Everyone Chant “Radhe Radhe”

   Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

In the earthly realm of Vrndavana and in the spiritual sky, Radharani known as Vrndavanesvari, Queen of Vrndavana, which  means that Radharani is the one and only controller of everything including the heart of Sri Krsna. In Vraja Gokula, there are two instances wherein Radha’s sakhis will sometimes chant the Hare Krsna Mahamantra: To nourish Radhika’s taste in sambhoga –vilasa when She meets with Krsna or to soothe Radha’s searing heart in times of separation from Her beloved Syama, and at other times, the sakhis will sweetly sing  “Radhe Radhe!” as serve Sri Radha throughout the day.

Now let’s consider the reality of the present day Vrndavana where I have been living for the last 27 years. In Vraja Dhama, everyone chants “Radhe Radhe” from the time they wake up until the time they take rest. For Vrajavasis, the name of Radha is inseparable from their breathing. They hear the name of Radhe in the wombs of their mothers; they are born with the name of Radha in their ears; they move with the name of Radha in their lives; they dream with the name of Radha in their minds; and they die with the name of Radha on their tongues. By continually hearing and chanting “Radhe Radhe”  in this way, every Vrajavasi automatically becomes full of Radha-bhava or gopi-bhava. And this is the goal that all Gaudiya Vaisnavas hope to attain especially by residing in Vrndavana.

In Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi, verses 95-97, Gaudiya rasika Acarya Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati glorifies Radha’s completely pure and ecstatic Holy Name thus: “The name of Radha is the liquid rasa of blissful love (premananda rasam). Radha’s name give the greatest joy when chanted with tender loving affection(mahasukha karam uccharitam prematah). The two syllables Ra and Dha, contain all divine knowledge (vidya para dvakshara). Sri Krsna becomes supremely pleased whenever He hears someone chanting “Radhe Radhe!” (japa mudha gayati).

“Even once chanting of Radha nama will immediately attract Sri Krsna (japa sakrid gokulapati akarshak). Lord Madhava Himself lovingly chants Radha nama (mantra japa priti svayam madhava). Sometimes, Hari sits with the sakhis and chants Radha nama until tears run down His lotus face (ali svayam japa ashru mukha hari).”

“Sometimes, Krsna goes along the banks of Yamuna and enters the bowerhouse alone (kalindi tata kunja mandira gato). Syama sits down like the King of Yogis to mediate on the radiance of Radha’s sweet lotus feet (pada jyotir dhyana). Krsna starts chanting Radha nama and soon becomes drenched in tears of love (sada japa prema-ashru purno hari) as He relishes the amazing blossoming mellows of Radha’s blissful loving enchantment (adbhutam ullasad rati rasananda sammohitah).

“May the most amazing two syllables (Ra and Dha ) become manifest to me forever (tad adhbhutam me radheti varna dvayam). The embrosial elixir “Radha” is my life and soul (tad amritam pradeti me jivanam).”

In this regard, Srila Prabhupada once said, “there is no harm in chanting “Radhe”.” (75.04.08)

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!!