Malabika Ray Choudhury | + Follow Poet |
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Most Beautiful Flower

I am an ephemeral purple flower, a rare variety, 
named as most beautiful!
Did that arouse adoration to a mother’s heart?
She chose the name for her baby in the womb,
She thought, my name suits best for her girl 
Who was going to arrive soon!

My name kindled her imagination…and she
remembered the Princess of Malawa in disguise, 
the enchanting dancer and heroine of Sanskrit classic...
Prince Agnimitra enamoured by her
beauty, grace and talents - happy ending to the historical
Romance, although after gripping intrigue!

Part of my name indicates a garland, usually
used for worship ….to the mother I symbolized
all the traits - kindness, strength, wisdom, and grace...
she wished her daughter to possess!

Copyright © Malabika Ray Choudhury | Year Posted 2023

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Valsa George Date: 9/6/2023 9:37:00 PM I never knew your name has so much of significance. Beautifully written. Your mother must be applauded for choosing such a name. I had planned to enter this contest, but as I was too busy these days, couldn't. Valsa means 'Dear' in our language. Congratulations on your top win. Login to Reply Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 9/7/2023 4:20:00 AM Thank you Valsa. My father chose “Mala”. Your name is very sweet too, like you are. In Bengali, it might be “Priya” - meaning “My Darling”. Love your comments! You are winning so many contests - You are a champion!

Suzette Richards Date: 9/6/2023 9:54:00 AM Thank you for supporting my contest, Etymology, with this beautifully expressed entry, Mala. Congratulations on your 2nd place win. Login to Reply Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 9/6/2023 10:16:00 AM Thank you, Suzette, for my placement. I feel honoured - your contests are very special, with brilliant topics. This is my learning journey - I love to learn from you and other amazing poets.

Ink Empress Date: 9/4/2023 9:09:00 AM Mala means flower? In maldives we say “maa “ which means flower. Finifenmaa means roses, ah how beautiful is your write here the way you’ve expressed and written. I think i do know that in prayers in india they usually use “ jasmines” maybe im wrong. But I absolutely love how poetically youve written about your name in such a flawless manner. I love purple flowers and flowers in general. Keep shining beautiful poetess you are so gifted Login to Reply Ink Empress Date: 9/4/2023 10:07:00 PM You definitely are a beautiful fragrant flower, a most suitable name for you gifted by your parents. Love your name and thank you for telling me a little about the history too. I enjoyed reading Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 9/4/2023 6:03:00 PM You are very correct - in India, Jasmine flowers are often used for making garlands when praying to God. For writing a poem in this contest, I checked dictionary and Wikipedia - they tell me that "Malabika" means "most beautiful flower". Thank you so much for reading my poem - your poems are amazing, I was in awe reading your golden poems. Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 9/4/2023 5:58:00 PM Dear Poetess and Friend, I really love to read your comments. My official name is "Malabika", which my mother found in a Sanskrit Classic, Called "Malabikagnimitram". In the story, Malabika was the princess of Malawa (a state in Northern part of India). She was in disguise as a court dancer, when she met "Agnimitra" The Prince. My father named me "Mala" which means "A Garland of Flowers" in Bengali (my home-language) which is often used in India for worshipping God.

Hiya Sharma Date: 8/22/2023 2:45:00 AM Wow, I'm in awe of this beautiful piece.. Your name is truly so pure and magical my dear, I love the way so impeccably you've knitted the roots that bloomed such a gorgeous name.. Your descriptions are ethereal and gave me such whimsical vibes! Respectfully- Hiya :) Login to Reply Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 8/22/2023 6:39:00 PM Dear Hiya, Your comment, totally blew me away! My name is not that unusual in India..and it has a few different meanings, in different contexts. I know what your name means, and it reminded me of a song by Rabindranath Tagore - "Amar Hiya-r majhe lukiye chhile, dekhte tomai paini" - "You were hiding in my heart, I couldn't see you outside"! Thank you very much for your beautiful comment - a comment like this make my day! Love and hugs, Dear Poet ~ Mala

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 8/19/2023 3:44:00 PM Hello Mala , you do have a beautiful name. Love & Friendship /Darlene. Login to Reply Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 8/22/2023 10:37:00 AM Hello Mala, Mala this is interesting. Love & friendship/Darlene\ Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 8/21/2023 7:03:00 PM Thank you, Dear Darlene. The name has a Sanskrit origin.