Lalleshvari

From The Book of THoTH (Leaves of Wisdom)

In literature of India, Lalleshvari or Lalleshwari is also known as Lalla, and was a poet of the Kashmir valley. Her verses are believed to be the earliest compositions in the Kashmiri language.

She was born in Pandrenthan (ancient Puranadhisthana) some four and a half miles to the south-east of Srinagar. She was married at an early age, but her marriage was unhappy and she left home at twenty-six to become a disciple of a great Kashmiri Sufi.

Lalleshvari has been very influential in shaping Kashmiri culture and attitudes to life and religion. Her poems have been translated into English by Richard Temple, Jia Lal Kilam, and Jaishree Odin.

She is revered by both Muslims and Hindus.

Other notable poets of Kashmir include Aga Shahid Ali, Mehjoor, Habba Khatoon, Ghani Kashmiri, Mahmud Ghami. Aga Shahid Ali is considered as one of the finest American poets.

Where have I come from?

What road have I travelled?

Which way am I going?

I do not know the way,

Yet here I stand,

With courage and determination,

Hoping to grasp

The knowledge of the truth

--Angel 17:58, 22 May 2006 (CDT)