Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

According to Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya tattva acarya Sri Jiva Goswamipada, Sri Sri Radha-Krishna personally manifested Shyama Kunda and Radha Kunda at midnight of Chaitra Purnima.

He revealed this truth in his tika to Srimad Bhagavatam (10.45.3):

“Sri Krishna killed Aristasura on Chaitra Purnima when Krishna was eleven years old.”

In Gopal Champu (I. 31.8), Sri Jiva Goswamipada says, “When the full moon of the Chaitra month is in the Chitra nakshatra (star), that is the exact time of the appearance of Radha Kunda, yada-hi–chitra–yuta–purna–candram-purnimam-anu–turnita–cetah.”

The Vishnu Purana (part V, section 14, verse 1) says: pradosardhe-aristah-samupagatah, “The Arista demon arrived in the middle of Pradosh Kal (late evening) when Sri Krishna was relishing Rasa Lila with His gopi sweethearts.”

Pradosh Kal runs from PM 836-1048, which means Arista came to finish Sri Krishna, and ruin the rasa dance at approximately 9.30 pm on Chaitra Purnima evening.  After a brief tussle, Krishna killed the beast and formed the beautiful Shyama Kunda.

After some playful joking with Priyatama, Priyaji and Her sakhis created the magnificent lake of love divine, Sri Radha Kunda, in one hour (10-11 PM), according to Shri Visvanatha Cakravartipada’s tika to Shrimad Bhagavatam (10.36.16): divyam-sarah-prakatitam–ghatika–dvayena.

Now everyone clearly understands that according to our Gaudiya Vaishnava acharyas, Radha Kunda and Shyama Kunda manifested near or about midnight 12 AM on Chaitra Purnima.

EXACT BATHING TIME: Sri Radha Kunda appeared on Chaitra Purnima after Pradosh-kal (PM 836-1048) during Chitra Nakshatra. Since this year, Chitra Nakshatra ends at 10.31pm, it is best to bathe in Shyam kunda and Radha kunda between 9-10.30 pm.

In 2019, ISKCON GBC passed resolution 423.3: “The observance of the appearance of Radha Kunda on Karttika Bahulastami is incorrect. The appearance of Radha Kunda SHOULD BE OBSERVED ON CHAITRA PURNIMA.”

Before offering arati and bathing in Radha Kunda, one can meditate on Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami’s “Radha-kundastakam” which follows:

The very dear, beautiful and fragrant Radha Kunda, that appeared after a joking quarrel between Radha and Krishna about piety after killing of the Arista bull demon, and which was joyfully revealed and filled up by Sri Radha’s own hand, with the assistance of Her sakhis, is my only shelter!

The very fragrant, dear and beautiful Radha Kunda, that instantly makes a desire-tree of Krishna prema sprout in the heart of anyone who bathes there, although this is very difficult to attain even by the Vraja-gopis, is my only shelter!

The very dear, beautiful and fragrant Radha Kunda, where Aghari Krishna eagerly bathes and submissively serves to obtain the merciful glance of Devi Radhika, is my only shelter!

 The very dear, beautiful and fragrant Radha Kunda, that is the abode of love for Vrajachandra, which is as dear to Krishna as Sri Radha, the crown-jewel of the sweet vraja-kishoris. Radha Kunda, which was named after Radharani by Krishna, is my only shelter!

The very beautiful and fragrant Radha Kunda, by whose mercy the desire vine of Krishna prema bearing the flowers of seva to my Ishvari Sri Radha, instantly sprouts in the heart of anyone who serves there, is my only shelter!

The very beautiful and fragrant Radha Kunda, whose shores are divided among Sri Radhika’s sakhis who have their own sweet kunjas named after them, and where the bees buzz sweetly, is my only shelter!

The very beautiful and fragrant Radha Kunda, where my Ishvari Sri Radhika makes ever-so-sweet and pleasant jokes about Vrndavanachandra, with Her dearest sakhis on a nice platform on the shore, is my only shelter!

The very beautiful and fragrant Radha Kunda, in whose water, that is filled with nicely smelling lotus flowers, Radha Madhava daily sport in loving intoxication along with Their sakhis, who are in a similar loving frenzy, is my only shelter!

Shruti phala: Anyone who recites this beautiful Radha-kundastakam for Devi Radha with a peaceful mind, a fixed intelligence, and submission to Radha’s blissful seva, will soon see Radha-Krishna in a delightful loving embrace.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! Sri Radha Kunda ki jai!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This post highlights the main items of the spiritual form of a gopi maidservant of Srimati Radharani known as a manjari, kinkari, dasi, prana-sakhi or nitya-sakhi.

Nama (Name)

May all my thoughts, feelings and aspirations be absorbed in my eternal, blissful, spiritual body of a manjari mercifully given to me by my beloved Gurudeva. May my heart be filled with seva bhava and deep loving attachment to Radharani. At every moment may I always remember my manjari svarupa and my nitya-seva to Radhika.

Radharani, Visakha-sakhi, Rati (Tulasi) Manjari and my Guru Sakhi know me as (Nava Dasi). Whenever Radharani, hoping that I have arranged a meeting with Krishna, lovingly calls my name it acts like amrita, an energizing elixir. I am a brijbasi gopi born in Varshana. My identity and my entire existence centers around the loving seva and pleasure of Radha Govinda Yugal.

Radha is my Priyaji, and I belong to Radha unconditionally. Radhika loves me very much and cannot live without me. To give a drop of happiness to Radha, I am ready to die a million deaths. Radhika is my prana, my heart and my soul! Being born in Varshana, I and my family possess special love and attachment to Radharani. Although I don’t intimately enjoy with Krishna, if the village elders find out how much time I spend serving Krishna my reputation will be ruined.

Rupa (Form)

I am an attractive, sweet and expert kinkari of Radha, conquering the charm and beauty of Kamadeva. My entire body is made of Radha bhava, divine love and attachment to Sri Radha. I wear soft and shimmering silk dresses, Radha prasadi.

 I am a beautiful, playful, talented kishori gopi ever ready to satisfy Sriji’s secret desires. I am pure and gentle, ornamented with sandal paste, аguru and red ointments. My divine body is soft, fragrant and delightful for Radha’s seva. Sri Radha will embrace me as an award for a good dance performance.

Sometimes in transcendental madness Krishna-prema-pagalini Radha embraces me, mistaking me for Krishna. Overwhelmed with rasa, Sundari Radha tightly holds a kinkari and cries on her breasts. I am always waiting for Radha’s touch, taste, smell and to be united with Radha’s heart!

One day Radha says. “Hey kinkari! Go to Nandagram because I cannot go! Upon returning you should embrace Me and look into My eyes, then I will understand everything!” Radharani will then holds me to Her breasts.

At that time, I will think, “My heart is one with Swamini’s heart! My body exists only for Radha’s seva. I will serve Shyam on Radha’s order!”

My face shines with a soft smile showering everything with nectar, and my eyes are more beautiful than blue lotuses. Кrishnamayi Radha says, “O dasi, your eyes are beautiful. You must be seeing Krishna, so let me see Krishna too!” Radha holds my face in Her palms, and glances into my eyes to see Her beloved! O Radha, my eyes belong to You!

The movement of my eyebrows, the invincible bows of Kamadeva, indicate where Krishna is! The tip of my graceful nose holds a shining pearl, and my ears are adorned with precious earrings, swinging and reflecting on my cheeks.

Sumukhi tells me, “O kinkari! Your red lips slightly opened in a smile will attract Krishna to violently kiss them. But this kiss belongs to Me, so I will take it away!”

By all means Radha will kiss me, enjoying the nectar of Krishna’s lips. I will immerse you in the ocean of Shyama-rasa! O Radharani, my lips belong to You! My voice is gentle and delightful as a cuckoo! Sundari, desiring to cherish the night lilas, will ask me, “Tell me, what did you see!”

I reply, “Radha, when You left the kunja in false anger. Krishna lifted You up with His hands and gently placed You on a flower bed. Then You both enjoyed love play. Let my voice, charmingly sweet, be for you!

My beautiful fine, silky hair braid shines like the night sky and sways below my hips. I will wipe your gentle body with my soft hair. May my hair be for Your satisfaction!

On my neck I wear slightly crumpled fragrant flower-garland from the breasts of sweet Kishoriji, which attracts a swarm of buzzing bees. My neck is a store house for the gifts of Radha-Krishna’s garlands, beads, and necklaces. These are not simply ornaments. They are wonderful dancers in nikunja-lila.

Krishna’s necklace dances on the breasts of Sri Radha, and Radha’s necklace dances on the chest of Shyam. Krishna gives me His necklace when I help Him meet Radha, and Sri Radha gives me one when I bring Krishna to Her.

My beautiful breasts are adorned with a moonstone necklace, and a glittering medallion in the cleavage. Sri Radha and my sakhis rest their heads on the pillows of my breasts. My breasts reveal the signs of the passionate love of Radha Madhava. Radhe-Shyam perceive Their blissful kinkaris as embodiments of Their passionate love.

During flute-stealing pastimes Krishna sticks His hand in the manjari’s blouse searching for His flute. She lets Krishna do it because it entertains Radha. Swamini observes Shyam’s antics with great pleasure and interest. When Shyam fondles Radha’s full breasts, the manjaris feel Radha’s transcendental pleasure! O Radharani, my breasts are for Your seva!

My fingers and arms are decorated with rings, bangles and bracelets. My palms are fragrant and soft enough to massage the golden body of Praneshvari. Radha will think Shyam is caressing Her because my touch resembles His. O Radha, my hands are for Your seva!

My graceful waist surpasses the beauty of the waist of a lioness, and my deep navel is as beautiful as a lotus. My slender waist accents the beauty of my hips and breasts, and it delightfully bends in blissful dance. O Krishodari Radha, my waist is for Your seva!

My legs are slender and elegant; my hips are broad and beautiful. My ankles are surrounded by jingling ankle bells, like swans singing on the Yamuna. My toenails shine like rubies. The remarkable curve of my legs is visible through the fine cloth of the dress given by Radharani.

I look charming in Radha’s prasadi dress. When I dance, my skirt rises like waves, sometimes very high, showing my alluring legs. I can run very quickly when needed to carry love letters between Radhika and Madhava.

Vesha (dress)

With great loyalty I decorate myself with prasadi vesha from Srimati, blissfully perceiving the aroma and transcendental touch of the silk. My blouse, veil, and sari worn by Svamini are personification of Radha’s mahabhava.

Happy with my seva, Radha gifted me Her clothes. Lovingly Radha holds the kinkari to her breasts, kisses her and gives her a garland, ornaments, and clothing. With great pride I wear Srimati’s prasadi.

My hips feel an incomparable sensation from wearing Sriji’s soft silk sari saturated with the sweet aroma of Radha’s divine form. The softness of Radha’s blouse, which has repeatedly nestled on the chest of her beloved Shyam, pleases my breasts. The transcendental fragrance of Radha’s prasadi cloth fascinates Madana-Mohana, who then asks me, “O dasi! Where is my Priyaji?

I answer, “Radha is not here! But Radha’s intoxicating fragrance is lingering on the Radha prasadi sari on me!”  My clothes are for Radha’s satisfaction. O Radharani, I always wish to attract Shyama to you by any means!

Vayas (age)

I am twelve years old, the perfect age to serve Radha Madhava’s confidential amorous pastimes. For me there is nothing sweeter than arranging a secret meeting of Radha Madhava.

Svabhava (emotional nature, attitude)

My tender and loving nature always pleases Radha, but sometimes I surprise Radha with my unpredictability. Day and night my heart is overwhelmed in prema for Radha Govinda Yugal.

Yutha (Sakhi group)

My yutheshvari is Visakha-sakhi and my main manjari is Tulasi (Rati). I regularly serve and discuss secret lilas of Radha-Krishna with sakhis in this group. All my movements and gestures excite feelings of love. I exist by the mercy of my Gurudeva and always follow my Guru sakhi.

Nivasa (Residence)

I am born in a family of gopas in Varshana. Following Radharani, I live in either Varshana or Yavata for a period of three months. In Radha Kunda I stay in the kunja of Visakha-sakhi.

Seva (Individual Seva)

I am skillful, humble, quick-witted, expert in singing, dancing, and conversation. I know all the 64 arts. My special seva is? Seva is my life. I will serve Sri Radha in every way including dressing, decorating and adorning Radha’s breasts with a necklace; and put bracelets on Radha’s hands.

When Shyam sees the beauty of Radha’s hands, He will beg for a festival of embraces. I will place a pearl on Radha’s nose to attract the bumblebee, Madhusudana. I will apply fragrant lipstick to Radha’s lips and speak some lovely words. “Your red kisses, O Radhe, will beautify he dark body of Sri Krishna!”

When Radha runs through the moonlit night to meet Krishna, I will keep Radha calm. Seeing the gorgeous face of Radha, Shyam will start to faint, but I will prevent that by speaking cleverly. During the Rasa-dance I will hold Radha’s waist as Radha spins and jumps. When Shyam loses His consciousness in the blissful delight of admiring the beauty of Radha’s golden hips, I will revive Shyam by singing love songs.

In the nikunja, when Radha completely loses Herself out of love for Shyam, I will stay near Swamini to comfort Her. Every atom of my body is filled with seva-rasa, and meant only for Radha’s prema-seva.

Conclusion

As an intimate maidservant I have deep love and attachment to Radharani. My only desire is to serve and please Radha Govinda Yugal. I don’t want a drop personal happiness. I am happy when Radharani is happy, and this is the sole purpose of my life. I feel that Radharani is mine!

Radha always treats me with love and kindness, protecting me at every moment. I always want to be near Radha seeing to Radha’s every need. I will make everything perfect so that Radha is happy. Life is for love, and serving Radharani is the life of love.

(Adapted from post of Sri Mukundanandana Das)

 

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Lila: Radha’s Betel Nut Prasada

After enjoying amorous delights with Krishna, Radha thinks how to reward Tulasi Manjari for her loving seva. Fearing the teasing of Lalita or other sakhis, Radha in an unseen way pushes the chewed betelnuts from Her mouth into Tulasi’s mouth while Tulasi hangs a necklace on Her neck. Because this is Krishna’s prasadi pan, Radha knows Tulasi Manjari will cherish it immensely.

Pandit Sri Ananta Dasji Maharaja says, “Radha gives Tulasi Manjari betel nut by embracing, kissing her and transferring Krishna’s prasadi pan from Her mouth into Tulasi’s mouth.” (VK 93)

Manjaris are partial to Srimati so they will not accept anything which is not first tasted by Ishvari. Tulasi Manjari feels supremely blessed with this reward. When this transcendental revelation suddenly disappears, Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada cries with tear-filled eyes:

“O Devi Radha! When will You affectionately give me Your betel nut prasada from Your mouth into mine?”

Tattva: Desire in Bhajan

The heart of Raghunatha Das Goswami is always filled with desires to lovingly serve Radhika. Sadhakas should do bhajan with the same aspiration. Constantly meditating upon different ways to serve and please Sri Radha will form permanent samskaras in the unconscious mind (chitta).

Sri Jiva Goswamipada says, “Only by having the right desires and mentality, abhiman, one can attain spiritual perfection, kevala abhiman siddhir bhavatity.” (BS 304) Sri Sanatana Goswami says, “Devotees desire only to become servants of Sri Radha, radha-dasya icchavah param.” (BB 2.1.21)

In other words, one who simply thinks, “I am Radha’s maidservant, ami radha dasi,” and considers this to be the highest spiritual perfection will automatically attain it.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Tattva: Love & Sweetness

Acharyas say that Krishna prema, immaculate divine love, is needed to taste the sweetness of Krishna’s voice and vamshi, and His touch and taste.

Visvanatha Cakravartipada says in his tika (Cc.1.4.143): “Prema enables one to relish Shyam’s sweetness. Greater the prema, greater the sweetness! One’s amount of Krishna prema can be known by how much one savors Shyam’s sweetness. Radha has unlimited love for Krishna so Radha relishes Krishna’s sweetness to the utmost.”

Radharani’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Lila: Amorous Fanning Lila

Radha Govinda relax on a malati flower bed within Madana Sukhada-kunja at Radha Kunda. Lila Yugal are enjoying love talks. Shyam cannot sufficiently drink the nectar of Radha’s sweet love prattles. Submissively Shyam again and again asks Swamini to repeat what She said. Swamini sweetly smiles while saying, “There is nothing that I will not give You!”

Tulasi Manjari calls Radha “Sumukhi” upon seeing this smile while thinking, “Radha, You are the Sumukhi of He who relishes the beauty of Your face!”

 In this way Radha’s manjaris talk and joke intimately with their Ishvari Radha.

Swamini says with a faltering voice: “O Prananatha! You are so beautiful and You are really My lover! O dearest one! I cannot live without You! When My eyes don’t see You, they fill with tears and when My mind remembers You, I faint! I cannot forget You for even half a moment and when I sleep, I dream about You! When I wake up, I cry out Your name.”

Like a bumblebee Shyam relishes the honey from Radha’s lotus mouth. How many ages pass during Their conversation!

Radha then pulls Shyam on Her lap, whispers sweet words into Shyam’s ears and tightly embraces Him. Shyam asks, “Shall I tell Lalita what You just did?” Radha stutters, so Shyam consoles Her by saying, “No, no! I won’t say anything!”

Seeing Radhe-Shyam perspiring, Tulasi Manjari thinks: “I will make Radha Madhava float in oceans of bliss!” Then she fans Them with a whisk made of vine-buds so that the naturally sweet fragrance of Radha’s divine body enters Shyam’s nose to enliven Him. Shyam becomes intoxicated by the fragrance and Tulasi Manjari, seeing her service is successful, gets thrill bumps of ecstasy on her body.

When this vision disappears, Sri Raghunatha prays: “O Radhe! When will I see Your confidential lilas with Krishna? When will tears of love stream from my eyes as I sing the glories of You and Shyam as I blissfully fan You with a camara fan?”

Tattva: Seva Success

The sadhaka should also become ecstatic like Tulasi Manjari when one’s seva is successful. It is said, “Seva is bliss!” How wonderful is the expertise of this service! The manjaris in the kunja are the gurus of the seva of Radha Govinda Yugal. Sadhakas must learn expertise in kunja seva from the eternally perfect kinkaris like Tulasi Manjari, Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada.

Serving Radha-Krishna, Sri Guru and Vaishnavas expands the heart, enthuses the mind, and helps one forget one’s selfish interests. If a sadhaka experiences this one will understand one’s seva is pleasing and successful. Seva done with a smile brings a smile to the one being served!

Radharani’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Lila: Radha Abhisara

While relaxing after dinner in Yavat, Radharani hears Shyam’s murali calling Her to the kunja. Sri Radha says, “O Visakhe! The form of Shyam appears in My heart day and night and when I dream!” Becoming maddened by love, Radha runs out to meet Krishna in the forest.

Radharani goes out alone, not bothering about the different dangers She encounters on the path. Although Vrindavan is enveloped in darkness Radha’s finds Her way Her with the fire light of Her Cupidity. Radha’s abhisara is powerful and passionate; nothing can stop its course! It’s inconceivable that Radharani who is softer than a flower can move so swiftly. The cause of all this power is Her strong attraction to Krishna’s form.

Sweat drops adorn Radha’s anxious face. Radha thinks all Her gold and jewel ornaments are a heavy burden. So, Radha casts off Her bangles and jewelled anklebells.

Because of running Swamini gets pain in Her tender lotus feet. Seeing this, Tulasi Manjari thinks, “Although Radha is very shy, I hope that because of Her love for me Radha will call me by name and ask me to massage Her painful lotus feet!”

Swamini lifts Her feet on Tulasi Manjari’s chest and Tulasi starts serving them. Tulasi Manjari washes Radha’s lotus feet with her tears of love and kisses them in an unseen way, thinking: “By caressing Radha’s feet I have everything!”

Tulasi Manjari’s massage fully relieves Swamini’s fatigue. Radha continues running and soon arrives in the kunja. Radhe-Shyam become eager to make love, so Tulasi Manjari discretely exits the kunja. After sometime Tulasi Manjari hears Radha’s anklebell sweetly jingling ‘tu’. Tulasi understands it’s time for seva and renters the kunja. Tulasi Manjari then disentangles Swamini’s hair from Krishna’s earrings and quietly leaves the kunja so that Lila Yugal can resume Their love play.

Tattva: Kinkaris’ Life Is Radha Seva

How can the kinkaris, the embodiments of seva, live without serving Radharani? Radha kinkari bhava cannot be attained without being totally absorbed in Radha’s seva. Chanting harinama, diksha mantras, reading shastras and Thakurji puja should create an intense desire to serve and please Radharani.

If this is not happening one does not understand the secrets of bhakti bhajan. Sri Krishna wants to see this seva vasana, pure desire for service, appear in one’s heart before He blesses one with His intimate seva. This is Krishna’s special mercy.

Tatttva: Intimacy Radha & Manjaris

As much as Radharani trusts Her maidservants that much Radha loves them. Radha thinks, “I can make this manjari serve Me just the way I want.” Radha cannot count on everyone like that.

During the Rasa dance Radha sees that Shyam’s feet are paining Him, so She tells Her loving kinkari: “Massage Shyam’s feet!” How much affection Swamini shows Her maidservant!

To attain this great fortune a ragamayi sadhaka prays, “O Radhika! Will I ever get a drop of Your mercy, either in dreams, visions or smarana?”

The sincere sadhaka must cry to receive Radha’s karuna. By fully surrendering to Swamini’s sweet lotus feet one will attain this matchless fortune. A real Radha bhakta will think, feel and act like Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada who cried out one day at Radha Kunda:

 “I worship lotus-eyed Radha, I remember Radha’s sweetly smiling face, and I speak only of Radha, who melts of compassion. I have absolutely no other shelter than Radha!”

Radharani’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Devi Radha Bhashita Lila

After entering Radha’s quarters, grandmother Mukharaji says: “O Radhe! It’s so late, aren’t You doing Surya-puja today?” Srimati smiles slightly and says, “I thought of sending someone else out to do it today!”

Mukharaji jokingly replies: “Your sakhis may do Your Surya-puja, but will You let them do Your Mitra-puja?” [Mitra means sun and friend, Krishna] Hearing these joking words of Her maternal grandmother, Radharani smiles bashfully.

One day Tulasi Manjari takes Swamini to meet Krishna in a kunja. Although Radha is unwilling and tells Krishna, “Don’t touch Me!” She smiles at the same time.

Seeing this, Tulasi Manjari thinks, ‘Madhuri’s mouth says, “Don’t touch Me!”, but Radha’s heart says, “Touch Me!” and this is visible in Radha’s excited eyes. Radha’s ‘Yes’ has swallowed Her ‘no’.

Understanding Radha’s desire, Tulasi Manjari hints to Shyam to embrace Kishori. Radha’s speech is like nectar, bhashita piyusham, mixed with the camphor of Her soothing smile! (VK 84)

The language of Hrimati’s heart is revealed through Her smile. Tulasi Manjari eagerly desires to see this smile and hear such rasika talks, and so do we. Tulasi Manjari and all manjari bhava sadhakas feel blessed to hear these humorous nectarean words.

Tattva: Experiencing Transcendental Bliss

Whether Radha Govinda are meeting or separated, Sri Raghunatha always relishes the sweetness of Radha Madhava manifesting as divine euphoria or agonizing pain. The constant flow of nitya-lila in Vraja Gokula can always be experienced in the hearts of the fortunate.

To encourage all raganuga bhaktas steadily and faithfully practicing Radha-Krishna asta-kaliya-lila smarana, Sripad Pandit Sri Ananta Dasji Maharaja says:

“Sometimes visions of nitya-lila may appear like a lightning flash in the hearts of ordinary devotees. Sadhana is meant to make this blissful experience stay in the heart. When the practice of lila-smaran ripens, the bird of the heart will fly up to the realm of bliss. An inexhaustible fountain of beauty and sweetness will then appear before the eyes!”

Radharani’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 SriAnanta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Lila: Quarrelling Over Flowers

In the morning, Radharani feels morose and doesn’t feel like performing Her household duties. Radha’s mind is restless, intensely desirous of Shyam, so Radha goes into the forest on the pretext of getting water for puja.

Srimati walks very far, until She catches Krishna’s fragrance, and then Radha flies towards Krishna like a thirsty bee. When Sundari sees Shyam, She starts picking flowers just to catch His attention. Noticing Radha, Shyam says, “Who is this girl destroying the beauty of the forest by picking all the flowers? Oh, how beautiful You are!”

Sri Radha frowns her eyebrows and conceals Her limbs with Her cloth. Radha then slips away and hides behind some flowering bushes. As if He is bewitched by some mantra, Shyam says, “You come here regularly, cruelly break all the tender sprouts and then hide Yourself! Who are You?”

With a smirky smile and feigned anger, Vinodini Radha says, “O Kala Krishna!  Your behavior gives us great pain. Our minds are devoted to worshiping Suryadeva. We always come here to pick flowers, and we have never seen you before. So why are You speaking such harsh words today?”

Rasaraja Krishna says, “Aren’t You married girls afraid and ashamed to come to this forest every day to steal flowers? Now that I’ve caught You, I won’t let You go!”

Feigning anger, Radhika says, “I know You are a rogue! Don’t you have any manners? Until now no one has ever forbidden us from coming here!”

Krishna replies, “King Cupid, who owns this forest, has entrusted it to Me!”

Swamini says, “There is no King Cupid here! Who in Vraja does not know Your pranks?”

Shyam feels boundless bliss from the sweetness of this quarrel. Thus, Swamini becomes known as Suvrata, which means unflinchingly dedicated to Krishna’s pleasure. Finally, Radha enters a kunja with Her Prananatha to enjoy sweet pastimes.

Tattva: Radha’s Sweetness

Sri Raghunatha Das Goswami prays to Radha’s feet that he may relish the sweet nectarean rasa of Her intimate pastimes with Krishna. Manjari bhava sadhakas should also pray like this.

One cannot estimate how much Dasa Goswami tastes Radha’s sweetness within His heart. Sri Krishna appears on earth as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to taste the amazing sweetness of Radhika’s prema, asvadyah adbhuta madhurima. (Cc. 1.1.6)

Tattva: Actions of Mahabhava

Radharani is dedicated to the vow of delighting Krishna. The manjari prays when will Radha delight me by engaging in such false and crooked quarrels with Her beloved Shyamasundara? Prema means thinking: “How can I make Krishna happy?”

The Vraja-gopis are the highest class of Krishna’s lovers endowed with mahabhava which is the quintessence of Krishna prema. Their minds and senses are saturated with mahabhava and have no separate existence from mahabhava. All the activities of their senses are dedicated to and dominated by Krishna.

Only Radha however, is called mahabhava svarupini which means Radha consists of nothing but mahabhava inside and out. Sri Krishna is completely delighted and controlled by every action of Radharani!

Radharani’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Lila: Radha Varsana Yatra

One day before Rakhi Purnima, Sridama, Radha’s elder brother, comes to Yavata. By satisfying Jatila with a donation of ten-thousand cows, he obtains her permission to take Radha to Varsana to celebrate Rakhi. In Varsana, Radharani is freer and can easily go out to meet Krishna.

Radha’s mother Kirtida, anxiously looking down the road for her beloved daughter, pitifully cries out, “O Bhagavan! Why have you kept me be separated from my daughter for so long?” Kirtida firmly embraces Radhika and sprinkles Her with tears of motherly love upon meeting Her.

Radha cries in a choked voice, “Ma! Just forget about Me, don’t worry about Me.” Radha cries of happiness and sorrow. Happiness because of being home and sorrow for being away so long.

Kirtida weeps while replying, “How can I ever forget You, my beautiful girl?” Radha’s mother and father float in oceans of bliss as they take Radha into their home.

Tattva: Bhava Transfer

Das Goswami’s mind is immersed in the ocean of Radha Madhava’s beauty and sweetness. The gopi-bhava of a sensitive devotee like Sri Raghunatha reveals itself within his love-soaked words in Vilapa Kusmanjali.

The power of his bhava is infused in his words. Words have power to influence, illuminate, elevate and transform. Thus, the best way to attain gopi-bhava is to read and reflect upon the ecstatic words of nitya-siddhas like Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada, Tulasi Manjari.

Tattva: Manjari’s Stay Near Radha

In this lila, Tulasi Manjari relishes the parental love that Kirtida and Vrishabhanu feel for Radharani. Pada-sevikas like Tulasi Manjari follow Radha like Radha’s shadow. Radha’s kinkaris accompany Her wherever She goes and are thus blessed with all these different kinds of loving ecstasies.

Radhika’s feelings are reflected in the mirrors of the manjari’s hearts. In Alankara Kaustubha (3.59), Kavi Karnapura describes this phenomenon:

Sri Krishna says: “O Radhika! In absence of Your girlfriends a mirror can tell whether You are happy or sad. Mirrors are useless however, in the presence of Your girlfriends who personally mirror Your every emotion.

Radha, when You, they cry. When thrill bumps cover Your body, they also cover them. When You laugh, they laugh, and when You’re sad they’re sad too!” This situation is most visible in Radha’s manjaris. The manjaris experience all of Radha’s joy and sorrows.

Directly or indirectly, everyone in Vrindavan assists Radha Govinda’s enjoyment of srngara-rati, divine erotic rasa! The prema-seva of Radharani is the most astonishing goal of life.

Radharani’s manjari ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Lila: Radha Teaches Singing to Her Manjaris

Tulasi Manjari muses to herself, “Without me even wanting it Radha accepts me as one of Her own. I understand from this that Radha loves me. Swamini shyly takes me far away from Her sakhis to a cave in Govardhana Hill to teach me singing. Radha can’t teach me in front of the sakhis because these are personal songs about Her intimate affairs with Shyam. If the sakhis hear them they will make fun of Radha.”

Such confidential songs should not be heard by anyone else but Radha’s most intimate maidservants. Tulasi Manjari will sing them when Shyam faints out of amorous ecstasy.

Swamini holds a vina and sings an endlessly sweet song. This amazing song attracts Shyam to come hide behind some bushes at the cave’s entrance. Shyam gazes at Srimati’s exquisite form. Radha’s head is not covered by Her veil. Radha’s fingers pluck the strings of the vina and also pull the strings of Shyam’s excited heart!

Radha’s luscious beauty and sweetness gushes out of Her limbs! Thoroughly enchanted by Radha’s lovely nectarean voice, Shyam slowly enters the cave as if He’s in trance. Seeing Shyam, Sriji immediately stops singing, puts down the vina and quickly covers Her head with Her veil.

Gravely Srimati says, “Shyam! Why are You here?” Shyam says, “Radha, I want to hear the songs Tulasi Manjari is learning from You.”

Tulasi Manjari plays the vina and sings a wonderful song. She learned the song after a single hearing. Shyama-Shyam are sitting together listening. Tulasi Manjari, asks, “Did I pass the examination?” Radha Madhava praise Tulasi, “Very good Tulasi! Well learnt!”

Lila: Manjari Breaks Shyam’s Swoon

One day, Radhe-Shyam are playing in a kunja when Shyam suddenly faints out of ecstasy. No matter what Radharani does, Radha can’t revive Shyam. Swamini becomes desperate to find someone who can wake up Shyam.

Sitting on the veranda outside the kunja, Tulasi Manjari starts singing a beautiful song about Sundari’s sweetness. Hearing this, Shyam slowly becomes conscious and continues His love play with Priyaji.

Only a manjari is fit to do this intimate and crucial seva. Of all maidservants, Tulasi Manjari is the most dear to Sri Radha. So, Radhika takes her into a cave of Govardhana Hill to teach her intimate love songs. Blessed are Radha’s manjaris and blessed are their confidential sevas!

Tattva: Mahaprabhu’s Greatest Gift

The personal seva of Srimati Radharani in the kunjas of Vraja is the limit of human perfection. This is the special gift of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Kali-yuga. Shastras say that without attaining bhava for Krishna one cannot taste rasa. Without rasa there is no expansion of bhava. If there is no bhava and no rasa one will not experience bliss, ananda.

The bliss of manjari bhava is the mercy of Mahaprabhu distributed by the Six Goswami’s of Vrindavan. And it is available to anyone who takes shelter of their lotus feet.

Radharani’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts presents the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful, talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are also presented to highlight the manjaris intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Lila: Radha Teaches Poetry to Manjaris

One day, Lalita-devi, says, “Radhe! Read some Your rasika poetry to Tulasi Manjari, and train her just as You like!” Radha then teaches Tulasi some poetry that later at a proper moment, she will expertly recite to Krishna for His pleasure.

Radharani has personally written these poems about Herself. Poetry is recited in many different settings. For example, when Radha Govinda ramble in the forest Tulasi Manjari will immerse Them bliss by singing poems to glorify Radhika. The kinkaris understand the hearts of Radha Govinda so they skilfully recite suitable poems to enhance Their amorous moods.

Tulasi Manjari becomes shy and lowers her head when Radha affectionately calls, “Tulasi! From now on you should come daily to learn poetry from Me!

Tattva: Manjaris Bonding with Radha

Sri Radha personally teaches Her manjaris innumerable arts. Because manjaris are Radha’s closest confidantes, Sriji will not hide anything from them. Rather Radha will happily reveal Her secrets to Her maidservants. How beautiful it is to learn poetry from Radharani while thinking, “O Radha! I am Your dasi and You will train me any way You want.”

By being well-educated in the 64 arts, Radha’s manjaris become expert in all types of rasika sevas. The various sevas that lead to the blissful meeting of Radha-Krishna are the very life of the manjaris. In these sevas poetry is required.

Lila: Uniting Radhe-Shyam

Radharani is suffering in separation from Shyam so Tulasi Manjari goes out to find Him. Upon meeting Krishna in the forest, Tulasi Manjari poetically describes Radha’s sorrow to urge Krishna to meet Her.

Tulasi Manjari says, “O Shyam! Cupid’s arrows are assailing Radha. Cool breezes, sandalwood paste and moonbeams appear as hot as snake-poison to Srimati! Radha is suffering so much being separated from You!”

Returning to Radhika, Tulasi Manjari encourages Her to go meet Shyam by reciting the following poem:

“O Nitambini Radha! Don’t delay Your rendezvous with Your Prananatha! Wear Your most enchanting dress, which is the essence of erotic joy! Vanamali waits in the forest on the bank of the Yamuna where a gentle breeze blows! There He will massage You with His restless hands!”

Radharani’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!