Karni Mata Katha – Chapter 2: Marriage and Renunciation

Marriage and Renunciation

In the previous chapter, we saw how Mother Karni was born with a divine sign and how she astonished everyone with her supernatural powers from childhood. Now, we enter the next chapter of her life, where she is to be bound by social ties, but her mind is restless to rise above worldly pleasures and walk the spiritual path.

Marriage to Depoji Charan

As time passed, Mother Karni entered youth. Her radiance and beauty were astonishing. Her calm nature and wisdom attracted everyone. The villagers never tired of praising her. Being the Kuldevi (clan goddess) of the Charans, discussions about her marriage began to spread everywhere. Finally, her marriage was fixed with a suitable young man named Depoji Charan. Preparations for the wedding began with great fanfare. There was an atmosphere of celebration throughout the village. Everyone was eager to see Mother Karni as the bride.

"Mother, why are you so sad?" asked a friend. "Don't you like this marriage?" Karni Mata replied softly, "I know this is my family's wish, and I respect them, but my mind is not meant to be bound by worldly ties. My goal on this earth is something else, something far more important than this marriage." She had decided in her heart which direction she had to move forward.

Indifference in Married Life

The marriage was solemnized. Karni Mata came to Depoji's home. She played the role of an ideal wife, did all the household chores, respected everyone, and served Depoji. But her mind was not engrossed in married life. She remained absorbed in meditation, contemplated God, and served the poor. Depoji sensed her indifference and became worried. He felt that Karni was drifting away from him.

One night, Depoji said to Karni, "Karni, I feel you are not happy with me. Am I not able to give you the happiness you deserve?" Karni replied with a calm expression, "It is not that, Swami. You are a good husband, and I respect you. But my heart is immersed in another love. My love is beyond this world, towards that Supreme Power that created us." Depoji was stunned to hear her words. He did not understand what to do. Karni Mata made Depoji aware of her divine nature and encouraged him to follow his path, while also stating that she would never abandon her husband but would fulfill all the duties of a wife.

Arranging Marriage with Gulaboji

Karni Mata explained to Depoji that she had no attachment to worldly life and wished to dedicate her life to the service of others. She suggested that Depoji marry her younger sister, Gulaboji. At first, Depoji hesitated, but Karni Mata explained to him that this would also make Gulaboji's life happy and would also continue their lineage. Karni Mata herself prepared Gulaboji for marriage with Depoji. The marriage was solemnized, and Gulaboji became Depoji's wife. Karni Mata guided Gulaboji like an elder sister and helped her become a good wife and mother. This incident reveals Mother Karni's spirit of renunciation and benevolence.