What Does 108 in The Names Of The Acaryas Mean?

May 13, 2001

When we pray to our Acaryas, we say astottara-sata (108) Sri Gurupadapadma,

and other Vaisnavas. Sri here means beauty, wealth, knowledge, etc. All our

Guru-varga are not necessarily included the list of names of the 108

principle gopis of Vraj. The 108 used here refers to the group of Sri

Radhika, which is included in the groups which the unlimited gopis of Goloka

Vrndavana are divided into.

When Sri Krsna danced in the rasa dance there were 1 billion gopis present.

Another sastra says there were 3 billion. However many are counted they were

divided into 16,108 groups. The topmost gopis make up 108 groups. Our

acaryas are included within these 108 groups. Out of these 108 groups 8 are

prominent. They include gopis like Radharani, Candravali, Syamala, etc. But

over all gopis is the group of Radhika, The Supreme Goddess. In her personal

group there are groups following Her 8 principle sakhis. Each group has

unlimited manjaris, maidservants. There are many manjaris following Sri Rupa

Manjari's group. They are further divided into other groups such as Rati

Manjari's group, Kamala Manjari's, Vinoda Manjari's, etc. All are serving

Sri Radhika and Sri Krsna.

In our jappa mala there are 108 beads. They represent the 108 principle

gopis and manjaris in Radhika's group. So we are chanting, counting,

praying, and remembering Sri Krsna lila. We are doing so meditating on their

moods. Each of the groups of gopis are named after the gopi who is most

prominent among their group.

In Goloka Vrndavana Sri Krsna is counting on the 108 beads of His mala and

counting all the cows. They are also divided into 108 groups. Among them

there are 8 different colours. When Sri Krsna is calling them on His flute

they come to Him. So he is counting on His mala like this. So, even though

our beads represent the 108 principle gopis and manjaris of our group we are

chanting the maha-mantra, calling Sri Sri Radha Govinda to come near. Each

of the beads on our mala represents 108 qualities we are praying for to

serve the Divine couple.

Gaura-Premanande!

Tridandi Swami Bhaktivedanta Tirtha Maharaja

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