Beautiful Truths of Bhagavata “Vaisnavas” 004

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

#SrimadBhagavatam #Bhakti #Krishna #Vaisnava #Shastra #GranthaRaja

Srimad Bhagavatam is called the “king of all spiritual books” (Grantha Raja) for good reason. Within this triguna-free, immaculate and divine spiritual shastra, the amala-purana, one will find all the sweet, majestic and beautiful truths about the sadhana and sadhya (daily practice and perfection) of Gaudiya Vaisnavism.

In his most compassionate and wonderful shastra, Sri Chaitanya Caritamrita, Sri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja summarizes all the teachings of the six Goswamis of Vrindavana by quoting the key Bhagavatam verses which the Goswamis themselves used to prove and substantiate these beautiful truths.

To highlight its importance for all devotees of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Radha-Govinda Yugala, the same Bhagavatam verse is often quoted three or more times in Caitanya Caritamrita.

With the grace of Sri Advaita Prabhu, Sri Guru and the Vaisnavas, this series will focus on these super important Bhagavatam verses and commentaries in order to present the beautiful truths or tattvas of Gaudiya Vaisnavism i.e. Sri Krishna, Sri Radha, Bhakti Sadhana, Sri Harinama, Krishna Prema, Sri Guru and the Vaisnavas.

Beautiful Truths

THE VAISNAVAS

* Devotees Are Superior to Brahmins
viprād -dvi-ṣaḍ-guṇa-yutād,-aravinda-nābha,
pādāravinda-vimukhāt-śva, pacaṁ-variṣṭham
manye -tad-arpita-mano,-vacane-hitārtha-
prāṇaṁ-punāti-sa-kulaṁ,- natu-bhūrimānaḥ SB 7.9.10
Sri Prahlada said, I consider a dog-eater who has dedicated everything—his mind, words, activities, wealth and life—to Bhagavan Sri Krishna superior to a brāhmaṇa having all the twelve qualities of brahmin averse to Bhagavan. The dog-eater purifies his whole family, whereas the so-called respectable person does not.

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti tika: One should consider the absence or presence of bhakti. The dog-eater who has offered his mind, actions (īhitam), wealth (artha), words and life to Sri Krishna is far superior to a born brahmin endowed with the good qualities of knowledge, mind and sense control, shyness, tolerance, lack of envy, determination and peace.
How is the dog-eater devotee superior? He purifies his whole family whereas a venerable Brahmin without Krishna bhakti cannot purify himself, what to speak of his family.

* Devotee Helps Others
etāvaj-janma-sāphalyaṁ, dehinām-iha-dehiṣu,
prāṇair-arthair-dhiyā-vācā, śreya-ācaraṇaṁ-sadāSB 10.22.35
It is the duty of every living being to perform welfare activities for the benefit of others with one’s life, wealth, intelligence and words.

Sri Jiva Goswamipada tika: Words means giving good instructions to free one from samsara.

SrilaVisvanathaCakravartitika: One should use one’s life to serve others.

* A Nama Sadhaka Is Topmost
aho-bata-śva-paco, ’to garīyān,

yaj-jihvāgre- vartate,- nāma-tubhyam
tepus -tapas –te,- juhuvuḥ -sasnurāryā,

brahmānūcur-nāma, gṛṇanti -ye -te    SB 3.33.7
How astonishing! The outcaste who chants Your name with even the tip of his tongue becomes a guru (gariyan)! All those who chant your name are most respectable, and they have already performed all types of austerities, yagyas, sacrifices, bathing (tirtha-snanas) and Vedic study (brahma-anucuh.

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti tika: This is most astonishing (aho-bata)! The outcaste who chants just one name of Bhagavan Sri Krishna is the best guru (gariyān). He becomes a qualified diksha guru empowered to teach and give mantra to others.

Srila Prabhupada tika: If one has the pure mentality of only chanting the holy name to please Bhagavan Sri Krishna, then even a low born person is purified and quite competent to deliver others (as Guru), even though he or she was born in a family not following Vedic rules and regulations.

* The Perfect Devotee King

sa –vai- manaḥ- kṛṣṇa, -padāravindayor,

vacāṁsi-vaikuṇṭha,-guṇā-nuvarṇane
karau- harer- mandira,-mārjanādiṣu,

śrutiṁ- cakārācyuta, -sat-kathodaye
mukunda-liṅgālaya,-darśanedṛśau,

tad-bhṛtya-gātra, -sparśe -’ṅga-saṅgamam
ghrāṇaṁ -ca -tat-pāda,-saroja-saurabhe,

śrīmat-tulasyā,- rasanāṁ -tad-arpite
pādau--hareḥ-kṣetra, -padānu-sarpaṇe,

śiro-hṛṣīkeśa,-padābhivandane
kāmaṁ -ca- dāsyen,-atukāma-kāmyayā,

yathottama-śloka, -janāśray-āratiḥ
SB 9.4.18-20
King Ambarisha attained bhava or love for Bhagavan by using his mind, senses and whole body in favorably serving Bhagavan Sri Krishna by meditating upon Krishna’s lotus feet, glorifying Bhagavan Sri Krishna, cleaning Hari’s mandira, hearing Sri Acyuta -katha, taking Thakuraji -Mukunda’s- darshana, visiting Sri Hari’s lila-sthalis like Mathurā and Vṛndāvana.

Touching and embracing Vaisnavas, smelling Thakuraji’s maha oil perfumes and flowers, tasting Sri Krishna’s maha-tulasi, bowing down to Sri Hrshikesh and His bhaktas, and by engaging all his desires in selflessly serving Bhagavan Sri Krishna under the shelter of loving devotees fully attached glorifying Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti tika: These verses describe the kings’ sādhana for attaining Krishna prema. King Ambarish performed all these wonderful devotional acts with the sole desire to attain love divine devoid of material desire as seen in Prahlāda and other pure Vaisnavas.

Srila Prabhupada: This verse shows that IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO TRAIN ONESELF without guidance from the spiritual master. The first business of a devotee is to accept a bona fide spiritual master who can train him to engage his various senses in rendering transcendental service to Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

Vaisnava Tattva ki jai! Srimad Bhagavatam ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

Six Gopi Gitas of Bhagavatam 2806019

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das 

#GopiGeet #TenthCanto #GopiLilas #RadhaKrishna #Vrndavan #VrajaGopis #RaganugaBhakti

Srila Rupa Goswamipada says (Brs. (1.2.291) raganuga-bhakti sadhana can begin when one has a slight but specific hankering and desire (lobha, divine greed) to experience the feelings and render services like a particular eternal associate of Sri Krishna in Vrndavana i.e. Sri Radha, Visakha-sakhi or Sri Rupa Manjari in madhura-rati (vraja-vasi jana bhaava lubdho).

Regarding this, Srila Prabhupada says (Nectar of Devotion, pg. 125), “There is a gradual development to become like a particular devotee.”

In the next verse (Brs.1.2.292), Srila Rupa Goswamipada says divine greed may appear and develop by repeatedly hearing [or reading] sastras like the Srimad Bhagavatam and books of the six Goswamis. Sri Jiva Goswamipada says that to develop raganuga-bhakti sadhana, one should especially hear the Tenth Canto Bhagavata’s depiction i.e. [Gopi-gitas) of the sweet love and activities of the cowherd damsels of Vrajabhumi.

In (Brs.1.2.294), Srila Rupa Goswamipada says practicing raganuga-bhakti means to live in Vraja Mandala and be absorbed in hearing topics specifically related to the Vrajavasis whom you want to follow, such as Radhika and the Vraja-gopis.

For devotees pursuing Vraja bhakti in the amorous mood of the gopis, the Srimad Bhagavatam contains six priceless jewels known as the six Gitas or songs of the Vraja-gopis. Bhagavatam is the cream of the Vedas, and the Gopi-gitas are the burfee of the Bhagavatam.

Why is that you may ask? The six Gopi-gitas are full of deeply emotional, pure love-surcharged verses that have arisen from the Vraja gopis’ immaculately pure hearts. In these outpourings, often cried out in the agony of separation from Shyam, the Vraja-gopis reveal the topmost transcendental ecstatic sentiments of mahabhava, pure and selfless, divine love for their dearest Priyatama Shyama, Sri Krishna!

 

The Gopis’ songs are especially meant for sadhakas treading the emotional path of raganuga-bhakti in pursuance of the madhura-rati of Sri Krishna’s Vraja ragatmikas as taught by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. By regularly hearing, reading, or better yet crying like they did, these six songs of love divine, devotees will quickly develop the moods and feeling of the damsels of Vraja.

The Vraja gopis sing these six Gitas either in times of union or separation, while relishing the ecstasy of their srngara-prema, pure ecstatic amorous love for Shyamsundar, the beautiful dashing sweet Lord of Love.

Srila Sukadeva Goswami comments (SB 10.33.36) on these Gitas, “People must hear about Krishna pastimes [in the six Gopi-gitas]. By doing so people will become exclusively devoted to Bhagavan Sri Krishna.”

Many contemporary Vrndavana Goswamis and Bhagavata katha vachaks say that if you want to cultivate the gopi’s mood separation, attract the heart of Krishna, and receive His beautiful darshana, then daily sing the “Gopi Gita”. (SB 10.31.1-19)

Moreover, since the Vraja-gopis are the topmost devotees of Bhagavan Sri Krishna in all of creation, any devotee who daily hears, reads, or cries these songs will surely increase his/her attraction, love and attachment for Sri Krishna, our Sweet Loving Master.

OUTLINE OF THE SIX GOPI GITAS

1. Venu-gita:

In verses (10.21.7-19), the gopis describe Sri Krishna’s purvahna-lila (8:24-10:48 a.m.) in the morning when Govinda goes out with gopa friends to tend the cows in the forest. While the gopis are staying at home they hear Krishna sweet flute song echoing and resounding in the distant pastures. Their hearts thrill with ecstatic hankering. Then to ease their pangs of separation, the lovely damsels of Vraja sing about their beloved Shyam, His amazing flute, and His frolicking in the forests of Vrndavana.

2. Pranaya-gita:

This Gita appears in the Tenth Canto at the end of the first chapter describing the rasa-lila (SB 10.29.31-41). After the gopis hear Sri Krishna’s flute invitation for amorous sports, they drop everything and run through the frightening midnight forest to stand before their beloved. And what does Shyam do? He preaches patni dharma, lajja dharma, varna dharma and morality to seemingly dissuade and reject them.

Replying, the Vraja damsels forcefully express their pure intentions, and transcendental loving sentiments for the one and only true husband and master of everyone, Krishna! In their talks about the  deepest pure love, the Vraja-gopis reveal a type of sweetness in prema called pranaya. To better understand the gopis’ feelings at this time, please attentively read and reflect upon the following passage:

Pranaya-prema is a spiritual mentality of equality and oneness of heart between the lover and beloved. It includes boldness, firm faith and trust, and it is completely free from the slightest scent of reverence. Ujjvala-nilamani states that alaukik pranaya is the fifth stage (rati, prema, sneha, mana, pranaya) of ever-thickening sweetness in divine love. In pranaya prema, the lover completely identifies with the beloved, but not like the oneness of the jiva identifying with Brahman in sayujya-mukti.

 

At this level the lovers feels that their life-airs, minds, intelligence, bodies, and garments (prana, mana, buddhi, deha, vesh) are identical with the counterparts in their beloved. The lovers think, “You are my very prana and I am your very prana (life force).”

Thus, in their loving exchanges there is no hesitation, fear or distance created by respect or feelings of difference. For example, Sri Krishna can place His feet on Radharani’s breasts or pass His chewed pan into Radha’s mouth without any fear or hesitation.

3. Gopi-gita:

This Gita (10.31.1-19) comprises the entire third chapter of Radha-Krishna’s rasa-lila in the Tenth Canto of Bhagavatam. On the camphor white, soft sandy banks of Yamunaji, the gorgeous gopis sing the pranaya-gita directly to Sri Krishna in chapter 29. Then later in the night during the rasa lila, Sri Krishna suddenly disappears leaving the damsels distraught and dejected.

Overwhelmed with broken hearts and sobbing continuously, the gopis sit down on the bank of the Yamuna after searching a long time for Krishna. Each in her own way, the gopis ecstatically cry out to Rasikashekhar while praying for Shyam’s merciful darshana.

Their minds filling with Krishna’s pastimes and presence, and their hearts burning in loneliness they cry out for their beloved. The commentators say singing the “Gopi-gita” will assuage the aggrieved heart of any bhakta who truly feels separation from Krishna.

4. Yugala-gita: 

This Gita appears in (SB 10.35.2-25). Although wanting, the gopis can’t run out with Shyam when He goes to the forest every day. But their minds do run out. So while remaining in the village doing their chores, the gopis sadly pass their time singing of Krishna’s pastimes while eagerly awaiting Shyam’s return.

Standing in small groups here and there in Vraja, the gopis recite pairs (yugala) of verses glorifying Sri Krishna’s late afternoon pastimes (aparahna-lila 3.36- 6 p.m) of returning from the pasturing grounds (uttara-gostha lila) with the cows and cowherd boys. 

5. Viraha-gita:

Viraha-gita is in (SB 10.39.19-31). This chapter describes one dismal day in February, when Akrura comes to town to take the tender boys Krishna and Balarama out of Vraja and on to Mathura City for a wrestling match with the fierce and hefty henchmen of the notorious demon King Kamsa.

Priyaji Radha and the other gopis are afraid to be without Shyama for even an eye blink. So when they hear the news, they become extremely upset and distressed.

Their faces turn pale from their heavy breathing, and their dresses, bracelets and braids slip off. When Radhika hears the bad news, She remembers some intimate moments with Shyama and faints.

Tossing in the high waves of prema, the Vraja-gopis stay up all night vacillating between madness and fainting. Half-conscious, the gopis lament and condemn Providence for separating them from Shyam.

Due to the intense anxiety of thinking that they may never see Krishna, the gopis run to Nandagrama at dawn. They decide to cast away their shyness and try their best to keep Krishna in Vraja. Standing at the door of Nanda’s palace, they openly express their deep feelings of love of separation in what is called the “Viraha-gita”.

In Nectar of Devotion (ch 44), Srila Prabhupada cites Srila Rupa Goswamipada’s Padyavali: “Since the inauspicious day when Krishna left Vrindavana to go to Mathura, Srimati Radharani has been pressing Her head on one of Her hands and constantly shedding tears. Radha’s face is always wet now, and therefore there is no chance of Radha’s sleeping even for a moment. Radharani was always weeping for Krishna because of His separation and She could not sleep for a moment.”

And how did Krishna feel in Mathura after being separated from His beloved sweetheart Radhika? In the Prahlada-samhita, Uddhava says, “Sri Govinda, panic-stricken from the piercing arrows of Cupid, is always thinking of Radharani. He does not eat regularly nor sleep at night.” 

6. Bhramara-gita:

This Gita appears in (SB 10.47.12-20). After Sri Krishna leaves the gopis and moves to Mathura, He sends Uddhava back to Vraja with a message to pacify the gopis who are completely distraught in Krishna’s separation.

When the young maidens of Vraja see lotus-eyed Uddhava, wearing Krishna’s prasadi dhoti, turban and ornaments, they are astonished thinking that perhaps he is Krishna.  The gopis bring Uddhava to a secluded place to speak confidentially.

As they remember their pleasurable pastimes with Krishna, the gopis abandon all propriety and shyness and loudly cry. At that time, Sri Radha sees a bumblebee and mistakes it to be a messenger of Uddhava or someone very dear to him and Krishna. Completely bewildered by intense pangs of love in separation from Shyam (divyonmada mahabhava), Radha speaks to that bee like a madwoman.

Uddhava tries his best to console the deeply anguished Radharani and the damsels of Vraja, who just want to see Shyam again, but he fails! Instead of pacifying the anguished gopis, Uddhava himself becomes baffled and astonished at Sri Radha’s intensely mad love in separation from Krishna.

The Bhramara-gita concludes with Uddhava’s response which is simply his heartfelt prayers to the gopis expressing his gratitude, appreciation and aspiration. Although he is a most exalted Vedic scholar and a confidential friend of Krishna, Uddhava prays with folded hands that the gopis will bless him in some life with their foot dust if by chance he gets birth in Vraja as a lowly creeper. It seems this pastime occurred during the morning (purvahana-lila 8:36-10:48 a.m.)

We hope this article will inspire devotees to cultivate their individual budding attraction to follow the Vraja-gopis by regularly hearing and reading these wonderful Gopi-gitas of the Tenth Canto.

Srimad Bhagavatam Gopi-gitas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Krishna Nama Japa and Lila Smarana 2906019

#JapaAndSmaran #LilaSmaran #RadhaKrishnaPastimes #AstaKaliyaLila

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

For the last 500 years, Gaudiya Vaisnava acharyas have directed their students to chant Hare Krishna nama japa while remembering, even in a small way, the eternal Vraja lila of Radha and Krishna.

This practice is called japa with lila-smaran. The Gaudiya Vaisnava mahajanas have written several famous books to acquaint sadhakas with Radha-Govinda Yugala’s eight-fold daily pastimes i.e. asta-kaliya-lila in the spiritual realm, i.e. Krishnainika Kaumudi, Govinda Lilamrita, Krishna Bhavanamrta and Bhavanasara Sangraha.

However, we have often heard followers of Sri Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada repeatedly tell all newcomers and each other, “Srila Prabhupada said, ‘No need to think of Krishna’s lilas. Just chant japa and HEAR THE NAME!’”

Agreed! Each of Sri Krishna’s transcendental eternal names is a complete, totally pure cintamani gem that will fulfil all desires. But if one examines Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, one finds that right from the very beginning of his spiritual mission, Prabhupada was directing disciples to chant japa AND MEDITATE ON KRISHNA LILA!

Not only that, but in his BBT KRSNA BOOK published in 1969, Srila Prabhupada even encourages his disciples to practice asta-kaliya-lila smaran by recommending that the classic Radha-Krishna asta-kaliya lila grantha, “Krishna Bhavanamrita” written by the great Vraja rasik Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada.

The following direct quotes of Srila Prabhupada give very clear instructions about the practice and benefits of lila smaran while chanting Hare Krishna nama japa.

51 years ago in 1968, a disciple asked, “Srila Prabhupada, is it offensive to think of Krishna’s pastimes while chanting?”

Srila Prabhupada: “You should know that it is not offensive, but rather IT IS REQUIRED!” (bbt folio: Letter, 4Dec.1968)

While commenting on the Srimad Bhagavatam “gopi yugal-gita”, Srila Prabhupada said, “By constantly CHANTING the Hare Krishna mantra AND REMEMBERING the transcendental pastimes of Krishna, one can be fully in Krishna consciousness and thus make his life sublime and fruitful.” (bbt folio: KRSNA BOOK ch. 35)

Now regarding the doubt, “Is it bonafide to read asta-kaliya-lila books like Govinda Lilamrita and Bhavanasara Sangraha”, Srila Prabhupada said, “Devotees can remain absorbed in Krishna thought by reading such books as Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada’s “Krishna Bhavanamrita”, which is full with Krishna’s pastimes. (bbt folio: KRSNA BOOK 46)

Some devotees will respond to these quotes by preaching here and there, “Ok, that’s fine. But only very advanced pure devotees are qualified to read such books. We are just neophytes full of anarthas. So we should just read Bhagavad-gita and chant Hare Krishna.”

But what about the instructions of Srila Prabhupada? What about the teachings in his books? And what about the fact that Radha-Krishna’s immaculately pure and transcendental intimate pastimes have such power and mercy that Shukdev Goswami says (SB 10.33.39) that even gross materialists, non-devotees, will attain para bhakti i.e. the supreme form of Krishna bhakti by hearing Radha-Krishna’s Rasa Lila?

vikriditam -vraja-vadhubhir -idam -ca -visnoh

sraddanvito -nusrnuyad -atha -varnayed -yah

bhaktim -param -bhagavati -pratilabhya -kamam

hrd-rogam -asv -apahinoty -acirena -dhirah

“Anyone who faithfully hears or describes Sri Krishna’s playful affairs with the young gopis of Vraja will attain para bhakti, the highest form of pure Krishna devotion i.e. Vraja madhurya rasa; quickly destroy lust, the disease of the heart, and immediately become steady, pure and saintly.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.33.39)

Srila Prabhupada: “If one hears Krishna’s pastimes with the gopis, which seem to be lusty affairs, the lusty desires in his heart, which constitute the heart disease of the conditioned soul, will be vanquished, and he will become a most exalted devotee of Krishna.” (SB 7.1.30)

The conclusion is that it’s perfectly all right and recommended to mix japa chanting with lila smaran, and thereby quickly become love-filled, pure and eligible to relish Krishna’s Vraja madhurya.

What follows is a summary of Radha-Govinda Yugala’s asta-kaliya-lila for devotees who want a sprinkling of asta-kaliya-lila in their nama japa, but don’t have the time to patiently hear and read the wonderful lila books of our acharyas like Govinda Lilamrita.

1. Late Night Pastimes (nishant-lila 336-6 am)

Fearing the imminent sunrise, Vrndadevi orders some parrots to sing sweetly to awaken Radha-Madhava. A refreshing, flower-scented wind wafts through the kunja. With charming calls, the cuckoos, parrots, peahens and peacocks praise Priya-Priyatama’s pastimes.

The birds sing, “O Vrajaraja-nandana! O Nikunjeshvari! We want to see You, so please arise!” Although Lila Yugala awaken from the sweet chirping, They tightly embrace again and fall asleep, weary from amorous play. The more Vrndadevi tries to waken Radha-Madhava, the more They drowsily pretend to sleep because They don’t want to separate. As a last resort, Radha’s old pet she-monkey Kakkhati cries out, “Jatila! Jatila!”.

Everyone jumps up in fear of Radha’s mother-in-law, Jatila, and scrambles out of the kunja. The sakhi/manjaris then enter the kunja to redress Radha-Madhava and conceal the signs of Their loving intimacies. Yugala Bihari joke each other as Lalita-sakhi performs mangal arati. Then Krishna, Radha and the gopis run to Their respective homes. Nishant lila is also called kunja-bhanga lila.

2. Sunrise Pastimes (pratah-lila 6-836)

Radha-Krishna lie in their beds in Nandagrama and Yavata. Seeing Radhika burning in the fire of Shyam’s separation, Sri Rupa and Tulasi manjari comfort Her and sustain Radha’s life. Yashoda and Paurnamasi rouse Krishna, and Jatila and Mukhara, Radha’s Nanny, rouse Radha from Her slumber.

The friendly sakhi Shyamala comes to cheer up Radha with sweet memories of Her times with Shyam. The sakhi/manjaris then bathe, dress and ornament Srimati so beautifully that Radha wants to immediately run to Krishna to please His admiring eyes. Radhika and Her sakhi entourage then travel to Nandagram to cook Krishna’s breakfast. Kishori cooks and supervises 100 different stoves in preparing a variety of tasty, nourishing dishes for Krishna. Naughty Madhava accosts Swamini on the path and many hilarious pastimes ensue.

When Yashoda Ma stirs Shyam and sees scratches on His chest she sadly says, “Lala’s body is softer than lotus petals. So why have the pesky gopas hurt my tender boy by wrestling frivolously? Ha Hanta! Hanta! What can I do to stop this?”

Out of love for His mother, Krishna quickly jumps out of bed and runs to the goshala to milk the cows. Then Krishna, enjoys a wonderful joking breakfast with Madhumangala and the boys, and goes out for go-charana lila.  Sri Radha and Her confidential sakhis take Krishna’s madhura prasadi and return to Yavata.

3. Morning Pastimes (purvahna-lila 836-1048)

Sri Krishna and the gopas take the cows to the forest to pasture and play together. Nanda Baba, Yashoda Ma and other Vrajavasis follow Krishna and repeatedly say good bye, fearing even a moment’s separation from their most beloved Nandulal.

Using a clever excuse, Krishna, restless and eager to meet Radha, slips away from the sakhas at Manasi Ganga and rushes off to Radha-kunda with Subala and Madhumangala. Radha waits in Yavata for a sakhi to bring news of Krishna before going out to Surya Kunda for Surya puja.

4. Midday Pastimes (madhyahna-lila 1048-1536)

For six hours in the day and night, Radha-Krishna enjoy a continuous variety of pastimes together full of blissful intimacies. They wander, joke, sing, laugh, swing, swim, picnic, gamble, drink, steal, worship, and dive deeply in the fathomless ocean of Their ecstatic love sports.

5. Late Afternoon Pastimes (apurvahna-lila 1536-1800)

After Surya puja, Radhika goes home, bathes, dresses and cooks five special sweets for Krishna on Yashoda’s request. Sriji steals a sweet and joyful glimpse of Shyam as He passes through Her village with His cows and boys returning to Nandagram.

Krishna lovingly greets Nanda and Yashoda, who cleanses the dust from His face with the end of her sari before performing Krishna’s arati. Then Yashoda Ma breast-feeds Lala and sends Him off to milk His beloved cows.

6. Evening Pastimes (shayan-lila 1800-2024)

Yashoda then attentively bathes Krishna, dresses Him in beautiful clothes, and fondles Krishna in the many ways mothers do. Krishna milks the cows, and Yashoda lovingly feeds Him the sweets sent by Radha.

The sakhi/manjaris witness these lilas and immediately bring Krishna’s food remnants and the good news to Radha’s eager ears. Then Sri Radha enjoys Krishna’s nectar-lips prasadi along with Her confidential sakhis.

7. Evening Pastimes (pradosh-lila 2024-2248)

Radharani sends more cooked foods to Nandagram. Yashoda affectionately greets Radhika’s maidservants and then serves Radha’s delicacies to Kanai Balai, and other family members. Krishna enjoys an evening of entertainment in the palace theatre featuring recitals, music, dramas, gymnastic feats and magic shows.

Yashoda Ma sings a lullaby as Krishna pretends to fall asleep. Then Shyam secretly slips away from the palace, and runs into the dark forest to meet His sweetheart Srimati Radharani. Yashoda gives Krishna’s prasadi to the manjaris who take it to Sri Radha and inform Her of the evening’s meeting place. Radha’s kinkaris tell Her all about Krishna relishing Her preparations, and then prepare Radha for abhisara, love journey to Krishna in the kunja.

8. Midnight Pastimes (ratri-lila 2248-336)

The love anxious Playful Pair Radha-Madhava finally meet under the soothing moon of night. Their dearest sakhi/manjaris worship and expertly serve Them in many tasteful ways. Krishna and all the gopis sport the night away with forest rambling, singing, rasa dancing, Yamuna bathing forest snacking, honey-nectar drinking, resting and enjoying confidentially.

Radha’s loyal and dedicated kinkari maidservants serve Radha-Madhava by fanning, offering flavorful betel tambula, massaging Their feet and so on. Finally, Rasika Yugal drift off to sleep, and enjoy tender hugs and kisses in Their svapna-vilasa amritam.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe Shyam! Radha-Krishna asta-kaliya-lila ki jai!

In closing, we offer you Sri Jiva Goswami’s beautiful prayer “Yugalashtakam”, crying out to the wonderfully kind and merciful eternal Loving Pair, Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.

1) Radha is made of Krishna prema and Hari is made of Radha prema. In life or death, Radha-Krishna are my one and only eternal shelter!

2) Radha is Krishna’s treasure and Hari is Radha’s treasure. In life or death, Radha-Krishna are my one and only eternal shelter!

3) Radha pervades Krishna’s prana, and Hari pervades Priya’s prana. In life or death, Radha-Krishna are my one and only eternal shelter!

4) Radha is completely melted into Krishna, and Hari is completely melted into Radha. In life or death, Radha-Krishna are my one and only eternal shelter!

5) Radha is permanently within Krishna’s body, and Hari is permanently within Hari’s body. In life or death, Radha-Krishna are my one and only eternal shelter!

6) Radha is permanently is fixed in Krishna’s heart and Hari is fixed in Hers. In life or death, Radha-Krishna are my one and only eternal shelter!

7) Radha wears Shyam blue clothing, and Hari dons Radha golden clothes. In life or death, Radha-Krishna are my one and only eternal shelter!

8)  Radha is Vrndavaneshvari and Hari is Vrndavaneshvara. In life or death, Radha-Krishna are my one and only eternal shelter!

Jai Jai Radhe! Jai Jai Shyam! Jai Jai Sri Vrndavana Dham!