Swamini:Manjari First Meeting

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

#Manjaris #GopiBhava #RadhaDasyam #SingForRadha #Radha-Krishna

Once an anxiety-ridden young cowherd maiden, who desired nothing but the direct vision and service of RadhaGovinda, fell down at the feet of her own guru-sakhi and Sri Radha’sdearmostsakhis.

That tender-hearted manjaricried out, “O my dear sakhis! I can no longer hold my peace. Please tell me where I can find the divine transcendental lovers Radha-Krishna enjoying their pastimes!”

Seeing the depths of this new maiden’s emotion (sadhana siddha manjari), the sakhis’ hearts melted with affection. Then they took that navamanjari to see Krishnachandra and His pleasure giving sweetheart Radha.

While showing the Divine Couple to the manjari, the sakhissang:

“O sakhi just gaze upon Gandharvika’s gorgeous form with Herhairbraids entwined with a delicate garland of sweet jasmines. Radha’s amorous affairs with Shyamafill the universe with waves of unlimited delight. O new maiden! Just see how Kishora is flooded by waves of nectar from touching Srimati. And Radha in turn is dizzy from the loving sensations twirling Her delicate heart. Just see how Radha’s every limb is thrilled in bliss.”

As the young gopiadmired Priyaji, she thought, ‘What am I seeing? Is Radha the very life force of Cupid personified? Is Radha the source of all lovliness in the universe? Or perhaps Radha is the life and soul of SriMadhusudana?’Gazing at the Divine Youthful Couple, the new manjariimmersed in an ocean of prema.

Upon regaining her composure, Nava-dasi, her eyes welling with tears of joy began praying to Kishori-mani.  "O Radhe! Please make me Yourpadadasi.Please teach me the deep feelings and artistic gestures that accompany Your self-composed songs. Then I will expertly sing them to please You and Your Priyatama.” (SangitaMadhava, Sri Prabodhananda Sarasvati)Singing for Radhaki jai! First darshana of Lila Yugalaki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!