Tag Archive for: RadhaManjaris

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 Pride in Radha

Krishna is coveted by innumerable Vrajasundaris, yet He Himself yearns only for Sri Radhika! Day and night He murmurs: “Vrishabhanu Nandini!” without saying anything else. Although hundreds of thousands of gopis speak sweet words to Shyam, He does not listen to them even in dreams!

Krishna can only pronounce the first syllable of Radha’s name, “Ra”, but out of ecstasy Krishna cannot pronounce the other one, “Dha”. Krishna’s eyes carry streams of tears. That jewel of men rolls on the ground of Vraja. Who can describe Krishna’s distress?

Although Vrajendra-nandana is the very form of full bliss and the ocean of all rasa, even He is maddened by Radha’s sweetness. Krishna is the limit of ecstasy, yet even Krishna is mad to meet Srimati Radharani!

Shyam does not love anyone as much as Radha. Different gopis only serve to create variety in Krishna’s loving pastimes with Kishori, but Sri Krishna is totally subdued by Sri Radha alone. This is a very relishable situation for Radha’s maidservants. The manjaris are proud of Radharani’s pride in being Krishna’s topmost gopi.

 

Bhajan Gives New Life

Manjari bhava sadhakas should read, think, and talk about Sri Rupa and Tulasi Manjari’s expertise in Radha’s seva. By doing this one will lose all desires to do anything else.

By thinking of the forms, qualities, and feelings of Radha Govinda Yugal, and mentally serving in Their intimate pastimes the heart will become beautiful, pure, and blissful. Maya will disappear for such a dedicated sadhaka. Manjari svarupa bhajana makes a new life for a devotee. If one is not experiencing changes in the heart and mind, however, it means one’s bhajan is lifeless.

The full series of “Radharani’s manjaris tattva & lilas” can be found here.

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.

Manjari’s Expert Fanning Seva

After Radhe-Shyam’s sumptuous love dalliance, beautiful Shyam’s crown, pearl necklace, and flower garland have all broken and fallen off. So Swamini says, “Sundara! Just look at Your condition! Wait, let Me decorate You! I have spoiled Your looks so now I will make You look nice again! Just sit down for a while!” 

Then Radha says, “Rupa! Come here! We are going to pick some flowers!”

Swamini takes Rupa into the gardens and picks flowers of Her choice. Returning to the kunja, Radha and Sri Rupa Manjari start decorating Prananatha with ornaments made of flowers. Tulasi stands on one side of the kunja floating in oceans of bliss observing Ishvari’s expertise in service.

She thinks: “Swamini! Only through You such services are possible!” Meanwhile, because of Swamini’s touch Shyam’s body becomes adorned with ecstatic bodily symptoms such as sweatdrops, that obstruct Swamini’s service. Swamini gives a hint to Tulasi to stand by Shyam’s side and fan Him. Because of Tulasi’s fanning Nagara’s sweatdrops dry up.

Then Tulasi fans with such humorous expertise that the breeze causes Swamini’s clothes and blouse to loosen. Shyam becomes agitated from seeing Radhika’s beautiful, half-covered limbs. Then Krishna fondles Radha and obstructs Her seva  of dressing Krishna. Tulasi softly giggles but continues fanning.

Swamini rebukes Tulasi with a glance that says, “How naughty you are! How can I decorate My Nagara when you fan Him like that? Fan Shyam nicely, so that He will sit still!”

After receiving Swamini’s sublime chastisement Tulasi blissfully finds a new way to fan Krishna. Now she starts fanning in such a way that Radha’s bodily fragrance enters Shyam’s nose to destroy His patience once again. Blessed is this maidservant! Blessed is her service!

Manasi Seva Only in Svarupa

In material consciousness nobody can approach Radha-Krishna. To actually relish serving in Radha-Krishna’s madhurya-lilas one must visualize and enter into one’s individual siddha-deha (svarupavesha).  A sadhaka should always identify oneself thus: “I am Radha’s kinkari!”

No one can delight Radha-Shyam as much as a kinkari because she arranges Their meetings which fill Lila Yugal with bliss. Radha-Krishna are so pleased with the kinkari that they give even Themselves to her!

Narottama Dasa Thakur says: vrajapura vanitara, carana ashraya sara, koro mana ekanta koriya, “O mind! Take exclusive shelter of the gopis of Vraja. That is essential.”

Sri Jiva Goswamipada says (Krishna Sandarbha 501): “May the indescribable sweetness of the combined forms of Radha Govinda arise in my heart in such a way that I will not see anything else.” Accepting and embodying the great words of the acharyas leads to a steady wakefulness of one’s svarupa.

Prayer For Radha Seva

“O sakhi Sri Rupa Manjari! Without your grace Radha’s kunja-seva cannot be attained! Please always give me the shade of your lotus feet! In an enchanting cottage in a kunja on the beautiful bank of Radha Kunda you and my mistress Radha lovingly and diligently decorate Her heart’s lover Vrajendra Kumara with different floral ornaments to make Krishna look very beautiful. When will my life become fruitful by seeing this sweet, intimate pastime?” (Sri Rasika-Candra dasa)

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

The full series of “Radharani’s manjaris tattva & lilas” can be found here.

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.

Need Separation in Bhajan

Swamini goes on abhisara holding Sri Rupa Manjari’s hand. Waves of divine lust manifest in each of Radha’s limbs. Priyaji’s passionate love for Priyatama is like a wave seen in Radha’s glances, gait and words. Sriji’s passionate desires to meet Shyam, however are only for Shyam’s pleasure!

Radha anxiously asks Sri Rupa, “How long will it take before I can see Madhava again? Tell Me Rupa, how far is it still? Aha! How eagerly Madhava must be waiting for Me!”

There is delight in separation, although it brings suffering. Such delight cannot be found in this world. Unless feelings of separation appear, one will not develop a strong desire to attain Radha-Krishna. Therefore, a raganuga sadhaka must first experience love-in-separation.

Unless one feels eagerness to see Radha-Krishna, born from a sense of want, one will never experience anything. A sincere sadhaka should feel ashamed when comparing the intensity of one’s bhajan with the bhajan of Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada.

How Shyam Serves Swamini

Together with Tulasi and Rupa manjaris, Radha arrives at the gate of the kunja. They see that Sri Hari has personally decorated the kunj beforehand and is eagerly waiting inside for Radha. Hari made a flower asana for Radha with flowers moistened with His tears of love. The kunja is adorned by Hari’s form, qualities, and craftsmanship. It appears Krishna has decorated the entire kunja with His pure love for His Priyaji, thinking: “Here I will sit with My beloved!”

This is the expertise of prema seva, the mutual service of love. Swamini is amazed when She enters the kunja with Rupa and Tulasi. The kunja delights Cupid, and it is decorated by the very hands of the transcendental youthful Cupid of Vrindavan!

Swamini asks: “Shyam! Who has decorated this kunja?”

Hari: “Who knows? Can You tell!”

Srimati: “You have done it, nobody else can decorate like this! You have done all this work, knowing that I would come! I should have been here to help You!”

Today Radha is very munificent. It is Swamini’s Hari, who steals Radha’s heart with His loving expertise. Two teardrops trickle from Radhika’s eyes. With tender affection Shyam helps Sriji onto Her asana.

How much love Hari has in His heart as He sits at Radha’s soft lotus feet. Try to feel and visualize how beautiful Shyam looks sitting at Swamini’s feet. Krishna clutches Kishori’s feet to His chest and says, “O Radha! How did You come all the way here with these tender feet? The ground of Vraja is so hard!”

Krishna repeatedly looks at Swamini’s lotus feet that are greyed by dust. Tulasi understands the mood and brings a golden water pitcher and a golden bowl. Tulasi pours the water while Shyam washes Swamini’s feet and dries them off with His yellow dhoti. Tears trickle from Shyam’s eyes.

Radha lifts Krishna up and sits Him next to Her. How beautiful Shyam looks with loving tears for Radha in His eyes!

Holding Hari’s cheek on Hers, Swamini asks Shyam, “Why do you love Me so much? I cannot do anything for You! I have so many shortcomings! How many qualified girls are there not always waiting for You? How You could leave them all for an unfortunate girl like Me?”

Overwhelmed by hearing this, Shyam simply stares at Swamini’s gorgeous face. Krishna is completely unaware of what a rare and priceless treasure He has received!

Without the mercy of acharyas like Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada no one can experience pastimes like this during smarana. By their grace such sweet, charming pastimes will appear in the heart of a sincere sadhaka. The mind must be absorbed in this subject. Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

The full series of “Radharani’s manjaris tattva & lilas” can be found here.

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also, we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

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

Eagerness to See Radharani

Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada relishes the blissful eagerness on Radha’s lotus face in the kitchen while Radha intently watches Krishna eat. Sadhakas following Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada should also relish the sweetness of Radha’s face in their meditations.

In deep meditation one vividly experiences being near Radharani. One no longer thinks: “I am practicing smarana.” At this time, great anxiety for Radha’s darshan will arise in the heart when meditation ends. The more one relishes meditating on Radha-Krishna’s lilas, the more anxious one becomes for Their darshan.

The more one’s thirst and eagerness increase, the sooner one will attain perfection in manjari bhava bhajan. We should pray to Sri Rupa and Raghunatha for a drop of their eagerness!

Meeting of Loving Bumblebees

Swamini has placed all the tasty dishes in Mother Rohini’s hands. How wonderful are the movements of Kishori’s hands! Shyam is absorbed relishing Swamini’s inner feelings. How eager Krishna is to embrace Kishori!

Madhava’s eyes are like restless bumblebees thirsty to drink the nectar of Swamini’s lotus face. There is not much time for Radha-Krishna to glance at each other, but somehow, They find some consolation by blinking at each other with lowered faces.

In that moment, Radhe-Shyam drink all the honey from each other’s faces with Their bee-like eyes. The relish of the honey of Their lotus eyes mixes with the honey of Their lotus faces. When Their eyes meet Krishna prays to Swamini for a loving embrace. Kishori’s eyes promise to fulfil to Krishna’s request glance.

What a wonderful deluge of sweetness! Manjari bhava sadhaka’s always desire to unite Radha Madhava and serve Them intimately.

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

The full series of “Radharani’s manjaris tattva & lilas” can be found here.

 

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

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

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Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

The famous 64 arts and talents, which Krishna and Balarama mastered in two months at Gurukul, are mentioned in many shastras, including Srimad Bhagavatam (10.45.35-36); Brahma-samhita (37 tika); Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (2.1.84); Vrindavan Mahimamrita (11.69,13.4); Govinda-lilamrita (13.1140; and Sadhana Amirta Chandrika (19), catuh-shashthi-kalanvitam.

Srila Prabhupada: “Srimati Radharani makes Krishna happy in so many ways with the sixty-four arts i.e. dancing, cooking, making peace, and smiling in many attractive ways.”

(BBT folio: Discussions, Syamsundar das)

Our Gaudiya Vaisnava Goswamis and acharyas explain how Srimati Radharani’s intimate, sweet and loyal, most loving dasi serving maids, Her dearest kinkaris and manjaris, pleasantly serve Priya-Priyatam with 64 different arts and talents.

The manjaris learn these 64 arts directly from Srimati Radharani and Her sakhis. In the next para, Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami mentions a few of the arts that the sadhana siddha manjaris will learn after arriving in Bhauma Vrindavan to serve Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.

  1. Radharani Herself will personally and repeatedly teach (gandharva –asakrt- shikshayati) four arts to the nava dasis: drama/play writing, poetry, riddles and vina, kavyam-nataka-prahelli-vina.
  2. Vishakha will teach the art of telling clever, tasteful and funny jokes, narma.
  3. Champakalata will teach how to cook amazing feasts.
  4. Citra-sakhi will teach painting pictures on Radha-Krishna, citra.
  5. Tungavidya will teach 18 different kinds of knowledge and science, vividha vidya.
  6. Rangadevi will teach how to dance in rasa-lila, natana.
  7. Sudevi will teach the art of playing dice and advising Radha in defeating Krishna. (Stavavali, Sva Sankalpa Prakash Stotram 2-11)

Next we will list the basic 64 arts. For the Sanskrit names and more elaborate descriptions, please refer to KRSNA BOOK or our book “Gayatri Mahima Madhuri” (cp. 7 pg. 100-102).

The most amazing point about the 64 arts is that every Gaudiya Vaisnava following Sri Caitanya’s path of raga bhakti, will some beautiful fine day in the future go directly to Radha-Krishna’s Bhauma Vrndavana lila, and then learn all these wonderful skills and talents DIRECTLY FROM SRI RADHA and Her dearest sakhis.

In a divine passage, Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami reveals how one day in Varshana, Sri Radha holds a nava dasi’s hand and takes her alone into a cave in Govardhan to personally teach Her own love poem. Later in the nikunja on Radha’s signal (ingite), the fortunate manjari will recite Radha’s prema-filled poem for the ecstatic pleasure of Her Priyatam.

This is definitely the ultimate Guru/Shishya sambandha!

THE SIXTY-FOUR ARTS

 1-Architecture

2-Arguing with adi-vasis

3-Bed covers, pillow making

4-Bird training for sports

5-Body ornaments, jewellery placing

6-Cakes, bread, salad making

7-Carpentry

8-Children’s games

9-Cloth, hiding quality, cheap look good

10-Conversation

 

11-Costumes, make and store

12 Crossbreeding plants, trees

13-Crossword puzzle solving

14-Dancing

15-Decorating, hanging pictures

16-Dialects, speaking different

17-Dictionary using

18-Disguise

19-Drama writing

20-Drinks, with red color making

 

21-Dyeing cloth

22-Earrings, flowers, leaves making

23-Embroidery

24-Face, body painting

25- Flower asanas, beds making

26-Gemstone dyeing

27-Hair care, dressing

28-Hand, sleight of, magic tricks

29-Hypnosis

30-Jewel testing

 

31-Jokes telling

32-Jugglery, magic

33-Kavaca making

34-Marionettes using

35-Metallurgy

36-Mineralogy

37-Miniture carts making

38-Mystical charms, casting

39-Others, respecting, glorifying

40-Painting, drawing

 

41-Parrots, train to speak

42-Pathways, cover with flowers

43-Perfumes, make and apply

44-Playing musical instruments

45-Plays, acting in

46-Poetry, mentally compose

47-Rangoli making

48- Recite books

49-Riddles, make, solve

50-Rites, rituals performing

 

51-Sign language using

52-Singing

53-Skin care

54-Splashing water

55-Stringing necklaces and flowers

56-Tongue twisters

57-Thread making on spinning wheel

58-Turbans, topknots, crown making

59-Victory, attaining

60-Vina, drum playing

61-Wagering

62-Water music making

63-Weapons, bows, arrows, big sticks making

64-Yantra making

 

Sri Radha teaching arts to manjaris ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!