Tag Archive for: GopiBhava

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.

Manjaris Pray for Radha Seva

Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada’s heart is full of loyalty to Sri Radha. He is not satisfied just with smarana or visions of Radha, so even in external consciousness he prays to Radharani and laments. The waves of prayers carry his mind into the kingdom of Radha Govinda lila.

Manjari bhava sadhakas should pray to attain closeness to Radharani and the chance to render their eternal personal seva to Sri Radha. Such prayers are expressions of love and nourish one’s Radha bhakti. For sure Radha hears every prayer of Her manjari sadhakas.

Srimad Bhagavatam (10.28.3) says, “Not seeing Nanda Baba, the cowherd men loudly cried out, “O Krishna!” Bhagavan Sri Krishna heard their cries and understood that His father had been captured by Varuna so He immediately came there.”

Visvanatha Cakravartipada tika:
The Sanskrit word upa-shrutya in this verse means that Krishna heard the cries for help from close by even though Krishna was 30 kilometers away! So sadhakas should firmly believe that Radharani will hear and respond to our prayers for seva, mercy and darshan because Radha is always near Her manjaris, sthitam nityam parshve. (Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi 53)

Vishakha Sakhi Kunja

In Vilap Kusumanjali, Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada only mentions one kunja at Radha Kunda namely Visakha’s because he is in Sri Advaita Prabhu’s Parivar whose yutheshvari is Visakha-sakhi.

Tulasi manjari takes eager Srimati to meet Krishna in Madana Sukhada-kunja, the kunja that gives erotic joy to Radha-Krishna, on the bank of Radha Kunda. Unlike Lalita’s opulent kunja, Visakha’s simple, natural kunja is beautified with different flowers and buzzing bees.

On the inside walls of the kunja the manjaris have drawn erotic pictures to incite lusty feelings in Radha Madhava. This kunja is managed by Visakha-sakhi. On all four sides are Campaka trees that fill the kunja with the fragrance of their red, green, yellow, and blue flowers. Madhavi flower vines entwine the branches of these trees to create a palace like atmosphere! Blue, yellow, and green parrots, mynas and cuckoos sing sweet songs.

It has four gates made of bamboo stakes with various wonderful flowers strung on them. Thirsty humming bees serve as doorkeepers to keep away any intruders. Their excited humming is like the ringing of Cupid’s bells during Yugala Kishora’s love battles. The central courtyard of this kunja is studded with jewels forming a sixteen-petaled lotus flower design. Visakha’s shishya Manjumukhi oversees Madana Sukhada kunja, which is situated on the northeast bank of Radha Kunda. This beautiful kunja is the very form of prema-rasa and it always inundates Radhe-Shyam in a nectar flood of amorous pastimes.

Radhe-Shyam Darshan Bewilderment

Shyam anxiously waits for Swamini in Visakha-sakhi’s kunja. Sometimes Shyam steps outside eagerly looking for Radha coming on the pathway. Hari’s heart startles with joy when He hears the dry leaves falling from the trees, thinking His beloved Priyaji is coming. Suddenly Shyam sees a golden effulgent form approaching and He thinks to Himself:

“Is this the devata of youthful beauty or sweetness personified? A flood of natural beauty or a river of bliss? Or is it My beloved Sriji coming here to delight My senses?”

Love-excited Radhika muses in Her own bewilderment upon seeing Shyam in the distance:

“Is this Cupid? No, because Cupid has no body! Is it a nectar ocean of madhurya rasa? Is this a blossoming tree of love from heaven? No, because trees cannot walk. Is it then maybe My Priyatama, whom I am desiring for so long?”

Manjari Single Pillow Bed

Understanding Radhe-Shyam’s feelings Tulasi manjari has already prepared a flower bed in the kunja. Although it is summer, all the other five seasons stand by to serve whenever necessary. Time, sky, wind, sun and  moon all stand by to serve Radha-Krishna’s lila. In Vraja, everything and everyone serves Yugal’s sweet pastimes. Tulasi manjari has covered the flower bed with a thin satin sheet, so that it will not fall apart when Radha-Krishna enjoy there.

It is a single bed with a single pillow made of fresh flower petals. Why a single pillow? That will be understood when the Yugala Kishora lie down there. The picture of that pastime had appeared in the manjari’s mind beforehand. Manjari bhava sadhakas should meditate on the mystery of this one pillow bed, and see what beautiful lilas arise in their hearts purified and sweetened by Krishna nama bhajan!

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

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Mahaprabhu exclusively accepted the mood of the gopis who considered Vrajendranandan their lover.

gopi-bhava -yate -prabhu, dhariyache ekanta
vrajendra-nandane -mane -apanara -kanta

(Caitanya Caritamrita 1.17.277)

Sri Gaura Raya Mahaprabhu was always relishing gopi-bhava in His heart, gopi -bhava -hrdaye, and lamenting in separation, “Alas, O Krishna! Where have You gone? Govinda! Damodara! Madhaveti!” (Caitanya Caritamrita 3.19.53)

As Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu Himself personally accepted and relished gopi-bhava, He also requested all His followers to accept it too, ataeva -gopi-bhava -kari -angikara. (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.8.228)

After accepting gopi-bhava, what should one do? Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu instructs us: “Day and night you should think of the pleasure pastimes of Radha-Krishna, ratri-dina -cinte -radha -krishnera -vihara.” (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.8.228)

If one meditates on Radha-Krishna’s asta-kaliya-lila day and night, what result will one receive? Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu answers, “You will attain the lotus feet of Radha-Krishna, paya- radha -krishnera -charana!” (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.8.228)

To follow the path of raganuga-bhakti summarized above by Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, one should take proper initiation and chant one’s diksha mantras. The shastras explain the astonishing power of our diksha mantras.

Fruit of Chanting Gopal (Krishna) Mantra

Gautamiya -Tantra (cited Krama Sandarbha 3.4.29) says:

ahar-nisham -japen -mantram
mantri -niyata -manasah
sa -pashyati -na -sandeho
gopa-rupa-dharam -harim

“A person who controls the mind and chants the Krishna -mantra day and night will surely see Sri Hari in His gopa form.”

Fruit of Chanting Kama Gayatri

Sanat-Kumara-Samhita says:

japed -yah -kama-gayatrim
kama-bija-samanvitam
tasya -siddhir -bhavet -prema
radha -krishna-sthalam -vrajet
etam -panca-padim -japtva
shraddhaya -shraddhaya -sakrt
vrndavane -tayor -dasyam
gacchaty -eva -na -samshayah

“Whoever chants the kama-bija combined with the kama-gayatri attains prema-siddhi and goes to the abode of Radha-Krishna.

“Whoever with faith or without faith chants japa of kama-gayatri will obtain the service of Radha-Krishna in Vrindavan without a doubt!”

What better fruits could any raganuga-sadhaka desire! So, we humbly ask everyone to keep these fruits in mind while chanting your diksha mantras, and meditating upon the beautiful meanings given by your beloved masters.

Diksha mantras ki jai! Gurudeva ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vrajalilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Verse 191 Manjari Protects Radhika
O Radhe! When will I follow You down the road and fully enchant You and Your rasika lover by pushing Krishna away from You while saying, “O most shameless boy! Don’t come anywhere near my dear friend, who becomes enchanted like a little girl whenever You simply touch the borders of Her breasts!”

Verse 208 Manjari Protects Radhika
O Radhike! When will I hide the signs of Your amorous union with Krishna from Your cruel superiors by saying, “My sakhi was picking flowers far away from here, and on the way back Radha’s breasts were scratched by the thorns, Her tilaka was washed off Her forehead from sweating, and Her lips were bruised by the cold wind!”

Verse 213 Sleeping Manjari
When will I somehow fall asleep at the end of Your flowerbed while I am softly massaging Your lotus-feet, padambhoja -samvahanani -shayyante -patita -prapta -tandra -bhaveyam?

Verse 219Manjari Helps Krishna
O Pranayini Radhe! When You are angry with Krishna, He falls at my feet, holding a straw between His teeth, and prays to me with many pitiful words. Krishna constantly follows me to ask me to arrange a meeting with You. O Radhe! I am tired of this, so now I submit Krishna’s plea to You.

Verse 224 Manjari’s Humor
O Vrshabhanu-nandini! When will I tell Your Priyatama, “O Gopendra-kumara! Don’t vainly make such proud jokes over here! With great difficulty You held one Govardhana Hill on Your hand. But as soon as You even see Sri Radha’s two golden mountains You become afraid, sri -radha -hema -shaila -yugale -drshte -bhayam!

Verse 243 Radha Teaches Manjaris
When will my Ishvari Radha engage me in serving Her Praneshvara Sri Krishna in the solitary places of Vrindavan by teaching me how to string flower garlands, grind sandal paste, make wonderful sweet-balls, and sweep the kunja?

Verse 246 Krishna’s Bewilderment
May Sri Radha’s smile protect us when Radha smiles upon seeing Hari marveling at His own form reflected in Radha’s shining golden breasts. At that time, Krishna says, “O Radha! I see two beautiful boys in Your breasts! Their luster steals the glories of hosts of blue lotus-flowers! I am completely enchanted by their forms. Please make Me Your girlfriend, so that we two girls can tightly embrace these two boys!”

Verse 247 Radha’s Bewilderment
O Radhike! When at the very beginning of Your love festival will I hear You sarcastically tell Shyam, “O Nitigya! (knower of morality) Stay away from Me!”
Then I will watch You push away Krishna’s hand before You storm out of the kunja to go angrily lament with tear-filled eyes to Your sakhi’s that You just saw Krishna with another sakhi. Although it was actually Your own sweet form seen in Krishna’s Kaustubha gem.

Verse 259 Radha: Aim of Sadhana
I always meditate on Krishna wearing a crown of peacock-feathers. I always sing Krishna’s name in sankirtana. I always serve Krishna’s murti, and repeat His best of mantras, Gopala-mantra. During all these activities, however I am holding in my heart the desire to attain the supremely cherished service of Sri Radha’s lotus-feet.

Verse 267 Manjari Darshan
When will I, in a body maddened by ecstatic love, live in Vrindavan, that purifying, effulgent, and most amazing rasika abode that witnesses Sri Radha’s artful loving pastimes? And when will I clearly see my divine spiritual form, eyes, ears and so on that is just suitable for serving Radha Krishna in the effulgent kunjas?
Manjari meditations ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Verse 43 Assisting Radha’s First Tryst

When Vrshabhanunandini is shy and afraid of Her eternal first meeting with the king of debauchees, when will I catch Radha’s lotus hand and eagerly bring Radha to the play-bed of soft fresh sprouts in the sanket-kunja?

Verse 48 Falling in a Pool of Rasa

O Sri Radhika! When will this confidential maidservant of Yours fall into a pool of rasa as I stand by the gate of the kunja, dvara -sthita -rasa -hrade -patita kada -syam, listening to the sweet jingling of Your ornaments mixing with the sweet indistinct sounds of Your love prattles with Krishna at the beginning of Your rasa-festival?

Verse 53 Wearing Radha Prasadi Cloth

When can I see myself as Sri Radhika’s tender kishori wearing Swamini’s prasadi dress and blouse lovingly given to me with Her own hand as I always stand by Radha’s side to expertly serve Her in various ways?

Verse 56 Manjari Tastes Madhurya Rasa

O my Praneshvari Radha! Knowing that I am Your fortunate maidservant, Krishna may softly kiss me, embrace me, and intoxicate me with the wine of eros, surata- madhvya- madayati, showing a wonderful treasure of affection towards me. Even then O Radhe! My mind will always remain absorbed in the rasa-filled pastimes of Your lotus-feet, tavaiva -sri -radhe -pada -rasa -vilase -mama -manah!

Verse 59 Rasa Lila Seva

Nagari Rasikshekhara’s cheeks are moistened with sweat drops of fatigue from Their incomparable dancing during Their amazingly enchanting, laughter-filled Rasa festival. When will I joyfully serve Radha Madhava by massaging Their feet and nicely fanning Them?

Verse 61 Govinda Bows to Radha

Govinda experiences a festival of rasa by bowing down and touching the lotus feet of Radha, pada-sparsha -rasotsavam -pranatibhir -govindam, who is Krishna’s only giver of rasa, rasaikadayini.

Verse 63 Confidential Seva to Radha

When will Sri Radha order me to accompany Her and tell Nandanandan, after He repeatedly hints to Radha with His glances, which She seemingly rejects while yet indicating a beautiful trysting-place to Krishna, “O king of cheaters! My Ishvari Radha will not go alone into that solitary grove of Kadamba-trees because She is afraid of You!”

Verse 75 Radha Meditation

O Sri Radhe! In my meditation may I always see Your crooked eyebrows, widened eyes, cherry-red lips, sweet smile, full breasts, thin waist, wide hips, soft body, slow elegant steps, and the stunned condition Your rasika heart.

Verse 87 Manjaris Relish Radha’s Prasad

When will I submerge in ever-new, ecstatic blissful rasa by repeatedly chewing the sweeter than sweet remnants of Sri Radha, which are the essence of nectar?

sri -radhaya -madhura madhur -occhishta -piyusha -saram
bhojam -bhojam -nava -nava -rasananda -magnah -kada -syam

Verse 144 Siddhis Roll at Manjari’s Feet

Millions of amazing siddhis roll at the feet of Sri Radha’s maidservants, sri – radha -kinkarinam -luthati -caranayor -adbhuta -siddhi -kotih!

Verse 156 Radha’s Motherly Affection

When will Radha relish Krishna’s prasadi tambula, and then put it into my mouth to show Her motherly affection, dasi-vatsala, to me?

Verse 166 Fanning Seva

When on the terrace of a bower house of fresh creepers on the bank of the Yamuna will I fan Radha Murari in such a way that They blissfully close Their eyes while enjoying the incomparably cool breeze?

Verse 180 Nikunja Prasad

When will I enter the nikunja in the morning to sweep it, and then decorate myself with the prasadi kajal, camphor, musk, and sandalwood paste from Radha Madhava’s love bed that fell off Their divine bodies at the beginning of Their wonderful love-play? And when will I restring and wear Their broken garlands?

Manjari Meditations ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Verse 6 Radha, Essence of Rasa

Glory to Nikunja-devi Radha who revives Nandanandan when He faints from the attack of Kandarpa’s millions of  arrows by abundantly sprinkling Krishna with the nectar-waves of Her bodily contact, which is the quintessence of bliss, rasa -sara -nijanga -sanga!

Verse 14 Radha Blesses Vraja

radha -karavacita -pallava -vallarike
radha -padanka -vilasan -madhura -sthalike
radha -yasho -mukhara -matta -khagavalike
radha -vihara -vipine -ramatam -mano -me

May my mind find pleasure in the play forest of Radha, where the sprouts and vines are touched by Radha’s hands, where the lila-sthalis are sweetened by Radha’s footprints, and where the birds madly sing Radha’s glories!

Verse 9 Radha Saves Sadhus

Full of good moods, Radha delivers all the good devotees living in Vrindavan, vrndatavim -sat -tarani – krta -subhava -sudha.

Verse 17 Kunja Seva

O Radhe! After You blissfully pass the night enjoying pastimes with Your rasika nagar Krishna in a kunja, I will bathe You, and serve You some sweet foods. Then You will fall asleep while I massage Your lotus feet with my hands.

Verse 18 Radha Darshan

When will Sri Radhika who is an ocean of play manifest in my heart, sphuratu -me -hrdi -keli -sindhuh?

Verse 23 Taking Radha to Kunja

O Radhe! While carrying garlands, perfumes, and divine, soft sandalwood paste when will I follow You and point out the way as You, eager for love play, go to a sanket-kunja walking slowly like a graceful elephant?

Verse 24 Spying Shyam

O Sri Radhika! After going with You to a lonely spot on the bank of the Yamuna, when will I suddenly see Your Nagarendra Shyam intensely looking at You from a place high in a Kadamba tree, as I massage Your ambrosial limbs that are the very life of Cupid, amrtam -angam -ananga – jivam?

Verse 32 Begging for a Glance

O Sri Radhika! Please cast a merciful glance on me! I want to arrange Your meeting with Shyamchandra and make a bed for You in the trysting-bower.

Verse 39 Power of Radha’s Glance

venuh  -karan -nipatitah -skhalitam – shikhandam –
bhrashtam -ca -pitavasanam -vrajaraja sunoh
yasyah -kataksha -shara -ghata -vimurcchitasya-
tam -radhikam -paricarami -kada -rasena

When can I blissfully serve Radhika whose arrow-like sidelong glances strike Krishna, the Prince of Vraja, to make His flute fall from His hand, His peacock feather crown slip off, and His yellow dhoti fall off before He completely faints?

Verse 41 Manjari’s Only Desire

O Radhe! My only desire is to become Your maidservant, kinkari -bhavitum -mam -abhilash

Manjari meditations ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Vrindavan Mahimamrita by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Sataka 14.57 Manjaris’ Guru

Radhika personally teaches her dasi manjaris, radhika -dasih -shikshayate.

Sataka 14.70 Manjari Begs Radha Krishna 

A manjari holds the lotus feet of Radha Madhava and begs, “O Swami and Swamini Radha! Please come to my dear sakhi’s supremely charming kunja.” Radha Madhava then happily go there and lavishly praise that dasi. Just meditate on this.

Sataka 15.2 Manjari Makes a Garden

With her own hands the manjari prepares an astonishing flower garden in the forest of Vrindavan. Within it she builds a charming mandap and decorates it with varieties of fragrant flowers. She sprinkles lots of soft lotus petals on the path leading to that mandap. Radha Govinda Yugal then come there and enjoy many loving pastimes.

Sataka 15.44 Sakhis Teach Manjaris

The main gopis like Lalita and Vishakha personally teach their own extraordinary arts and skills to the newly arrived young gopis, sadhana siddhas, nava -prakata-ballavih -samupashikshya -mukhyalibhir, nijam -nijam -ananyagadbhutatamam -kala-kaushalam.

Radha Govinda merge in happiness whenever They call out the names of these wonderful new manjaris and accept their seva.

Sataka 15.73-75 The Topmost Secret Mantra

I will tell you a mantra hidden from the Vedas, and not found anywhere even in the most confidential scriptures. This infinitely glorious mantra is the sweetest nectar, the zenith of all auspiciousness, and the ultimate goal of all attainments.

It is the supreme madness of all forms of maddening bliss. It is the secret of all secrets. Without thinking of anything else, day and night chant this mantra: RADHA!

Sataka 15.83 Extreme Intimacy of Manjaris

All glories to Radha, who on the pathway just outside the nikunja confides to her manjari saying, “O auspicious well behaved dasi, anuchari -shubha -shile! I have a problem, so please tell me what should I do?

“During our never-ending love battles my lover always becomes totally exhausted, nitya -klanta -sa -kanta, even though Lalita, Vishakha and other sakhis try to encourage Shyam.”

Sataka 16.15 Fanning Radha Krishna 

I blissfully worship Radha Krishna as They sit facing each other on a beautiful cushion at the door of a vine cottage. Within Their hearts They are relishing a recent lover’s quarrel as They happily throw dice, and I gently fan Them with a camara fan.

Sataka 16.62 Reading Radha’s Hints

Remember Radha’s manjaris as they expertly serve Ishvari Radha according to Radha’s every splendid hint, motion or tasteful gesture.

Sataka 17.2 All Senses Connected with Vrindavan

May my feet walk in the forest of Vrindavan; may eyes see the beauty of Vrindavan; may my tongue sing the glories of Vrindavan and may my ears hear them. May my nose smell the sweet fragrance of Vrindavan. May my body, its hair erect in ecstasy, roll on the ground of Krishna’s lila sthalis.

Sataka 17.83 Proper Vision of Vrajavasis

If one lives in Vrindavan committing the offense of thinking that the Vrajvasis do not have eternal spiritual forms of condensed bliss and knowledge, one will not attain Goloka Vrindavan.

Sataka 17.84 Becoming Genuine Servant of Radha

When one understands that the moving and non-moving residents of Vrindavan have forms of eternal spiritual nectar, one will attain the form of a beloved servant of Radha, radha-priya-sevi-rupah.

Manjari meditations ki jai! Sridham Vrindavan ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Vrindavan Mahimamrita by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Sataka 6.85 Joy of Manjaris

Due to their naturally intense, sweet loving attachment for Radha Krishna, the manjaris experience ecstatic symptoms like erect bodily hairs as they continually dive into an ever-expanding ocean of transcendental bliss. Radha’s manjaris smile, laugh, and their bodies blossom with excessive loving madness at every moment.

Sataka 7.30 Manjari Abhiman

For manjaris, Radha Krishna are everything, their very life and soul. “Alas! Even in the greatest calamity may I never fall into the bodily conception thinking, ‘My body, my home, and its many things are mine.’”

Sataka 7.36 Mercy of Vraja

All glories to Vrindavan which forgives all one’s faults and offenses, and nicely maintains and nourishes one who vows to take complete shelter there, vrindavanam -ashrita -poshanam -vratam -ashesha -dosha -kshama.

Sataka 8.17 Constant Meditation

Always meditate on Radha’s millions of dasi manjaris, dasi -yutha -kotir -anusmara.

Sataka 8.23 Manjaris Unique Position

What more can I say about the special mercy Radha gives to her manjari? When Radha enjoys pastimes with Priyatama in a cottage of creepers, she sometimes sits her manjari on the bed and covers her with a sheet, paryanka -sthapitam, -vastrair -vacchaditam -kvachit

Sataka 8.42 Why Hear About Manjaris

By repeatedly hearing about the forms, feelings and sevas of the manjaris and their intimate relationship with Sri Radha, you will become happy and hanker to hear more, shrutva -srutvati -sukhitam, punah shravana lalasam

Therefore, surely in all times and places you should always remember and meditate upon this. Even if you have not seen or realized these topics, still you should hear and speak about them and live in beautiful Vrindavan, asphurtitah -kathato -pi -srimad -vrindavane -va.

Sataka 8.73-74 Manjari Sevas

As Radha’s kinkari, you repeatedly fan your dearest Radha with the edge of your veil, offer her betel nuts, and offer Radha to her beloved Prityatam Shyam. You lovingly offer Radha a delicious cool, nectar drink scented with camphor and other spices poured from a jewel studded water pot.

Sataka 9.72 All Senses Engaged

The manjaris’ ears are immersed in the sweet nectar of Radha Hari’s conversations. Their eyes are fixed on Radha Krishna’s effulgent forms and loving pastimes. And their minds are greatly intoxicated from arranging the festive meetings of Radha and Krishna.                                                                                     

Sataka 10.89 Radha’s Lotus Feet

I always remember the incomparable effulgence of Sri Radha’s lotus feet, smarami -sri -radha -charan -kamal -jyotir -atulam

Sataka 10.96 Mother Vrindavan

“I am full of great faults and I don’t have even the slightest trace of good qualities. I repeatedly commit many unforgiveable offenses. But still, O Vrindavan! You are like my mother and I am your son. So please don’t reject me.’’

Sataka 11.116 Manjari Abhiman

“I have a beautiful body of a Radha dasi, and I always live in Radha vana. I satisfy Radha’s heart by tastefully serving Radha’s lotus feet day and night, radha -dasya -lasad -vapur, anisha – radha -pada -seva, antas -toshita – radha, rasiko – radha -vane -sada -nivasa.”

Sataka 12.64 Fortune of Vraja Vasa

Only the most fortunate attain residence in Vrindavan, where the fragrant air purifies everyone it touches, vrindavan -sakala -bhagyavatam -varishthair -labhyam -surabhy -anila -pavita -sarva -sabhyam

Sataka 13.2 Faith in Vrindavan

One will not see the mercy of Radha’s lotus feet until one has firm faith in the land of Vrindavan,

vrindavan -bhuvi -bhaven -napi -nishtha -garishtha -radha -carana -karuna -naiva -drshi.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! See part four manjari meditations.

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Vrindavan Mahimamrita by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Sataka 3.55 Crying in Bhajan

When with the wealth detachment will I stay in the forest of Vrindavan? I will rest my cheeks on my palms and repeatedly cry out, “O Krishna! O Krishna!”

Sataka 3.109 Life and Soul

A manjari’s supreme love for the lotus feet of Radha Krishna is her very life.

radha -krishna -padaravinda, parama -premaika -jivatubhis

Sataka 4.48 Solitary Bhajan

Even if my hair turns grey, my body becomes weak, and kaupins, torn garments, and an old shawl are my only possessions, still I will remain peaceful while staying far away from others as if I am low and fallen. But in my heart, I will always be completely absorbed in serving the lotus feet of Sri Radha.

Sataka 4.81 Mother Vraja

O beautiful land of Vrindavan! You are supremely more affectionate than millions of mothers, sri -vrndatavi -koti -matr -parama -snigdha!

Sataka 4.88 Vraja Ultimate Atonement

Radhika’s forest of Vrindavan is the perfect atonement for all sins; the ultimate shelter for all offenses to great souls; the crest jewel of all dharmas, and the crest jewel of all goals of human life.

Sataka 5.71 Vraja Only Shelter

Even though I am bewildered by lust and other material desires, still I hanker to attain that pure love which is hidden in the Vedas. Thus, I continue to stay here because the compassion of Vrindavan is my only shelter, vrindaranya -karunaika -me -sharanam.

Sataka 5.96-99 Radha Describes Krishna’s Love

One day Radhika privately met Her priya sakhi and revealed how much Krishna loves Her:

“O sakhi! Day and night your Krishna stays with Me. Krishna braids My hair in various ways; draws artistic designs on My face with musk, kunkum, and sandalwood paste. Krishna dresses Me with beautiful clothes, ornaments and flower garlands.

“Krishna always keeps His radiant moon-like face before mine and gazes at me with unblinking eyes. Krishna is very eager to talk to me. Krishna lies down holding me on His heart, and He always keeps me by His side.

“O sakhi! How can I describe the love that jewel of all romantic lovers has for me. Don’t ask me to tell you how I became so fortunate. I cannot describe my unlimited pastimes to you. Because as soon as Shyam holds my hand I forget who I am, where I was, and later I can’t remember anything.

“Alas! Shyam decorates my braid with exceptional flowers, draws a line of red sindhur in my hair part, anoints my eyes with kajal, dresses me in silken garments, and repeatedly gives me betel nuts to chew.

“Thus, in so many ways Shyam shows His love for me. Krishna is so attached to me He won’t even move me from His lap to put me in the bed.”

Sataka 6.29 Power of Vraja Connection

If you live in the earthly land of Vrindavan; or meditate upon and offer obeisances to Vrindavan; or travel to, see or touch Vrindavan; or have any connection with Vrindavan; then aho, this supremely purifying land of Vrindavan will carry you to Goloka Vrindavan!

Sataka 6.71 Intimate Seva

Alone with Lila Yugal inside the nikunja, the manjari says, “O Swamini Radha! Please stay still for a second so I can remove all the signs of amorous sporting from your eyes, limbs and clothing. Lalita and the other sakhis are coming soon. If they see you like this, they will all make jokes and laugh loudly. Then you will feel very embarrassed.”

Sataka 6.74 Intimate Sevas

Inside the nikunja, a manjari serves Radha Muralidhar by arranging Their hair, applying tilak, daubing sandalwood paste, offering betel nuts and flower garlands, feeding Them tasty foods and drinks, massaging Them, and many other sevas.

Sataka 6.75 Varieties of Sevas

Some expert manjaris decorate the kunja, some string beautiful flower garlands, some prepare varieties of fragrant things, and some sew fine silk clothes.

Sataka 6.81 Seva Bhava

I pray that Sri Radhika’s maidservants, who bitterly lament when any obstacle stops their seva to the master and mistress of their lives, may appear before me, sphurantu -mama -sri -radhika -aradhikah.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! See part three manjari meditations.

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These amazingly sweet and charming nectar-filled verses will carry you into the realm of Srimati Radharani’s eternal seva. The original Sanskrit verses of Vrindavan Mahimamrita by Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati are all incomparably beautiful and worthy of remembrance.

However, since most people cannot memorize Sanskrit verses, we have presented mostly just the English translations. These verses paint wonderful lila pictures for meditation on Radha Krishna’s Vraja lilas. And most importantly, they will help a sadhaka to adopt the feelings and sentiments, gopi-bhava, of a dasi of Sri Radha. The verses have titles to facilitate their remembrance.

Sataka 1.54 Manjari’s Fortune and Bliss

All the festivals of bliss experienced in relation to Bhagavan Sri Krishna don’t equal even one fraction of the happiness Radha’s manjaris experience when their eyes plunge in the ocean of Radha Krishna’s intimate pastimes.

If you want to experience the incomparable bliss of Radha’s manjaris, then simply give up your body in the topmost abode of Sridham Vrindavan.

Sataka 2.22 Manjari Sthayi-rati

Remember Radhika’s kinkaris (manjaris) who are full of madhurya rasa, the rapturous moods of srngar- rati, smara -rasamaya- radhika -kinkaris.

Sataka 2.39 Ecstatic Bliss

I worship the manjaris who become overwhelmed in bliss, and start rolling on the ground after continuously watching Radha Madhava’s wonderful playful amorous battle on a charming flower bed in a Vraja nikunja.

Sataka 2.56 Manjaris Intimate Sevas

I will serve Radha Krishna by offering fragrant forest garlands, smearing cooling sandalwood paste on Them, putting betel nuts in Their mouths, gently fanning Them, and massaging Their lotus feet when Radha Krishna lie down together enjoying the happiness of a tight loving embrace.

Sataka 2. 61 Beautiful Meditation on Radha

Overwhelmed by a flood of love, speaking with a broken voice, shedding tears, and the hair of Her body erect with excitement, Sri Radha sends Her dearest manjari to Krishna with a letter of humble apology (after a lover’s quarrel).

Later, when They meet again in the forest of Vrindavan, Radha falls at Krishna’s feet and binds Krishna’s feet with Her braided hair. All glories to the most beautiful Radharani who is the light of my life.

Sataka 2.84 Intimate Sevas

One day Radha sees a golden vine decorated with fresh buds and lovely smiling flowers oozing honey wrapped around a dark tamal tree. Suddenly Radha becomes overwhelmed with a desire to meet Krishna and starts to faint. But a clever manjari quickly supports Radha.

Sataka 2.86 Manjari Identity

Radha’s manjaris are like wonderful bubbles from the effulgent spiritual ocean of sweet love flowing from the beautiful lotus feet of Radha. O friend! Just become a follower of the kinkaris of Radhika, anusarata -sakhe -radhika -kinkaris -tah.

Sataka 2.95 Three Important Truths

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu revealed that sadhakas of manjari bhava must always remember and meditate upon three spiritual truths, tattvas:

1. Sri Vrindavan Tattva
2. Radha Krishna Tattva
3. Nija Tattva

Nija tattva means the truth about yourself i.e. your siddha deha as revealed by Sri Gaurachandra, who inaugurated the practice of raganuga-bhakti which includes meditation upon one’s individual spiritual body.

sri- vrindavan -tattvam
sri- radha -krishna -tattvam
nija -tattvam -ca -sada -smara
yat -prakatitam -asti -gauracandrena

Sataka 3.1 Cultivating Gopi Bhava

Gradually, give up all activities that go against your internal mood and feelings as a manjari dasi of Srimati Radharani. Always remember that Radha Krishna are eternally staying in your heart.

With eyes of love always see that all the moving and non-moving entities in Vrindavan are absorbed in thoughts of Radha Krishna. You should not see in any other way.  Day and night celebrate a great festival of serving Radha Krishna as They enjoy pastimes in the forest of Vrndavana.

Sataka 3.15 Nikunja Seva

O my beloved Madan Mohan! You are more enchanting than Kamadeva! When in the beautiful forest of Vrindavan will I serve You, who are smiling and agitated by intense amorous desires as You passionately lay on a bed of flowers in a nikunja with my Ishvari Radha, who rules my entire existence.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! See part two manjari meditations.

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Sometimes people challenge devotees in the Advaita Parivar saying: “Since Gaura-ganoddesa dipika identifies Advaita Prabhu only as Maha-Visnu, how can He or His guru parampara give madhurya rasa?”

“It is clearly said in that book that Nityananda Prabhu is Balarama and also Ananga-manjari, the younger sister of Sri Radha. So in the form of Ananga-manjari, Nitai can give madhurya-rasa. But what about Advaita Prabhu?”

Before directly answering this question, everyone should understand that all the eternal associates of Caitanya Mahaprabhu have spiritual forms (siddha svarupas) in Vraja madhurya rasa. And all the traditional lines, parivars, i.e. Nityananda, Advaita, Gadadhara, etc. coming from Mahaprabhu can and do bestow gopi-prema and manjari bhava. Outwardly, they may be famous for another rasa, but Gaurahari’s companions also have a position and seva in gopi-bhava.

Now we will quote some solid sastric proof from two very famous associates of Sri Caitanyadeva, Sri Murari Gupta and Sri Krishna Das Kaviraja, to establish the gloriously wonderful position and Vraja identity of Sri Advaita Prabhu.

In “Sri Krishna Caitanya Carita Mahakavya” (1.20), Gaura nitya-parisada (associate), Sri Murari Gupta says, “The great Controller Advaita Prabhu is the grand acarya for all the amorous arts of vraja madhurya-rasa (parakiya-bhava): sri yukta advaita varya, parama rasakala acarya, isha vireje.”

After Rupa Goswami recited his dramas Lalita/Vidagdha, Mahaprabhu asked Nityananda and Advaita Prabhu to embrace and bless him with gopi bhava, advaita nityananda adi sab bhaktagan, krpa kori rupe sobe koila alingan.” Caitanya Caritamrita 3.1.207). It is only because Nitai and Advaita possess the power of gopi-bhava within them, that Mahaprabhu asked them to give it to Rupa Goswami, who then became the rasa-acharya of gopi-bhava for the Gaudiya Sampradaya.

Now back to the post’s opening paragraph, citing Gaura-ganoddesa Dipika’s challenge to Advaita Prabhu’s qualification to give Vraja madhurya-rasa.

Kavi Karnapura’s book, Gaura Ganoddesa Dipika is only one of many authentic and old books revealing the eternal Vraja names and divine forms of various associates of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

When Kavi Karnapura wrote his book, it was popularly known that Advaita Prabhu is Maha-Visnu. So that’s what Kavi Karnapura wrote in his book. Because this is secret information, it is not revealed openly.

The true or complete identities of many other eternal associates of Mahaprabhu are also not clear or accurately presented in Gaura-ganoddesa dipika. The proof is that at least 25 times in his book, Kavi Karnapur uses the word ukta or uchu, which mean, “it is said” or “some people say” when he is not sure about the actual Vraja name or identity of a particular Gauranga associate. In fact, in one verse Kavi Karnapura says, “My father, Sivananda Sena says he is this person, but I think he is someone else.”

The same Kavi Karnapur, who says Advaita is Maha-Visnu, identifies Raghunatha Das as Rati Manjari. But throughout the Govinda-lilamrta, Krishna Das Kaviraja, who lived directly beside Dasa Goswami for 40 years in Radha-kunda, says he is Tulasi Manjari. He does not mention anything about him being Rati-manjari.

In their comments to Vilapa Kusumanjali, two great contemporary Gaudiya rasiks, Advaitavamsa Acarya Sri Ananda Gopala Goswamiji and Sri Ananta Dasji Maharaja refer to Raghunatha Das as Tulasi-manjari and not Rati-manjari.

If Advaita Acarya is merely Maha-Visnu, and not a Vraja gopi too, then how could Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, a disciple of Advaita’s disciple Sri Yadunandana Acarya, become famous, worshipable and followed by all Gaudiyas as the par excellent acarya for gopi-bhava and manjari-bhava sadhana?

The exact Vraja identities of various Gaura-lila associates of Sriman Mahaprabhu is an extremely esoteric subject clearly known only to direct members of a particular parivar and not to outsiders. The Vraja names and forms of Gauranga’s eternal associates are passed down privately from Guru to disciple through each individual spiritual family, parivar.

Yes, Sri Advaita Prabhu is Maha-Visnu. But He is also Yogamaya or Paurnamasi, who arranges all of Krishna’s Vraja madhurya-lilas with Sri Radha and the sakhi/manjaris. This is true because the same book, Gaura-ganoddesa dipika, says that Advaita Prabhu’s direct female sakti expansion and eternal companion in conjugal love is the divine Sri Sita-devi, who is non-different from Him, is also known as Yogamaya or Bhagavati Paurnamasi in Vraja.

Like Bhagavan Sri Krishna, all the Visnu-tattva forms of Bhagavan i.e. as Maha-Visnu can expand into unlimited numbers of spiritual forms, each having a unique transcendental name, form and identity to lovingly serve either Sri Caitanydeva in Navadvipa or Radha-Govinda Yugala in Vrndavana.

Thus, Sri Advaita Prabhu is not only Maha-Visnu, but He is also Paurnamasi in Vraja. He also has other spiritual Vraja forms as a sakha, sakhi and a manjari! These secret gems of sweet truths are not shown to outsiders.

They are the private treasures of the parivar, only revealed to those fortunate souls who have surrendered to the sweet lotus feet of Sri Advaita Prabhu, and taken diksa in His most glorious transcendental family or parivar. (sastra courtesy: Sri Advaita Dasji Maharaja)

Vraja Madhurya-rasa and gopi-bhava ki jai! Sri Advaita Parivar ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!