Saturday, July 26th, 2008

Time	Event
12:00a	Radharani un citas gopi Srimati Radharani is fifteen years old and full of the luster of youth. Yasoda-devi, the queen of the cowherds, is more affectionate to Radharani than millions of mothers can be. Radharani's father is King Vrsabhanu, who is as splendid as the sun. Srimati Radharani's mother is Kirtida-devi, who is also known in this world as Ratnagarbha-devi. Radharani's paternal grandfather is Mahibhanu and Her maternal grandfather is Indu. Her maternal grandmother is Mukhara-devi and Her paternal grandmother is Sukhada-devi. Her father's brothers (Her uncles) are Ratnabhanu, Subhanu and Bhanu. Bhadrakirti, Mahakirti and Kirticandra are Radharani's materal uncles. Menaka-devi, Sasthi-devi, Gauri-devi, Dhatri-devi and Dhataki-devi are Radharani's materal aunts. Radharani's mother's sister is Kirtimati-devi, whose husband is Kasa. Radharani's father's sister is Bhanumudra-devi, whose husband is Kusa. Radharani's elder brother is Sridama and Her younger sister is Ananga-manjari. Radharani's father-in-law is Vrikagopa and Her brother-in-law is Durmada. Jatila-devi is Radharani's mother-in-law and Abhimanyu is Radharani's so-called husband. Kutila-devi, who is always eager to find fault, is Radharani's sister-in-law. Lalita, Visakha, Sucitra, Campakalata, Ranga-devi, Sudevi, Tungavidya and Indulekha are the eight dearest friends of Srimati Radharani. These gopis are considered the leaders of all the others. Kurangaksi, Mandali, Mankiundala, Matali, Candralalita, Madhavi, Madanalasa, Manjumedha, Sasikala, Sumadhya, Madhureksana, Kamala, Kamalatika, Gunacuda, Varangada, Madhuri, Candrika, Prema-manjari, Tanumadhyama, Kandarpa-sundari and Manjukesi are among the millions of dear friends (priya-sakhi) of Srimati Radharani. Lasika, Kelikandali, Kadambari, Sasimukhi, Candrarekha, Priyamvada, Madonmada, Madhumati, Vasanti, Kalabhasini, Ratnavali, Manimati and Karpuralatika are among those friends (jivita-sakhi) for whom Srimati Radharani is as dear as life. Kasturi, Manojna, Manimanjari, Sindura, Candanavati, Kaumudi and Madira are among Sriamti Radharani's eternal friends (nitya-sakhi). Srimati Radharani's Manjari Friends. Ananga-manjari, Rupa-manjari, Rati-manjari, Lavanga-manjari, Raga-manjari, Rasa-manjari, Vilasa-manjari, Prema-manjari, Mani-manjari, Suvarna-manjari, Kama-manjari, Ratna-manjari, Kasturi-manjari, Gandha-manjari, Netra-manjari, Sripadma-manjari, Lila-manjari and Hema-manjari are among Srimati Radharani's manjari friends. Prema-manjari and Rati-manjari are both also known by the name Bhanumati-devi. The Objects of Srimati Radharani's Worship Srimati Radharani's worshipable deity is the sun-god, who enlivens the lotus flowers and acts as an eye for the entire world. Srimati Radharani's maha-mantra is the name of Lord Krishna. Srimati Radharani's benefactor, who brings Her all good fortune, is Bhagavati Paurnamasi. Specific Description of Various Gopis Lalita-devi and the other eight principal gopis, the other gopis and the manjari have forms that are for the most part like the transcendental form of Srimati Radharani, the queen of Vrindavan. Vrinda-devi, Kundalat-devi and their followaers assist the divine couple in Their pastimes in the various forests of Vrindavan. Dhanistha-devi, Gunamala-devi and their followers remain in the home of Nanda Maharaja, the cowherd king and assist the Lord's pastimes from there. Kamada-devi is the daughter of Srimati Radharani's nurse. Kamada is an especially close friend of Radharani. Ragalekha-devi, Kalakeli-devi and Manjula-devi are some of Radharani's maidservants. Nandimukhi-devi and Bindumati-devi are the leaders of those gopis who arrange the rendezvous of Radha and Krishna. Syamala-devi and Mangala-devi are the leaders of those gopis who act as well-wishers of Srimati Radharani. Candravali-devi is the leader of those gopis who are Srimati Radharani's rivals. The talented musicians Rasollasa-devi, Gunatunga-devi,Kalakanthi-devi, Sukhanti-devi, and Pikakanti-devi delight Lord Hari by singing Visakha's musical compositions. Maniki-devi, Narmada-devi, and Kusumapesala-devi serve the divine couple by playing drums, cymbals, string instruments like the vina, and wind instruments like the flute. In this way we have described some of the sakhis (gopi friends), nitya-sakhis (eternal gopi friends), prana-sakhis (gopi friends who are as dear as life), priya-sakhis (dear gopi friends) and parama-prestha-sakhis (dearest gopi friends) Srimati Radharani's Maidservants Ragalekha-devi, Kalakeli-devi and Bhurida-devi are the leaders for those gopis who are Srimati Radharani's maidservants. Among these maidservants are Sugandha-devi and Nalini-devi (the two daughters of Divakirti-devi) and Manjistha-devi and Rangaraga-devi (the two daughters of Nanda Maharaja's laundry washers). Palindri-devi serves Srimati Radharani by dressing and decorating Her. Chitrini decorates Radharani with various cosmetics. Mantriki-devi and Tantriki-devi are astrologers who reveal the future to Srimati Radharani. Katyayani-devi is the leader of those gopi messengers who are older than Srimati Radharani. Bhagyavati-devi and Punyapunja-devi, the two daughters of Maharaja Nanda's sweeper, are also the maidservants of Srimati Radharani. Tunga-devi, Malli-devi and Matalli-devi are the leaders of those girls descended from the uncivilized mountain tribe known as the Pulindas. In Vrindavan some of the Pulinda girls act as the friends of Srimati Radharani and some are the friends of Sri Krishna. Also included among Srimati Radharani's servants are Gargi-devi and other very respectable brahmana girls, Bhringarika-devi and other girls from the cheti community, Vijaya-devi, Rasala-devi, Payoda-devi and other girls from the vita community, as well as the boys Subala, Ujjvala, Gandharva, Madhumangala and Raktaka. Tunga-devi, Pisangi-devi and Kalakandala-devi always remain near Srimati Radharani to serve Her. Manjual-devi, Bindula-devi, Sandha-devi, Mrdula-devi and others, although very young still engage in Radharani's service. Sunada, Yamuna and Bahula are the most important of Srimati Radharani's pet surabhi cows. Tungi is Her chubby pet calf, Kakkhati is Her old pet monkey, Rangini is Her pet doe and Charuchandrika is Her pet chakori bird. Tundikeri is the name of Radharani's pet swan, who is fond of swimming in Radha-kunda. Madhuri is Radharani's pet elephant and Suksmadhi and Subha are Her two pet parrots. The two parrots perfectly imitate Lalita-devi's playful jokes spoken to her master and mistress (Sri Sri Radha-Krishna). By this wonderful repetition the parrots astonish the gopis. Srimati Radharani's Ornaments Srimati Radharani's tilaka marking is named Smarayantra. Her jeweled necklace is named Harimohana, Her jeweled earrings are named Rocana and the pearl decorating Her nose is named Prabhakari. Her locket which contains a picture of Lord Krishna, is named Madana. Her Syamantaka jewel is also known as Sankhacuda-siromani (Sankhacuda's crest-jewel). The auspicious jewel She wears around Her neck is called Puspavan because it eclipses the simultaneous rising of the sun and moon (puspavan) with its splendor. Her anklets are called Chatakarava because their tinkling sounds resemble the warbling of chataka birds. Her bracelets are called Manikarvura. Srimati Radharani's signet ring is named Vipaksamardini. Her sash is named Kancanacitrangi and Her ankle-bells, which stun Lord Krishna with their tinkling sounds, are named Ratnagopura. Srimati Radharani's garments are named Meghambara. Her choli is red like a ruby and it is the favorite of Lord Hari. Radharani's ghaghra is the color of a blue cloud and it is Her own favorite. Srimati Radhrani's jeweled mirror is named Sudhamsudarpaharana, which means "that which removes (harana) the moon's (sudhamsu) pride (darpa)." Her golden stick for applying mascara is named Narmada, Her jeweled comb is named Svastida and Her private flower garden is named Kandarpakuhali. In Radharani's garden is a vine of golden jasmine flowers that She has named Tadidvalli ("the vine of lightning"). Her private lake bears Her own name (Radha-kunda) and on the shore of that lake is a kadamba tree that is the site of very confidential talks between Her and Lord Krishna. Her favorite ragas are mallara and dhanasri and Her favorite dances are chalikya and rudravallaki. Srimati Radharani's glorious birth occured on the eighth day of the bright moon in the month of Bhadra. Although generally not full on that day, the moon appeared full to celebrate Radharani's appearance in this world. (Comment on this)
12:02a	The Gopis The sadhana siddha gopis, such as the Dandakaranya sages and other perfected devotees became gopis by engaging in devotional service. The nitya-siddhas (nitya priya) gopis, such as Radharani or Candravali, are eternally liberated gopis. “The pastimes of Srimati Radharani and Krishna are self-effulgent. They are happiness personified, unlimited and all-powerful. Even so the spiritual humors of such pastimes are never complete without the gopis, the Lord’s personal friends. Without the gopis, these pastimes between Radha and Krishna cannot be nourished.” (Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya 8.203) “The personal associates of Radharani, the gopi damsels of Vraja, are direct expansions of Her body. These expansions of Srimati Radharani are necessary for enhancing the pleasure potency of Sri Krishna. Their transcendental exchanges of love are the superexcellent affairs of the pastimes of Vrindavana. By the expansions of Srimati Radharani’s personal body, She helps Lord Krishna taste the rasa-dance and similar other activities.” (Caitanya Caritamrita Adi 4.81 purport) “All the other gopis help increase the joy of Krishna’s pastimes with Radharani. The gopis act as instruments of Their mutual enjoyment.” (Caitanya Caritamrita Adi 4.217) Eight Main Gopis (Asta Sakhis) These eight are the leaders of all the other gopis. They always serve Radha and try to please Her in every way. They are the dearest and most beloved friends of Srimati Radharani. Rupa Gosvami describes the qualities of the eight main gopis in Radha Krishna Ganodesa Dipika. 1. Lalita Sakhi 2. Visakha Sakhi 3. Campakalata Sakhi 4. Citra Sakhi 5. Tungavidya Sakhi 6. Indulekha Sakhi 7. Rangadevi Sakhi 8. Sudevi Sakhi Candravali She is Srimati Radharani main competitor for the attention of Krishna. Srimati Radharani is her cousin. Candravali is the daughter of Candrabhanu, who is the brother of Vrishabhanu. She lived in the village of Sakhi Sthali near Govardhana Hill with her husband Govardhana Malla. Out of the hundreds of thousands of gopis, eight are considered most prominent. They are: Radharani, Candravali, Lalita, Vishakha, Padma, Bhadra, Saibya and Syama. Of these two Radharani and Candravali are considered most dear. Of these two Radharani is the most dear to Krishna. Lalita Sakti Of the eight sakhis (main gopis) Lalita Devi in the main sakhi. She is 27 days older than Srimati Radharani. She is the leader and best of the eight main gopis. She is the constant companion and follower of Srimati Radharani. She is a dear friend of Srimati Radharani. She has a contradictory and hot-tempered nature. Her complexion is bright yellow. Her garments are the color of peacock feathers. She is expert at arranging both the meeting of Radha and Krishna and their conjugal fights. Her mother is Saradi Devi and her father is Vishoka. Her husband is Bhairava, who is a close friend of Govardhana Malla, the husband of Candravali. Visakha Sakhi She is the second most important gopi of the eight main gopis. Her attributes are much like Lalita Devi. She was born at exactly the same time as Radharani appeared. Her complexion is like lighting and her garments are decorated with stars. She carries messages between Radha and Krishna, and is the most expert gopi messenger. Her father’s name is Pavana, mother is Dakshina and her husband is Vahika. She is said to be from the village of Kamai. Campakalata Sakhi She is one day younger than Radharani. Her complexion is the color of a yellow campaka flower and she wears garments the color of a blue jay’s feather. She is expert in logical persuasion and is a diplomat, skilled in thwarting Radha’s competitors. She is an expert sweet cook and an artistic potter. Her father is Arama, mother is Batika, and husband is Candaksha. She is said to be from the village of Sunthera. Citra Sakhi She is 26 days older than Radharani. She has a red complexion like kumkum and wears crystal colored garments. Citra can read between the lines and understand an author’s hidden intentions. She has a very mild nature and has a saffron complexion. She is a trained cook and can make a variety of nectar drinks. She is learned in astronomy and astrology, and is a skilled gardener. She makes garlands. Her father’s name is Catura, Mother Carvika and husband is Pithara. She is said to be from the village of Chiksoli, 1½ km southwest of Varsana. Tungavidya Sakhi She is 15 days younger than Srimati Radharani. She is the color of kumkum and wears white garments. Tungavidya is hot tempered. She is learned in eighteen branches of Vedic knowledge. She is a celebrated music teacher, and an expert singer and vina player. She is expert at arranging the meeting of Radha and Krishna. Her birthplace is said to be the village of Dabharo (Damala). Her father is Paushkara, Mother is Medha and husband is Balisha. Indulekha Sakhi She is three days younger than Srimati Radharani. She has a tan complexion and wears garments that are pomegranate color. She displays a hot temper and a contrary nature. She carries messages that cause Radha and Krishna to be attracted to each other and she knows Radha and Krishna’s confidential secrets. She knows the science of palmistry and gemology. Her father’s name is Sagara, mother is Bela and husband is Durbala. She is said to be from the village of Anjanak. Rangadevi Sakhi She is seven days younger than Srimati Radharani. She has a complexion that is similar to the hue of a lotus filament and wears garments that are the color of a rose. She has a “bama”, contrary and hot-tempered nature. She jokes with Radha in front of Krishna. She is expert in using perfumes and cosmetics, and burning fragrant incenses. Because of previous austerities she knows a mantra that can attract Krishna. Sudevi Sakhi She looks so much like Srimati Radharani that she is mistaken for being Her sister. She has a golden complexion and wears coral color clothing. She is always beside Radharani and arranges Her hair, decorates Her eyes and massages Her. She is expert at training parrots, oil body massages, reading omens, gardening and decorating couches. Her father’s name is Rangasara and mother’s is Karuna. She is said to be from the village of Bajhera. Rangadevi is her twin sister. Ananga Manjari She is the younger sister of Srimati Radharani. She follows her sister like a shadow. She is thirteen years old and her complexion is gold colored. She wears clothes the color of a blue lotus flower. She serves both as a maid servant manjari and as a gopi group leader. Ananga Manjari is an expansion of Balarama to serve Krishna in the intimate conjugal pastimes. Manjaris The manjaris are 10 to 14 years old, which is a few years younger than Srimati Radharani. The manjaris do not mix with Krishna directly. Their sole purpose is to unite Radha and Krishna and render various services. The Six Gosvamis have manjari forms. Sri Rupa Manjari (Rupa Gosvami) is directly under Lalita sakhi, who oversees thousands of manjaris. “It is very difficult to express the manjaris’ dealing with Krishna because they have no desire to mix with Krishna or to enjoy Him personally. Rather, they are always ready to help Radharani associate with Krishna. Their affection for Krishna and Radharani is so pure that they are simply satisfied when Radha and Krishna are together. Indeed their transcendental pleasure is in seeing Radha and Krishna united. The actual form of Radharani is just like a creeper embracing the tree of Krishna, and the damsels of Braja, the associates of Radharani, are just like the leaves and flowers of that creeper.” (Teaching of Lord Caitanya) Eight main manjaris are Rupa Manjari, Rati Manjari, Rasa Manjari, Labanga Manjari, Guna Manjari, Manjulali Manjari, Kasturi Manjari, Vilasa Manjari. (Comment on this)
12:03a	Gopis The gopis may be divided into three groups : 1. Gopi friends of the same age as Krsna, 2. maidservants and 3. gopi messengers. Learned scholars have also divided Lord Krsna's associates into the following nine categories : 1. yutha, 2. kula, 3. mandala, 4. varga, 5. gana, 6. samavaya, 7. sancaya, 8. samaja, 9. and samanvaya. Of the three kinds of gopi associates of the Lord of the three kinds of gopi associates of the Lord, the first group, Krsna's contemporary gopi friends, are the most exalted, the second group, the maidservants are the next most exalted, and the gopi messengers come after them. These three groups correspond to the groups mentioned as samaja, mandala and gana respectively. The first group, Krsna's contemporary gopi friends, may be further divided into varistha (the most exalted ) and vara (exalted). The varistha gopis are more famous than all the others. They are eternally the intimate friends of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna. No one can equal or exceed the love they bear for the divine couple. Of all Krsna's friends, the varistha gopis are the most worshipable. They are decorated with incomparable transcendental qualities, bodily beauty and all other charming opulences. Krsna's contemporary gopi friends decorate their own dear friend Srimati Radharani. They cheat their husbands parents and other guardians (by going to meet Radha and Krsna) and they take Srimati Radharani's side when she has a lover's quarrel with Lord Hari. These gopis assist Radha and Krsna in Their secret rendezvous. These gopis serve palatable meals to the divine couple and afterward relish tasting the remnants left by Them. These gopis carefully guard the secret of Radha's and Krsna's confidential pastimes together. Their minds are pure and they are very expert and intelligent. They serve Radha and Krsna very appropriately. They glorify their own group and criticize the followers of Candravali, Radharani's rival. They please Radha and Krsna by expertly singing, dancing and playing instrumental music. At the appropriate time they beg to be engaged in various appropriate services. For the most part the learned devotees know about these activities of Krsna's gopi friends. All the gopis are aware of these and all the other similar services and they actively serve Radha and Krsna by performing these activities. The gopis who are close associates of the divine couple are directly engaged in these services, whereas other gopis are not. Some gopis serve the divine couple in the garden known as Madanonmadini among the flowering creepers, betel creepers and betel trees. Some gopis are expert at playing various magic tricks, some are expert at composing riddles and some are appointed to provide betel nuts for the divine couple. All these gopis are the servants of Srimati Radharani. Other gopis are specifically the friends of Lord Baladeva. Lalita-devi is the leader and controller of all these exalted and worshipable young gopis. Srimati Radharani's rival is Candravali. Among Candravali's friends are Padma, Syama, Saibya, Bhadra, Vicitra, Gopali, Palika, Candrasalika, Mangala, Vimala, Lila, Taralaksi, Manorama, Kandarpa-manjari, Manjubhasini, Khanjaneksana, Kumuda, Kairavi, Sari, Saradaksi, Visarada, Sankari, Kunkuma, Krsna, Sarangi, Indravali, Siva, Taravali, Gunavati, Sumukhi, Keli-manjari, Haravali, Cakoraksi, Bharati and Kamala. The beautiful gopis may be considered in hundreds of groups, each group containing hundreds of thousands of gopis. Among all these gopis the most important are Srimati Radharani, Candravali, Bhadra, Syama and Palika. These gopis are full of all transcendental good qualities. Of these gopis Srimati Radharani and Candravali are the best. Each of them has millions of doe-eyed gopi followers. Because She possesses all charm and sweetness, Srimati Radharani is the better of the two. She is supremely famous. In the Sruti-sastra She is known by the name Gandharva-devi. Lalita-devi and the other eight principal gopis, the other gopis and the manjari have forms that are for the most part like the transcendental form of Srimati Radharani, the queen of Vrndavana. (SSRKGD) (Comment on this)

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