, sing with family or friends. The communal aspect of bhajan singing enhances its emotional and spiritual impact.

VAMA Platform: Bringing Devotion to the Digital Age

Accessing Traditional Devotion Modernly

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, platforms like VAMA (Vama.app) bridge the gap between traditional devotional practices and contemporary lifestyles. VAMA offers comprehensive services that make divine worship accessible regardless of material resources or geographic location:

Online Puja Services: Can’t afford elaborate temple rituals? VAMA facilitates affordable online pujas performed by experienced priests at sacred temples. You can participate in Navratri celebrations, Durga Puja ceremonies, or special Ma a blessings all from your home, with video documentation of the rituals performed on your behalf.

Virtual Offerings (Chadhava): The bhajan’s message about accepting simple offerings finds perfect expression through VAMA’s chadhava services. Devotees can arrange for offerings to be made at temples whether elaborate or simple based on their capacity. The platform doesn’t judge the value of offerings; it facilitates devotion at all economic levels.

Devotional Content Library: VAMA provides access to a vast collection of bhajans, including “Kabhi Fursat Ho To Jagdambe,” with:

Full lyrics in multiple languages
Audio recordings by renowned devotional singers
Video tutorials for learning the bhajan
Background information about the composition

Astrological Guidance: For those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice, VAMA’s expert astrologers can suggest:

Auspicious times for intensive devotion
Specific goddess worship aligned with personal horoscopes
Remedial measures for overcoming obstacles
Personalized spiritual practices

Community Connection: VAMA creates a virtual sangha (spiritual community) where devotees can:

Share devotional experiences
Participate in group bhajan sessions
Connect with like-minded seekers
Find support during difficult times

Panchang and Festival Information: Never miss an auspicious day for Devi worship. VAMA’s panchang service provides detailed information about:

Navratri dates
Ashtami tithis
Fridays dedicated to goddess worship
Special festivals and observances

Making Devotion Affordable

One of VAMA’s core principles aligns perfectly with “Kabhi Fursat Ho To Jagdambe” making devotion accessible at all economic levels. The platform offers:

Flexible Pricing: Services available at various price points, ensuring that financial limitations don’t prevent spiritual practice.

Simple Offerings: Option to arrange basic, traditional offerings rather than expensive elaborate ones.

Free Content: Vast library of devotional material available at no cost, including bhajans, aartis, and spiritual teachings.

No Judgment: The platform treats all users with equal respect, regardless of the economic value of their chosen services.

Conclusion: The Eternal Message

“Kabhi Fursat Ho To Jagdambe” endures because it speaks an eternal truth: divine love transcends material circumstances. In a world often obsessed with wealth and status, this bhajan offers a different metric of value, one measured in faith, humility, and love.

The bhajan teaches us that:

The Divine Mother is never too busy for her children
Simple offerings given with love please her more than expensive gifts given mechanically
Material poverty doesn’t preclude spiritual richness
Every sincere devotee is precious in the Mother’s eyes
Honest acknowledgment of limitations is itself a form of devotion

May the Mother visit every home, rich or poor, and may every offering, however simple, find acceptance in her compassionate heart.

Jai Mata Di! (Victory to the Divine Mother!)

Kabhi Fursat Ho To Jagdambe(कभी फुर्सत हो तो जगदम्बे): A Prayer from the Heart

Introduction