Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 053 “Rebuking & Forgiving 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: Rebuking & Forgiving Manjaris

When Tulasi Manjari brings back Radha’s waistbells from the kunja Lalita notices it and asks her with a wink, “Where have You come from?” Tulasi winks back, “I’ll tell you later! Only Lalita sees Tulasi Manjari put the bells on Radha’s waist.

Radha then angrily rebukes Tulasi Manjari, “Why did you have to show the whole situation to Lalita? Now she’s making fun of Me! Go Tulasi! Get out of My kunja!”

Tulasi pitifully cries, “Swamini! What have I done wrong? I have no one but You! You may punish or protect me, but where will I go?”

Tulasi Manjari goes outside the kunja, sits with her back against the wall and cries, flooding her chest with tears. When Lalita approaches her, Tulasi covers her face with a veil and keeps crying.

Lalita asks, “What happened?” Speechless Tulasi only cries when being questioned. Like Radharani the sakhis show much affection to the kinkaris. Lalita lovingly holds Tulasi’s hand, reenters the kunja and says, “Radhe, why are You angry with Tulasi? I saw this belt-affair myself, it’s not Tulasi’s fault! It’s my fault.

Being pleased with her, Radha casts a merciful glance at Tulasi. What a fortunate manjari who gets Radha’s mercy even amidst chastisement. Tulasi thinks, “This maidservant is Yours! You may be angry with her or pleased, but in all circumstances this Tulasi is Yours!” This is full surrender.

Tattva: Mercy & Eagerness

A sadhaka should experience a little of Radha’s form and qualities during smarana. If one does it’s a sign of receiving a drop of mercy from Karunamayi Sri Radha. Radharani is the form of compassion so Radha’s manjaris are continually being blessed by Radha in so many ways.

Success in remembrance depends solely on Krishna’s mercy which will come if one patiently and steadily endeavors in bhajan. But eagerness and humility are absolutely necessary. Sri Vallabhacarya said in his tika (SB 10.32.1): “Hari is not satisfied with a mere abundance or quantity of sadhana. Hari is only pleased with the humility of a devotee.”

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