By Dravida dasa
Sri Radhikastaka
from the Govinda-lilamrta, by Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja
Her gold complexion steals the pride of golden lotus tinged with red.
Her fragrance mocks the scent of lotus bloom with saffron powder spread.
Her skill in satisfying Sri Hari is perfect and complete . . .
May Radhika bestow on me the service of Her lotus feet.
Her wondrous silken garments shame the splendor rubies can display.
She is a blooming garden where the bee of Krishna loves to play.
She worships Surya every day so She and Madhava can meet . . .
May Radhika bestow on me the service of Her lotus feet.
Eclipsed by Radha’s tenderness, the fame of budding blossoms dims.
The moon, the lotus, sandal paste, and camphor serve Her cooling limbs.
When Krishna burns with love’s desires, Her soothing touch dispels the heat . . .
May Radhika bestow on me the service of Her lotus feet.
Though youthful goddesses adored by all adore the goddess Sri,
She lacks Sri Radha’s beauty, youth, and every other quality.
So when it comes to lovers’ sports, with Radha no one can compete . . .
May Radhika bestow on me the service of Her lotus feet.
In arts like dancing, singing, joking Radha is by far the best.
She shines with countless traits divine, like love and gorgeous form and dress.
Among the famous gopis of Vrndavan, She’s supremely sweet . . .
May Radhika bestow on me the service of Her lotus feet.
Eternal pastimes, beauty, youth, and love for Krishna make Her rich.
The loving gopis tremble just to see that love, at highest pitch.
Her meditation on Sri Krsna’s form and pastimes is complete . . .
May Radhika bestow on me the service of Her lotus feet.
Perspiring, trembling, hairs on end, and crying, falt’ring of the voice,
Impatience, joy, and guile--these signs of rapture make Her friends rejoice.
For Krsna’s eyes these many gemlike ecstasies provide a treat . . .
May Radhika bestow on me the service of Her lotus feet.
Apart from Krishna for a moment, Radha feels anxiety
And restlessness and other moods--the highest kind of ecstasy.
But when She meets Him with some effort, all Her sufferings retreat . . .
May Radhika bestow on me the service of Her lotus feet.
Exalted goddesses like Parvati can hardly ever see
Sri Krsna’s lover, Radhika. But if a humble devotee
Recites these verses, then Sri Radha, who enjoys with Sri Hari,
Will pour the nectar of Her service down on him eternally.
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