2009 Sharad Poornima
Philosophy
Why Worship Shri Radha?Who is Shri Radha? and Why worship Her?
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Philosophy
Who is greater - Radha OR Krishna ?A taste of divine bantering
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Kids Story
Promise in the "Name of Ram" |
Philosophy
वंदे वृन्दावनानंदां राधिकां परमेश्वरीम्।
गोपिकां परमां शुद्धा ह्लादिनी शक्तिरूपिणीम्॥ |
vaṃde vṛndāvanānaṃdāṃ rādhikāṃ parameśvarīm।
gopikāṃ paramāṃ śuddhā hlādinī śaktirūpiṇīm॥ |
Shri Radha the love-potency of Shri Krishna, descended on this planet at the end of Dwapar yuga in the month of August. She blessed Vrishbhanu [1], the King of Barsana (a village of Mathura City in U.P. India) and Mother Kirti as Her parents. Shri Radha is the Supreme entity. There is none beyond Her. Once some God realized Brahm Gyanis asked
कः परमो देवः कुतो मृत्योर्भवेति कस्य ज्ञानेनाखिलं विज्ञातं भवति ।
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kaḥ paramo devaḥ kuto mṛtyorbhaveti kasya jñānenākhilaṃ vijñātaṃ bhavati ।
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“Who is that Supreme Brahm, knowing whom bestows the complete knowledge of everything?"
The Vedas replied –
The Vedas replied –
कृष्णो ह वै पर्मं दैवतं गोविन्दान्मृत्युर्विभेति ।
गोपिजनवल्लभज्ञानेन तज्ज्ञातं भवति । तस्मात्कृष्ण एव परो देवस्तंध्यायेत् तं रसयेत् तं भजेत्॥ |
kṛṣṇo ha vai parmaṃ daivataṃ govindānmṛtyurvibheti ।
gopijanavallabhajñānena tajjñātaṃ bhavati । tasmātkṛṣṇa eva paro devastaṃdhyāyet taṃ rasayet taṃ bhajet॥ |
"Shri Krishna is the Supreme Brahm. Even death fears Him. By knowing Him, an individual soul acquires the absolute knowledge of everything."
ब्रह्मवादिनो वदन्ति कस्मात् राधिकामुपासते ।
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brahmavādino vadanti kasmāt। rādhikāmupāsate ।
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"Then why should we worship Shri Radha? Who is Shri Radha?"
The Vedas reply -
The Vedas reply -
कृष्णेन आराध्यते इति राधा ।
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kṛṣṇena ārādhyate iti rādhā ।
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"The One, Who is worshipped even by the Supreme God Shri Krishna, is Shri Radha."
यस्यारेणुं पादयो विश्वभर्ता धरते मूर्ध्नि ।
यस्या अगम्यताम्। श्रुतयो वदन्ति । सांशा कमला शैलपुत्री तां राधिकां शक्तिधात्रीं नमामः । अथर्व. राधिकोपनिषद्. |
yasyāreṇuṃ pādayo viśvabhartā dharate mūrdhni ।
yasyā agamyatām। śrutayo vadanti । sāṃśā kamalā śailaputrī tāṃ rādhikāṃ śaktidhātrīṃ namāmaḥ । atharva. rādhikopaniṣad. |
"Shri Radha is that Superior most personality for whom Vedas proclaim that they - 'The Vedas' cannot comprehend Her. Her foot dust is adored by the Supreme Lord Shri Krishna.
The sovereign divine Goddesses Uma, Rama and Brahmani are the embodiment of just one power of Shri Radha. We offer millions of obeisance to that Supreme power known as Shri Radha."
Again the Vedas say-
Again the Vedas say-
अनादिरयं पुरुष एक एवास्ति ।
तदेव रूपं द्विधा विधाय समाराधनतत्परोऽभूत् । तस्मात् तां राधां रसिकानन्दां वेदविदो वदन्ति ॥ सामरहस्योपनिषद् |
anādirayaṃ puruṣa eka evāsti ।
tadeva rūpaṃ dvidhā vidhāya samārādhanatatparo'bhūt । tasmāt tāṃ rādhāṃ rasikānandāṃ vedavido vadanti ॥ sāmarahasyopaniṣad |
"There is only One Eternal Lord of the Universe. The same Supreme God revealed Himself in two forms and engaged in appropriate adoration. That is why Shri Radha, the only object of His worship, is revered by God realized souls". Shri Krishna Himself says for Her-
गेहे राधा वने राधा राधिका भोजने गतौ, रात्रौ राधा दिवा राधा राधैवाराध्यते मया ।
ब्रह्मांड पुराण |
gehe rādhā vane rādhā rādhikā bhojane gatau, rātrau rādhā divā rādhā rādhaivārādhyate mayā ।
brahmāṃḍa purāṇa |
राधापुरा पश्चिमतश्च राधा, राधाधिसव्यमथ दक्षिणतश्च राधा ।
राधा खलु क्षितितले गगने च राधा, राधामयी किल बभूव कुतस्त्रिलोकी ॥ ब्र वै पु |
rādhāpurā paścimataśca rādhā, rādhādhisavyamatha dakṣiṇataśca rādhā ।
rādhā khalu kṣititale gagane ca rādhā, rādhāmayī kila babhūva kutastrilokī ॥ bra vai pu |
“Shri Krishna says I perceive Shri Radha alone, in each and every particle of the entire world.”
Let us reflect further on the personality of Shri Radha. Shri Krishna has infinite powers. Those powers can be divided into 3 primary powers. Chit shakti, Jeev shakti and Maya shakti. In this world whereever you see anything sentient, that is part of Jeev shakti and all insentient is the revelation of Maya. Chit shakti is one that reveals the true nature of God. Just like the nature of water is to wet and the nature of fire is to manifest light and heat, just the same way, the true nature (स्वरूप) of God is Bliss (आनंद). Sat (सत्) meaning Sentient and Chit (चित्) meaning Knowledge are two adjectives of Anand (आनंद). That is why God is referred to as Sachidanand i.e Anand that is eternally sentient, personified and full of knowledge.
The essence of Anand is Hladini Shakti (Power of Bliss). By the power of Hladini Shakti, God remains full of bliss, all the times, in all situations. We, the material beings with a family of merely 4-5 people remain tensed and stressed about some matter or the other. God on the other hand has an infinitely large family consisting of uncountable children and hardly any of them listen to and obey Him. Still He is always blissful. This is due to the power of Hladini Shakti. By the grace of this power, God bestows bliss on his devotees and experiences His own bliss through them. Owing to His special power Hladini Shakti, He becomes the object of bliss (आस्वद्य) and also enjoyer of divine bliss (आस्वादक).
The essence of this Hladini Shakti is Love. Love is a divine entity and cannot be found in worldly objects. What is found in this world is attachment to material beings and objects and accomplishment of material desires. True Love is an exclusive desire of unselfish love towards Shri Krishn. Such Love is bestowed on rare fortunate souls by the grace of a Saint who has already attained that Love.
Based on its depth and intensity, Love can be divided into 8 levels - Prem, Sneh, Maan, Pranay, Raag, Anurag, Bhaavesh and Mahabhav, each one being greater in magnitude than the previous one.
All powers of God are sentient and personified. All powers (शक्ति) naturally remain under the control of the source of power (शक्तिमान). But the power of Love is so strange that it does not remain under the control of its Almighty Master, rather it controls its master God Himself. As stated earlier the first stage of the commencement of true divine love is Prem. When someone attains even this level of Love (Prem), God gets enslaved by that fortunate devotee so much so, that He says that “I walk behind my devotee like a servant, in the anticipation of purifying myself by their foot dust falling on my head.”
Let us reflect further on the personality of Shri Radha. Shri Krishna has infinite powers. Those powers can be divided into 3 primary powers. Chit shakti, Jeev shakti and Maya shakti. In this world whereever you see anything sentient, that is part of Jeev shakti and all insentient is the revelation of Maya. Chit shakti is one that reveals the true nature of God. Just like the nature of water is to wet and the nature of fire is to manifest light and heat, just the same way, the true nature (स्वरूप) of God is Bliss (आनंद). Sat (सत्) meaning Sentient and Chit (चित्) meaning Knowledge are two adjectives of Anand (आनंद). That is why God is referred to as Sachidanand i.e Anand that is eternally sentient, personified and full of knowledge.
The essence of Anand is Hladini Shakti (Power of Bliss). By the power of Hladini Shakti, God remains full of bliss, all the times, in all situations. We, the material beings with a family of merely 4-5 people remain tensed and stressed about some matter or the other. God on the other hand has an infinitely large family consisting of uncountable children and hardly any of them listen to and obey Him. Still He is always blissful. This is due to the power of Hladini Shakti. By the grace of this power, God bestows bliss on his devotees and experiences His own bliss through them. Owing to His special power Hladini Shakti, He becomes the object of bliss (आस्वद्य) and also enjoyer of divine bliss (आस्वादक).
The essence of this Hladini Shakti is Love. Love is a divine entity and cannot be found in worldly objects. What is found in this world is attachment to material beings and objects and accomplishment of material desires. True Love is an exclusive desire of unselfish love towards Shri Krishn. Such Love is bestowed on rare fortunate souls by the grace of a Saint who has already attained that Love.
Based on its depth and intensity, Love can be divided into 8 levels - Prem, Sneh, Maan, Pranay, Raag, Anurag, Bhaavesh and Mahabhav, each one being greater in magnitude than the previous one.
All powers of God are sentient and personified. All powers (शक्ति) naturally remain under the control of the source of power (शक्तिमान). But the power of Love is so strange that it does not remain under the control of its Almighty Master, rather it controls its master God Himself. As stated earlier the first stage of the commencement of true divine love is Prem. When someone attains even this level of Love (Prem), God gets enslaved by that fortunate devotee so much so, that He says that “I walk behind my devotee like a servant, in the anticipation of purifying myself by their foot dust falling on my head.”
अनुव्रजाम्यहं नित्यं पूयेयेत्यङ्घ्रिरेणुभि: ॥
भा 11.14.16 |
anuvrajāmyahaṃ nityaṃ pūyeyetyaṅghrireṇubhi: ॥
bhā 11.14.16 |
Then who can describe the bliss of those devotees, who have reached higher levels of Sneh, Maan, Pranay, Raag, Anurag, Bhaavesh and Mahabhav!
There are two types of Mahabhav Roodh (रूढ़ भाव) and Adhiroodh (अधिरूढ़ भाव). Roodh Mahabhav can only be found in the Gopis of Braj. It is for these fortunate Gopis, that the Bhagavat says
एता: परं तनुभृतो भुवि गोपवध्वो गोविन्द एव निखिलात्मनि रूढभावा: ।
भा 10.47.58 |
etā: paraṃ tanubhṛto bhuvi gopavadhvo govinda eva nikhilātmani rūḍhabhāvā: ।
bhā 10.47.58 |
Blessed are those Gopis who have Roodh Mahabhav towards Shri Krishna-the master of all creations. At this level of love there is no trace of selfishness or the desire of self happiness. Even Rukmini, the wife consort of Shri Krishna and incarnation of Goddess Mahalaxmi, could not attain that state. She could only reach up to the sixth stage of Anurag. The Gopis, who reached up to Mahabhav had no desires except that of pleasing Shri Radha Krishna. They were oblivious to their own happiness and comfort.
Chaitanya mahaprabhu says,
Chaitanya mahaprabhu says,
स्वसुख वांछा न हे गोपिकार ।
कृष्ण सुख हेतु करे संगम विहार ॥ ह्लादिनी सार प्रेम, प्रेम सार भाव । भावेर पराकाष्ठा नाम महाभाव । महाभावस्वरूपा श्री राधा ठकुरानी । सर्वगुणखानी कृष्ण-कान्ता शिरोमणि ॥ श्री चै चरितामृत 1.4.59-60 |
svasukha vāṃchā na he gopikāra ।
kṛṣṇa sukha hetu kare saṃgama vihāra ॥ hlādinī sāra prema, prema sāra bhāva । bhāvera parākāṣṭhā nāma mahābhāva । mahābhāvasvarūpā śrī rādhā ṭhakurānī । sarvaguṇakhānī kṛṣṇa-kāntā śiromaṇi ॥ śrī cai caritāmṛta 1.4.59-60 |
Adhiroorh Mahaabhaav is superior to Roodh Mahabhav. Roodh Mahabhav is of two types - Modan and Madan. In Sanskrit grammar there is a verb ‘mud’ (मुद्), which means joy. Origin of the word 'Modan' is this verb mud and thus the meaning of the word ‘Modan’ is Epitome of happiness. When Modan Mahabhav manifests, all 8 symptoms of Love (Sattvik Bhav) manifest in the body of the devotee. There are 8 symptoms of Love called asht sattvik bhav. They are: 1.Physical Stiffness like a pillar (स्तम्भ); 2.Sweating (स्वेद); 3. standing of body-hair out of ecstasy or extreme joy (रोमांच); 4. Change of voice (स्वर भेद); 5. Quivering (वैपथु); 6. Change of complexion (वैवर्ण); 7. Tears (अश्रु); 8. Swooning (प्रलय).
Sometimes these signs appear and disappear frequently. In that case they are called ‘Dhoomaayit (धूमायित) Satvik Bhav'. In the state of ecstasy, when 2-3 Saatvik bhav can be seen continuously, it is called 'Jwalit (ज्वलित) Saatvik bhav'. when 3-4 Saatvik bhav can be continuously seen then they are called 'Deept (दीप्त) Saatvik bhav'. Revelation of 5-6 Saatvik bhav are called 'Uddeept (उद्दीप्त) Saatvik bhav'. Revelation of all the 8 Saatvik bhav is called 'Sudeept (सूद्दीप्त) Saatvik bhav'. All 8 Saatvik Bhav are revealed only in the Divine body of Shri Radha.
In the state of Modan Mahabhav both Shri Radha and Krishna get thoroughly drenched in the unlimited ocean of Divine Love. Modan Mahabhav can be found in Shri Radha, Krishna and her 8 intimate friends (Ashta Maha Sakhi) namely Lalita, Vishakha, Chitra, Champaklata, Rangdevi, Sudevi, Tungvidya and Indulekha, only by the grace of Shri Radha.
The same Modan Mahabhav turns into more obscure form in separation and that state of ecstasy is called Mohan Mahabhav. In this incomprehensible state of love the 8 sattvik bhav disappear and only the feeling of separation stays. This feeling is so strong that even in presence of beloved Shri Krishna, Shri Radha experiences unbearable pangs of separation.
Above and beyond all these stages of love, is Madan Mahabhav. In this state of divine love, there is no trace of separation. In this state, there is a strange ecstasy of intoxication (उन्मत्तावस्था). From Rati to Mahabhav all stages of ecstasy appear in full bloom in this stage. Madan Mahabhav appears only in Shri Radha. Gopis can go to Roodh, Shri Krishna and MahaSakhis can go to Adhiroodh, but only Shri Radha can go to Madan Mahabhav. This state is perpetual in Shri Radha. Sometimes She reveals this state and sometimes She hides it in Her Being. In other words, it can be said that Shri Radha is the embodiment of Madan Mahabhav. Roop Goswami says
Sometimes these signs appear and disappear frequently. In that case they are called ‘Dhoomaayit (धूमायित) Satvik Bhav'. In the state of ecstasy, when 2-3 Saatvik bhav can be seen continuously, it is called 'Jwalit (ज्वलित) Saatvik bhav'. when 3-4 Saatvik bhav can be continuously seen then they are called 'Deept (दीप्त) Saatvik bhav'. Revelation of 5-6 Saatvik bhav are called 'Uddeept (उद्दीप्त) Saatvik bhav'. Revelation of all the 8 Saatvik bhav is called 'Sudeept (सूद्दीप्त) Saatvik bhav'. All 8 Saatvik Bhav are revealed only in the Divine body of Shri Radha.
In the state of Modan Mahabhav both Shri Radha and Krishna get thoroughly drenched in the unlimited ocean of Divine Love. Modan Mahabhav can be found in Shri Radha, Krishna and her 8 intimate friends (Ashta Maha Sakhi) namely Lalita, Vishakha, Chitra, Champaklata, Rangdevi, Sudevi, Tungvidya and Indulekha, only by the grace of Shri Radha.
The same Modan Mahabhav turns into more obscure form in separation and that state of ecstasy is called Mohan Mahabhav. In this incomprehensible state of love the 8 sattvik bhav disappear and only the feeling of separation stays. This feeling is so strong that even in presence of beloved Shri Krishna, Shri Radha experiences unbearable pangs of separation.
Above and beyond all these stages of love, is Madan Mahabhav. In this state of divine love, there is no trace of separation. In this state, there is a strange ecstasy of intoxication (उन्मत्तावस्था). From Rati to Mahabhav all stages of ecstasy appear in full bloom in this stage. Madan Mahabhav appears only in Shri Radha. Gopis can go to Roodh, Shri Krishna and MahaSakhis can go to Adhiroodh, but only Shri Radha can go to Madan Mahabhav. This state is perpetual in Shri Radha. Sometimes She reveals this state and sometimes She hides it in Her Being. In other words, it can be said that Shri Radha is the embodiment of Madan Mahabhav. Roop Goswami says
सर्वभावोद्रगमोल्लासी मादनोऽयं परत्परः ।
राजते ह्लादिनी सारो राधायामेव सर्वदा ॥ उज्जवल नीलमणि स्थायी भाव 113 |
sarvabhāvodragamollāsī mādano'yaṃ paratparaḥ ।
rājate hlādinī sāro rādhāyāmeva sarvadā ॥ ujjavala nīlamaṇi sthāyī bhāva 113 |
Some wonder that if Shri Radha is a power of Shri Krishna, then why does Shri Krishna not attain the state that Shri Radha does?
Let us reflect on this vital point of misapprehension. Per Sanskrit grammar there are two interpretations of the word Radha- "one who worships Shri Krishna" and "the one who is worshipped by Shri Krishna ". Still the fact remains that Shri Radha and Shri Krishna are not two different entities. As Radha Tapneeyopnishat says -
ये यं राधा यश्च कृष्णो रसाब्धिर्देहेनैक: क्रीडनार्थं द्विधाभूत्
राधातापनीयोपनिषद् |
ye yaṃ rādhā yaśca kṛṣṇo rasābdhirdehenaika: krīḍanārthaṃ dvidhābhūt
rādhātāpanīyopaniṣad |
ममैव पौरुषं रूपं गोपिका जन मोहनम्।
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mamaiva pauruṣaṃ rūpaṃ gopikā jana mohanam।
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Shri Radha also says, Shri Krishna is My male form.
यथा ब्रह्मस्वरूपश्च श्रीकृष्णः प्रकृतेः परः। तथा ब्रह्मस्वरूपा च निर्लिप्ता प्रकृतेः परः।
ना. पां |
yathā brahmasvarūpaśca śrīkṛṣṇaḥ prakṛteḥ paraḥ। tathā brahmasvarūpā ca nirliptā prakṛteḥ paraḥ।
nā. pāṃ |
All these verses proclaim that Radha and Krishna are one and the same entity. But He revealed Himself in two forms as male and female to play amorously to manifest the real form and ideology of true Love .
The power of love (प्रेमा शक्ति) is the most important amongst the other innumerous divine powers of God. The essence of this power is Mahabhav and the highest state of Mahabhav is Madan Mahabhav. And Radha Rani is an embodiment of Madan Mahabhav. So Radha Rani is a power of Shri Krishna. Power and the master of power cannot be separated from each other. But to perform a leela and to teach the practical form of divine love, He appeared in two forms. Thus Radha and Krishna are absolutely one entity. But just to exhibit the highest love – pastimes of ‘Madhurya Bhav’ for the benefit, and pleasure of His devotees He had to reveal Himself in male and female forms. The female form of Shri Krishna is Shri Radha. He worshipped Shri Radha and Shri Radha worshipped Shri Krishna to show how selfless the real love is.
The power of love (प्रेमा शक्ति) is the most important amongst the other innumerous divine powers of God. The essence of this power is Mahabhav and the highest state of Mahabhav is Madan Mahabhav. And Radha Rani is an embodiment of Madan Mahabhav. So Radha Rani is a power of Shri Krishna. Power and the master of power cannot be separated from each other. But to perform a leela and to teach the practical form of divine love, He appeared in two forms. Thus Radha and Krishna are absolutely one entity. But just to exhibit the highest love – pastimes of ‘Madhurya Bhav’ for the benefit, and pleasure of His devotees He had to reveal Himself in male and female forms. The female form of Shri Krishna is Shri Radha. He worshipped Shri Radha and Shri Radha worshipped Shri Krishna to show how selfless the real love is.
Since “bhav” has been used several times in this article, let us understand its true meaning. The state of true love is called bhav. In this stage one has to forget about everything except one concept that "I have to please my beloved". One does not worry about sin or virtue, fame or notoriety, good or bad etc. One's exclusive goal of life is to please beloved Shyam Sundar. This kind of selfless love is called bhav.
Love is His power. But when He reveals His power of love in the form of Radha, then all qualities of love go into Shri Radha. Highest quality of love is Madanakhya Mahabhav (मादनाख्य महाभाव). And because Shri Radha is its embodiment, He cannot reach there, even though He is the master of all powers. When He does not reveal Shri Radha then power resides inside Him. When Shri Radha appears in a separate form, all these characteristics of Shri Radha appear only in Her. At that time those unique attributes are not present in Him. Just like Anand is God i.e. there is no other happiness anywhere else. When we say prem then the highest expression of Divine Love is Shri Radha. Then why do we consider Shri Radha separate from Shri Krishna?
When you wish to understand the depth of this abstruse philosophy of love, then you have to surrender to a saint of that caliber. Only one, who has achieved at least the state of love of Gopis, can grant this knowledge. One who has not attained it cannot give it either. A guru can only grant the love equal to or lesser than what he has already attained.
Love is His power. But when He reveals His power of love in the form of Radha, then all qualities of love go into Shri Radha. Highest quality of love is Madanakhya Mahabhav (मादनाख्य महाभाव). And because Shri Radha is its embodiment, He cannot reach there, even though He is the master of all powers. When He does not reveal Shri Radha then power resides inside Him. When Shri Radha appears in a separate form, all these characteristics of Shri Radha appear only in Her. At that time those unique attributes are not present in Him. Just like Anand is God i.e. there is no other happiness anywhere else. When we say prem then the highest expression of Divine Love is Shri Radha. Then why do we consider Shri Radha separate from Shri Krishna?
When you wish to understand the depth of this abstruse philosophy of love, then you have to surrender to a saint of that caliber. Only one, who has achieved at least the state of love of Gopis, can grant this knowledge. One who has not attained it cannot give it either. A guru can only grant the love equal to or lesser than what he has already attained.
Kripalu Leelamritam
Shri Radha and Shri Krishna are two names and forms of the same Supreme Divine Personality. They descended on Earth in two separate forms to spread the message of Divine Love and to practically demonstrate - What is love and How should one love? During the period of their descension, They performed numerous Divine pastimes. This is an episode of one of those pastimes of the Divine couple.
One day Shri Radha Rani’s friends and Shri Krishna's friends engaged in a joyful play to prove their party's supremacy over the other. They started presenting logical explanations and reasoning to prove Their supremacy. As part of this fascinating play, one of Shri Radha Rani's ardent admirers questioned, “What is the point of this debate, when the supremacy of Shri Radha Rani is proven without doubt?”
Shri Krishna's friends were shocked to hear that remark. They demanded to know - How and Why?
The crest jewel of Rasiks, Shri Kripalu Ji asked an undisputable question on behalf of that Gopi -
KITA VRISHBHANU BHOOP KI BETI, KITA GOKUL GOKUL BANCHARI
"How can daughter of Vishbhanu be compared to a cowherd who roams around in forests of Gokul?"
What is the name of Shri Radha's father? King Shri Vrishbhanu.
What is the name of Shri Krishna's father - Vasudev or Nand? Scriptures say that He has two fathers and refer to Him as Vasudevnandan (son of Vasudev) and Nandnandan (son of Nand). How can one have two fathers? If a person's father's identity is suspect - it implies that He may be an illegitimate child !
What is the name of Shri Radha's mother? Kirti Maiya.
What is the name of Shri Krishna's mother? Again all scriptures call Him Devakilalan (son of Devaki) and Yasodalalan (son of Yashoda). It is possible that the identity of one's father may not be known, but how can the identity of one's mother not be known! A child can only be born to one mother. It is not possible to have half a body being formed in one mother's womb and the other half in the other's. However, since all scriptures call Him son of both Devaki and Yashoda, His mother's identity is also suspect!
Furthermore, Shri Radha is a princess and lives in a magnificent palace, while Shri Krishna is a cowherd, who roams from jungle to jungle with His herd of cows. There is no comparison between a cowherd and an elegant princess!
Regarding Shri Radha's adornments, jewelery and personality-
Compare Their habiliment now. Shri Radha wears a beautiful gold crown, studded with precious jewels while Shri Krishna wears a crown of peacock-feathers!
Shri Radha wears priceless necklaces with pearls, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires etc. around Her neck. On the other hand, Shri Krishna cannot afford anything more that a garland of wild flowers (Banmala), to wear around His neck!
Shri Radha is decked in finery from head to toe. Sixteen precious embellishments adorn Her head, forehead, parting, nose, ear, eyes, neck, arms, wrist, ankle, fingers and toe etc. The main adornment of Shri Krishn is a black blanket on His shoulders and a staff to graze the cows. Are Their embellishments even distinctly comparable?
Shri Radha lives like a princess and eats delicacies. Shri Krishna on the other hand, hardly gets anything to eat. That is why He goes begging for buttermilk on the streets of Braj and if He does not get anything in alms, He is forced to steal butter and yogurt from the milk maiden's houses! His butter theft has become so widely known that He has earned a notorious name - "Maakhan Chor" (butter thief).
Shri Radha is extremely innocent, simple and kind hearted, whereas Shri Krishna is extremely naughty, cunning and stone hearted.
Shri Radha Rani's friends continued to go on...They said She is very demure and decent and asked Shri Krishna's friend's about His personality traits.
In a lighter vein, the Rasik poet asked for permission to answer this question and in effect spill His beans. Shri Krishna’s friends said, "Go ahead - We have nothing to hide". The poet said - Oh Really!! Let's see. Is Your friend not a well known thief (chor) and a paramour (jaar)? Shri Krishna's friends vehemently denied the allegation and demanded an explanation.
The poet explained - Everybody calls Him Chaur Jaar Shikhamani (crest jewel of thieves and paramours).
His friends said - So what? When one does not get along with someone else, they try to defame him in every possible way. You cannot use this to prove your point! The poet said - I am not talking about ordinary mortals. I am talking of the likes of great saints such as Vyas, Narad, Shuk etc. who call Him so. The poet further asked, what punishment did He give those Saints for calling Him names. To which narak did He sentence them for their lies?
"None. They all went to Golok".
The poet rested his case saying, exactly the point. To hide His guilt and keep their mouth shut, He had to bribe them and send them to Golok! Had He punished them and sent them to narak, it would have been proven beyond doubt that those allegations were false and those who had made those allegations were adequately punished. But since they were sent to Golok, all those who wish to go to Golok have also started addressing Him as Chaur Jaar Shikhamani. He continues to bribe them all and sends them to Golok. Since beginning-less time He has been bribing people in this manner and has not yet been able to clear His name.
If you are still not convinced about Shri Radha's supremacy, let me ask you one last question, who is greater – the worshipper or the worshipped?
“Of course, the object of worship is greater than the one who worships”. Then the obvious is proven.
Shri Krishna worships Shri Radha. Shri Radha is His Swamini, as such She is the greater of The Two.
One day Shri Radha Rani’s friends and Shri Krishna's friends engaged in a joyful play to prove their party's supremacy over the other. They started presenting logical explanations and reasoning to prove Their supremacy. As part of this fascinating play, one of Shri Radha Rani's ardent admirers questioned, “What is the point of this debate, when the supremacy of Shri Radha Rani is proven without doubt?”
Shri Krishna's friends were shocked to hear that remark. They demanded to know - How and Why?
The crest jewel of Rasiks, Shri Kripalu Ji asked an undisputable question on behalf of that Gopi -
KITA VRISHBHANU BHOOP KI BETI, KITA GOKUL GOKUL BANCHARI
"How can daughter of Vishbhanu be compared to a cowherd who roams around in forests of Gokul?"
What is the name of Shri Radha's father? King Shri Vrishbhanu.
What is the name of Shri Krishna's father - Vasudev or Nand? Scriptures say that He has two fathers and refer to Him as Vasudevnandan (son of Vasudev) and Nandnandan (son of Nand). How can one have two fathers? If a person's father's identity is suspect - it implies that He may be an illegitimate child !
What is the name of Shri Radha's mother? Kirti Maiya.
What is the name of Shri Krishna's mother? Again all scriptures call Him Devakilalan (son of Devaki) and Yasodalalan (son of Yashoda). It is possible that the identity of one's father may not be known, but how can the identity of one's mother not be known! A child can only be born to one mother. It is not possible to have half a body being formed in one mother's womb and the other half in the other's. However, since all scriptures call Him son of both Devaki and Yashoda, His mother's identity is also suspect!
Furthermore, Shri Radha is a princess and lives in a magnificent palace, while Shri Krishna is a cowherd, who roams from jungle to jungle with His herd of cows. There is no comparison between a cowherd and an elegant princess!
Regarding Shri Radha's adornments, jewelery and personality-
Compare Their habiliment now. Shri Radha wears a beautiful gold crown, studded with precious jewels while Shri Krishna wears a crown of peacock-feathers!
Shri Radha wears priceless necklaces with pearls, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires etc. around Her neck. On the other hand, Shri Krishna cannot afford anything more that a garland of wild flowers (Banmala), to wear around His neck!
Shri Radha is decked in finery from head to toe. Sixteen precious embellishments adorn Her head, forehead, parting, nose, ear, eyes, neck, arms, wrist, ankle, fingers and toe etc. The main adornment of Shri Krishn is a black blanket on His shoulders and a staff to graze the cows. Are Their embellishments even distinctly comparable?
Shri Radha lives like a princess and eats delicacies. Shri Krishna on the other hand, hardly gets anything to eat. That is why He goes begging for buttermilk on the streets of Braj and if He does not get anything in alms, He is forced to steal butter and yogurt from the milk maiden's houses! His butter theft has become so widely known that He has earned a notorious name - "Maakhan Chor" (butter thief).
Shri Radha is extremely innocent, simple and kind hearted, whereas Shri Krishna is extremely naughty, cunning and stone hearted.
Shri Radha Rani's friends continued to go on...They said She is very demure and decent and asked Shri Krishna's friend's about His personality traits.
In a lighter vein, the Rasik poet asked for permission to answer this question and in effect spill His beans. Shri Krishna’s friends said, "Go ahead - We have nothing to hide". The poet said - Oh Really!! Let's see. Is Your friend not a well known thief (chor) and a paramour (jaar)? Shri Krishna's friends vehemently denied the allegation and demanded an explanation.
The poet explained - Everybody calls Him Chaur Jaar Shikhamani (crest jewel of thieves and paramours).
His friends said - So what? When one does not get along with someone else, they try to defame him in every possible way. You cannot use this to prove your point! The poet said - I am not talking about ordinary mortals. I am talking of the likes of great saints such as Vyas, Narad, Shuk etc. who call Him so. The poet further asked, what punishment did He give those Saints for calling Him names. To which narak did He sentence them for their lies?
"None. They all went to Golok".
The poet rested his case saying, exactly the point. To hide His guilt and keep their mouth shut, He had to bribe them and send them to Golok! Had He punished them and sent them to narak, it would have been proven beyond doubt that those allegations were false and those who had made those allegations were adequately punished. But since they were sent to Golok, all those who wish to go to Golok have also started addressing Him as Chaur Jaar Shikhamani. He continues to bribe them all and sends them to Golok. Since beginning-less time He has been bribing people in this manner and has not yet been able to clear His name.
If you are still not convinced about Shri Radha's supremacy, let me ask you one last question, who is greater – the worshipper or the worshipped?
“Of course, the object of worship is greater than the one who worships”. Then the obvious is proven.
Shri Krishna worships Shri Radha. Shri Radha is His Swamini, as such She is the greater of The Two.
Do you have any other argument to prove the greatness of Shri Krishna over Shri Radha?
At this point, the group of Shri Krishna’s admirers graciously accepted their defeat joyfully. Everyone was so happy at this playful humorous conversation; they applauded saying “Radha Rani Ki jai, Nand Kumar Ki jai.”
At this point, the group of Shri Krishna’s admirers graciously accepted their defeat joyfully. Everyone was so happy at this playful humorous conversation; they applauded saying “Radha Rani Ki jai, Nand Kumar Ki jai.”
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Kid's Story
Once upon a time, a couple was traveling on foot from Ayodhya to a village some 10 miles away. On their way, they met four travelers riding a bullock cart, traveling in the same direction. Seeing the couple on foot the travelers stopped by and asked the couple where they were going. The husband told them that they were going to a village 10 miles away. The travelers said that they too were going to the same village and the couple was welcome to join them on their cart. The couple had however been warned by their family and friends not to trust strangers on the way. So they declined the offer.
The travelers tried to convince the couple that they were good, trustworthy people. The oldest traveler on the cart said, “We promise in the Name of Ram that we are good people and mean no harm”. Hearing them promise in the name of Lord Ram, the wife who was a great devotee of Lord Ram was fully convinced that these were good people. Seeing her conviction, the husband agreed to join the good samaritans on their cart.
The couple boarded the bullock cart and all of them continued their journey together. Once they got out of the village into the uninhabited area, the fellow travelers showed their true colors. They were highway bandits who used to rob and kill people. True to their nature, they killed the husband and threw him out of the cart, kidnapped the wife and started fleeing.
The wife however was unperturbed and repeatedly kept turning back as if looking for someone. The bandits could not understand why she was turning back, when she knew that her husband was dead and would not come back. When enquired, she calmly replied, “I am not waiting for my husband, as I know he's been killed, I am waiting for Him in whose name you promised that you were good people. I am waiting for Ram to come and punish you for lying”. The bandits laughed at her innocence and simplicity. But their chiding did not shake her faith and confidence.
The travelers tried to convince the couple that they were good, trustworthy people. The oldest traveler on the cart said, “We promise in the Name of Ram that we are good people and mean no harm”. Hearing them promise in the name of Lord Ram, the wife who was a great devotee of Lord Ram was fully convinced that these were good people. Seeing her conviction, the husband agreed to join the good samaritans on their cart.
The couple boarded the bullock cart and all of them continued their journey together. Once they got out of the village into the uninhabited area, the fellow travelers showed their true colors. They were highway bandits who used to rob and kill people. True to their nature, they killed the husband and threw him out of the cart, kidnapped the wife and started fleeing.
The wife however was unperturbed and repeatedly kept turning back as if looking for someone. The bandits could not understand why she was turning back, when she knew that her husband was dead and would not come back. When enquired, she calmly replied, “I am not waiting for my husband, as I know he's been killed, I am waiting for Him in whose name you promised that you were good people. I am waiting for Ram to come and punish you for lying”. The bandits laughed at her innocence and simplicity. But their chiding did not shake her faith and confidence.
As all this was happening, much to the delight of the woman, they suddenly saw two most handsome young men carrying bow and arrows riding two horses chasing their cart. The bandits got scared, abandoned the cart and started running in different directions. The two brothers caught up with them and killed them and rescued the lady. They then took her back to the place where her husband's body lay and revived him. When the husband came to life, The two brothers revealed Their identity saying they are Lord Ram and His brother Laxman. They told the husband all that had happened. They further disclosed that it is due to the power of his wife's firm faith in the just nature of God, that They had to manifest themselves.
MORAL
Scriptures tell us the stories about how Prahlad, Draupadi, Gajraj etc. were saved by the Supreme Lord. These are not mere make belief stories or stories that took place only in olden times. Even in modern times, a devotee's firm, unflinching, undeterred faith and confidence compels God to manifest Himself.
MORAL
Scriptures tell us the stories about how Prahlad, Draupadi, Gajraj etc. were saved by the Supreme Lord. These are not mere make belief stories or stories that took place only in olden times. Even in modern times, a devotee's firm, unflinching, undeterred faith and confidence compels God to manifest Himself.
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