Tag Archive for: GopiBhava

Mahanidhi Swami

 

The daily meditation upon one’s desired spiritual body i.e. siddha-deha or siddha svarupa is an ancient practice of sadhana originating in the Puranas.

 

Manjari svarupa meditation and asta-kaliya-lila smarana are not “concoctions” “newly invented practices” or the kalpana of some Radha-kunda babajis.

 

These two sadhanas are described in the Padma Purana, one of India’s oldest and most authentic scriptures. What follows is Lord Shiva’s answer to Narada Muni’s inquiry about how to practice raganuga sadhana bhakti.

“Shivaji said, ‘O Naradaji, once I met Sri Krishna in Vrindavana and Bhagavan taught me about Radha and how to attain Her eternal seva. At that time, Sri Krishna said, “’O Rudra, one who takes shelter of us (Radha-Krishna) or only My beloved Radhika and serves Radharani with unswerving devotion, he/she WILL COME TO ME!”’

Then Krishnaji said, “O Shiva, you should clearly know that My beloved Radhika is a great ista-devata, surrounded by hundreds and thousands of Her dearest girlfriends, the sakhis. My cows, gopas, gopis and this Vrindavana exist eternally. My Vrindavana is the place of unlimited bliss, so it is called “Ananda-kanda”. If one merely enters Vrajabhumi, they will never take rebirth again. Like Me,  Shivaji, you should always live in My Vraja!”

Narada replied, “O glorious Mahadeva, I am glad to hear this. Now please tell me how to practice raganuga sadhana.” (Padma Purana, patalakhanda cp. 82.73-88) More in part two.  Ananda kanda Bhagavan Sri Krishna ki jai! Ananda Vrindavana ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Swami

After becoming established in one’s siddha svarupa by the mercy of Sri Guru and Sri Krishna, a sadhaka will contemplate his/her personal form, qualities and seva while mentally remembering and serving within Radha-Madhava’s asta-kaliya-lila.

The young girls (12-13 yrs) who personally and very intimately serve Srimati Radharani are called Radha’s dasis, kinkaris, manjaris or simply maidservants. The following description is generic and refers to “You” or anyone among the unlimited handmaidens of Srimati Radhika.

The following passages, taken from Prabodhananda Sarasvatipada’s Vrindavana Mahimamrita, which describe a manjari’s form, feelings, movements and services are very helpful in deepening and culturing the persona of a maidservant of Srimati Radharani.

By reading these, one will see how dynamic, beautiful and exciting it will be when one attains prema, and enters Radha-Krishna pastimes to lovingly serve Them eternally in one’s siddha svarupa as Radhika’s kinkari.

To attain success in manjari meditation, one must completely forget once and for all one’s external body and all false material attachments. By the mercy of Sri Hari and Sri Guru, I have received a spiritual form, siddha svarupa/deha so that I may affectionately and intimately serve Sri Sri Radha-Govinda Yugala in the eternally blissful realm of Sri Vraja Dhama.

Thus to permanently fix my eternal and REAL spiritual identity, I will deeply concentrate, meditate upon and internally visualize my true self as follows. Hear/read the passages very attentively while thinking: “This is the REAL ME—the ETERNAL ME—the EVER BLISSFUL ME!” Try to think of your eternal, individual, transcendental, sac-cid-ananda siddha svarupa as being like this…

“I am a lovely kinkari maidservant of Ishvari Radha, and I have a glistening, pleasing golden complexion and I abound in honey sweetness. I am a fresh maiden adorned with jeweled necklaces and a multicolored blouse.

My arms are beautifully shaped like lotus stems and glorified with bracelets and jeweled armlets. Like a dangling vine, my hair shiny black braid hangs down to My captivating buttocks, and its swinging movements enhance My beauty.

As Radhika’s kinkari (manjari), I have an enchantingly thin waist. A divine silk garment with artistic folds hangs down to My ankles. A fine cloth embroidered with flowers and leaves covers My hair and the sides of My face.

A sweet shy smile plays upon My reddish lips. My glances are light and playful, and My movements are extremely attractive. The amorous affairs of Radha-Madhava Yugala always excite My pure tender heart.

Among my unlimited good qualities, humility and sweet behavior are foremost. Having been personally taught by Radharani, I am now expert in all arts.

I appear especially attractive due to wearing the Playful Pair’s prasadi malas, clothes and ornaments. I regularly relish Radha and Krishna’s astonishingly tasty prasadi pan and betel nut. Being an expert manjari, I immediately know what Radha wants just by a hint or a glance. Radha and Krishna are always very affectionate to me.

I carry whatever is needed for seva i.e. scents, water, garlands, kunkum, pan, cosmetics etc. for Radhe-Shyama’s nightly meetings. As a Radhika kinkari, I constantly taste the sweet madhura rasa arising from Sri Radha’s beautiful form, qualities and pastimes. I remain forever thrilled by remembering Radhika’s intimate affairs with Shyama.

Because I have intense loving affection for Radharani, I am always submerged in an ocean of happiness. In all times, whether I am awake, dreaming or deeply asleep, I desire nothing but Radha’s seva. I know absolutely nothing but Sri Radha sweet lotus feet.

As rivers rush to the sea, I immediately run toward anything even remotely connected with Radha. And I practically die if even a moment passes without Radha. As a shadow follows an object, I am always beside Sri Radha throughout the day and night. My deep attachment to Radha immerses me in the boundless ocean of ecstatic love for Radha.

Sometimes when Kunjeshvari enjoys with Priyatama in a keli-kunja, Radha pulls me onto the flower bed and under the sheets with Her. Ah ha! Just see the intimacy that Srimati showers upon me, Her most fortunate maidservant!

Tasting the bliss of serving Kishori Jeu, I thrill and tremble in ecstasy. My brilliant bodily luster and loveliness enchant everyone as I run from place to place in My anxiety to nicely serve Priya Sundari.

My soothing bodily effulgence beautifies and enriches all ten directions. When I sometimes hear Priya-Priyatama’s secret love talks, I experience inconceivable joy, the utmost happiness and FULL satisfaction. The soothing, nectar-sweet words flowing from the lovely lotus mouth of Srimati Radhika continually dance in waves of joy in My heart. (Vrindavana Mahimamrta 8.17-42)

Sri Radha’s manjari ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe! Manjari Bhava Upasana ki jai! Manjari Sadhana ki jai! Sri Guru ki jai!

Mahanidhi Swami

 

In Prema Bhakti Candrika, Narottama dasa Thakura describes the five essential practices of manjari-bhava sadhana.

 

By performing sadhana according these sutras, the raganuga sadhaka will to attain madhurya-prema in the mood of Shyama’s sweethearts, the sakhis.

 

Thakura Mahashaya’s sutras include four of the nine limbs of bhakti-sadhana:

1) Sravanam; 2) Kirtanam; 3) Smaranam; and 4) Vandanam.

He added a special fifth practice which he calls Darshana.

 

This concise sadhana package describes five limbs of bhakti covering nine individual daily practices. If one regularly follows this, one will quickly obtain the coveted treasure of Radha-Krishna’s eternal prema seva in his/her manjari svarupa i.e. siddha deha.

 

The Manjari-bhava Sadhana Sutras

 

  1. HEARING (sravanam)
  2. Become emotionally attached to reading and hearing about the amorous affairs of Radha Govinda Yugala: rati prema maya parabandhe. (v. 60)
  3. Constantly hear devotees chanting the names and attributes of Radha-Krishna: donhaara nama guna shuni, bhakta mukhe puni puni. ( v. 76)

 

  1. CHANTING (kirtanam)
  2. Cultivate the rasa-filled names of Radha-Krishna: krishna nama radha nama upaya rasa dhaama. ( v. 60)

 

III. REMEMBERING (smaranam)

  1. Seva smaranam—fix your mind only the seva of Radha-Krishna: radha krishna sevana ekaanta koriyaa mana. (v. 76)

 

  1. Kirtana smarana—singing Radha-Krishna nama [e.g Hare Krishna Maha-mantra] is the topmost meditation: Radha-Krishna nama gaana parama dhyaana. (v. 73)
  2. Lila smarana—remembering the sweet daily vraja-lilas of Radha Govinda Yugala is the practice and the goal—there is nothing more than this: yugala vilasa smrti sara sadhya sadhana ei, iha boi ara nai. (v. 61)

 

  1. PRAYERS (vandanam)
  2. Pray with a pure, selfless heart that you can always hear [or read] the prema-filled topics of Radha and Krishna: prarthana sada shuddha bhava prema katha. (v. 75)

 

  1. SEEING (darshanam)
  2. Rupa-darshana— Always cry while desiring to see with your eyes, the beautiful golden form of Rai (Radharani) hema gauri tanu rai, ankhi darashana chai, rodana koribo abhilasha. (v. 76)

 

  1. Lila-darshana—cultivate surging eagerness to see Radha-Krishna’s rasa dance in Vrndavana: maha lila darshana lobha. ( v. 67)

Manjari bhava sadhana ki jai!   Thakura Mahashaya ki jai!    Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Swami

 

In Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Gita mala song ‘Siddhi Lalasa’, he seems to present a series of events beginning with a sadhana siddha devotee taking a gopi birth in Varshana during Radha-Krishna’s prakata-lila.

 

Afterwards, that baby manjari grows up until that lucky day 13 years later, when she meets Radha-Krishna for the first time and begins her eternal seva to Yugala Kishora.

Now we will present the sequence of event described in ‘Siddha Lalasa’ by Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

 

  1. Birth in Varshana:

After attaining Radha Govinda madhurya prema the sadhana siddha-devotee will take birth from the womb of a Vraja-gopi in Bhauma Vrindavana during the prakata lila of Radha-Krishna.

 

  1. Growing Up:

From a baby manjari-form in Varshana, you will gradually grow up to your eternal manjari svarupa age 12-13.

 

  1. Engagement:

Once you reach maturity, you will pass your time in separation from Radha-Krishna, singing Yugala bhajanas like a madwoman (palini praya, BVT) and doing small sevas like fetching Yamuna-jala.

 

  1. Meeting Your Guru Sakhi:

One day on the foot path, you will meet your eternal guru sakhi and the chief manjari of your parivara e.g. Rupa, Rati.

 

  1. Introduction to Group Leader:

Then later your guru sakhi and chief manjari will take you to meet your sakhi group leader (Lalita or Visakha).

 

  1. Receiving Seva Kunja:

Your group leader will assign you an individual (or collective) seva kunja for serving the Divine Couple.

 

  1. Radha-Kṛṣṇa Service Training:

Your group leader, chief manjari, and other leading sakhis will personally train you in various sevas (rasa seva shiksha), bhavas and different levels of prema so you can expertly serve Radha  Govinda Yugala.

 

  1. Starting Srimati Seva:

Now after taking birth in Varshana, growing up for 12 years and being trained in seva, you are finally qualified to meet Radha-Krishna for the first time and begin your eternal seva.

 

Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakura explains that most auspicious and wonderful moment like this: “Thus waiting in my solitary cottage, I will constantly remember Sri Radha’s lotus feet. After sometime, my chief manjari (Sri Rupa/Rati) will come to meet me. At that time, she will say, ‘What are you doing sitting here? Come outside and look— just see Who is coming this way? Radha Govinda Yugala are about to meet together. And today you will get the chance to serve Their lotus feet.’”  (Siddha-lalasa song 6)

 

Questions Based On This Outline:

  1. If the above statements are correct does that mean that all sadhana siddhas will not directly meet or serve Sri Radha until they grow into their mature manjaris swarupas and become seva-qualified?
  2. What about seeing Radha-Krishna; will that also not occur until the manjari reaches her mature age?
  3. Will all sadhana siddha manjaris follow these same steps that Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakura mentions here leading to the final reward of Radha’s eternal seva?
  4. Does any other book describe the progression from Bhauma prakata-lila birth to beginning Bhanu-nandini’s blissful seva?

 

Answers by Sri Guru:

“First of all, No! It is not that every sadhana siddha in manjari bhava must or will go through these different stages or have these particular experiences. In this bhajana, ‘Siddhi Lalasa’ Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakura is describing his own world of service. It is purely subjective. However, I do not see any rasabhasa or viruddha siddhanta in it. But remember, it is not that every perfected sadhaka who enters Krishna’s Bhauma lila will follow or experience this sequence of events.”

 

“Just as we acknowledge Sri Krishna’s pastimes of birth and growth in the Srimad Bhagavatam, but ultimately focus and concentrate on Krishna’s youthful pastimes with Radharani, nitya-kishora lila. Similarly, although as sadhana siddhas we will take birth and grow up on Bhauma Vrindavana, still we focus on our eternal sevas to Radha Govinda Yugala in their confidential loving pastimes.  And as you know, generally raganuga Gurus will give their shishyas an upasana based on the eternal adya kishori manjari sevas as described in Vilapa-kusumanjali and Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi.

 

“Regarding spiritual birth, growing up and the time factor in the spiritual sky Sri Jiva Goswami gives some wonderful insight. He says that time does exists in the spiritual sky but it does not lead to decay. “The six transformations of time (birth, sustenance, growth, maturity, decline and death) do not expand their powers (in Vaikuntha) In fact, they are absent there.” (tika SB2.9.10)

“So the spiritual pastimes of birth, growth and meeting are possible in the spiritual world, and each phase can be eternally meditated upon also. A sadhana siddha devotees’ birth in Vraja is nicely described by Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura in Prema-bhakti-chandrika: ‘When will I attain the condition wherein I am born as a daughter in the house of a cowherder in Varshana? And when will I be married in the village of Yavat and live there? When can I serve the lotus-feet of the dearmost maidservant (Rupa-manjari) of the best of sakhis (Lalita)?’

“As far as the new manjari’s introduction to the world of sakhi servants, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura says, ‘I will shyly stand behind Sri Rupa Manjari as Radha and Krishna look at me again, smile and ask Rupa with kind hearts: “O Rupa! Where did you get this new maidservant?’ Hearing Their inquiry, Sri Rupa Manjari  then tells Them: ‘Manjulali manjari (gopi name of Sri Lokanatha Goswami & and Guru of NDT) has given me this maidservant to offer to You!’”

Varshana walli Sri Radha ki jai! Manjari bhava ki jai! Sri Radha nitya-seva ki jai!

Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Swami

 

To Vyenkatta Bhatta, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu once taught the essence of raganuga bhakti sadhana.

In summary, Mahaprabhu said: 1) worship Vrndavana Sri Krishna with vraja-bhava, the loving moods of the eternal Vrajavasis; 2) perform the bhajana of cultivating gopi-bhava, following the example of the Vraja-gopis;

3) Then you will attain birth in Bhauma Vrndavana with the bhava (that you cultivated), and there receive the siddha-deha of a gopi to eternally serve Sri Krishna in madhurya-rasa.

Let’s examine the verses Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu spoke to explain these points:

First, Sri Caitanya Deva said one must do bhajana in vraja-bhava, the loving mood of Sri Krishna’s eternal associates in Sri Dhama Vrndavana:
vraja-lokera bhäve yei karaye bhajana
sei jana päya vraje vrajendra-nandana
“Sri Caitanya Deva told Vyenkatta Bhatta, “Anyone who performs bhajana in vraja-bhava (the ecstasy of the Vrajavasis), will attain Vrajendranandana Sri Krishna in Vraja Dhama.” (Cc. 2.9.131)

Sri Caitanya Deva then cited an example from the Puranas to prove His point. Mahaprabhu said that the Personified Vedas adopted the mood of vraja-bhava in their bhajana, following the example of the damsels of Vraja:

çruti-gaëa gopé-gaëera anugata haïä
laïä vrajeçvaré-suta bhaje gopé-bhäva laïä
“The Pesonified Vedas (çruti-gaëas) worshiped Yasodanandana with the feelings of the gopis (gopi-bhava bhajana), and followed in their footsteps (gopi-anugatya).” (Cc. 2.9.133)

After many many years of cultivating gopi-bhava, the loving moods and sentiments of the gopis, the çruti-gaëa attained perfection in their raganuga-sadhana and took birth as gopis in Bhauma Vrndavana during Radha-Krishna’s pastimes.

Mahaprabhu explains this point saying how the Srutis Personified, upon entering Bhauma Vrndavana, attained both the bhava, which they had been cultivating, and a suitable spiritual body (gopi-deha) as a gopi to dance with Gopinatha in the rasa dance.

It is significant that even without knowing or having their siddha-dehas, the personified Vedas performed gopi-bhava vraja-bhajana.

And they received their spiritual bodies (i.e. siddha-deha or gopi-deha) only after leaving their material bodies and taking birth in Bhauma Vrndavana.

bähyäntare gopé-deha vraje yabe päila
sei dehe Krishna-saìge räsa-kréòä kaila
Sri Caitanya Deva said, “The Personified Vedas acquired bodies like those of the gopés (antare: internal bhava; bahya: external form), and took birth in Vrajabhümi. In their gopi bodies they got the association of Sri Krishna in the rasa dance.” (Cc. 2.9.134)
Gopi bhava gives gopi siddha deha ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Once an anxiety-ridden young cowherd maiden, who desired nothing but the direct vision and service of Radha Govinda, fell down at the feet of her own guru-sakhi and Sri Radha’s dearmost sakhis.

That tender-hearted manjari cried out, “O my dear sakhis! I can no longer hold my peace. Please tell me where I can find the divine transcendental lovers Radha-Krishna enjoying their pastimes!”

Seeing the depths of this new maiden’s emotion (sadhana siddha manjari), the sakhis’ hearts melted with affection. Then they took that nava manjari to see Krishnachandra and His pleasure giving sweetheart Radha.

While showing the Divine Couple to the manjari, the sakhis sang:

“O sakhi just gaze upon Gandharvika’s gorgeous form with Her hairbraids entwined with a delicate garland of sweet jasmines. Radha’s  amorous affairs with Shyama fill the universe with waves of unlimited delight. O new maiden! Just see how Kishora is flooded by  waves of nectar from touching Srimati. And Radha in turn is dizzy from the loving sensations twirling Her delicate heart. Just see how Radha’s every limb is thrilled in bliss.”

As the young gopi admired Priyaji, she thought, ‘What am I seeing? Is Radha the very life force of Cupid personified? Is Radha the source of all lovliness in the universe? Or perhaps Radha is the life and soul of Sri Madhusudana?’ Gazing at the Divine Youthful Couple, the new manjari immersed in an ocean of prema.

Upon regaining her composure, Nava-dasi, her eyes welling with tears of joy began praying to Kishori-mani.  “O Radhe! Please make me Your padadasi. Please teach me the deep feelings and artistic gestures that accompany Your self-composed songs. Then I will expertly sing them to please You and Your Priyatama.” (Sangita Madhava, Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati) Singing for Radha ki jai! First darshana of Lila Yugala ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Swami

 

Vrnda-devi’s asta-kaliya-lila narration to Lord Shiva continued.

Note: The following entries are unedited, presented as it is, downloaded from Net.

Pradosh Lila 8:36-10:48 p.m.

Vrinda said, “O Muniji! There with his father, paternal uncles, their sons, and Baladeva, Krishna eats various kinds of foods like those that are chewed, those that are sucked etc. Even before Krishna entertains a desire, Radhika, through her friends, would send dressed foods to his house.

Hari, praising them, and eating them with his father etc. would, with the bards, go to the assembly hall. The friends (of Radha), that had come there having brought with them many foods, take (from his house) many kinds (of food) given by Yasoda there and also whatever is left over by Krishna.

Having brought all that, they inform Radhika of it. Radha too, along with her group of friends, having eaten it in order and being decorated by her friends, would be (ready) to meet by appointment (her lover i.e. Krishna).

‘From here on there some friend is sent away by me’. Met by her, Radhika, surrounded by her friends, and having put on a dress proper for white (i.e. bright) or black (i.e. dark) night goes to the chamber having divine jewels, near Yamuna.

Krishna also, seeing their curious things, then having heard delightful music from Katyayani, and having properly pleased them with (gifts of) wealth and grains, and propitiated by people, goes with his mother to His sleeping quarters.

Nisha Lila 10:48 p.m. to 3:36 a.m.

When Krishna’s mother departs, Krishna, having eaten, comes here—to the rendezvous—unnoticed and with his beloved. Both Radha-Madhava meet here and play in the groves of trees, with many sports, with Krishna’s dance with the cowherdess, accom-panied with singing and instrumental music and laughter.

Thus having spent two watches and a half of the night in sporting, the two desiring to sleep, enter, unnoticed by female birds, the bower. There, in the solitary place, the two sleep on a charming bed made of flowers and for sport, and are served by their female friends. Thus I have told you the full daily life of Hari. O Narada, even sinners who hear this narration are immediately liberated .” (Padma Purana, patalakhanda cp. 83.91-105) Radha Govinda Yugala’s blissful lilas ki jai! Vrnda-Narada manjari sadhana shiksha ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Swami

 

Vrnda-devi’s asta-kaliya-lila narration to Lord Shiva continued.

Note: The following entries are unedited, presented as it is, downloaded from Net.

Aparahna Lila 3:36-6 p.m.

Vrinda-devi said, “O Naradaji! Then having heard the mutual wordy fight among the särikäs and the parrots, Radha-Madhava, desiring to go home, move out from that place. Having allowed his beloved (to go), Krishna would go to the cows.

Radha, accompanied by the circle of gopis goes to the Sun’s abode (temple). Having gone a little away from there, Hari, again, returning, after having put on the dress of a Brähmaëa, goes to the Sun’s abode. Requested by her friends, Sri Krishna would worship the Sun there, with Vedas (hymns), containing jokes and composed then only. Then the clever ones, having recognised their lover who makes himself known, merge in the ocean of joy, and do not know themselves or other (persons).

Sayana Lila 6-8:36 p.m.

Having thus passed two watches and a half in various sports, Radhe-Shyama go home, and Krishna would go (to the place) of the cows. O sage, Krishna, joining his friends, and taking the cows from all sides, comes playing upon the flute joyfully to Vraja.

Then, all like Nanda and others, so also women and children, hearing the sound of Hari’s flute, and also seeing the sky full of dust (raised) by the cows, give up all their jobs, and being eager to see Krishna go towards him.

Krishna also, joining all the residents of Vraja, on the royal path, at Vraja-gate—wherever they are—(honours all) as before in due order— by means of seeing them, touching them, speaking to them, looking them with a smile, saluting with words and physically the old cowherds, and saluting his parents and Rohini also (in such a way that) the eight parts (of the body touch the ground).

O Narada, so also Krishna’s beloved Radhaji with a modest side glance. Thus very much and properly respected by the residents of Vraja, having sent the cows to the cowstall, Govinda goes, after being request-ed by his parents to his abode with his brother.

Having bathed there, having drunk (milk), having eaten a little, and being allowed by his mother, Krishna, with a desire to milk the cows, again goes to the cowstall. Having milked them, and got them milked, having made some of them drink (water), be, being followed by hundreds of venerable men, Krishna goes home with his father. (Padma Purana, patalakhanda cp. 83.76-90) More part six. Sri Krishna asta-kaliya-lila ki jai! Radha Govinda Yugala ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Swami

 

Vrnda-devi’s asta-kaliya-lila narration to Lord Shiva continued. Note: The following entries are unedited, presented as it is, downloaded from Net.

Madhyahna Lila 10:48 a.m. to 3:36 p.m.

Vrinda-devi said, “O Narada, please hear attentively. Having entered the forest and having played there with his friends for a while, Sri Krishna then gladly sports there, in the forest by means of various pastimes. Then, having deceived all, and surrounded by two or three friends, Sri Krishna, being eager to see his beloved, would gladly go to the rendezvous.

Radha too, who had come home, on seeing Krishna , goes, after deceiving her elders, under the pretext of Sun-worship etc. or for collecting flowers, to the forest with a desire to meet her lover. Thus Radha-Govinda, having, after many efforts, met in the forest, gladly sport there for the (whole) day with various pastimes.

Sometimes Radha-Govinda get upon a swing and are rocked to and fro by their friends. Sometimes, Hari, deceived by the bevies of his beloveds, is seen, searching his flute dropped from his hand, and hidden by his beloved. Sri Krishna, made to laugh by them by means of merriment, remains there.

At times Radha Govinda Yugala the forest endowed with vernal breezes, and sprinkle each other with water (mixed with) sandal, or with water (mixed with) saffron etc., released from syringes, or smear each other with mud. In the same way, the friends also sprinkle them (with water etc.) and Radha-Govinda also sprinkle them.

Then Radha-Govinda, O Narada, being tired due to many pastimes proper for the time in the groves endowed with vernal breezes on all sides, resort, with their attendants, to the root of a tree, and sitting on a divine seat, drink liquor.

O best sage. Then Radha-Govinda, intoxicated due to the liquor, with their eyes closed due to sleep, holding each other’s hands, being under the influence of Cupid’s arrows, and desiring to sport, enter, with their words and mind stumbling on the path. There Radha-Madhava sport like a female elephant and (the male elephant,) the lord of the herd.

All the friends also, intoxicated by wine, and with their eyes troubled by sleep (i.e. drowsy) sleep all around in the charming bowers. Again and again incited by his beloved, Krishna , the lord, would go near all, with a separate body (for each) and simultaneously.

Having satisfied all of them as a lord of elephants satisfies the female elephants, Sri Krishna would, along with his beloved Radharani and with them, go to the lake to sport.

Then Radha-Govinda, with their attendants, sport bet-ween themselves by sprinkling water (on each other). They are adorned with garments, garlands, sandal (-pastes), and also with divine ornaments. O sage, I have there, in a chamber full of divine gems, on the bank of the lake, already arranged fruits and roots.

Hari, having eaten first, and being clasped by his beloved, and being served by two or three (maids) would go to a bed made of flowers. There, being served (by them) with tämbulas, fans and shampooing of his feet, Sri Krishna laughing with them, and remembering his beloved rejoices.

Radhika too, when Hari is asleep, extremely delighted along with her attendants,. having put her heart into him, eats what is left over (by him). Having but eaten a little there, Radha would go to the bed-chamber to see her lover’s face as the female cakora bird sees the moon. The maids there have told (her) about his having chewed the tämbula. Kishori also chews tämbulas and distributes them among her dear friends.

Krishna too, desiring to hear their free mutual talk, though sleepless, covers himself with a piece of cloth,. appearing as if he is asleep. Those too, looking at one another in jest, and getting the hint from somewhere, biting their ton-gues with their teeth, look at one another’s face.

Merged as it were into the ocean of bashfulness, the sakhis do not say anything for a moment. Just after a moment, having removed the piece of cloth from his body, and saying ‘You were really asleep’ they laugh and make Krishna laugh too.

Thus sporting with the sakhis by means (of jokes etc. causing) laughter, and having, for a moment, experienced the pleasure of sleep, Shyama sits upon the seat gladly spread by the manjaris, and Radha-Govinda having mutually staked necklaces, kisses, embraces and garments, play with dice preceded by jocular talk.

Though defeated by his beloved Krishna, saying, ‘I have won’, pro-ceeds to seize Radha’s necklace etc. and is beaten by her. Thus beaten by Radha on his lotus-like face with her hand Krishna, being dejected in his mind, thinks of going. “If, O honourable lady, I am defeated, then accept what is staked (viz.) kisses etc. offered by me.”

On his saying so Kishori would act like that to see the crookedness of his eyebrows and to hear his words of reproach. (Padma Purana, patalakhanda cp. 83.44-75) More part five. Radha-kunda nitya-lila ki jai! Radha Govinda Yugala seva ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

 

This is part of our Padma Purana raganuga sadhana article series. The ancient Vedic pramana titled Padma Purana tells how Narada once came to Vrindavana, and asked Vrinda-devi to tell him about Lord Hari’s daily eight-fold pastimes in Vrindavana, the asta-kaliya-lila.

Since this is a long discussion, we will present it in parts. By reading this, one learns that the Padma Purana is the source book for famous asta-kaliya-lila granthas written by various Gaudiya Vaisnava acharyas in the 15th and 16th century. The famous Krishnaika Kaumudi, Govinda Lilamrta, and Krishna Bhavanamrta base their material on this Puranic authority.

Note: The following entries are unedited, presented as it is downloaded from Net.

Srimati Vrinda-devi said, “O Naradaji, now I will describe Radha-Krishna’s asta-kaliya-lila beginning with nishanta-lila.

Nishanta Lila 3:36-6 am.

O Narada, I shall also tell you the secret since you are a devotee of Krishna. In Vrindavana which is charming and adorned with fifty bowers, in a chamber with divine gems, in an arbour of the desire-yielding tree, Radha Govinda Yugala embracing each other remain (in a) sleeping (position), though later Radha-Govinda are awakened by birds obeying my orders.

Radha-Govinda have obtained great joy due to a close embrace and are afraid of its being disturbed. Radha-Govinda do not at all desire to get up from the bed. Then Radha-Govinda have to get up from their bed when awakened with various notes made on all sides and repeatedly by groups of sarikas and parrots etc.

Seeing Radha-Madhava seated gladly on the bed, the friends enter (the bower) and offer Lila Yugala services appropriate for that time. Then Radha-Madhava, having got up from the bed by the notes of sarikas, overcome with eagerness go to their respective houses.

Pratah Lila 6-8:36 a.m.

In the morning, Krishna, awakened by his mother, quickly gets up, and having with Baladeva brushed his teeth and being allowed by his mother, goes, being surrounded by his friends, to the cowstall.

O brahmana, Radha too, awakened by her friends, gets up from her bed, and having brushed her teeth would then smear her body with unctuous substances. Then Radharani goes to the quandrangular for bath. There Kishori is bathed by her friends.

(Then) Radha goes to the chamber for decoration, and there her friends decorate her with ornaments and various divine fragrant flowers and unguents. Then when, with effort, her friends request her mother-in-law and then Radhika is invited along with her friends by Yasoda to cook good food.

Narada said, “O Vrnda, how is it, O goddess, that Radha is invited by Yasoda to cook food, when there are foremost cooks like Rohini mata?”

Vrnda replied, “I have formerly heard from the mouth of Katyayani that in olden days she was granted a boon by Durvasa. And O great sage the boon was: ‘O respectable lady (Sri Radha), the food which is cooked by you, would be, as a result of my favour, sweet and vying with nectar, and would in the same way promote long life of the eater (of it).’

“Thus Narada, Yasoda, loving her son, every-day calls Radha to her home to cook Krishna’s breakfast. Yashoda is thinking, ‘my son, due to longing for sweet (food), would, (after eating it) live a long life.’

Allowed by her mother-in-law Jatila, Radha, being delighted, would go to the house of Nanda. Going there with the multitude of her friends she cooks there also. Krishna also, having milked the cows and having some others got milked by (other) men, comes home surrounded by his friends at the words (i.e. order) of his father.

Having smear-ed his body with unctuous substances and having had shampoo-ing and after being gladly bathed by servants, Shyama puts on washed garments, a garland, and has his body smeared with sandal.

With his neck and forehead shining due to the hair on his head separated and tied at two places, with the hair redden-ed by the dot on the forehead resembling the moon, and shining, with his hands delightfully glittering with jewelled bracelets, armlets, and bracelets worn on the upper arm, with his chest shining due to a pearl necklace, having put on ear-rings resembl-ing crocodiles.

Sri Krishna, holding the hand of his friend, and being followed by Baladeva, would enter the dining hall, after being again and again called by his mother. Then, surrounded by his friends and brother, making them laugh by means of (anecdotes etc. causing) laughter, and himself laughing with them, Gopala eats various kinds of food.

Having thus eaten (food), having sipped (water), having rested on a cot for a while, and distributing and chewing the tämbüla given by the servants.

Purvahna Lila 8:36-10:48 a.m.

Krishna, having put on the dress of a cowherd, with the flock of cows going ahead of him, followed on the path by all the residents of Vraja with love, having saluted his father and mother, and having sent back properly the host (following him) with a glance, would go to the forest. (Padma Purana, patalakhanda cp. 83.18-44) more in part four. Radha-Krishna asta-kaliya-lila ki jai! Sri Vrnda-devi ki jai! Narada Muni ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!