Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 052 “Forgotten Waistbells”

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: Forgotten Waistbells

While dancing, Radha notices Her waistbells are missing having slipped off during kunja lilas with Shyam. With Her eyes Radha orders Tulasi Manjari to go get them. The waistbells are silent out of pride and feel offended for being abandoned.

Tulasi Manjari soothes the bells’ anger by saying, “O kinkini mala! You are mine! Radha forgot you due to Her intense erotic battle! You are very dear to Radha, so don’t think Radha abandoned you on purpose?”

Tulasi affectionately holds the waistbells to Her chest and kisses them to soothe their anger and make them jingle sweetly again. Radha needs the waistbells to increase Shyam’s bliss while dancing and expand Shyam’s erotic madness while romancing. That’s why these sweet waistbells are so dear to Radha.

While Sri Radha dances, Her veil falls off, so the manjari straightens Radha’s veil and ties the waistbells around Her waist in an unseen way. Now Sundari’s sweet dancing is once more mixed with Radha’s jingling waistbells! Seeing Radha smiling, Tulasi Manjari feels boundless bliss knowing her service is successful.

Tattva: Remembering Radha

Srimad Bhagavatam (3.29.11-12), says Krishna bhakti means constant remembrance of Krishna. The desire of the nitya-siddhas to please Krishna will appear in the minds of sadhakas by Krishna’s mercy. Sadhakas should remember the seva expertise of the nitya siddha kinkaris like Tulasi Manjari. The best way to attain prema and constant remembrance of Radharani is to read, hear, and remember books like Vilapa Kusumanjali and Radha Rasa Sudha Nidhi.

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