A Look at Radha’s Purva Raga

By: Mahanidhi Swami

The sweet madhurojjvala lila-rasa of Radha Govinda Yugala is divided into two categories: vipralambha (divine love in separation) and sambhoga (divine love in union or meeting). Vipralamba is subdivided into four: 1) Purva-raga, love prior to meeting; 2) Maana, pouting huff, love sulk; 3) Prema-vaicittya, feeling separation even in the beloved’s presence; 4) pravasa, separation when the beloved is far away.

Purva-raga is very beginning stage of love, the falling in love period before lovers first meet. It is a very absorbing, exciting time full of hope, anticipation and doubts.

Acharyas describe eight ways that kindle or ignite Radha’s loving attraction to Shyamasundara:

Hearing the sound of Shyama’s murali.

Hearing from a girlfriend.

Hearing from messenger.

Hearing a song.

Hearing from professional reciters.

Seeing a painting.

A vision in a dream.

Direct vision.

Watch for more articles about Radha’s pure love.

Purva-ragini Radha ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!