Meaning of the Maha-mantra by Sri Jiva Gosvami

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Hare–The enchanting beauty of Sri Kṛṣṇacandra steals the minds of all. But Srimati Radhika captivates the mind of Syama with Her alluring matchless cleverness. Therefore, She is known as Hara or Hare in the vocative case.

Kṛṣṇa–By His youthful beauty and the sweet sound of His flute, Sri Kṛṣṇa, who is decorated with the most charming qualities, attracts Srimati Radhika. Therefore, He is known as Kṛṣṇa.

Hare–The exalted devotees say that Sri Kṛṣṇa kidnapped doe-eyed Radhika and took Her to a secluded kunja within the rasa mandala. Therefore, Radhika is known as Hara (Hare in the vocative).

Kṛṣṇa–When Kṛṣṇa sports with Radhika, the splendid dark blue effulgence that emanates from His limbs makes shiny gold appear like blue sapphires. Therefore, He is known as Kṛṣṇa.

Kṛṣṇa–To fulfill the desire of Radhika, Sri Hari manifested Syama-kunda in the forest near Govardhana, and then pulled all the holy places there. The learned ones who know this secret call Him Kṛṣṇa.

Kṛṣṇa–Although He bewilders the world with His pastimes in the groves beside the Yamuna, Sri Hari is totally enthralled by the unparalleled love of Sri Radhika. For this reason, intellectuals call Him Kṛṣṇa.

Hare–When Kṛṣṇa killed the Aristasura demon, Sri Radha loudly chanted, “Hari! Hari!” Consequently She is known as Hara (Hare in the vocative).

Hare–Due to excessive love, Sri Radhika sometimes loudly sings the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa, and other times She sings in soft indistinct tones. Learned rasikas, therefore, call Her Hara (Hare in the vocative).

Hare–When intense ecstasies overwhelm Kṛṣṇa, He sometimes drops His flute in the forest of Vrndavana. At such times, Radhika snatches the flute, and therefore, She is called Hara.

Rama–Sri Kṛṣṇa is known as Rama because He enjoys with Radhika in the kunjas of Govardhana.

Hare–The most merciful Sri Radha destroys (hati) the miseries of the devotees, and daily bestows inner joy (rāti). Thus, She is called Hara (Hare in the vocative).

Rama–The minds of the devotees who worship Kṛṣṇa always float in the topmost ocean of bliss. Thus that beautiful dark blue form of Kṛṣṇa is called Rama.

Rama–Sri Radha pleases Sri Hari in the flower cottages with Her unprecedented love. Because He gives unlimited pleasure to Radha during Their confidential pastimes, He is known as Rama.

Rama–Seeing the Vrajavasis crying loudly in fear of the forest fire, Sri Kṛṣṇa effortlessly swallowed it. For this reason, Kṛṣṇa is known as Rama, because He pleased the Vrajavasis by rescuing them, and because He always arranges for His devotees to enjoy with Him.

Hare–Sri Kṛṣṇa went to Mathura to kill Kamsa and other miscreants. By Her desire to enjoy intimate pastimes with Kṛṣṇa, Sri Radhika brought Kṛṣṇa back to Vrndavana. Thus, Radhika is known as Hara.

Hare–When Sri Kṛṣṇa returned to Vrndavana, He removed all the sufferings of the Vrajavasis. He is known as Hari (Hare in the vocative) because He captivated Radhika’s mind by His wonderful pastimes.

An excerpt from the book Art of Chanting