Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 048 “Radha Teaches Poetry to Manjaris”

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 Teaches Poetry to Manjaris

One day, Lalita-devi, says, “Radhe! Read some Your rasika poetry to Tulasi Manjari, and train her just as You like!” Radha then teaches Tulasi some poetry that later at a proper moment, she will expertly recite to Krishna for His pleasure.

Radharani has personally written these poems about Herself. Poetry is recited in many different settings. For example, when Radha Govinda ramble in the forest Tulasi Manjari will immerse Them bliss by singing poems to glorify Radhika. The kinkaris understand the hearts of Radha Govinda so they skilfully recite suitable poems to enhance Their amorous moods.

Tulasi Manjari becomes shy and lowers her head when Radha affectionately calls, “Tulasi! From now on you should come daily to learn poetry from Me!

Tattva: Manjaris Bonding with Radha

Sri Radha personally teaches Her manjaris innumerable arts. Because manjaris are Radha’s closest confidantes, Sriji will not hide anything from them. Rather Radha will happily reveal Her secrets to Her maidservants. How beautiful it is to learn poetry from Radharani while thinking, “O Radha! I am Your dasi and You will train me any way You want.”

By being well-educated in the 64 arts, Radha’s manjaris become expert in all types of rasika sevas. The various sevas that lead to the blissful meeting of Radha-Krishna are the very life of the manjaris. In these sevas poetry is required.

Lila: Uniting Radhe-Shyam

Radharani is suffering in separation from Shyam so Tulasi Manjari goes out to find Him. Upon meeting Krishna in the forest, Tulasi Manjari poetically describes Radha’s sorrow to urge Krishna to meet Her.

Tulasi Manjari says, “O Shyam! Cupid’s arrows are assailing Radha. Cool breezes, sandalwood paste and moonbeams appear as hot as snake-poison to Srimati! Radha is suffering so much being separated from You!”

Returning to Radhika, Tulasi Manjari encourages Her to go meet Shyam by reciting the following poem:

“O Nitambini Radha! Don’t delay Your rendezvous with Your Prananatha! Wear Your most enchanting dress, which is the essence of erotic joy! Vanamali waits in the forest on the bank of the Yamuna where a gentle breeze blows! There He will massage You with His restless hands!”

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