Sri Radha in the scriptures

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

I am sorry for not participating in the forum discussions for the last week or so. I had been on tirtha-yatra visiting various divya deshams in South India. In one of the other threads there was some question as to the reference of Sri Radha in the shastras.

 

The following verses are provided by H.K. Susarla. This is only a small fraction of the references to Sri Radha in the Puranas.

 

Due to time considerations it is not possible to go through each Purana to gather relevant references at this time.

 

The mainstream shaastras are pregnant with references substantiating the

existence of Shrii Raadhaa as the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. We shall

give a partial listing here:

 

vedashaastraanuraktaayetulasiivanapaalakaaH ||

raadhaaShTamiivratarataavij~neyaastechavaiShNavaaH || PaP 4.1.31 ||

 

shriikR^iShNapuratoyechadiipa.myachchha.nti shraddhayaa ||

parani.ndaa.mnakurva.ntivij~neyaaste chavaiShNavaaH || PaP 4.1.32||

 

And also those men who love Vedas and sacred texts, who protect the tulasii

(-plants), who are engaged in practising the vow of Raadhaashtamii (or

Janmaashtamii), and those who devoutly present a lamp before (the image of)

Shrii Krishna, who do not censure others, should be known as the followers

of Vishnu. (padma puraaNa 4.1.32)

 

 

praNamyaraadhikaanaatha.mniShpaapaH sobhavattadaa || PaP 4.2.15 ||

 

Having saluted (i.e. when he saluted) the Lord of Raadhaa he became free

from sins. (padma puraaNa 4.2.15)

 

 

brahmovaacha

raadhaajanmaaShTamii.mvatsa shR^iNuShvasusamaahitaH ||

kathayaamisamaasenasamagra.mhriNaavinaa || PaP 4.7.6 ||

 

kathita.m tatphala.mpuNya.mnashakrotyapinaarada ||

koTijanmaarjita.mpaapa.mbrahmahatyaadika.mmahat || PaP 4.7.7 ||

 

kurva.ntiyesakR^idbhattyaateShaa.mnashyatitatkShaNaat ||

ekaadashyaaH sahasreNa yatphala.mlabhatenaraH || PaP 4.7.8 ||

 

raadhaajanmaaShTamiipuNya.mtasmaachchhataguNaadhikam ||

merutulyasuvarNaanidatvaayatphalamaapyate || PaP 4.7.9 ||

 

sakR^idraadhaaSHTamii.mkR^itvaatasmaachchhata guNaadhikam ||

kanyaadaanaasahasreNayatpuNya.mpraapyatejanaiH || PaP 4.7.10 ||

 

vR^iShahaanusutaaSHTamyaatatphala.mpraapyatejanaiH ||

ga.ngaadiShuchatiirtheShusnaatvaatuyatphala.mlabhet || PaP 4.7.11 ||

 

kR^iShNapraaNapriyaaShTamyaaH phala.mpraapnotimaanavaH ||

etadvrata.mtuyaH paapohelayaashraddhayaapivaa || PaP 4.7.12 ||

 

O child, listen very attentively to (the description of the vow of)

Raadhaajanmaashtamii. I shall tell you in brief the entire (account). O

Naarada, except Vishnu it is not possible (for anyone) to tell about its

meritorious fruit. That sin like the murder of a braahmana, of them who have

earned it through a crore of existences, perishes in a moment, (when) they

devoutly observe it (i.e. the vow). The religious merit of

Raadhaajanmaashtamii is hundred times more than the fruit which a man

obtains by observing (a fast on) a thousand Ekaadashii (days). The merit due

to Raadhaashtamii observed (but) once, is hundred times more than the fruit

obtained by giving a thousand virgins (in marriage). A man gets that fruit

of the Ashtamii of the beloved of Krishna (i.e. Raadhaashtamii), which he

would get by bathing in holy places like Gangaa. (Even) a sinner who

observes this vow casually or devoutly, would along with a crore members of

his family go to Vishnu's heaven. (padma puraaNa 4.7.6-12)

 

 

tachchhruutvaasahitodevairaagataHpR^ithiviitalam ||

tataHkR^iShNaHsamaahuuyaraadhaa.mpraaNagariiyasiim || PaP 4.7.38 ||

 

uvaachavachana.mdevigachchheha.mpR^ithivitalam ||

pR^ithivibhaaranaashaayagachchhatva.mmarttyama.nDalam || PaP 4.7.39 ||

 

iti shrutvaapisaaraadhaapyaagataapR^ithivii.mtataH ||

bhaadremaasisitepakShye aShTamiisa.mj~niketithau || PaP 4.7.40 ||

 

vR^iShabhaanoryaj~nabhuumaujaataasaaraadhikaadivaa ||

yaj~naarthashodhitaayaa.nchadhyaShTaasaadivyaruupiNii || PaP 4.7.41 ||

 

raajaana.ndamanaabhuutvaataa.m praapyanijama.ndiram ||

dattavaanmahiShii.nniitvaasaachataa.mparyapaalayat || PaP 4.7.42 ||

 

Then Krishna, calling Raadhaa (who was to Him) greater than His own life,

said (these) words (to her); "O goddess, I am going to the earth to destroy

the burden of the earth. You (also) go to the earth." That Raadhikaa sprang

up by day on the sacrificial ground of Vrishabhaanu on the day called

Ashtamii in the bright half of the month of Bhaadrapada. When purified for

the sacrifice, she, having a divine form, was seen (there). The king,

delighted in mind, took her to his house and handed her over to his queen.

She, too, nourished her. (padma puraaNa 4.7.38-42)

 

 

suutauvaacha

raadhaakR^iShNapriyechairjepraataHsnaana.msamaacharet ||

raadhaadaamodara.mbhaktyaakuryaatpuujaa.msamaahitaa || PaP 4.20.2 ||

 

tyaktvaamiShaadika.mbrahmanpatisevaaparaayaNaa ||

saayaati shriihareHsthaana.mgolokaakhya.msudurllabham || PaP 4.20.3 ||

 

That woman who, bathing (every) morning in Kaartika, being dear to Raadhaa

and Krishna, being composed and devoutly worshipping Raadhaa and Krishna,

gives up eating meat etc. and is engaged in serving her husband, goes to

Vishnu's place called Goloka which is very difficult to obtain (i.e. to

reach). (padma puraaNa 4.20.2-3)

 

 

pashyaadhyadarshayiShyaamisvaruupa.mvedagopitam ||

tatopashya.mbhuupabaalamha.nkaalaa.mbudaprabham || PaP 5.73.18 ||

 

gopakanyaavR^ita.mgopa.mhasa.mta.ngopabaalakaiH ||

kada.mbamuula aasiina.mpiitavaasasamadbhutam || PaP 5.73.19 ||

 

vana.mvR^i.ndaavana.mnaamanavapallavama.nDitam ||

kokilabhramaraaraava.mmanobhavamanoharam || PaP 5.73.20 ||

 

nadiimapashya.nkaali.ndiimi.ndiivaradalaprabhaam ||

govarddhanamathaapashya.nkR^iShNaraamakaroddhTatam || PaP 5.73.21 ||

 

mahe.ndradarpanaashaayagogopaalasukhaavaham ||

gopaalamabalaasa.ngamudita.mveNuvaadinam || PaP 5.73.22 ||

 

haShTvaatihtaShTohyabhava.nsarvabhuuShaNabhuuShanam ||

tatomaamaahabhagavaanvR^i.ndaavanacharaHsvayam || PaP 5.73.23 ||

 

yadida.mmetvayaahaShTa.mruupa.mdivya.msanaatanam ||

niShkala.mniHkriya.mshaa.nta.msachchidaana.ndavigraham || PaP 5.73.24 ||

 

puurNa.mpadmapalaashaakShannaataH paratara.mmama ||

idamevavada.ntyetevedaaHkaaraNakaaraNam || PaP 5.73.25 ||

 

satya.mnitya.mparaana.nda.mchiddhana.mshaashvata.mshivam ||

nityaa.mmemathuraa.nviddhivana.mvR^indaavana.mtatha || PaP 5.73.26 ||

 

yamunaa.ngopakanyaashchatathaagopaalabaalakaaH ||

mamaavataaronityoyamatramaasa.nshaya.nkR^ithaaH || PaP 5.73.27 ||

 

mameShTaahisadaaraadhaasarvaj~noha.mparaatparaH ||

sarvakaamashchasarveshaHsarvaana.ndaHparaatparaH || PaP 5.73.28 ||

 

mayisarvamida.nvishvabhaatimaayaavijR^i.mbhitam ||

tatohamabruva.ndeva.njagatkaaraNakaaraNam || PaP 5.73.29 ||

 

The Lord said:

 

See, today I shall show you my form concealed by the Vedas.

 

Then I saw, O king, a boy who was like a dark cloud, who was surrounded by

cowherdesses, who was laughing along with the cowherds, whow as seated at

the root of a Kadamba tree, who had put on yellow garments, and was

wonderful.

 

(I also saw) a grove named Vrindaavana, which was adorned with fresh

foliage, which was resounding with the notes of cuckoos, which was charming

due to (the presence of) Cupid. I (also) saw the river Kaalindii, which had

the colour of the petals of blue lotuses. I also saw the Govardhana

(mountain) which was held up by the hands of Krishna and Balaraama, for

destroying the pride of the great Indra and which gave pleasure to the

cowherds. I saw the cowherd (i.e. Krishna) who was happy in the company of

women and who was playing upon the flute. On seeing Him, the ornament of all

ornaments, I was extremely delighted.

 

Then the Lord, moving in the Vrindaavana grove, Himself said to me: "There

is no greater form of mine than the one which is divine, eternal, partless,

actionless, calm, and of the form of auspiciousness, intellect and joy,

complete, having eyes like the petals of a fully blossomed lotus, which you

saw (now). The Vedas describe this only as the cause of causes, which is

true, eternal, of the form of great joy, a mass of intellect, eternal and

auspicious. Know my Mathuraa to be eternal, so also Vrindaavana; so also

(know to be eternal) Yamunaa, the cowherdesses and the cowherds. This

incarnation of mine is eternal. Do not have any doubt about it. Raadhaa is

always dear to me. I am omniscient, greater than the great. I have all my

desires (fulfilled), I am the Lord of all, I am all joy and greater than the

great. In me appears all this universe, spread out by (my) Maayaa

(illusion). (padma puraaNa 5.73.19, 20-29)

 

 

asa.nkhyaharShapuurNaatmaada.n.nvattaa.nnanaamaha ||

aaj~naptasatutayaasaarddha.mdeviivayasyayaarjunaH || PaP 5.74.48 ||

 

gatoraadhaapatisthaana.myatsiddhairapyagocharam ||

tatashchasaupaadiShTogolokaaduparisthitam || PaP 5.74.49 ||

 

sthira.mvaayudhR^ita.nnitya.msatya.msarvasukhaaspadam ||

nitya.mvR^indaavana.mnaamaanityaraasamahotsavam || PaP 5.74.50 ||

 

Then, ordered by the goddess, Arjuna, along with the friend of the goddess

went to the place of the Lord of Raadhaa, which is inaccessible even to

siddhas. Then he was shown Vrindaavana which remained above Goloka, which

was stable, sustained by wind, eternal, the abode of all happiness, in which

the great festival of Krishna's dance with the cowherds constantly went on.

(padma puraaNa 5.74.?48-50)

 

 

tavaasmi raadhikaanaatha karmaNaa manasaa giraa |

kR^iShNakaa.ntetichaivaasmi yuvaameva gatirmama || NP 1.82.26 ||

 

O Lord of Raadhaa, I belong to you physically, mentally and verbally. I

always resort to Krishna and His beloved Raadhaa. You two alone are my goal.

(naarada puraaNa 1.82.26)

 

 

namastasmai bhagavate kR^iShNaayaa.nkuTamedhase |

raadhaa.nsagasudhaa.msidhau namo nityavihaariNe || NP 1.82.213 ||

 

Obeisance to that Lord Krishna of unimpeded intellect, obeisance to one who

perpetually sports about in the ocean of nectar with the association of

Raadhaa. (naarada puraaNa 1.82.213)

 

 

raadhaadevii jagatkartrii jagatpaalanatatparaa |

jagallayavidhaatrii cha sarveshii sarvasuutikaa || NP 1.82.214 ||

 

Goddess Raadhaa is the maker of the universe. She is interested in the

protection of the universe. She causes dissolution of the world. She is the

goddess of all. She is the mother of all. (naarada puraaNa 1.82.214)

 

 

praaNaadhikapriyatamaa saa raadhaaraadhito yayaa |

suvarNavarNaa devii saa chidruupaa prakR^iteH paraa || NP 2.59.8 ||

 

Raadhaa is His (Krishna's) beloved, more dear to him than His own vital

airs. He too is propitiated by her. That divine lady has golden complexion.

She is of the form of consciousness and is beyond Prakriti. (naarada puraaNa

2.59.8)

 

 

[talasiga]

You have certainly worked hard

to prove Her on Scripture

No fault.

 

Unfortunately

Some must read the menu

before they can enjoy the meal

The humble and the hungry

Accept the smallest morsels

with Grace

They are thankful

even though they have not

read that they ought to be

 

 

talasiga@hotmail.com

[gtam]

Dear Jndas

This presentation is amazing on this day of Janmastami reading the posting aboout SrimaiRadhadevi krishna's favourite is a blessing.

Talasiga's substantiation about people who need menu before they eat and ones who accept morsels are words of comfort to start a wonderful day like today

 

Thanks

 

[suryaz]

 

Originally posted by jndas:

 

 

"The following verses are provided by H.K. Susarla. This is only a small fraction of the references to Sri Radha in the Puranas" (Jandas).

 

So when were these PuraNa written?

 

The following is by Bon Maharaja in his translation & com on BRS of Rupa G

 

"This most supreme conception of PREMA as MADANA-MAHABHAVA is possible in SRI RADHIKA alone. This is the supreme climax of Divine PREMA, which was never before known in this world, and it was the unique contribution that Sri Krsna-caitanya-deva" (Bon on Rupa's BRS)

 

("Madana-Mahabhava appears in the Union between the transcendental and supra-mundane (aprakrta) Subject (Visaya) and Object (Asraya)-Sri Krsna and Sri Radhika only."(Bon on Rupa's BRS )

 

However, we can also ask does not Jayadeva and Candi-das speak of Madana-mahabhava in their lyrics? Both the above were post Chaitany-deva

 

This then, also begs the question, what was Chaitanya-deva's "unique contribution"?

 

We could ask was MADANA-MAHABHAVA not exclusive to Radha post Chaitanya-deva? Was it believed universal, open to all jivas?

 

Anybody know?

 

[This message has been edited by suryaz (edited 08-11-2001).]

[Guest guest]

Originally posted by gtam:

Dear Jndas

This presentation is amazing on this day of Janmastami reading the posting aboout SrimaiRadhadevi krishna's favourite is a blessing.

Talasiga's substantiation about people who need menu before they eat and ones who accept morsels are words of comfort to start a wonderful day like today

 

Thanks

 

<center> </center>

 

<font color="navy"><center>JAYA SRI RADHE</center>

 

 

<center>

 

JAYA SRI KRISHNA

 

<font size=+1 color="maroon">"rAdhAramaNa hari govinda jaya! jaya!!</font>

 

<big>Sri Radha-Stotram</big> from 'Brahmanda Purana'-

 

THIS PRAYER IS SPOKEN by LORD KRISHNA Himself:

 

 

<font color="red">1. "gRhe rAdhA vane rAdhA pRSThe puraH sthitA

 

yatra yatra sthitA rAdhA rAdhaiv ArAdhyate mayA "</font>

 

MY Sweet Home is Sri RADHA, the Blissful, Sacred Vrindavana forest is My Radha!

 

She alone is present BOTH in front of Me and behind Me!!

 

I WORSHIP MY ALL PERVADING SOUL RADHARANI, Wherever I am situated!!!

 

<font color="red">2. "jihvA rAdhA zrutau rAdhA netre hRdi stitA

 

sarvAGga vyApinI rAdhA rAdhaiv ArAdhyat mayA"</font>

 

Darling Radhika's Holy Name is always on My tongue, Radhaji's Divine virtues are ever in My ears!

 

My Sweetheart Radharani's Transcendental Form eternally occupies My eyes and inside My HEART!!

 

I fervently worship My Soul Radha, WHO PERVADES EVERY PORE OF MY DIVINE BODY!!!

 

<font color="red">3. "pUjA rAdhA japo rAdhA rAdhikA cA bhivandane

 

smRtau rAdhA ziro rAdhA rAdhaiv ArAdhyate mayA"</font>

 

My Puja (Ritual offering) is only to please Sri Radha and the Blessed Name of Radharani alone is My JAPA (chanting)!

 

My humble Obeisance to Queen Radha and My contemplation is always upon My Beloved Radhika!!

 

Keeping Her alone On Top of My Head, I pray and Worship My Soul Radha!!!

 

<font color="red">4. "gAne rAdhA guNe rAdhikA bhojane gatau

 

rAtri rAdhA divA rAdhA rAdhaiv ArAdhyat mayA"</font>

 

I constantly sing Her Divine Names alone, I extol Her Blissful Virtues!

 

Whatever I do or eat, My sole existence is for the pleasure of My Queen Radha !!

 

I joyfully worship contemplating upon the Transcendental Form of My Soul Radharani day and night !!!

 

<font color="red">5. "mAdhurye madhurA rAdhA mahattve rAdhikA guruH

 

saundarye sundarI rAdhA rAdhaiv ArAdhyate mayA"</font>

 

Sri Radha alone is the QUINTESSENCE OF LOVE and BLISS within every thing which is LOVABLE and Enjoyble!

 

She alone is the GREAT and ESSENTIAL TRUTH in All TRANSCENDENTAL POWERS!!

 

I worship My Soul Radhika, Who is the SUPREME BEAUTY among everything Sacredly beautiful!!!

 

<font color="red">6. "rAdhA rasa sudhA sindhu rAdhA saubhAgya manjarI,

 

rAdhA vrajAGganA mukhyA rAdhaiv ArAdhyate mayA"</font>

 

My Beloved Radhaji is THE OCEAN of NECTAR of DIVINE BLISS, Rasa!

 

She alone is the Original BUDDING FLOWER of TRANSCENDENTAL FORTUNE!!

 

I fondly worship

 

My Eternal Sweetheart, Radharani, the CHIEFMOST COWHERDESS of Divine Vrindavana !!!

 

<font color="red">7. "rAdhA padmAnanA padmA padmodbhava su pUjitA

 

padme vivecitA rAdhA rAdhaiv ArAdhyate mayA"</font>

 

Sri Radhaji's face is extremely beautiful like the Sacred Lotus Flower!

 

She Herself is PADMA, the Supreme Auspicious Goddess of Opulence and ever worshipped by Lord Brahma, the Creator of Cosmic universe!!

 

Keeping Her Majesty in the Lotus of My Heart, I adore My Soul Radha!!!

 

<font color="red">8. "rAdhA kRSNAtmikA nityaM kRSNo rAdhAtmako dhRvam

 

vRndAvanezvarI rAdhA rAdhaiv ArAdhyate mayA"</font>

 

The Eternal Truth is that

 

Srimati Radharani is the SOUL of Lord KRISHNA and Sri Krishna is certainly the SOUL BELOVED of Radhikaji!

 

I worship The Divine Queen of the Holy Land Vrindavana, Sri Radha!!!

 

<font color="red">9. "jihvAgre rAdhikA nAma netrAgre rAdhikA tanuH

 

karNe ca rAdhikA kIrtir manase rAdhikA sadA"</font>

 

My Darling Radha's Holy Name is ever dancing on the tip of My tongue!

 

Her Enchanting Divine Form is always standing before My eyes!!

 

The Transcendental Glories of My Radhika are ever echoing in My ears and SHE ALONE IS ETERNALLY RESIDING IN MY HEART!!!

 

<font color="red">10. "kRSNena paThitaM stotraM rAdhikA prItaye param

 

yaH paThet prayato nityaM rAdhA kRSNAntigo bhavet"</font>

 

WHOEVER daily recites this PRAYER SPOKEN BY LORD KRISHNA,

 

WHICH IS SUPREMELY DEAR TO Srimati Radhika,

 

will certainly receive the MOST LOVING SERVICE OF Lord RADHA-KRISHNA by THEIR GRACE.

 

 

<center>

 

<big><font color="darkred">

rAdhA-mAdhavayor jayanti

 

yamunA-kUle rahaH-kelayaH

 

</big></font>

 

</center>

 

 

<font color="red">11. "ArAdhita manaH kRSNo rAdhArAdhita mAnasaH

 

kRSNAkRSNa manA rAdhA kRSNeti yah paThet"</font>

 

Srimati Radharani worships HER LORD BELOVED, Sri Krishna in HER HEART AND SOUL.

 

Lord Krishna ADORES HIS BELOVED SOUL, Srimati RADHIKA in HIS HEART AND MIND.

 

Whoever fortunate soul reads with faith and lovingly recites this EXALTED PRAYER,

 

consisting of the MUTUAL ETERNAL AMOROUS ATTRACTION of Srimati RADHIKA AND

 

Sri KRISHNA for EACH OTHER,

 

WILL BECOME SIMILARLY ATTRACTED AND ATTACHED TO THE LOTUS FEET OF Sri Sri RADHA-KRISHNA!!

 

Jaya, Jaya Sri Radhey!<div class="sig">

 

<center>

 

<big><font color="blue">Jaya Sri Radhey!</font></center>

 

 

 

[This message has been edited by cintamanidas (edited 01-17-2002).]

[Guest guest]

<center>

 

<font color="blue" size=+1">"ye yaM rAdhA yas ca kRSNo rasAbdhiH

ddehazcaikaH krIdanArthaM dvidA bhUt"</font>

 

(RadhikA tapaniyopanishad)</center>

 

The Divine couple, Radha and Krishna constitute the unfathomable Ocean of ultimate Bliss.

They have assumed Two Personalities only to

engage in the playful pastimes of Divine Love.

 

 

[This message has been edited by cintamanidas (edited 08-12-2001).]

[Guest guest]

<center>

 

<font color="maroon" size=+1>"kRSNena ArAdhyate iti rAdhA

kRSNaM samA rAdhayati sadeti rAdhikA"</font>

 

(Rg vedeeya Radhikopanishad)

 

Sri Radhaji is worshipped by Sri Krishna and hence is called as Radha.

She in turn adores Her Lord Krishna and so She is known as Radhika.</center>

 

[This message has been edited by cintamanidas (edited 08-12-2001).]

[animesh]

Jndas ji,

Why did you miss Brahm-Vaivart Puran? In that there are many stories related to Smt Radha?

[talasiga]

Originally posted by animesh:

Jndas ji,

Why did you miss Brahm-Vaivart Puran? In that there are many stories related to Smt Radha?

Gee Animesh,

Why did you miss JN Das's first three paragraphs.

In them your question is answered.

 

 

[jijaji]

Originally posted by talasiga:

Gee Animesh,

Why did you miss JN Das's first three paragraphs.

In them your question is answered.

 

 

Just look deeply

 

------------------

PEACE OUT NOW