The Poet · 1907 – 1987
महादेवी वर्मा
Mahadevi Varma
Region
Allahabad
Language
hindi
Signature rasa
Shringara
Works · archive
26
Mahadevi Varma stands as the absolute pinnacle of lyrical mysticism in modern Hindi literature. Born in 1907 in Farrukhabad, she was a central pillar of the Chhayavaad romantic movement and is universally revered as the modern Meera for the intense spiritual devotion embedded in her verse.
She lived a life of fierce intellectual independence. As the principal of the Prayag Mahila Vidyapeeth, she revolutionized women's education in India, while her literary salon in Allahabad became the epicenter of Hindi letters.
Her poetic masterworks, including Yama, Nihar, and Rashmi, are profound meditations on sorrow, the eternal soul, and the quiet strength of the natural world. She did not merely write about pain.
She transformed it into a vehicle for spiritual liberation. Honored with the Jnanpith Award in 1982 and the Padma Vibhushan, she passed away in 1987.
She remains an immortal figure whose words continue to offer solace to anyone who has ever felt the ache of existential longing.
Chronology
A life, paced like a poem.
1907
Born in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh.
1930
Published her first poetry collection, 'Nihar'.
1932
Appointed as the Principal of Prayag Mahila Vidyapeeth, promoting women's education.
1940
Published 'Yama', a compilation of her major works with her own illustrations.
1956
Awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.
1982
Received the prestigious Jnanpith Award for her outstanding contribution to literature.
1987
Passed away in Allahabad.
Essential
Start with these.
Three doorways into Mahadevi Varma, chosen for how quickly they show you what this voice sounds like.
Karuna
01कहां रहेगी चिड़िया
Kahan Rahegi Chidiya
The clearest statement of karuna in this catalogue, begin here.
Read the poem →1 verse
Shringara
02जो तुम आ जाते एक बार
Jo Tum Aa Jate Ek Baar
A shorter turn in shringara, 5 verses long.
Read the poem →5 verses
Shanta
03दीप मेरे जल अकम्पित
Deep Mere Jal Akampit
A shorter turn in shanta, 5 verses long.
Read the poem →5 versesFull Catalogue
Every composition, by mood.
26 entries · 4 rasas
View full catalogue →शान्त
Shanta
8 compositions
- 015 versesRead →
तुम मुझमें प्रिय, फिर परिचय क्या!
Tum Mujhmen Priya, Phir Parichay Kya!
- 024 versesRead →
सजनि दीपक बार ले
Sajani Deepak Bar Le
- 034 versesRead →
सजनि कौन तम में परिचित सा
Sajani Kaun Tam Mein Parichit Sa
- 045 versesRead →
मैं अनंत पथ में लिखती जो
Main Anant Path Mein Likhti Jo
- 052 versesRead →
क्या पूजन क्या अर्चन रे!
Kya Poojan Kya Archan Re!
- 065 versesRead →
जीवन दीप
Jeevan Deep
- 074 versesRead →
दीपक अब रजनी जाती रे
Deepak Ab Rajni Jaati Re
- 085 versesRead →
दीप मेरे जल अकम्पित
Deep Mere Jal Akampit
करुणा
Karuna
6 compositions
- 011 verseRead →
कहां रहेगी चिड़िया
Kahan Rahegi Chidiya
- 0211 versesRead →
अश्रु यह पानी नहीं है
Ashru Yeh Paani Nahin Hai
- 036 versesRead →
मैं नीर भरी दुख की बदली!
Main Neer Bhari Dukh Ki Badli
- 045 versesRead →
अधिकार
Adhikar
- 054 versesRead →
किसी का दीप निष्ठुर हूँ
Kisi Ka Deep Nishthur Hoon
- 063 versesRead →
जो मुखरित कर जाती थीं
Jo Mukharit Kar Jaati Theen
शृंगार
Shringara
11 compositions
- 016 versesRead →
तेरी सुधि बिन
Teri Sudhi Bin
- 025 versesRead →
अलि अब सपने की बात
Ali Ab Sapne Ki Baat
- 039 versesRead →
मधुर-मधुर मेरे दीपक जल!
Madhur-Madhur Mere Deepak Jal!
- 044 versesRead →
मैं बनी मधुमास आली!
Main Bani Madhumas Aali!
- 054 versesRead →
क्यों इन तारों को उलझाते?
Kyon In Taaron Ko Uljhaate?
- 064 versesRead →
वे मधुदिन जिनकी स्मृतियों की
Ve Madhudin Jinaki Smritiyon Ki
- 076 versesRead →
मैं प्रिय पहचानी नहीं
Main Priya Pahchani Nahin
- 084 versesRead →
बताता जा रे अभिमानी!
Batata Ja Re Abhimani!