Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 050 “Restringing Radha’s Necklace”

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: Restringing Radha’s Necklace

After Radha Govinda conclude Their amorous pastimes, They are leaning against each other in the kunja. Their clothes are disheveled, Radha’s braid is half opened and Priyaji’s pearl necklace is broken.

Radha gives a hint to Tulasi Manjari to quickly restring Her broken necklace.

Radha shyly says. “Lalita and Visakha-sakhi will come soon, so quickly restring the necklace before they have another reason to mock Me!”

The maidservant’s heart is filled with Radhika’s love and affection as she sits at Radha’s feet and quickly restrings the necklace. Satisfied with her seva, Radha says, “Well done! How did you do it so quickly?”

Tulasi Manjari feels boundless bliss knowing that Radha is pleased with her. Now she knows that her service is a success!

Tattva: Manjari’s Nourish Radha-Krishna’s Pastimes

The sakhis and manjaris fully expand and nourish the love, the lilas and the bliss of Radha Madhava. But only the manjaris are eligible to freely serve Radha-Krishna without hesitation! During very intimate lilas Radha Madhava will feel shy before the sakhis. At these tender times, the sakhis will order the manjaris to perform the more confidential sevas.

It is Radharani’s nature to make Krishna happy, and it is the manjaris’ nature to make both Radhe-Shyam happy with their sweet sevas. While serving, the manjari also relishes the sweetness of Radha Govinda’s intimate lilas in the keli-nikunjas of Vraja.

The greatest form of smarana is to remember Radha-Krishna’s unique beauty, sweetness and mutual loving lilas. Day and night, sadhakas should remember the asta-kaliya-lilas of Sri Sri Radha Govinda!

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