Chapter 41: Emotions Surging in Shri Radha-Krishna's Madhuri (Sweetness)

Krishna's irresistible attractiveness is as mysterious as it is compelling. Revered Bobo was absorbed in the dark god's flirtatious glances,curled locks and ineffable beauty cascading from the redness of His lips. She roamed in the groves and pastures of Vrindavan and was focused on the auspiciously cool lotus feet of the blue-hued god today.

Bobo Sang the Glories of Krishna's Lotus Feet

In a trance she sang,“Oh how tender, beautiful, captivating and mischievous are these feet. The auspicious lotus feet steal the sweetness and fragrance of hundreds of lotus clusters. The task of getting rid of worldly sorrows does not burden these holy feet. All the diseases and griefs of the mundane are destroyed by taking the name, reflecting and meditating on these pair of feet.The worst agony is being detached from them because of our karmas and is dispelled when one takes refuge in them."

How are these cool pair of feet, adorned with the fragrance of lotus clusters? Braj cowherdesses have fully relished their tenderness while others have sensed only a fragment of it.These feet have triumphed over the buds of kalpataru (one of the fabulous trees of Krishna's paradise that grants all wishes). And have looted the lotus forests as well.Being adorned with saffron is one of their distinctive qualities while the lotus clusters do not have this good fortune.

Lotuses Are Compared to Krishna's Feet

How can lotuses be compared to Krishna's feet. Just by being a shade of the lotus feet's loving tenderness the entire species were declared supreme among flowers.Whiffs of wind took a fragment of their fragrance and hid it in these lotus forests. Above all lotus flowers are rooted while the handsome god's lotus feet are considered the essence of all living beings.Dispelling the apathy of devotees, they make them spiritually conscious by bringing them close.

Krishna's Lotus Feet Take Cows for Grazing

Singing their glories during the emptiness of separation, Braj milkmaids raved that goddess Lakshmi resides in these lotus feet as take the soft-eyed cows for grazing. While propitiating these holy feet the forlorn maidens affirmed that they can relieve us of the pathos of longing. Other lotuses further inflame the anguish of separation.

The forests of Vrinda (forest area near Gokul where Krishna spent his childhood) have been marked with the capricious feet of Brajendra Kumar.

Tinkling Anklets on Dark-hued Krishna's Feet

The tinkling manjiras or anklets tug at our heart strings in the wilds of Braja, moving us with a delicious anguish. Adorned with saffron are Krishna's feet but first lets us make a prayer and pay homage to them.

These lyrical pair of feet are marked by the musky spots of Shri Lakshmi's bosom and strut around affectedly. The wilds of Vrinda abound with their spirited antics. When Krishna, the teasing paramour fixes a tryst with His consort Radhika and His beloveds, the dalliances are marked by His spirited feet.

Goddess Lakshmi

How did goddess Lakshmimi arrive in the idyllic pastures of Vrindavan?She is constantly pressing the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu (who is regarded as the preserver of the world during each period of its existence) in Vaikunth. It has been heard that She did penance in Billav Van for acquiring the gopikas' good fortune when she came to Braja. Lakshmi is none other than all the young girls of Braj while our beautiful Radhika Rani is their supreme deity.

This idyllic Vrindavan is famed the world over due to the majesty of Krishna's lotus feet. Positing them on their bosoms, the Braj beauties make use of them as they wish. And that is precisely why a love lorn maiden, finding Krishna after He had vanished, kept His lotus feet on her inflamed heart.

The cowherdesses secretly pour love on them while these capricious feet are fickle. Krishna's attentions like those of any other god are all encompassing and He flits from one gopi to another like a black bee.

Gopis Are Drawn to Krishna's Side

After the emptiness of Krishna's absence, the gopis casting off societal constraints move in a delicious anguish to His side. But this elusive and insistent paramour is construed as the ardent but often faithless lover of the love-struck soul. Krishna whom we seek is the most human of gods and is subject to all the foibles and fickleness of love which add despair to the delights of love. He roams as much as He returns and is not shy like the Braj beauties.

Lovingly Tender Blue-hued Feet of Krishna

Truly the lovingly tender blue-hued feet of Krishna are worth meditating upon. Soon after, worldly sorrows vanish. And if any realm exists it abounds with the spirited antics of these feet, where grief has no entry.The intertwining roles of godly love and human love can not be separated as the symbiosis of the searcher and the sought becomes a quickening relationship.

The lotus feet are worth questing for. Come let us go and have a look at their enchanting dalliance as they roam in the wilds of Braj.Oh this fragrance exuding in the narrow lane! Look at the Yamuna banks marked by the dark god's footprints. Well sakhis let us advance towards that nikunja shrine. What is this scent exuding from those creepers?Why is the earth thrilled by budding shoots.

Actually our Supreme Lover is busy dallying with His beloved. He has sensed our arrival. Are you listening to the sweet sound of His tinkling anklets? And soon after keeping the flute on His lips, and breathing into this breath of love, He is calling out to us.

Shri Radha is Drawn by Krishna's Body Fragrance

Following His footsteps and drawn by His body fragrance, Radha Rani is steeped in some nectarine sweetness.Come let us join the herd of Braj beauties and follow these footsteps into the nikunja, the sandy banks, market places, wells, forest wilds and bhavan where the spirited pair of feet are making merry.

Braj beauties searching for Him, stash these feet in the heart (where Krishna is ultimately found). I propitiate these holy feet of my favoured deity, Krishna, which grant fruition and are my very essence and soul.

Bhavas (love flowing towards the Lord) cascading from these lotus feet inflames our desire for union with the handsome Krishna. Moreover the spring breeze adds charm to the scene. Braj beauties can not resist the dark god's secret or sudden love out of their worlds of longing. 

Gopi Bhava

Steeped in the gopi bhava of sweet love and total commitment to Krishna, Bobo reached the heights of elation and ecstasy.

The Black Cuckoo

These days of spring abound with fragrantly delightful nights, swaying creepers, cry of the black cuckoo, chirping birds, open blue sky with the radiant moon and pastures of Braj decked with blooming flowers. Probably there could be a firm connection between the joys and abundance of spring and the Supreme Lover's dalliance with Radhika and the milkmaids of Braj.

Their roving eyes are focused on the blue-hued god. The young maidens are adulating Krishna and longing for a dalliance with the Supreme Lover. The ardent god like a capricious bee is drawn by the sweet beauty of these milkmaids as His lips quiver, eyes are flirtatious and limbs yearn for a dalliance.Whispering softly and tugging their hearts this Supreme Lover got busy and a charming amorous frolic began.

Krishna's Colours Shri Radha's Red Lips 

And yes a holi played with eyes-this lovable phaag or love play bursts forth now.The flirtatious god took out the gulal from His waistband and coloured the red lips of Priyaji... How tenderly teasing and mischievously spontaneous is this dark god.The milkmaids urged Priyaji to bathe Krishna in colour but the teasing paramour's eyes held Her spellbound and She kept holding on to the gulal. On the sakhis egging Her again Radha poured the attar on His head.No constraint impeded the young god's intense passion.

The bodily lustre spilling through His soaked yellow garments and the vanamala clinging to his broad chest were irresistibly attractive!The sakhis were enthralled by that...joyous abandon.

One does not know how much time passed. Soon after the enthused dalliance was controlled maybe due to fatigue. They made merry for some time and the Rasik Shekhar sang melodious songs which flowed in the bucolic groves.Midnight was about to get over and the sakhis got up to leave. Probably they had sensed that Radha-Krishna were desirous to engage in their most intimate transcendental exchange.

Enraptured on glimpsing Krishna and steeped in these bhavas, Bobo reached the heights of elation and ecstasy, a state of great good fortune.

The enthused exultation of spring gave Bobo respite and the merriment of holi impassioned her further. She yearned for the constant closeness of Priyaji and saw Her sweetly enraptured form.Delighted Bobo picked those pearls and stored them as deposits in her writings.  

 

Shri Radha, Live & Soul of the Sakhis

“ Vrasbhanu Nandini, Shri Radhika is seen as the deity, the life and soul of the sakhis. Some of them love Radha and Krishna equally while for other sakhis their entire focus is Radha.Their love for Radha stands supreme and they work accordingly. And she loves them more than Herself. So much so that the magnanimous Radhika lets them willful Krishna's desire for a loving relationship in a variety of ways.

Shri Radha's Lotus Feet Served by Snehadhika Sakhis

The lotus feet of Kishoriji are served by the Braj beauties' capricious eyes.These cowherdesses are not just inspired by the dasya bhava.Though servitude comes spontaneously in Radha snehadhika sakhis,. They are the Kirti Kumari's sakhis who are extremely dear to Her. Their primary concern over and above their own self interest, is Radhika's pleasure.Several times they act against her wishes and even if Radharani insists such a sakhi will not go to Krishna. This is perceived in a peculiar desire to only assist in the loving affairs of Radha and Krishna, rather than trying to develop their own relationship with Krishna Himself. Apart from Priyaji's joy they have no self interest, since the sakhis are Her kayavyuhas or replications .

Like capricious bees their eyes long to relish the lotus feet of their Svamini, immersed in various sorts of seva.They deck the beloved Radhika for taking Her to the hungry Supreme Lover, and at times summoning Krishna they take Him to the ardently longing Kishori for fixing a tryst. They are constantly humming close to the lotus feet-chatting spiritedly and at times spellbound they relish the amorous frolics of Priya-Priyatam. Blessed are these cowherdesses and extremely blessed are these pair of feet served by the beauties of Braj.

Chapter 40: Bobo's Emotions Arise in Shri Radha-Krishna's Madhuri (Sweetness)

Shringara rasa is considered the peak of human emotions.

Shri Krishna, the Sole Purusha & Shri Radha, His Hladini Shakti

Roop Goswami Paad has acclaimed Krishna as the sole purusha and the selfless love of Shri Radha, His hladini shakti and the gopis her replications, is said to be transcendental love of the highest order.

Everyone is a Nayika Searching for Krishna

Vrindavan rasa or even Braj rasa seems an attempt to bind romantic dalliances.When we completely accept the natural rush of feelings in the shringar rasa, then whether that romantic dalliance excels in the pastures of Vrindavan or in the wilds of Braj rasa it is the key to celebrating the love of Radha and Krishna and in doing so get a glimpse of one's transcendent self.As madhurya translates into ananda comes the realization that everyone is ultimately a nayika searching for Krishna.

Who has the competence to narrate tales of rasikas delighting in the joyous abandon of Vrindavan, where all seasons prevail at all times.Getting to know the wishes of Priya-Priyatam, their sequence changes according to the dalliance.

In tandem with the sakhis, the pleasant perceptions of summer tugged at Bobo's heart strings and she said,“The start of summer sows the seeds of new dalliances in the Yugal.Amorous frolics gush forth in such sweltering heat.

Supreme Lover Krishna Dallies with Beloved Radha & the Sakhis in Summer

At times such coolness is circulated on banks of the lake, in bucolic groves and creeper thickets posited on banks of the Kalindi that this handsome Rasika, enraptured Kishori and herds of beauties are delighted, similar to the joy of an autumnal dalliance and their fragrant bodies shiver with the cold. Bodies smeared with sandalwood,nikunjas smelling of fragrant flowers, the gushing waves of clean lakes-Oh! How delightfully charming is the cool scene of summer sports.”

Generally it is the sakhis who decorate the nikunja shrine, arrange for water sports and laying a bed of blossoms incite the Yugal's ardent longing. But romantic dalliance is not bound by any conventional norm.

“Today the Supreme Shiromani decked kunjas posited on the shore of Radha Kund. He lay out lotus petals on the path so that Kishoriji's tender feet would come prancing on that soft carpet. A cool weak breeze began to blow and the ambience was fragrant with lotus pollen. Nature is Krishna's follower and seeing His inclination ordains the scene accordingly. With fresh new lotus buds the Supreme Lover fabricated a bed and drew Priyaji with the melody of His flute, soon after. Priyaji arrived at Her beloved lake along with Lalita and other sakhis, maybe She was roaming nearby.

Shri Radha-Krishna Surrounded by Sakhis in a Nikunja

The footfalls of Kishoriji, tinkling anklets and merriment of sakhis indicated that they were coming. The Supreme Lover turned up at the nikunja's entrance. Priyaji adulated His expectant sweetness and was embarrassed.The blush of love flashed across the sakhis' faces as well.Dark-hued Krishna welcomed everyone lovingly and taking Priyaji got seated on the seat of flowers. Like overcast clouds the, sakhis surrounded this cloud-lightning and sat around them.

The flute had descended from His lips to the hands and insane on being relished by Krishna, it seemed to spring up.

The Flute Plays Between Radha-Krishna

This time when the Supreme Lover flung up the flute a bit, Priyaji bent to one side and caught it in Her tender hands, arousing Sis desire for an amorous frolic.He glanced at Priyaji with a side long glance as if to get approval and then posited the flute on His lips. It chirped when Priyatam breathed into this breath of love and at times Priyaji inspired it with Her charm.

Sakhis were thrilled by the flute play and soon after all the musical instruments presented themselves.

Sakhis Play the Vina, Mridang & Other Musical Instruments

Shri Lalita took up the vina, Shri Vishakhaji took up the mridang and the sakhis held other instruments. Their melodious sounds led to a particular raga abounding with a terrifying rush of love.

Bobo Absorbed in Shri Radha-Krishna's Secret Love

Absorbed in Radha-Krishna's secret and sudden love, Bobo reached the heights of elation and ecstasy.

And soon enough the pleasant cool wind of autumn glorified nature, making it insane. A fresh enthusiasm enchanted birds, trees swayed with passion and jostled the creepers. Nature in her most glorious state decked the love escapades and dallying nights of Radha-Krishna. 

 Moonbeams Bathe the Sandy Banks of Yamuna

Relishing their delicious divine play, Bobo said,“Arousing Braj beauties and creating a furore, the long awaited autumnal nights arrived in Vrindavan.The full moon smiled in the blue clear sky.Affectedly smiling, moon beams played hide and seek in kunjas-nikunjas.Trees and creepers rejoiced on being cleansed in that silvery lustre and budding flowers decked forest and groves.Bathing the sands of Yamuna, moonbeams were enchanting, the entire site glittered as if diamond dust had been scattered.

A fresh enthusiasm affected river Kalindi and hiding in those waves, the mischievous moon strutted around with spirited antics.The song of forest birds raving about Krishna resounded in that secluded site. And all of a sudden the chirping was quiet, the Yamuna's banks became silent-as if expecting someone.But this numbness abounded with irrepressible rejoicing and soon enough Braj maidens yearned for Krishna with an ardent longing. The year had passed somehow but these handful of days seemed like ages.

The trayodashi moon gleamed in the sky. An insane maiden cast her glance on it. Entranced she asked a question, and was startled on getting a reply, “The day after tomorrow." She was desirous to adulate the dark god who had answered. Not just one but all were intensely desirous of having Krishna's attention for themselves, being on fire with desire for the dark god.And soon after the chaturdashi moon snatched their patience and laughed in joyous abandon.Each gopi was engulfed by surges of exquisite desire to posses Krishna singularly and without cease.

Krishna Arrived at the Yamuna Banks With His Blute

And soon enough the night gently arrived with the full moon illuminating the earth. Cool whiffs of winds thrilled the kunjas-nikunjas. In such a captivating night or rather evening this ineffably beautiful Supreme Lover peeped from His window and dumbfounded watched the moon's grandeur. Holding His flute, He walked like a swaying elephant towards the Yamuna's banks where the river and sands had turned golden in the light of the moon.His breath of love, perched on His lips, Krishna sang melodiously and instantly reached His tearful pathetic friends, the gopis. Hearing the music they abruptly abandoned husbands, chilldren, calves, to rush to him.

With tenderness and teasing, mischief and spontaneity that Rasik Shekhar enflamed their longing.

The Maharas of Krishna & Gopis 

Soon after, Krishna commenced the rapturous dance of the Maharas. The forest area resounded with the gopis' tinkling anklets as they held hands with Krishna to complete a circle and broke into a dance that was their delight.”

An expert in keeping her sentiments secret, Bobo's enthused exultation could not be kept under check and tears of joy streamed down her cheeks. 

She said,”A delightful breeze is blowing today-giving someone's message and revealing some sweet moments. The darkness of evening is turning into pitch dark of the night.In joyous abandon the impassioned couple are roaming and dallying in some secluded nikunja-resonating with their constant love talk.

The dear sakhis finding them, hid in that kunja. And the Yugals' indistinct sweet talk thrilled their hearts.And when they longed to relish that religious rapture, this Supreme Lover yearned to caress impassioned Radha. It is just the start of night and this frolic will deepen with the advancing night.Who can possibly measure this terrifying rush of love.

A Gopi Churning Curd

 On an early morning,the sound of churning curd in every house of Braj tugged at Bobo's sentiments. Lost, she gives a live description,“ In the pleasant dawn, the sweet sound of Braj cowherdesses churning curd is ringing in every house, as gopis sing glories of the young Brajraj. Due to this, the peacefully sleeping dark-hued Krishna awakens since it is time to wake up. The sweet glow of love reveals the escapade as Radha-Krishna move into the mazes and mysteries of love. These sleepy eyes unveil the mystery and love pollen cascades from these huge eyes loaded with addictive sleep.

Shri Radha Rests Her Head on Krishna's Chest

Sakhis have a look! Who is this dazzling lightning on His left side? Oh it is our beloved beautiful Radhika.! Resting Her head on His wide chest, She is sleeping blissfully.Her impassioned state is reflected on the dark-hued Lover's face-radiant with the red languor of love. What is the fault of this handsome god? How can He wake up alert early in the morning but the churning of curd in every house awakens him.

Crazed sakhis have just woken up the handsome Yugal.Though they did not want to since Radha-Krishna had slept a short while ago. The sakhis stepped loudly and hence their anklets tinkled and bracelets sounded. But the sacred couple are in deep sleep today with lotus eyes closed and limbs fatigued.The infant sun wrapped in redness is rising in the sky, in a hurry to adulate their faces and go off for work.The birds strive to waken them with their constant singing.Cleverly hiding in trees and creepers, they have probably seen their romantic dalliance during the night and are more fortunate than the sakhis.

Enraptured Vishakha, Chitra, Rangini and some others are listening to this delighted discussion of the sakhis. Someone shook Lalita, “Lalita Bahen!Where are you lost today? Can't you see the young sun is rising and in a short while there will be crowds thronging the market place. It will get tough for Radha-Krishna to go to the bhavan. A sakhi got her vina and kept it in front. The sound of the lute reminded the Couple of their ardent longing, adulating each other and their amorous frolic. Its message made a smile play on their lips as if to conceal a love escapade.The sakhis did not want to disturb their impassioned state but there was no way out. They had to make Radha-Krishna fully conscious.

Sakhis Wake up Shri Radha-Krishna

With tinkling anklets amidst merriment and laughing in joyous abandon, they entered the nikunja. Stretching out, shyly and blinking their eyes repeatedly, the impassioned Yugal got up. Priyaji opened Her eyes again and saw sakhis surrounding Her.Whan sakhis caught Her stealthily looking at the Supreme Lover, sweetness gushed forth. Everyone's laughter startled them and the two became fully alert. Relishing their love play, the herd of sakhis were engrossed and the rush of love steeped them.

Shri Radha-Krishna are the Full Moon

The passionate reminiscences of Radha-Krishna enthused Bobo and she said, “Truly both of them are moons-full moons.But the sky's moon can not be equated with them since it can not be seen in the day and shines merely at night. It wanes after purnima and ultimately terminates on amavasya (last day of the dark fortnight of a lunar month) and waxes again.

But both these moons are radiant throughout the day plus night and there is not the slightest decline in their ineffable beauty.They are the beauteous moons who expiate the sins of their devotees, destroying pangs of envy. One attains immortality by savouring this lovely form of Radha-Krishna with energy and joyfulness and love.

The terrifying rush of love which invaded lovers and bhaktas is immortal today, their love-lorn voices sang verses and composed poetry which became eternal on filling our lives with inspiration and delight.

Ineffably beautiful, supremely auspicious, absolutely perfect are the son of Nanda and the darling daughter of Vrishbhanu Baba,Shri Radha Rani.Radha controls Krishna with Her love and that Mukund frees those seeking His refuge from all constraints while granting protection.

Shri Radha-Krishna Grant Salvation to Cart Demon Sakatsura

Shri Radha-Krishna do not delay in granting salvation to those harbouring hatred, and deliver even demons who attacked Gokul. Braj milkmaids are the ones who know of their beauteous form, fragrant limbs, spirited antics, romantic dalliances and loving tenderness.

Govind is the one who grants delight to all our senses.With tenderness and teasing, mischief and spontaneity He enflames our desires for union with Him. And He grants energy and joyfulness and love to those who meditate upon Him, take His name, and attend to His needs. Who can be superior to Him and our svamini Shri Radha  instantly offers Her devotees to Krishna, not bothering about their drawbacks. Perfect spiritual life is unattainable without Her grace.Those entreating for worldly pleasures are given their desired object, the Couple come running at the painful cry of the wretched, releasing them from pain.

Birds and deer stand still entranced on listening to their flute play. Calling out to them, patting them, giving seed with their lotus hands, Shri Radha-Krishna dote on them. Giving paternal affection to parents and gurus, stubbornly entreating for small favours, cuddled in their lap Radha-Krishna comfort them by making up silly tales.

Festivals are celebrated in joyous abandon in Braj. 'Nitutsav' is one of the epithets of Krishna.The idyllic pastures of Braj present the perfect ambience for a festival and fabricate its role.Many festivals are celebrated for no particular reason, being a charming medium to express one's enthused exultation.

Bobo saw and described a sakhi's crazed state, “Oh! A bride of Braj was doing shringar as she looked into the mirror preparing for that special moment.Raising her spirited eyes at times she would look around and comb her hair again while adding other adornments.Does an ardent longing ever go waste? Keenly waiting for Krishna's footfalls, she was moved by a delicious anguish to sense His arrival. 

 Krishna Teases a Sakhi Dressed in the Best of Finery

The dark-hued Krishna came in all of a sudden and keeping His hand on her shoulder teased, “Busy getting decked today! Where do you plan to go in the best of your finery?”

“How does it concern you? Is it proper to foray into a strange woman's house?Aren't you a bit wary of touching some one else's wife?She answered in a curtly brusque manner,

This Rasik Shekhar laughed joyously, “A woman married to another but yet in love with Krishna. Okay tell me the truth why this special adornment today?” She laughed unable to be rude to his winsome manner, 

“ I am going to Barsana-will you come along?” and laughed loudly. 

The son of Nanda's eyes gleamed with a strange shine, “Is it the truth? Take me along.” She clarified, “ 

How is it possible. There is a festival concerning ladies today- men can't join in.” He said it was not difficult and she confirmed it wasn't if He assumed the guise of a maiden.

She was thrilled to have Krishna's company en route and getting down at Bhanupur, holding His hands. When I reach the bhavan, Kishoriji will rush to me and inquire about the new sakhi. Strutting around affectedly I will answer and get His absolute closeness while journeying in the palki. And guess what she quickly decked the handsome god, cladding Him in dresses more beautiful than hers, adorning His limbs with ornaments.

Dark-hued Krishna Dressed up as a Gopi

And soon after Shyam had become Shyama.This greatly fortunate milkmaid of Braj took him along.The secret and sudden joy of that journey coupled with the enthusiasm of getting the desired gift was ethereal.

Amazingly this is precisely what happened when they reached Vrishbhanu Bhavan. Attended by Lalita and others, Kishori Radhika saw the new maiden coming along with that cowherdess, putting countless Ratis to shame. 

Coming close she inquired,“Sakhi! Whom have you got along today? Her body lustre and beams of her moonlike face are radiating through her delicate veil-who is this irresistible beauty?”

“ You are totally smitten by her beauty but if you listen to her song,"raving about the sakhi's singing skills, the maiden revealed,

 The singing began, eyes met eyes and the terrifying rush of love which exuded from this repository of beauty-was ecstatic.

Chapter 39: Emotions Escalated in Shri Radha-Krishna's Madhuri (Sweetness)

Lyrical Yamuna Flows in Ethereal Vrindavan

The lyrical Yamuna flows in ethereal Vrindavan which abounds with bucolic groves. Radha-Krishna dally here and are adored by Braj beauties.Steeping everyone in their terrifying rush of love, the Yugal invaded Bobo's heart.

Individual Soul Unites with Krishna, the Super Soul

Relishing their amorous frolics Bobo revealed, “But if His beloveds, representing souls in search of salvation, were hungry for the fulfillment of love, the dark-hued Krishna was hungry too because the very foundation of a religion of union is that the individual, partial and manifest self be joined with the universal, whole and unmanifest Self. Gopis' love is regarded as transcendental love of the highest order and being selfless is inherent in these milkmaids."

Cows Are Drawn by Krishna's Flute Play

At this end Bobo saw the dark-skinned Cowherd leaning against the trunk of a coral tree.The son of Nanda had posited the bamboo flute on His tender red lips.Its mellifluous sound resounded in the whole forest and cowherds were drawn by its melody.What is our lovable Kanhaiya singing, they wondered? Herds of cows heard the song and headed here. And as for these dishevelled Braj beauties, casting off their chores they moved in a delicious anguish to Krishna's side.Some with closed eyes and others without batting an eyelid relished His winsome manners.

Overwhelmed with these bhavas revered Bobo kept residing in Vrindavan.Today she had just sat down after doing shringar of Thakurji when she disclosed,“The dallying couple's beauty bloomed with a unique passion as of today.They looked fixedly with a yearning for greater ardour. Somehow during that sequence, the Yugal's tied hair broke free and tresses danced on their forehead as well as cheeks with joyous abandon. As is often the case, their strings of pearls broke in this amorous frolic.Beads of perspiration broke out on their smooth foreheads and seemed enchanting. Words can not express how their passion was calmed after reaching such heights of elation and ecstasy.

Revered Bobo was absorbed in relishing the sweet love of Radha-Krishna. Once she says,

Shri Radha-Krishna Dally Beneath a Cloudy Sky

“ It is not raining at this time but gathered clouds have overcast the sky. The condensed clouds are delightful being cool, smooth and water laden. The swaying and clinging foliage, and lightning' inflames Shri Radha-Krishna further, absorbing them in some new romantic dalliance. Hiding and appearing, the herd of sakhis are savouring this scene with their eyes,.

Immersing herself in this rush of love, a sakhi was spellbound. One fine day a sakhi saw her enraptured Kishori quietly stepping out of the nikunja. 

Smiling she held her hand and cleverly requested, “

The Impassioned State of Shri Radha-Krishna

I wish to see you in some secluded nikunja when Krishna has caught hold of your aanchal in spite of your repeatedly stopping Him. A moving glance soon invades Your large beautiful eyes which makes the Supreme Lover stoop to more mischief.When can I sight you in such an impassioned state?”

Priyaji knew that their mysterious love play had been watched by her.Revered Bobo was also steeped in this blissful experience.

The thought of some new maiden's alarmed mindset urged by loving sentiments, followed by her warm welcome to Vrindavan, where the god forever dwells, struck Bobo.

It was but natural for everyone, the community of sakhis, the herd of sakhas and the denizens to ask, “Who is this new arrival?” A milkmaid usually forays into the Supreme Lover's realm, to seek refuge in His passionate shade... appease their ardent longing. It is not an astonishing matter yet everyone asks, “Tell us who are you? From where have you come? What do you want and what is this dress up? Why are you roaming around here in a crazy dishevelled state?”

Enchanted by Supreme Lover Krishna, A New Sakhi Arrives in Vrindavan

These Braj beauties saw the dark-skinned cowherd, Krishna, adulating this enraptured maiden as He hid in some creeper thicket. They ran and accosted this enchanted maiden.She saw these scurrying milkmaids and raised her innocently longing eyes to behold dark Krishna, the colour of the condensed sky. Who is He whose name is prancing in her mind and soul-He is the very same Rasiya Kishore.It is certainly Him! How lovingly tender is His gaze, and a pleasant smile plays on His lips.Above all, His glance is fixed on me.

She stood spellbound. The sakhis came to nab Krishna and pointing towards her asked, “Who is this new addition? Why are you standing innocently like a simpleton and whom are you sporting with now? Whom have you forced to cast off household chores and worldly constraints during the fun filled, spontaneous and intensely passionate days of Holi and nights of autumnal passion?” 

Well when she heard the dark-hued lover's laughter the maiden blushed. 

The sakhis who are the zenith of spiritual awareness, left saying that they would come back to ask again, “And you better listen beer (term of address) you can't remain mum and must tell us about the escapade.” 

The embarassment of that thrilled beauty and the teasing paramour's elusive smile were winsome.

These cowherdesses with whom the handsome Rasika sported in His youth,are steeped in fresh rushes of Krishna's mysterious love and He gathers more rasa from them. This terrifying rush of love is ancient but ever new-it is here that there is constant basant (spring) with fresh whiffs of spring breeze and fragrance of lotus pollen everyday. Therefore absorbed in a pathos of longing, everyone asks such insane questions. And their Supreme Lover, appearing ignorant on purpose, dupes His sakhas to enjoy himself while dallying.

Shyama-Shyam Share an Eternal Bond

The bond of Shyama-Shyam is constant and eternal.We are a part of that sole Purusha, handsome Krishna.We have relished the delight of that undivided whole and related to Him since ages, being a part of His divine play.We are separated from our experienced Supreme Lover only because of difference in perception and worldly constraints. We have to move our mind from this whole land displaying Krishna's presence and power and focus it on the dark-hued god . The cycle of new and old is constantly in motion.

It was always tough to figure out the mindset of Bobo.Her innate humility was apparent as she greatly respected associates of all ages. In reality her perceptions were hidden to such an extent that her simply unaffected nature and the rush of love which gushed from every fiber of her being, the manifestation of assurances received from Priya-Priyata-remained the primary source of attraction towards her.

Revered Bobo(right) with Manohar Bhaiya

Great luminaries, saints and bhaktas were overwhelmed by her and drawn towards her sensitive perceptions, relishing the intimacy innate in her nature.

Chapter 38: Return to Vrindavan, Relishable Perceptions

 Shri Radha-Krishna Enjoy Themselves in the Forests of Vrindavan

 Protected by Vrinda Devi is Vrindavan.It is here that Radha-Krishna enjoy themselves in the wilds without the restraints of divinity.Aware of their wishes, Vrinda Devi is expert at creating the perfect pastoral setting and seasons for their romantic dalliance to unfold.

Well revered Bobo resided for a week in Giriraj and returned to Vrindavan. Relishing their rasa, she describes the impassioned state of Priya-Priyatam,“ What should the enraptured young couple do-they are not able to bear the garland of flowers. Both of them did not wear a necklace of jewels or diamonds today but of radiant laughter- and the joyous abandon could not be contained.Intoxicated by sighs of yearning, Kishoriji walks coquettishly.The sweetness of their fragrant limbs is a matter related to sight. Delighting the eyes... this is not an episode related to voice...or writing.

Beloved Radha's Eyes are Smitten by Krishna's Face

The imagined pleasures of an impassioned man and enraptured woman made both Shri Radha-Krishna desirous to relish the consummation of their love...And behold, finding Her shy longing incapable of stepping out of its embarrassed state...Priyaji raised Her eyes...which like a capricious bee focused on the face of Priyatam.Soon after Kishoriji, lowered them to know about Her Supreme Lover...And the passionate escapade was repeated as the Yugal moved into the mazes and mysteries of love.

The biting wind of the cold season blew freely, but its blast had no accessibility to nikunjas set on banks of the Yamuna. Amidst cold whiffs in such a delightful shrine, the handsome Yugal were immersed in their amorous frolic. The new moon could be seen smiling in a creeper thicket at one end. Seeing the irresistibly attractive form of Priyaji in that dim light, the passionate Supreme Lover was further aroused.

A little later He shook Radha out of Her reverie and She adulated Him with Her half shut eyes. Instantly moonbeams Bathed her body with their lustre. Who has the competence to understand Bobo's state of mind steeped in relishing the rasa of Radha-Krishna.

Revered Bobo was residing in Banke Bihari Colony in those days and it was her fortieth birthday.

Shaligram

In the evening Sarlaji and Santoshji fondly put bangles on her hand and made her wear the flower garland of their Shri Shaligramji.Bobo had abandoned the practice of wearing bangles right from childhood but insisting that other bahens wear this sign of wifehood,. Having great respect for Santosh Bahenji it was impossible to oppose her affectionate entreaty and she accepted it lovingly.

At night she kept the garland near her pillow, as she went off to sleep. Soon after,Bobo saw Shri Thakurji holding her left wrist and adorning it with His personal golden bracelet studded with various gems.Wide in the centre and narrowing down at both ends-it was was slightly big. Consequently Priyaji took Her slightly broader bracelet with a zone of small bells strung at both sides and made her wear it. Bobo was delighted.

The sweetness of the handsome Shyam's feet instinctively drew her and Bobo was absorbed in their charming tale:-

Lotus Thickets Offer Their Floral Fragrance  at Krishna's Feet

“His pair of lotus feet...Oh! How tender, beautiful and fragrant are they? All sorts of land and water lotuses competed with them and were defeated. But sakhi, the lotus thicket offered its entire Shri (splendid beauty) at Krishna's lotus feet, soon after.The lotus fragrance merging with the scent of His lotus feet is roaming delightedly in the whole of Vrindavan. 

Kamla Devi Resides in Krishna's Lotus Feet 

Kamla Devi (a title of goddess Lakshmi) Herself abandoned the padmalaya (lotus thicket) and began residing in these lotus feet.

Revered Bobo then saw the glowing red of Krishna's lotus hands, which made her heart pound. And her sentiments resounded in that impassioned state.

Krishna is the repository of madhurya and every limb of His is acclaimed as the paragon of sweetness. Have a look at His pair lotus hands which caress His bamboo flute's dried up frame with fondness and affectionate play, and make it the breath of love.

His Flute Drinks the Nectar of Krishna's Lips

What great act of merit hath this flute performed in consequence of which it is drinking the nectar from the lips of Krishna. Which art arranges for the play of an amorous frolic as these teasing pair of hands come up with a new stratagem every other day when Krishna places His tender fingers on the flute and raises them at times.

The charm of Krishna's lotus hands aroused His pair of arms, which turned into an ardent longing.

Braj beauties have bathed them with love and in turn those arms immerse these Braj maidens with their gush of affection and passion. Enflamed by some delicious anguish when this pair of arms embrace the desirable beauties, flood and ebb tides of love invade them.Sometimes an enraptured maiden steeps these arms with the love of her ardently longing heart. A terrifying rush of love gushes forth from both sides breaking through the embankments of romantic dalliances. 

 Krishna's Ineffable Beauty

Soon enough, on looking up a Braj maiden saw Krishna's ineffable beauty.The glory of Krishna's dark hued face, the colour of the condensed sky, was gathering and looting the spirited Shri. Violating all the norms of eloquence is the beauty...of Krishna's face which is irresistibly attractive with an attractiveness as mysterious as it is compelling.

Who is pouring His madhurima or sweetness on my heart, pointing at some spirited dalliance with His mischievous feet...putting the lotus thicket to shame, the refuge site of Padma (title of goddess Laxmi)... tickling the flute with His lotus hands, the fabricator of an amorous frolic...with arms which are recipient of the Braj beauties' pampering... inflaming the heart with His face's madhuri or sweetness...who is this ineffably beautiful Kishor? Is He jolting me...making me helpless...? Oh my inner core is swooning with His addictive beauty...what should I do? Where should I go...?Ask whom...?

Reaching the heights of elation and ecstasy, Bobo was escalating the glory of Vrindavan.At times her rapture would transform into a particular meditation and her delight was shadowed by a certain mudra.

Bobo Lost in a Trance

All these would certainly indicate a kind of silence and make her lost in a reverie.At times her inkling to remain quiet would make her extremely serious and she would take a vow of silence.

She got an indication from Priya-Priyatam beforehand and became serene. At times she would not feel like talking to anyone. Many a time she would do shringar of the Yugal (Radha-Krishna) and long to sit in the proximity of Shri Yamunaji.The presence of her own people whom she gave full respect did not seem joyous to her and she was not keen to talk to them at times. Due to God' s stimuli she would go into a concentrated internal practice of imaginative recollection to remain in the closeness of Shyama-Shyam.She would only talk of their countless legends, thoughts, a yearning for the joy of Radha-Krishna's proximity would tug at her heart strings.