Tag Archive for: manjaris

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 032 “Loving Feet”

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.

Rati (Tulasi) Manjari says, “O Kanaka Gauri Radha! May I carefully and happily massage Your lotus feet while Sri Rupa Manjari massages the lotus feet of Goshtendranandana on whose arm You are resting Your head?” (VK 72)

Allegiance in Manjari Sadhana

One starts manjari bhava sadhana by eagerly reading, hearing, and meditating on the expert sevas of the nitya siddha kinkaris like Sri Rupa Manjari and Rati (Tulasi) Manjari. (Cc. 2.8.220).

Manjari bhava sadhana is performed in allegiance (anugamya) to these leading manjaris. One who cannot clearly visualize one’s siddha-deha or who has difficulty doing smarana, should first read about the glories of gopi-bhava and manjari seva by reading and remembering verses from Utkalika Vallari, Vilapa Kusumanjali, Prema Bhakti Candrika, Prarthana, and Vrindavan Mahimamrita.

By living in Vrindavan, mentally or physically, and always lovingly remembering Sri Rupa, Sri Sanatana Goswami, Sri Raghunatha Das, and Sri Jiva Goswami one will get the mercy to become absorbed in one’s siddha-deha and free from material consciousness.

Manjari’s Seva Intimacy

In the kunja, there is flower bed and flower pillow under Shyam’s head.  Svamini’s pillow is Shyam’s left arm. Sri Rupa lovingly gives Tulasi the seva of massaging Radhika’s lotus feet, while she massages Shyam’s lotus feet. After love dalliance Radhe-Shyam lie facing each other sweetly smiling, gazing at each other, and whispering romantic words to each ther.

They are oblivious to the manjaris serving them. Rupa and Tulasi softly massage Radhe-Shyam’s feet while listening to Their sweet words and looking at Their sweet forms. After Yugala Kishora fall asleep Tulasi thinks: “What if I get up and stop massaging? Radhe-Shyam may wake up.” Tulasi caresses the lotus feet of Svamini on her lap and massages them with her hair because it is softer than her hands.

Unlike the sakhis, the manjaris can do such intimate services without embarrassing Radha. There is some hesitation before her sakhis, but the manjaris are nondifferent in feelings from Radhe-Shyam, so Lila Yugala don’t feel any hesitation. Radha trusts her maidservants completely.

The manjaris are totally absorbed in relishing the sweetness of Radhe-Shyam.

Suddenly the vision vanishes and Sri Raghunatha Das cries out, “Ha Kanaka Gauri! Where are your lotus feet now, and when I can softly massage them in topmost bliss?”

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

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 028 “Shyam’s Bliss in Serving Radha”

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.

Need Separation in Bhajan

Swamini goes on abhisara holding Sri Rupa Manjari’s hand. Waves of divine lust manifest in each of Radha’s limbs. Priyaji’s passionate love for Priyatama is like a wave seen in Radha’s glances, gait and words. Sriji’s passionate desires to meet Shyam, however are only for Shyam’s pleasure!

Radha anxiously asks Sri Rupa, “How long will it take before I can see Madhava again? Tell Me Rupa, how far is it still? Aha! How eagerly Madhava must be waiting for Me!”

There is delight in separation, although it brings suffering. Such delight cannot be found in this world. Unless feelings of separation appear, one will not develop a strong desire to attain Radha-Krishna. Therefore, a raganuga sadhaka must first experience love-in-separation.

Unless one feels eagerness to see Radha-Krishna, born from a sense of want, one will never experience anything. A sincere sadhaka should feel ashamed when comparing the intensity of one’s bhajan with the bhajan of Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada.

How Shyam Serves Swamini

Together with Tulasi and Rupa manjaris, Radha arrives at the gate of the kunja. They see that Sri Hari has personally decorated the kunj beforehand and is eagerly waiting inside for Radha. Hari made a flower asana for Radha with flowers moistened with His tears of love. The kunja is adorned by Hari’s form, qualities, and craftsmanship. It appears Krishna has decorated the entire kunja with His pure love for His Priyaji, thinking: “Here I will sit with My beloved!”

This is the expertise of prema seva, the mutual service of love. Swamini is amazed when She enters the kunja with Rupa and Tulasi. The kunja delights Cupid, and it is decorated by the very hands of the transcendental youthful Cupid of Vrindavan!

Swamini asks: “Shyam! Who has decorated this kunja?”

Hari: “Who knows? Can You tell!”

Srimati: “You have done it, nobody else can decorate like this! You have done all this work, knowing that I would come! I should have been here to help You!”

Today Radha is very munificent. It is Swamini’s Hari, who steals Radha’s heart with His loving expertise. Two teardrops trickle from Radhika’s eyes. With tender affection Shyam helps Sriji onto Her asana.

How much love Hari has in His heart as He sits at Radha’s soft lotus feet. Try to feel and visualize how beautiful Shyam looks sitting at Swamini’s feet. Krishna clutches Kishori’s feet to His chest and says, “O Radha! How did You come all the way here with these tender feet? The ground of Vraja is so hard!”

Krishna repeatedly looks at Swamini’s lotus feet that are greyed by dust. Tulasi understands the mood and brings a golden water pitcher and a golden bowl. Tulasi pours the water while Shyam washes Swamini’s feet and dries them off with His yellow dhoti. Tears trickle from Shyam’s eyes.

Radha lifts Krishna up and sits Him next to Her. How beautiful Shyam looks with loving tears for Radha in His eyes!

Holding Hari’s cheek on Hers, Swamini asks Shyam, “Why do you love Me so much? I cannot do anything for You! I have so many shortcomings! How many qualified girls are there not always waiting for You? How You could leave them all for an unfortunate girl like Me?”

Overwhelmed by hearing this, Shyam simply stares at Swamini’s gorgeous face. Krishna is completely unaware of what a rare and priceless treasure He has received!

Without the mercy of acharyas like Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada no one can experience pastimes like this during smarana. By their grace such sweet, charming pastimes will appear in the heart of a sincere sadhaka. The mind must be absorbed in this subject. Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

The full series of “Radharani’s manjaris tattva & lilas” can be found here.

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 026 “Yashoda’s Love for Radha“

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also, we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Ma Yashoda Feeds Sri Radha

“Anxiously mother Yashoda sits Radhika Rai on her lap and says: “O my beautiful girl! Please eat something before You go home!” Mother Yashoda then affectionately touches Swamini and makes Her sit down to eat.

“Don’t think that I’m different from Your own mother. You can laugh, joke, sleep and eat in my house just as You do at home! Why are You so shy?” Mother Yashoda sits beside Radha and personally feeds Her.

While eating Krishna’s nectarine remnants Sri Radhika is overwhelmed in bliss. The manjaris and sakhis really enjoy seeing mother Yashoda feeding Srimati. Tulasi-manjari is beside herself of ecstasy beholding the sweet mutual love of Yashoda and Radhika

Tulasi stands close by Swamini, silently hoping that Radha will give her some of Her remnants. Understanding what’s on Her mind, Radha secretly drops some of Her chewed food in Tulasi’s hand. Blessed is Radha’s loving maidservant!

Sadhakas in manjari bhava will meditate that they are sitting right next to Tulasi-manjari observing this sweet exchange between Yashoda, Radhika and Her loving maidservant, or standing beside Srimati fanning Her as She eats. And one fine day during lila smarana, you may see Radhika dropping Her remnants into your eager loving hand! Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Priyaji’s Prema Binds Priyatama Shyam

Radha does know anything else but loving Krishna. Radha’s divine body, senses and mind are all made of love for Krishna. So Krishna surrenders completely to Radha’s service by applying red lac to Her lotus feet, putting tilaka on Her forehead, combing Her hair, massaging Her feet and so on.

In the mood of an independent lady-love (svadhina bhartrka) Srimati can order Shyam to do these things without any hesitation! This is not the service of Krishna, it is prema itself serving Radha. The sweetness of Shyam’s love manifests in Radha’s face, eyes and smile. Prema becomes tasteful because of Radha-Krishna’s mutual love. Their relationship is completely free from awe and reverence.

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

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 025 “Reality of Manjari Meditations“

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva)  regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also, we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Seeing Swamini’s Eager Face

Ayi Madhuri Radha! How beautiful You are when Madhava looks at You while eating His breakfast! Just by a glance Shyam can understand Radharani’s blissful eagerness. Swamini’s face is marked with eagerness. The sadhaka manjari should also relish that blissful eagerness of Madhuri’s beautiful face.

Narottama Dasa Thakur prays,

“My eyes desire to see the golden form of Radhika and I am crying out of that desire!” (Prem Bhakti Candrika)

Reality of Manjari Meditations

In Radha Kunda, Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada was anxiously crying out of the pain of separation from Srimati Radharani. At the stage of bhava-bhakti, a sadhaka can see Radha-Krishna through the eyes in sphurtis, vivid visions. Before attaining bhava however, a fortunate sadhaka may “see” Radha-Krishna in meditation or dreams.

When sadhakas follow in the footsteps of acharyas like Sri Rupa Goswamipada, Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada, Sri Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswami, and Visvanatha Cakravartipada by praying to them, studying their books and trying to imbibe their moods, meditations and sevas, they too can relish the sweetness of Srimati’s face in their meditations.

As one repeatedly practices deep meditation on Radha Madhava’a asta-kaliya-lila one will feel that Radha-Krishna are very near. When one experiences this, one will think, “I am not practicing lila smarana, I am there!”

When one’s meditation ends one will feel great anxiety to directly meet Radha Govinda Yugal. The more one enjoys lila smarana, the more anxious one will become for more. As thirst and eagerness for direct darshan of Radha-Krishna increases, the sooner one will attain it.

Radha-Krishna Asta-kaliya-lila smarana bhajan will make a new life for a sadhaka.

Sri Radha will certainly respond to one’s humility, enthusiasm, and determination to practice bhajan in manjari svarupa.

Karunamayi Radha is a boundless ocean of compassion, endowed with a lovely nature.

Thus, Kishori will come close to you and accept your sevas. Radhika is a wish-fulfilling vine for devotees.

Manjari bhava sadhana ki jai!  Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 024 “Selfless Seva“

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava)Manjaris, RaganugaBhakti, Gopis, Radharani, RadhasSeva, VrajaPrema, intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also, we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Selfless Mood of Manjaris

Most devotees think: “I want to become happy by serving Krishna.” 

Radha’s maidservants, being the exemplars of selflessness, are completely free from this. Serious  manjari-bhava upasakas should always be thinking: “What seva can I do to please Priya-Priyatama?”

Bhajan is impossible in the presence of personal desire. Maintaining personal agendas keep one from tasting the bliss in selfless worship.

Manjaris Sevas After Radha’s Cooking

After Swamini finishes cooking Krishna ‘s breakfast She takes rest. The kinkaris change Radha’s clothes, wipe Her hands, feet and body with a wet towel and fan Radha while Dhanishtha brings a nectar drink. While Swamini  enjoys the drink She closes Her beautiful eyes.

Radha Serves Bhoga 

Shyam peeks at Radha in the kitchen without being noticed by others. Swamini casts a furtive glance back toward Her Nagar while handing food to Rohini. A little later, Yashoda tells Radha to serve sandesh to Krishna. Just as Swamini shyly tries to put the sweet on His plate, Krishna opens His hand to receive it. Seeing this sign of affection, Srimati blushes of shyness. How beautiful is Radha’s shyly blushing, blooming face at that time!

The manjaris relish this sweetness and intensely desire to see Radha’s blossoming lotus face again and again.

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

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Manjaris in Rasa Lila

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Tonight is the Sharad Purnima Maha Rasa-lila. Sri Radha is gorgeously dressed in a moonlight white sari, and adorned with pearl and moonstone necklaces, flower malas of juhi, mogra and chameli, and anointed with camphor and white chandan. Ah, such a beautiful night with soothing, romantic moonshine and cooling sand caressing passionately dancing lotus feet. The perfect night for a rasa dance!

Were Radha’s loyal maidservants, Her kinkaris and manjaris, present in the Rasa-lila? The Srimad -Bhagavatam does not clearly mention the presence of manjaris in the Rasa-lila. Before the advent of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu no one had written about any distinction between the sakhis and manjaris.

Sri Rupa Goswamipada, however, lists the names of eighteen manjaris in Radha-Krishna Ganoddesha Dipika. Thus the secret existence of Radha’s manjaris, and the practice of manjari bhava sadhana is the merciful gift of Sri Chaitanyadeva, and the Six Goswamis, who are themselves eternal manjaris in Vraja.

By their life styles and writings, the Six Goswamis personally taught the way of serving Srimati Radharani in manjari bhava.

From the following verse, Sri Rupa Goswamipada, who is Sri Rupa Manjari in Krishna-lila, proves that Radha’s manjaris were present during the Rasa dance:

“O Radha! When will my heart fill with pride as I see from afar (dure- drshtva) how Keshava leaves all the lotus-eyed girls of Vraja at the start of the Rasa dance, and takes You to a lonely place where He decorates You with flowers under Your command?” (Utkalika Vallari v.42)

Sri Sri Yugal Kishor enjoyed wonderfully intimate pastimes when They left all the gopis during the Rasa-lila. Sri Rupa Manjari was personally there seeing and relishing everything from a short distance.

Radharani’s manjaris are so supremely fortunate that they can enjoy pastimes of Radha and Krishna that even the sakhis cannot. The manjaris accompanied Sri Radha when Krishna abruptly disappeared from the Rasa lila. This is because Radha’s manjaris are one with Sri Radha’s heart, completely equal to Srimati but with separate bodies.

During Krishna’s intimate pastimes, Swamini is not at all shy before Her manjaris, who render special services at that time. The manjaris are always close to Srimati’s lotus feet.

Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvatipada describes the phenomenal closeness of the manjaris, “During Radha-Madhava’s most intimate kunja-lilas, Radharani sometimes sits the manjaris on Her play-bed and covers them with the sheets, paryanka-adhishthapitam-va- vastrair- vacchaditam-kvacit!” (Vrndavana Mahimamrita 8.23)

Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada says the manjaris were very much present during the Rasa-lila, and they offered many tasteful personal sevas to please Radha Govinda Yugala at that time.

He explains, “When the silvery liquid nectar of moonlight splashes on Yamuna’s camphor white, sandy banks, and You, Radha, euphorically dance the Rasa with Sri Hari, I will expertly play the vina which You personally taught me.”

“After the rasa dance You, Krishna and Your sakhis will rest in a malati nikunja, and I will affectionately give You many sweet grapes, mangoes, bananas and pomegranates.”

“Radha when Your amorous nikunja lilas are over I will sweetly put You and Your beloved Priyatama to rest on a bed of lotus petals. Then I will give You and Shyam betel-nuts to chew.”

‘I will massage Your lotus feet, anoint them with kunkuma powder, smell the wonderful ocean of their fragrance, and gaze on their delicate beauty with my eyes.” (Sankalpa Kalpa Druma v. 16-19)

Just see the incredible fortune and bliss the manjaris experience in Sri Radha’s personal seva! (shastra courtesy Sri Advaita Dasji)

Manjaris in Rasa-lila ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 023 “Krishna’s Nama Japa “

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari Lila: Krishna’s Nama Japa

While Srimati Radharani is cooking Krishna’s breakfast in Nandagram, Shyam finishes His bath, dresses and sits down in His bhajan kutira. His mother and father had Krishna initiated into Narayana-mantra by Bhaguri Muni.

For Gopala’s benefit, mother Yashoda says: “Go Gopala! Practice Your mantra.”

Krishna thinks, “Whose mantra shall I practice? No one in the world can possibly be more qualified than Me. I only experience that in Sri Radha!”

Therefore, with His eyes filled with tears of love, Krishna repeatedly chants the two most tasteful syllables ‘Ra-Dha’ while meditating on the spiritual effulgence of Radha’s lotus feet like the king of yogis

One day Krishna confided in a sakhi saying, “O sakhi! Who told Me this name Radha? Hearing it soothed My heart! How much sweetness is there in Radha’s name? The name of Radha fills My ears with nectar!

“How many names aren’t there in Gokula? None of them agitates Me like this name of Radha! When Radha’s form manifests in My heart it is as if I’m drowning in an ocean of nectar! When I see Radha My eyes are fulfilled!”

Manjari Lila: Radha Darshan

No other consort is as fortunate as Srimati Radharani! Krishna can forget everything but not Radha! This is the Prabhu we worship, Krishna the playful enjoyer, lila-vilasi.

Krishna is the carefree dhira-lalita hero, enjoying in every kunja with Sri Radha. Playing and playing, Krishna infuses His prema in the trees and vines, revives the old and dry trees, and causes the rocks to melt with His sweetly seductive flute song.

While practicing this meditation in His bhajan kutira, Krishna becomes eager to see the object of His contemplation, so He goes to the kitchen. When Krishna peeps through the kitchen-window He sees Srimati cooking.

Aha! such sweetness! Radha does not have Her veil on straight, and Radha’s dress and ornaments are loosened because of the hard work. Radha’s face shines with a reddish glow because of the stove’s burning fire and Her cheeks are beautified by pearl-like sweat drops.

Shyam is spell bound and cannot move His feet anymore as He beholds sweet Radha, the object of His meditation. Hari’s eyes are widened of ecstasy from seeing Kishori.

Suddenly Sriji sees Shyam. Out of shyness Radha cannot pull the veil straight on Her head, so Radha gives a wink to Tulasi to pull Her veil back over Her head. Then She chastises Tulasi with a blink from Her eyes:

“Tulasi, didn’t you see Krishna? Why didn’t you tell Me Krishna is watching Me?”

Tulasi replies with her eyes: “I also didn’t see Krishna because I was absorbed in grinding paste!”

Actually Tulasi had seen Krishna before, but our Hero had silently requested her not to tell Swamini that He was watching Her.

Radhika and Shyam’s eyes meet and with Her glances Swamini informs Krishna: “Ma Rohini is here, go now!” Krishna asks with His eyes: “Will I not see You anymore?’

Swamini blinks: “Yes!”

Our hero is enchanted by Radha’s arrow-like glances and thinks: “Aha! How much trouble Radha is taking to cook for Me! Radha’s face has a reddish glow from being close to the fire! Radha’s maidervants are wiping Her face, that is adorned with sweat drops!”

How sweet is this exchange of Radha-Madhava’s loving glances! Sadhakas should try to visualize such scenes in their meditations.

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

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 022

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari Lila: Radha Rewards Her Manjari

Sri Rupa Manjari has arranged for Radha-Krishna to meet in a kunja, so They want to reward her. Shyam holds Radha’s face and pushes His chewed betel leaves into Radha’s mouth.

Radha then makes a disgusted look as if to say: “Yek! Do I have to chew the remnants of this debauchee, whose mouth kisses so many other girls?”

Glancing toward Sri Rupa Manjari, Radha then spits the chewed betel leaves out on a plate. In this way, the maidservants are also blessed with Radha’s chewed food or spice remnants! How merciful Radha is!

“O Premamayi, Karunamayi Radhe! When will I be blessed by attaining a drop of Your mercy? I’m sitting here in Your Priya Radha Kunda, constantly waiting for the blessed day that I will get Your mercy!”

The practicing devotee should also become greedy for Radharani’s indescribable prasada. With such transcendental greed the devotee should enter the path of raganuga bhakti.

Absorbed in manjari bhava, Sarasvatipada prays:

sri –radhaya -madhura -madhurocchishta -piyusha –saram,
bhojam -bhojam -nava -nava –rasananda -magnah -kada -syam

“When will I be submerged in ever-new blissful rasa by repeatedly chewing the sweeter than sweet remnants of Sri Radha which are the essence of nectar?” (Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi 87)

How great are Radha’s feelings of mine-ness! The kinkaris want nothing else and know nothing else in this world but Sri Radhika’s lotus feet and Radha’s happiness. That’s why Radha is so merciful to them!

Tulasi-manjari has given her heart to Sri Radha. How much love and affection there is between them. The practicing devotee should also relish Swamini’s loving compassion when one remembers these transcendental pastimes. Remembrance of Radharani is most blissful.

Everything in this world is giving trouble and pain. So the devotee anxiously prays, “O Radhika! Don’t keep me in this material world anymore! Make me a maidservant of Your lotus feet! How long will I have to stay in this world while I’m winding up my material existence?”

Manjari Tattva: Intensity in Smarana

In the morning, Sri Radha walks to Nandagram along with Her sakhi manjaris. When Srimati becomes tired on the way Radha holds Her arm on Sri Rupa Manjari’s shoulder. The practicing devotee should think of oneself walking behind Radhika also, always worrying about Radha’s welfare and comfort.

We want to be always near our Swamini Sri Radha. Smarana means mental association. Smarana can only take place in the heart and mind of one who is free from the faults of attachment, hatred and so on.

When smarana becomes very intense this mental association becomes an actual experience. Sripada Ramanujacharya teaches: “When smarana deepens all other thoughts subside and the attention becomes one-pointed, which will result in actual experiences.” Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, “By constant meditation, Krishna becomes manifest in the heart. (Caitanya Caritamrta 2.19.235)

When we hear and chant the holy words of the acharyas we experience nearness with Radha Govinda Yugala. Sri Krishna becomes happy when devotees relish the sweetness of each and every item of bhajan. 

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

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 021

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari Lila: Manjaris Break the Impasse

The maidservants of Sri Radha don’t even dream of their own needs. The manjaris always throw Radha and Krishna into ever-new pools of transcendental fun. One day Yugala Kishora sit down in a kunja with Their backs against each other. They are angry with each other and They both think: “I will not be the first one to speak!”

They don’t want to disgrace Themselves by apologizing, but at the same time Radha-Madhava are suffering because They cannot meet each other. Suddenly Sri Rupa Manjari breaks the impasse by telling Shyam, “What are You telling me by blinking at me? I cannot woo Swamini for You!”

Both think the job has been done, and so Radha-Krishna begin to laugh and joke with each other again. How wonderful is this manjari’s service who thinks, “For Radha-Madhava’s pleasure we can do anything!”

Manjari Lila: Putting Radha to Rest

Tulasi-manjari comes up to Swamini to remind Radha that now is the time to take a little rest. The sakhis are oblivious about this due to being absorbed in their intimate discussion with Swamini. But Tulasi never forgets her service. She made a bed

covered with a blue sheet for Sri Radha to lie on.

Tulasi-manjari says, “Hey Shyamaju! So much time has passed now come and take a little rest!” How much love this maidservant has!

The sakhis admit: “O Radhika! We don’t love You as much as Tulasi does! We completely forgot that now it’s time for You to rest a little bit!”

Tulasi takes Swamini by the hand and makes Her lie down on the bed. A blue oil lamp burns there to soothe Swamini’s eyes with the remembrance of Her lover. Radha is very happy to lie down on the bed prepared for Her by Her beloved manjari. Tulasi sees that Swamini decorates the bed by stretching out on it. It is as if Radha’s sweetness drips from the bed and inundates Tulasi with a stream of rasa.

Swamini is enchanted by dreaming of Shyam’s form. How wonderfully Radha moves in Her sleep while Radha dreams of enjoying with Krishna! How sweetly Srimati moves Her feet and how sweet is the smile on Radha’s face! How much Radha speaks in Her dream!

Later at night, when Radha-Krishna meet in Vrndavana, Krishna asks Radha, “Did You dream of Me this evening? I also dreamt of You!”

Blessed is our Swamini, blessed is our Shyam! Blessed is Tulasi-manjari, and blessed are all the sadhakas meditating on these sweet Vraja madhurya-lilas of Radha Govinda Yugala.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Manjari Tattva: Sweetness of Sriji’s Seva

Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami has no other aim than Swaminiji’s lotus feet. In Vraja Vilasa Stava he says, “My heart is very agitated by remembering even a drop of the sweet, divine nectar-ocean that is Yugala Kishora.”

The acharyas are our example. When the practicing devotee performs bhajan in allegiance to the acharyas, a tiny drop of their vast devotional greed may become infused in one’s heart.

Govinda’s seva is bliss and a lack of Krishna’s seva is misery. Sri Rupa Manjari prays, “I desire service alongside the sakhis of Radharani.” That service contains the greatest bliss. When you love Krishna the divine remnants of that love will be scattered throughout the universe.

Then you can experience universal love as it is. Then the spiritual world is sweet, the material world is sweet, and sweet Krishna becomes even sweeter. Sweetness will then pervade your entire being from inside out.

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

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 020

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Manjari Lila: Radha Prema Arati

Radharani holds court with Her sakhis while sitting on a beautiful raised jeweled seat. How sweetly Sriji sits there, chewing pan and floating in the nectar of laughter and joking with Her girlfriends!

Now Lalita-sakhi will perform this loving ceremony of Radha’s arati with lamps, incense and so to remove the obstacles and inauspiciousness in Radha-Madhava’s extra-marital relationship.

Lalita-sakhi orders different people around while the maidservants bring all the paraphernalia. The boat of Swamini’s mind sinks in the river of remembrance of Krishna. This can be seen by the soft sweet smile on Radha’s lotus face. And try to imagine how does Radha laugh?

During the ceremony there are no bells ringing. With sweet voices the sakhis sing new auspicious songs to burn up all inauspiciousness, while Lalita lovingly swings the lamp around before Swamini. Radha’s arati is a great ceremony of divine love.

The light of the lamp even increases the effulgence of Sri Radhika’s that mocks the luster of molten gold. All the sakhis and manjaris sing and dance, spinning around and around. Lalita blows a conchshell and some kinkaris shower their beloved Swamini with flowers. Some sing ‘Jaya Jaya’ and others make the ulu-dhvani.

How brightly Swamini shimmers during the arati! Lalita offers a conchshell with water and then wipes away all kinds of misfortune with a handkerchief. Lalita is the embodiment of love, and with all her love she performs this ceremony.

Sadhakas who relish these pastimes in meditation will find it very sweet. At the end of the arati, Tulasi-manjari, who stands in the back, worships Swamini with billions of hearts by opening her braid, holding it before her bosom and waving it around as an offering to Swamini Radha. The black color of the hair is a wonderful way to remind Swamini of Krishna!

After arati there are singing lessons and examinations in singing and dancing in the assembly of sakhis. There’s no limit to the ecstasy!

Radha’s prema arati ki jai!

Manjari Tattva: Radha’s Pride, Manjari’s Pride

Radha is proud with the feeling of mine-ness making Radha think, “Krishna is Mine!” The devotees should relish this sweetness in their meditations. Sadhakas wanting to perfect their bhajan must certainly study Stavamala and Stavavali. How eager are Rupa and Raghunatha! Are there any words to express it? Allegiance to their mood will surely bring experience. Then sadhakas will taste rasa and experience all these heart’s services.

However, the mind cannot be absorbed in Swamini’s lotus feet by force. Without always meditating upon one’s siddha svarupa this cannot be understood. Nor can one think of Radharani’s seva as long as one identifies with a male or female material body. One must stay immersed in identification with the Sri Guru given manjari svarupa. 

It is not easy to become free from the bondage of the material body. As long as we think “I’m a scholar”, “I’m a gosvami”, “I’m a bhajananandi” it cannot be accomplished. Without mercy from above this pride cannot leave. Intense worship can attract that grace. Sri Krishna Himself will reveal how worship can be performed with eagerness. But if there is no eagerness joined to bhajana it will also not work.

No one knows how to serve Radha as expertly as Her maidservants. In their books the acharyas, especially Sri Rupa Goswamipada and Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, have shown how to surrender to Srimati Radharani’s lotus feet.

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