Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 046 “Radha Varsana Yatra”

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.

Lila: Radha Varsana Yatra

One day before Rakhi Purnima, Sridama, Radha’s elder brother, comes to Yavata. By satisfying Jatila with a donation of ten-thousand cows, he obtains her permission to take Radha to Varsana to celebrate Rakhi. In Varsana, Radharani is freer and can easily go out to meet Krishna.

Radha’s mother Kirtida, anxiously looking down the road for her beloved daughter, pitifully cries out, “O Bhagavan! Why have you kept me be separated from my daughter for so long?” Kirtida firmly embraces Radhika and sprinkles Her with tears of motherly love upon meeting Her.

Radha cries in a choked voice, “Ma! Just forget about Me, don’t worry about Me.” Radha cries of happiness and sorrow. Happiness because of being home and sorrow for being away so long.

Kirtida weeps while replying, “How can I ever forget You, my beautiful girl?” Radha’s mother and father float in oceans of bliss as they take Radha into their home.

Tattva: Bhava Transfer

Das Goswami’s mind is immersed in the ocean of Radha Madhava’s beauty and sweetness. The gopi-bhava of a sensitive devotee like Sri Raghunatha reveals itself within his love-soaked words in Vilapa Kusmanjali.

The power of his bhava is infused in his words. Words have power to influence, illuminate, elevate and transform. Thus, the best way to attain gopi-bhava is to read and reflect upon the ecstatic words of nitya-siddhas like Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada, Tulasi Manjari.

Tattva: Manjari’s Stay Near Radha

In this lila, Tulasi Manjari relishes the parental love that Kirtida and Vrishabhanu feel for Radharani. Pada-sevikas like Tulasi Manjari follow Radha like Radha’s shadow. Radha’s kinkaris accompany Her wherever She goes and are thus blessed with all these different kinds of loving ecstasies.

Radhika’s feelings are reflected in the mirrors of the manjari’s hearts. In Alankara Kaustubha (3.59), Kavi Karnapura describes this phenomenon:

Sri Krishna says: “O Radhika! In absence of Your girlfriends a mirror can tell whether You are happy or sad. Mirrors are useless however, in the presence of Your girlfriends who personally mirror Your every emotion.

Radha, when You, they cry. When thrill bumps cover Your body, they also cover them. When You laugh, they laugh, and when You’re sad they’re sad too!” This situation is most visible in Radha’s manjaris. The manjaris experience all of Radha’s joy and sorrows.

Directly or indirectly, everyone in Vrindavan assists Radha Govinda’s enjoyment of srngara-rati, divine erotic rasa! The prema-seva of Radharani is the most astonishing goal of life.

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