From a lecture spoken by Srila Prabhupada
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Radhastami, Srimati Radharani's Appearance Day.
Montreal, August 30, 1968
Radharani is the pleasure potency of Krishna. Krishna is the Supreme Brahman. Just try to understand. Krishna is the Supreme Brahman. Param brahma param dhama pavitram paramam bhavan [Bg. 10.12]. So when param brahma wants to enjoy... That enjoying spirit is there in the param brahma. Otherwise we cannot have this enjoying spirit. Because we are part and parcel, therefore we have got that enjoying spirit; but that is materially contaminated. But the fact is there, because Krishna, He is enjoying, this enjoying spirit we have got also, but I do not know how to enjoy. We are trying to enjoy in the matter, in the dull matter. That is spiritual. So brahman, brahman sukhanubhutya. People are trying to feel what is brahma- sukha, pleasure of brahmanubhava. That is not material pleasure. So many yogis, they have given up their family life, their kingdom, and meditating to achieve that Brahman pleasure. Actually, the idea is Brahman pleasure. So many brahmacaris, so many sannyasis, they are trying to achieve that Brahman pleasure, and in order to achieve that Brahman pleasure they are neglecting, they are kicking off all this material pleasure. Do you think that Brahman pleasure is ordinary, this material pleasure? To achieve a portion of Brahman pleasure, if they are kicking off all this material pleasure... Don't talk of ourselves. We are ordinary men. In the history we have got instances, that of Bharata Maharaja. Bharata Maharaja, under whose name this planet is called Bharatavarsa. That Bharata Maharaja was the emperor of the whole world. And as emperor he had his beautiful wife, young children. But at the age of twenty-four years, just young man, he gave up everything. All right. This is very old story, of course, but you know Lord Buddha. He was also a prince. He was also prince, not ordinary man, and he was ksatriya, and he was always enjoying with beautiful women. That is the palace pleasure accustomed in every, in Oriental countries, that in the palace there are many beautiful girls, they're always dancing and giving pleasure to the kings and the prince. So Lord Buddha was also in such pleasure, but he gave up everything and began to meditate.
There are many hundreds of instances in Indian history that to realize the Brahman pleasure they gave up everything. They gave up everything. That is the way. Tapasya means voluntarily accepting something severe for realizing the supreme pleasure. That is called tapasya. So if, for tasting a little Brahman pleasure, all materialistic pleasures are to be given up, do you think that the Supreme Brahman, Lord Krishna, is enjoying this material pleasure? Is it very reasonable? This Krishna, He's enjoying laksmi-sahasra-sata-sambhrama-sevyamanam [Bs. 5.29]. Hundreds and thousands of goddess of fortune are engaged in His service. Do you think these laksmis are material women? How Krishna can take pleasure in the material women? No. This is mistake. Ananda-cinmaya-rasa-pratibhavitabhis tabhir ya eva nija-rupataya kalabhih [Bs. 5.37]. In the Brahma-samhita you'll find that He expands His ananda-cinmaya-rasa, the mellow of transcendental pleasure potency. And these gopis are expansion of His pleasure potency. And Radharani is the center. Radharani is the center. So Radharani is not... Don't take that Radharani is an ordinary woman like we have our wife or sister or mother. No. She is the pleasure potency. And the birth of Radharani was not from the womb of any human being. She was found by her father in the field. While father was plowing, he saw one little nice child is lying there, and he had no children, so he caught it and presented to the queen, "Oh, here we have got a very nice child." "How you got?" "Oh, in the field." Just see. Radharani's janma is like that. So this janma is today and Radha, this name is sometimes not found in Bhagavata. So the atheistic class of men protest this Radharani's name is not in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. How this name came, Radharani? But they do not know how to see it. There is anayaradhyate. There are many gopis, but there is mention that by this particular gopi He is served more pleasingly. Krishna accepts this gopi's service more gladly. Anayaradhyate. Aradhyate. This aradhate, this word, aradhyate means worshiping. From this word aradhyate, Radha has come. But Radha's name are there in other Puranas. So this is the origin.
So Radha, so Radha and Krishna. Krishna is the enjoyer and He wants to enjoy. So He's the Supreme Brahman. He cannot enjoy anything, atmarama, He can enjoy it in Himself. Therefore Radharani is the expansion of His pleasure potency. Krishna hasn't got to seek external things for His pleasure. No. He is in Himself full, atmarama. So Radharani is expansion of Krishna. Krishna is the energetic, and Radharani is the energy. Just like energy and energetic, you cannot separate. Fire and the heat you cannot separate. Wherever there is fire there is heat, and wherever there is heat there is fire. Similarly, wherever there is Krishna there is Radha. And wherever there is Radha there is Krishna. They are inseparable. But He is enjoying. So Svarupa Damodara Gosvami has described this intricate philosophy of Radha and Krishna in one verse, very nice verse. Radha krishna-pranaya-vikrtir hladini-saktir asmad ekatmanav api bhuvi pura deha-bhedam gatau tau [Cc. Adi 1.5]. So Radha and Krishna is the one Supreme, but in order to enjoy, They have divided into two. Again Lord Chaitanya joined the two into one. Chaitanyakhyam prakatam adhuna. That one means Krishna in the ecstasy of Radha. Sometimes Krishna is in ecstasy of Radha. Sometimes Radha is in ecstasy of Krishna. This is going on. But the whole thing is Radha and Krishna means the one, the Supreme.
So Radha-Krishna philosophy is a very great philosophy. It is to be understood in the liberated stage. Radha-Krishna philosophy is not to be understood in the conditioned stage. But when we worship Radha-Krishna in our conditional stage, actually we worship Laksmi-Narayana. You have seen that picture, this viddhi-marg and raga-marg. Radha-Krishna worship is on the platform of pure love, and Laksmi-Narayana worship is on the regulative principles. So long we do not develop our pure love, we have to worship on the regulative principles. One has to become a brahmachari, one has to become a sannyasi, one has to perform the worship in this way, in the morning he has to rise, he has to offer. So many rules and regulations. There are at least sixty-four rules and regulations. So we shall introduce them gradually as you develop. So in the viddhi-marg, when you have no love for God or Krishna, we have to follow the regulative principles and automatically..., there is practice. When practicing. Just like you practice this mridanga playing. In the beginning it is not in order, but when you become well versed in the practice, the sound will come so nice. Similarly, when we are engaged by regulative principles in the worship of Radha-Krishna, that is called viddhi-marg. And actually when you are on the love platform, then that is called raga-marg. So without viddhi-marg, if anyone wants to learn the raga-marg immediately, that is foolishness. That is foolishness. Nobody can pass M.A. examination without going through the regulative principles of primary schools and colleges. So therefore I do not, I mean to say, indulge in the discussions of Radha and Krishna so easily. Rather go on with the regulative principle at the present moment. Gradually, as you become purified, as you become on the transcendental platform, you'll understand what is Radha-Krishna. Don't try to understand Radha-Krishna very quickly. It is a very big subject. If we want to understand Radha-Krishna very quickly, then there will be so many prakrita-sahajiyas. In India there are prakrita-sahajiya. Just like Radha-Krishna dancing. Radha-Krishna has become a plaything. The painting Radha-Krishna, Krishna is kissing Radha, Radha is kissing. These are all nonsense. Radha-Krishna philosophy has to be understood by the liberated person, not by the conditioned soul. So we shall await for the fortunate moment when we are liberated, then we shall understand radha- krishna-pranaya-vikrtir. Because Krishna and Radha, They are not on the material field. Try to understand. This is Jiva Gosvami's analysis, that Krishna is the Supreme Brahman. The Supreme Brahman cannot accept anything material. So Radha is not in the material field.
Now there is a very nice song. I shall sing if you can play on the
harmonium. Yes. This is a Rupa Gosvami's song. (sings)
radhe jaya jaya madhava-dayite
gokula-taruni-mandala-mahite
damodara-rati-vardhana-vese
hari-niskuta-vrnda-vipinese
vrsabhanu-dadhi-nava-sasi-lekhe
lalita-sakhi guna-ramita-visakhe
karunam kuru mayi karuna-bharite
sanaka-sanatana-varnita-carite
radhe jaya jaya madhava-dayite
This song was sung by Rupa Gosvami. He is the real person, actual person, to understand Radha and Krishna. So he says, "All glories to Radharani." Radhe jaya jaya madhava-dayite. "She's so dear to Krishna." Krishna, everyone is trying to love Krishna, but Krishna is trying to love somebody. Now how great She is. Just try to understand. Everyone, the whole world, the whole universe, all living entities, they are trying to love Krishna. Krishna-prem. Lord Chaitanya describes, prema-pumartho mahan. And Rupa Gosvami described that "You are distributing krishna- prem." So krishna-prem is so valuable, but Krishna is after Radharani. Just see how Radharani is great. Just try to understand the greatness of Radharani. Therefore She is so great, and we have to offer our respect. Radhe jaya jaya madhava-dayite. How She is? Gokula-taruni-mandala-mahite. Taruni, taruni means young girls. You'll see the pictures, they are all young girls. But of all the young girls, She is the most beautiful. She is enchanting to the young girls also. She is so beautiful. Gokula-taruni- mandala-mahite. Damodara-rati-vardhana-vese. And She always dresses Her so nicely that Damodara, Krishna, becomes attracted by Her beauty. Hari- niskuta-vrnda-vipinese. And She is the only lovable object of Krishna, and She is the queen of Vrndavan. This queen of Vrndavan... You'll find in Vrndavan, if you go to Vrndavan, everyone is worshiping Radharani. Rani means queen. They are always speaking, "Jaya Radhe!" Radharani. All the devotees in Vrndavan, they are worshiper of Radharani. Hari-niskuta-vrnda- vipinese. Vrsabhanu-dadhi-nava-sasi-lekhe. And She appeared as the daughter of King Vrsabhanu, and Her companion, Lalita-sakhi and Visakha- sakhi, and the devotees... So on behalf of the pure devotees of Krishna, Rupa Gosvami is praying, karunam kuru mayi karuna-bharite. "Oh, my worshipable Radharani, You are full of mercy. So I am begging of Your mercy because You are so merciful, very easily You offer, bestow Your mercy. So I am begging Your mercy." Karunam kuru mayi karuna-bharite, sanaka-sanatana-varnita-carite. Now somebody may say, "Oh, you are so great, learned scholar, you are so great saintly person, and you are begging mercy from an ordinary girl? How is that?" Therefore Rupa Gosvami says, "Oh, this is not ordinary girl." Sanaka-sanatana-varnita- carite. "This girl's description is possible to be made by great saintly persons like Sanaka-Sanatana. She is not ordinary." So the lesson is that we should not treat Radharani as ordinary girl, or Krishna as ordinary man. They are the Supreme Absolute Truth. But in the Absolute Truth, there is the pleasure potency, and that is exhibited in the dealings of Radha and Krishna. And Radha's expansion all the gopis, and Krishna is the Supreme Lord. Thank you very much. Chant Hare Krishna. You can chant? Can you chant? Janardana? All right, you can chant. What is that? No, I have explained that one sloka from this Rama-carita-manasa. Chant Hare Krishna. (end)
The glory of name 'Radha'
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'ra' sabdoccaranad eva sphito bhavati madhavah
'dha' sabdoccarata pascad dhavatyeva sa-sambhramah
Simply by vibrating the sound 'Ra', Sri Krishna's ecstatic jubiliation fully blooms; simply upon hearing the sound 'dha', He chases after vibrator with great awe and reverence. (Brahma Vaivarta Purana)
'ra' sabdam kurvatas trasto dadami bhaktim uttamam
'dha' sabdam kurvatah pascat yami sravana lobhatah
(Lord Sri Krishna proclaims): ''The moment I hear the sound 'Ra' from anyone's lips, I grant them My supreme prema-bhakti. But the next moment when I hear the sound 'dha', I completely lose Myself and become intoxicated in Radha-nama. Because of My great longing to hear the name of My Beloved, I run after the devotees who chant Radha-nama.''
radhety evam ca samsiddha ra-karo dana-vacakah
dha nirvanam ca tad-datri tena radha prakirtita
The holy name of Radha is fully accomplished in perfection as follows: the syllable 'Ra' denotes dana, bestowal of a gift, and the syllable 'dha' indicates nirvana, liberation. Thus, She Who mercifully bestows liberation into the eternal kingdom of painlessness is called 'Radha.' (Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Sri Krishna-janma-khanda)
sa radheti sada hrdi sphuratu me vidya-para dvayaksara
Let the name of Sri Radha, in which the two divine syllables are embodied and which personifies para-vidya (the ultimate truth) eternally shine in my heart. (Radha-Rasa-Sudha-Nidhi 96 by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati)
radheti me jivanam
Sri Radha and Radha alone or the nectarean name of Sri Radhe is my life breath. (Radha-Rasa-Sudha-Nidhi 97)
Who is Srimati Radharani?
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Sri Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is stated in the Svetasvatara Upanishad (6.8) "The Supreme Lord has multipotencies, which act so perfectly that all consciousness, strength and activity are being directed solely by His will". The material world, where we are now living, is called bahir-anga-sakti, the external energy of Krishna. Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-Gita (9.10): "Under My superintendence the material energy is working". Apart from the material, external energy, there is another energy - the internal energy. By the internal energy the spiritual world is being manifested. As the material world is manipulated under the external energy, the spiritual world is conducted by the internal potency. That internal potency, called the Hladini Sakti, is Srimati Radharani.
In CC Adi 1.5 it is said "The loving affairs of Sri Radha and Krishna are transcendental manifestations of the Lord's internal pleasure-giving potency. Although Radha and Krishna are one in Their identity, They separated Themselves eternally". Srimati Radharani, as the highest devotee of Sri Krishna, derives the greatest pleasure in serving Him. She is the origin of all the Gopis and of all the Goddesses of Fortune (Lakshmi devi) who are engaged in the service of the Lord. She is the mainstay, the ideal and the ultimate refuge of all devotees embarking on the path of devotional service. Without first getting the mercy of Srimati Radharani it is impossible to even approach Sri Krishna.
The Hare Krishna maha-mantra is in fact a prayer to Srimati Radharani. The word 'Hare' is derived from 'Hara' which denotes the internal energy or Hladini Sakti of Krishna. This is none other that Srimati Radharani. When one is chanting the maha-mantra, one is saying: "O Krishna ! O Radha !! Please engage me in your devotional service". Krishna is difficult to approach directly, but He is bhakta-vatsala, always eager to please His devotees. Thus the mood of a devotee is to invoke the compassion of Srimati Radharani Who then recommends the devotee to Sri Krishna. Since Krishna is easily pleased by Srimati Radharani, He then readily accepts the devotee in His service.
Vrindavan Lila
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When the Lord descends, He is invariably accompanied by His loving associates. Five thousand years when Sri Krishna descended in His original form, as a cowherd boy in Vrindavan, Srimati Radharani accompanied Him in Her original form. She appeared exactly two weeks after the appearance of Sri Krishna on the eighth day of the waning moon (ashtami). Srimati Radharani was found on a lotus flower by Vrashabhanu and his wife Kirtida near the village of Barsana, a few miles away from Nandagrama. It is said that Srimati Radharani first opened Her eyes only when Sri Krishna appeared before Her. Until that time Her eyes were closed. Understanding the mellows of the relationship between Krishna and Radha is impossible from the mundane perspective. Understanding madhurya-rasa (devotion at the platform of intimacy), which is the highest level of relationship of a devotee with Krishna, is only possible in the most elevated stages of bhakti where there is not even a tinge of material contamination. Therefore Svarupa Damodara Gosvami has written: "The loving affairs of Radha and Krishna are not ordinary, material loving affairs, although they appear like that. Rascals and fools misunderstand Krishna to be an ordinary man. They do not know Krishna's transcendental nature. They try to imitate Krishna's rasa-lila, His dancing with the Gopis". There is no offense greater than this. Devotees starting on the path of bhakti must carefully avoid such offenses. They must simply pray to Srimati Radharani, as their most compassionate Mother, for mercy, for bhakti and for an opportunity to serve Sri Krishna.
Qualities of Srimati Radharani
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As explained in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (Nectar of Devotion), Krishna possesses sixty-four transcendental qualities. Srimati Radharani has twenty-five transcendental qualities, but She can control even Krishna by them. Her transcendental qualities are as follows: (1) She is sweetness personified; (2) She is a fresh young girl; (3) Her eyes are always moving; (4) She is always brightly smiling; (5) She possesses all auspicious marks on Her body; (6) She can agitate Krishna by the flavor of Her person; (7) She is expert in the art of singing; (8) She can speak very nicely and sweetly; (9) She is expert in presenting feminine attractions; (10) She is modest and gentle; (11) She is always very merciful; (12) She is transcendentally cunning; (13) She knows how to dress nicely; (14) She is always shy; (15) She is always respectful; (16) She is always patient; (17) She is very grave; (18) She is enjoyed by Krishna; (19) She is always situated on the highest devotional platform; (20) She is the abode of love of the residents of Gokula; (21) She can give shelter to all kinds of devotees; (22) She is always affectionate to superiors and inferiors; (23) She is always obliged by the dealings of Her associates, (24) She is the greatest amongst Krishna's girl friends; (25) She always keeps Krishna under Her control. Krishna means 'all attractive', since He attracts every one to Him. But Srimati Radharani attracts even Krishna. Although Krishna says vedaham samatitani - "I know everything" - He fails to understand Radharani. Krishna is acyuta (inconceivable), but for Him Radharani is inconceivable. Radharani is so great. Krishna thought, "I am full. I am complete in every respect, but still I want to understand Radharani." This question obliged Krishna to accept the propensities of Radharani to understand Himself. So five hundred years ago Krishna appeared as Caitanya Mahaprabhu, in the mood of Srimati Radharani and with Her golden complexion, as His own greatest devotee. Krishna did this to understand the depth of devotion of Srimati Radharani.
Mercy of Srimati Radharani
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Srimati Radharani is the ideal maha-bhagvat. As the greatest devotee, She is also the most compassionate. She is unable to bear the suffering of the souls trapped in the material world. The word "aradhaya" (prayers) is derived from "Radha" and means "worshippable". Similarly the word "aparadha" (offenses) means "against Radha". When one performs devotional service, one is pleasing Srimati Radharani and when commits Vaishnava aparadha against Krishna or His devotees, one is offending Radharani. Srimati Radharani is the guardian, the mentor and the benefactor of all aspiring devotees. When a soul starts to inquire about Krishna, Srimati Radharani is most pleased and takes charge of his devotional advancements. As one makes progress, one continues to invoke the mercy of Srimati Radharani and when She is pleased, Krishna is automatically pleased.
All glories to Srimati Radharani !!
The Glories of Srimati Radharani
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From the Rik-parisistha:
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"Srimati Radharani is always to be found with Sri Krishna, and Madhava is always to be seen with Radhika. One is never without the other's company."
From the Gopalottara-tapani:
"She is the embodiment of maha-bhava, or the highest transcendental ecstasy, and none of the other gopis, or cowherd damsels of Vrindavan, possesses Her excellent qualities. Radharani is therefore known as the most famous Gandharva."
In the Padma Purana Narada Muni describes Srimati Radharani:
"As much as Srimati Radhika is dear to Lord Krishna, Her pond Radha-kunda is as beloved to Him. Among all the gopis Srimati Radharani is most dear to Krishna.
In his Sri Prarthana-paddhati [Stavamala], Srila Rupa goswami prays:
"O Queen of Vrindavan, O Radharani, Your complexion is like molton gold, Your doe-like eyes are captivatingly restless, a million full and brilliant moons wane before Your lustrous countenance, and a blue sari, having stolen the hue of a fresh rain-laden cloud, has enwrapped Your exquisite form. O Radha, You are the crest-jewel of all the dallying damsels of Vrindavan, fragrant and pristine like a budding jasmine flower. Your sublime form is adorned with priceless jewelry , and you are the best of all the charming and intelligent gopis. You are decorated with all wonderful excellences and surrounded by eight dedicated and beloved cowherd girls known as the asta-sakhis.
"The ambrosia of Your beautiful lips, red as the bimba fruit, is life- giving syrup to Krishna. O Radha, I am rolling on the banks of the Yamuna, my poor heart filled with anticipation, praying to You with all humility. I am guilty of being an offender, a rascal, a useless wretch-yet I beg You to kindly engage me in even the smallest service to Your lotus feet. O most merciful Lady, it will not become You to ignore this most distressed soul, for Your heart is always overflowing with compassion and love." Raghunatha dasa Goswami writes in the Vilap-kusum-anjali "O Supreme Ladyship, Queen of my heart, Radha! Laksmi-devi the goddess of fortune does not possess even a drop of the beauty that exudes from Your exquisite toenails, therefore if You do not grant me the proper vision to perceive Your transcendental pastimes, then what use do I have for this life, which is burning in the fire of excruciating sorrow? "O merciful Lady! Indeed, lately I am floating in a nectarean ocean of hope, and passing time in hardship and pain, but if You do not shower mercy upon me then this life, living in Vrindavan, and even Lord Krishna are all meaningless to me."
"The Queen of Vraja is my mistress. O Lady mistress, O Radha, I am Your maidservant, but the flames of intense separation are incinerating my heart and I grow feeble from profuse crying. Finding no other means, I am therefore sitting somewhere in Govardhan and composing these verses in deep lamentation. "O dallying damsel of Vraja, Sri Radhika, I am sucked into an ocean of grief and my condition is so miserable! Kindly send me Your mercy in the form of an infallible boat and save me from this whirlpool. Please give me sanctuary at Your lotus feet."
"O Radha-kunda, pond of sublime joy, my mistress Srimati Radhika is always absorbed in divine amorous pastimes with her beloved paramour Sri Krishna on your banks, and you have endeared yourself to this Divine Couple more than anything else They cherish. Please, therefore, be merciful upon me and allow me but a moments vision of the object of my greatest adoration, Srimati Radharani.
From Brahma-Samhita
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"I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who resides in His own realm, Goloka, with Radha, who resembles His own spiritual figure and who embodies the ecstatic potency [hladini]. Their companions are Her confidantes, who embody extensions of Her bodily form and who are imbued and permeated with ever-blissful spiritual rasa." B.S. 5.37
Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi Lila 1.6
Desiring to understand the glory of Radharani's love, the wonderful qualities in Him that She alone relishes through Her love, and the happiness She feels when She relishes the sweetness of His love, the Supreme Lord Hari, richly endowed with Her emotions, appears from the womb of Srimati Sachi Devi, as the moon appears from the ocean.
The essence of the hladini potency is love of God, the essence of love of God is emotion [bhava], and the ultimate development of emotion is mahabhava. Sri Radha Thakurani is the embodiment of mahabhava. She is the repository of all good qualities and the crest jewel among all the lovely consorts of Lord Krishna.
Of these two gopis [Radharani and Candravali], Srimati Radharani is superior in all respects. She is the embodiment of mahabhava, and She surpasses all in good qualities. (Ujjvala-nilamani 2) Her mind, senses and body are steeped in love for Krishna. She is Krishna's own energy, and She helps Him in His pastimes.[Adi 4.68-71] O Partha, in all the three planetary systems, this earth is especially fortunate, for on earth is the town of Vrindavan. And there the gopis are especially glorious because among them is My Srimati Radharani. (Adi Purana-Krishna to Arjuna) Lord Caitanya appeared with the sentiment of Sri Radha. He preached the dharma of this age-the chanting of the holy name and pure love of God. In the mood of Srimati Radharani, He also fulfilled His own desires. This is the principal reason for His appearance. C.C. Adi 4.238-272
The Indescribable Beauty of Srimati Radharani
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Srimati Radharani is fifteen years old and full of the luster of youth. Radha is expert in all the sixty-four fine arts and Her transcendental form is like an ocean of nectar. Radha’s splendid bodily luster is like molten gold or stationary lightning. Radha wears wonderfully beautiful blue garments, and She is decorated with various pearls and flowers. Gandharvika (Radha) is very beautiful, and has long, nicely braided hair. Radha’s splendid forehead is decorated with the red pigment, sindura, and with beautiful locks of curling hair. Decorated with blue bangles, Sri Radha’s arms have defeated Cupid’s staff with their beauty. Decorated with black mascara, Radhika’s expanded lotus eyes are the most beautiful in all the three planetary systems. Radhika’s nose if as beautiful as a sesame flower and the tip is nicely decorated with a pearl. Anointed with carious perfumes, Sri Radha is splendidly beautiful. Radha’s ears are decorated with wonderful earrings and Her nectarean lips defeat red lotus flowers. Srimati Radharani’s teeth are a row of pearls and Her tongue is very beautiful. Decorated with a smile of pure love for Krsna, Radha’s beautiful face is as splendid as millions of moons. The beauty of Radhika’s chin has defeated and bewildered Cupid. Decorated with a drop of musk, Radha’s chin appears like a golden lotus flower with a bumblebee. Bearing all the marks of wonderful beauty, Radha’s neck, back and sides are enchantingly gorgeous. Radhika’s breast is like splendid golden waterpots covered by a bodice decorated with a pearl necklace. Srimati Radharani’s beautiful enchanting arms are two red lotus flowers illuminated by the series of moons that are Her fingernails. Jeweled rings decorate Radha’s splendidly beautiful fingers. Charming, full of sweet nectar, and decorated with a deep navel, Sri Radha’s beautiful waist enchants the three worlds. Radhika’s sloping hips lead to Her charmingly beautiful slender waist which is bound by a creeper of three beautiful folds of skin and decorated with a sash of tinkling bells. As beautiful as two exquisite plantain trees, Sri Radha’s thighs enchant the mind of Cupid. Sri Radha’s beautiful knees are two reservoirs filled with the nectar of various transcendental pastimes. Radha’s beautiful feet are decorated with jeweled ankle-bells, and Her toes with toe rings as beautiful as the treasure of Varuna. (RKG) Sri Radha’s Gold and Flower Ornaments
Srimati Radharani wears twelve different ornaments on Her transcendental form. These ornaments which include Radha’s crown, earrings, belt, ankle- bells, finger and toe rings, armlets, and jewel necklaces that look like strings of stars are all fashioned from pure gold; they appear like myriad shining suns. Sri Radha wears a locket containing a picture of Sri Krsna and a signet ring that is engraved with "Radha". Radha’s Syamantaka jewel is also known as Sankhacuda-siromani” (Sankhacuda’s crest jewel). Srimati Radhika’s ankle-bells stun Sri Krsna with their tinkling sounds. Besides jewels and gold, Radha wears a variety of flower crowns, necklaces, armlets, sashes, earrings, bracelets, anklets and blouses. Radha taught Lalita-sakhi how to make these flower decorations, which Radharani prefers over the jeweled variety. Srimati Radhika’s favorite crown is made from flowers and buds of five colours arranged in five points. The gopis also artistically arrange flowers to create five different kinds of earrings; resembling objects like a peacock, lotus, shark or half-moon. (RKG) “The glaringly effulgent tiara’s shimmering halo; beautifully sports in all directs stretching to the horizon. Glistening, sleek armlets, bracelets and necklaces refract a collective, flickering of jewel-like coronas. Hip-spanning belt of softly tinkling bells. Anklets charming musical chimes embellishing the majesty of Her divine lotus feet. Oh, my dear mind! Just worship the effulgence known as ‘Radha’”. (RRS)
Srimati Radharani’s Clothing
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Wearing light-colored clothes during the full moon and dark colours in the moon’s absence, Sri Radha dresses to please Her beloved Krsna, and to facilitate Her nightly meetings with Her gallant lover, Sri Syamasundara. Radha’s favourite outfit is a “Krsna-blue” sari and shawl matched with a pink blouse that delights Sri Krsna. “Radharani’s upper garment is red like a ruby, and it is the favourite of Lord Hari. Radha’s lower garment is the color of a blue cloud, and it is Her favourite.” (RKG), “Sri Krsna said to Sri Radha, ‘All glories to Your wonderful ruby-red silk sari. O Radha, this sari has doubled the passionate love I bear for You in My heart’”. (UN)
Glorification of Srimati Radharani’s Indescribable Beauty
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Sri Krsna praised Srimati Radharani, ‘My dear Radha, Your curling locks of hair, long restless eyes, firm breasts, slender waist, shyly lowered head, creeper-like arms and jewel-like fingernails are all exquisitely beautiful. The jubilant festival of Your beauty makes the three worlds tremble in transcendental bliss’”. (UN) “The beauty of Srimati Radharani’s eyes forcible devours the beauty of the newly grown blue lotus flower, and the beauty of Radha’s face surpasses that of an entire forest of fully blossomed lotuses. Radha’s bodily luster seems to place even gold in a painful situation. Thus the wonderful unprecedented beauty of Srimati Radharani is awakening in Vrndavana”. (Vidagdha-madhava) “Entwining this way and that with decorations of fresh forest flowers, and bound and tied up with jewel-threads; Adorned with jasmine garlands of exotic fragrance and hanging down very best of noble gemstones; Your hair style arranged by the hand of Hari, will I ever see it, Oh Radhe? “Teeth like rows of pearls and lovely lips like bimba berries; Thin waist, wide hips and a deep navel like a whirlpool of newer youth; This indescribable lover – the very heart of the cleverest maidens – May Radha protect us! “Oh moon-faced one! O doe-eyed one! O Goddess! Oh lovely-nosed one! O one with reddish lips! O sweet smiler! O Supreme Laksmi! O creeper-armed one! O lustrous one of conch shell-smooth neck! O one with plantain tree shaped thighs! Oh whose collection of lotus toenails brightly illuminates all directions! When, Oh Radhe, will You be worshipped by me?” (RRS)
SRI SRI GANDHARVA SAMPRARTHANASTAKAM
By Srila Rupa Goswami
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1. O Goddess! Be merciful to me and reveal Your lotus face to mewhen You and Sri Krsna play in the playgroves of Vrndavana,enjoying like intoxicated, blissful Lordly elephants!
2. O Goddess! In great distress I prostrate myself before You, falling onto the ground, praying piteously unto You with faltering voice. O Gandharvike! After You bestowed Your mercy on this fool, count him (her) amongst Your own people!
3. O Syame (Sri Radhe)! When will I worship You as Indira (Laksmi), when Your beautiful body is bound up by Syama's left arm? Krsna's beauty enchants all the people of the world and is even greater than that of Rama - ramana (Lord Visnu, Laksmi's husband).
4. O Goddess! When can I arrange for Your blissful nocturnal meeting with the son of the king of Vraja in the grove by covering Your body with a cloudblue sari and by removing the anklebells from Your feet?
5. When will this person serve Your lotus feet, that adorn the three worlds by massaging them, as You are sitting together on a playbed made of flowers in a grove, while You are making sweet jokes with each other?
6. O Queen of Vrndavana! When can I fan You with a yaktail fan with a jeweled rod when You and Sri Krsna are sitting under a tree, Your lotus - like faces beautified by drops of perspiration from fatigue after Your pastimes on the shore of Your pond (Sri Radha Kund)?
7. O beautiful-eyed One! It was not me who told Mukunda in which corner of the kunja You were hiding! Citra did it! Don't frown Your eyebrows at me in false anger! When can I take You before the son of the king of Vraja?
8. When You defeat Krsna in a joking argument, You show even greater pride, extending Your proud words to Your blooming friends, who will praise You. When will I see You like this?
9. Anyone who nicely recites these eight prayers to the daughter of king Vrsabhanu will be accepted by Her in a wave of mercy and She will joyfully appear before her with Her lover.
(End of Gandharva Samprarthanastakam)
Sri Radha's Lotus Hands
A summary of the 8 auspicious signs and symbols
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I meditate on the right lotus hand of Srimati Radharani which is beatifully decorated with the following auspicious imprints: life line, fortune line and enjoyment line, bow, elephant goad, kettle drums, two carts, javelin, palace, water pot,chamara or whisk, a sword and conchshells at the tips of the fingers.
I meditate on the left lotus hand of Srimati Radharani which is beatifully decorated with the following auspicious imprints: life line, fortune line and enjoyment line, garland, spear, tree, elephant goad, elephant, horse, bull, pillar of glory, a fan, an arrow and chakras at the tips of the fingers.
Like Krsna's hand, there are three lines on the left hand of Srimati Radharani; lifeline, fortune line and enjoyment line. On the tips of the fingers are chakras. Below the index finger is an elephant goad and below that a fan. Below the fan is a tree, below that a pillar of fame, below that is an arrow and below a beautiful javelin. Below the javelin is a garland. Below the ring finger is an elephant, below that is the lifeline and below that a horse. Below the fortune line is a bull.
Oh mind! Please meditate on the right lotus hand of Srimati Radharani that is decorated with the following auspicious imprints: lifeline, fortune line and enjoyment line. Five conchshells on the tips of the fingers. Below the thumb is a golden drinking vessel and below the index finger is a whisk. Below the little finger is an elephant goad and below that a palace. Below the palace is a thunderbolt. above the wrist are two sacred carts above these are a bow and a sword.
The Twenty-five Qualities Of Srimate Radharani
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Following is the list of the 25 qualities of Srimate Radharani by which She purchases and captures Krsna:
1) She is sweetness personified.
2) She is a fresh young girl.
3) Her eyes are always moving.
4) She is always brightly smiling.
5) She possesses all auspicious marks on Her body.
6) She can agitate Krsna by the flavor of Her person.
7) She is expert in the art of singing.
8) She can speak very nicely and sweetly.
9) She is expert in presenting feminine attractions.
10) She is modest and gentle.
11) She is always very merciful.
12) She is transcendentally cunning.
13) She knows how to dress nicely.
14) She is always shy.
15) She is always respectful.
16) She is always patient.
17) She is very grave.
18) She is enjoyed by Krsna.
19) She is always situated on the highest devotional platform.
20) She is the abode of love of the residents of Gokula.
21) She can give shelter to all kinds of devotees.
22) She is always affectionate to superiors and inferiors.
23) She is the greatest amongst Krsna's girlfriends.
24) She is obliged by the dealings of Her associates.
25) She always keeps Krsna under Her control.
Krsna is known as Madan-Mohan, the attracter of Cupid, but Srimati Radharani is Madan-Mohan-Mohani, the attracter of the attracter of Cupid. Srimate Radhika attracts Krsna by Her devotion.
In "Nectar of Devotion" pg 175, under the qualities of Krsna, "compassionate" Srila Prabhupada writes, "A person who is unable to bear another's distress is called compassionate...Actually, because Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, it is very difficult to approach Him. But the devotees, taking advantage of His compassionate nature, which is represented by Radharani, always pray to Radharani for Krsna's compassion."
NOD pg 259, "When Srimate Radharani first saw Krsna, She suddenly became conscious of all transcendental happiness, and the functions of Her different limbs were stunned. when Lalita, Her constant companion, whispered into Her ear, the holy name of krsna, Radharani immediately opened Her eyes wide.
"One day, in a joking mood, Krsna informed Radharani, 'My dear Radharani, I am going to give up Your company.' Upon saying this, He immediately disappeared, and because of this, Radharani immediately fell down upon the ground of Vrndavana. she had practically stopped breathing, but when She smelled the flavor of the flowers on the ground, She awoke in ecstasy and got up.
"One night, Srimate Radharani was talking in a dream. 'My dear Krsna, ' She said, 'plese do not play any more jokes on Me! Please stop! And please don't touch my garments either. Otherwise I shall inform the elderpersons, and I shall disclose all of Your naughty behavior.' She was talking like this in a dream. She suddenly awoke and saw some of Her superiors standing before Her. Thus Radharani became ashamed and bowed Her head."
Srimati Radharani on love
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Srimati Radharani said: "If you want to understand My love for Krsna then listen... Prema is so great that even the knowers of the Vedas cannot know it, nor others who claim to know it. Sakhi! One who teaches prema to an inquisitive person cannot know it, nor can their hearer know it. It's all just imitation! Prema disappears before both the discriminate and indiscriminate person, but that pure-hearted soul who is free from discrimination and who is full of sacred greed, is able to approach the throne of natural love. That is shown through the lover's activities, which are only dedicated to the happiness of the beloved."
"Just as a lion feeds himself on elephants, prema feeds itself, defeating all miseries that are as heavy as mountains and are caused by things of this world, the next world, one's own family, one's enemies or one's most beloved one. That lion of prema is proud of its bodily lustre and is fearless. He can go to sleep without worrying. What worries will the lion have when the dogs of unfavourable attachments bark? Prema shines like a lamp in the darkness."
"Because of this deceitfulness, prema appears to be fresh and intoxicating at every moment, giving joy to the three worlds like the cool moon (during union) and heat like the burning sun at the time of universal destruction during separation."
"O dear sakhi! In whom else in all the three worlds or beyond them but in Krsna, the prince of the cowherds, is this prema to be found? Only the doe-eyed gopis of Vrndavana can relish this, according to their qualifications."
"Sometimes this prema, which gives Krsna unlimited bliss, appears to be lust, but sometimes lust also looks like prema to some people. Krsna, the crown jewel of clever artists, knows this, but that lust does not make Him happy. And when one gopi says: 'O my friend, I'm very much afflicted by feeling of separation. Quickly bring me to Krsna' then You should not think that is lust, because she is only interested in Krsna's happiness then."
"Krsna is an ocean of love, a mine of jewel-like qualities, and He is most attractive to the girls. For this He shows symptoms of lust like deceitfulness, naughtiness and crookedness, but this is actually prema. Can a hundred thousand girls, even with great endeavor, satisfy Krsna's desires?
None of them can. So it must be their causeless love for Him that makes Him interested in them."
"Of all these gopis, Lord Krsna is most attracted to Me. That is well known in the world. That can never be false. He consider My love to be as great as Mount Meru, and the love of the other gopis to be like three or four mustard seeds."
