Seeing Your Self as Manjari

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

#ManjariBhava #GopiBhava #ManjariMeditations #VrajaGopis #Radha-Krishna

After becoming established in one’s siddha svarupa by the mercy of Sri Guru and Sri Krishna, a sadhaka will contemplate his/her personal form, qualities and seva while mentally remembering and serving within Radha-Madhava’s asta-kaliya-lila.

The following passages, taken from Prabodhananda Sarasvatipada’s Vrindavana Mahimamrita, which describe a manjari’s form, feelings, movements and services are very helpful in deepening and culturing the personna of a maidservant of Srimati Radharani.

By reading these, one will see how dynamic, beautiful and exciting it will be when one attains prema, and enters Radha-Krishna pastimes to lovingly serve Them eternally in one’s siddha svarupa as Radhika’s kinkari.

[ed. The young girls (12-13 yrs) who personally and very intimately serve Srimati Radharani are called Radha’s dasis, kinkaris, manjaris or simply maidservants. The following description is generic and refers to “You” or anyone among the unlimited hand maidens of Srimati Radhika.]

Read these passages very deeply while thinking: “This is the REAL ME, the ETERNAL ME and the EVER BLISSFUL ME!” Try to think of your eternal, individual, transcendental, sac-cid-ananda siddha svarupa as being like this…

“One manjari has a glistening, pleasing golden complexion and she abounds in honey sweetness. She is a fresh maiden adorned with jeweled necklaces and multicolored blouses.

Her arms are beautifully shaped like lotus stems and glorified with bracelets and jeweled armlets. Like a dangling vine, the manjari’s hair braid hangs down to her captivating buttocks, and its swinging movements enhance her beauty.

Radhika’s kinkari (manjari) has an enchantingly thin waist. A divine silk garment with artistic folds hangs down to her ankles. A fine cloth embroidered with flowers and leaves covers her hair and sides of her face.

A sweet shy smile plays upon her reddish lips. Her glances are light and playful, and her movements are extremely attractive. The amorous affairs of Radha-Madhava Yugala always excite her pure tender heart.

Among a manjari’s unlimited good qualities, humility and sweet behavior are foremost.Having been taught by Radharani herself, the manjariis expert in all arts.

Sri Radha’s manjaris are especially attractive due to wearing the Playful Pair’s prasadi malas, clothes and ornaments. They also relish Radha and Krishna’s prasadi pan and betel nut. The expert manjari immediately knows what Radha wants just by a hint or a glance. Radha and Krishna are always very affectionate to Their manjaris.

She carries whatever is needed i.e. scents, water, cosmetics etc. for Radhe-Shyama’s nightly meetings. Radhika’s kinkari constantly tastes the madhura rasa arising from Sri Radha’s beautiful form, qualities and pastimes. By remembering Radhika’s intimate affairs with Shyama a manjari remains forever thrilled.

A manjari’s intense loving affection for Radharani keeps her continually submerged in a ocean of happiness. In all times, whether awake, dreaming or deeply asleep, Radha’s manjari desires nothing but Radha’s seva. A Radha kinkari knows nothing but Sri Radha sweet lotus feet.

As rivers rush to the sea, a manjari will run toward anything even remotely connected with Radha. A manjari will practically die if even a moment passes without Radha. As a shadow follows an object, Radhika’s kinkari are always beside Sri Radha throughout the day and night. A manjari’s deep attachment to Radha immerses her in the boundless ocean of ecstatic love for Radha.

Sometimes when Srimati enjoys with Priyatama in a keli-kunja, Radha pulls the manjari onto the flower bed and under the sheets with Her. Ah ha! Just see the intimacy of these most fortunate Radha manjaris!

Not only the universe but even Shiva and Ananta Sesha are astonished by the spectacular beauty of Radha’s foot maidens, the manjaris. Tasting the sevananda, the manjari often horripilates in ecstasy. The manjari’s bodily luster and loveliness are enchanting to everyone as she moves from place to place in her anxiety to nicely serve Radha.

The bodily effulgence of Radha’s kinkaris beautifies and enriches all ten directions. When she is privy to Priya-Priyatama’s secret love talks, the manjari feels the utmost happiness and satisfaction. The soothing, nectar-sweet words flowing from the lotus mouth of Srimati Radhika continually dance in waves of joy in the hearts of Hermanjaris. (Vrindavana Mahimamrta 8.17-42)

Sri Radha’s manjariki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe! Manjari Bhava Upasana ki jai! Sri Guru ki jai!