ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Srimati Radharani
Srimati Radharani is the Supreme Goddess. She is most always seen with Lord Krishna. It is described that She is the Chief Associate and devotee of Lord Krishna, and topmost of all Goddesses. Her name means the She is the most excellent worshiper of Lord Krishna. However, She is also an expansion of the Lord’s energy. Since She is also an extension of Krishna, She is the feminine aspect of God. Thus, in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, God is both male and female. They are One, but Krishna expands into two, Himself and Radharani, for the sake of divine loving pastimes. If They remained as One, then there is no relationship, there are no pastimes, and there can be no dynamic exchange of love. (Caitanya-caritamrita, Adi-lila, 4.55-56) Actually, if we all remained merged or amalgamated into one single force or light, then there is no further need of anything else. There certainly would be no need for the material manifestation to provide the innumerable conditioned souls with the means to seek out the way to satisfy their senses, minds, emotions, desires for self-expression, intellectual pursuits, and on and on.
So, similarly, the spiritual world is the manifestation wherein all souls have the opportunity to engage in a multitude of pastimes in loving relationships in full spiritual variety, without the many hindrances we find in this material world. The only difference is that the spiritual world is centered around the Supreme Being. And that Supreme Personality has expanded Himself into Radharani for exhibiting the supreme loving relationship, in which so many others assist Them.
In the Brihad-Gautamiya Tantra, Radharani is described as follows:
devi krishna-mayi prokta
radhika para-devata
sarva-lakshmi-mayi sarva
kantih sammohini para
“The transcendental goddess Srimati Radharani is the direct counterpart of Lord Sri Krishna. She is the central figure for all the goddesses of fortune. She possesses all the attractiveness to attract the all-attractive Personality of Godhead. She is the primeval internal potency of the Lord.”
To explain further, Srimati Radharani is also the source of the other goddesses, who are expansions of Her. Just as Lord Krishna is the source of all other expansions and incarnations of God, Radharani is the source of all other expansions of the energies of God, the shaktis, or other goddesses. Thus, Vishnu, Rama, even Shiva are all expansions of the one Supreme Being, and similarly Lakshmi, Sita, and even Durga are all expansions of this Supreme Feminine form of God, Radharani.
It is explained that the beloved consorts of Lord Krishna are of three kinds, namely the goddesses of fortune or Lakshmis, His queens, and the milkmaids of Vraja called the gopis. All of them proceed from Radharani. The Lakshmis are partial manifestations, or plenary portions, of Srimati Radharani, while the queens in Vaikuntha and in Dvaraka are reflections of Her image. The Vraja-devis or gopis are Her expansions and assist in the increase of rasa, or the divine loving pastimes. Among them there are many groups that have various sentiments and moods, which help Lord Krishna taste the sweetness of the rasa dance and other pastimes. (Cc.Adi-lila. 4. 75-81)
“Among the gopis of Vrindavana, Srimati Radharani and another gopi are considered chief. However, when we compare the gopis, it appears that Srimati Radharani is most important because Her real feature expresses the highest ecstasy of love. The ecstasy of love experienced by the other gopis cannot be compared to that of Srimati Radharani.” (Ujjvala-nilamani 4.3 of Srila Rupa Gosvami)
Radharani has many names according to Her qualities and characteristics. Some of the names that Radharani is known by include Govinda-anandini–She who gives pleasure to Govinda [Krishna]; Govinda-mohini–She who mystifies Govinda; Govinda-sarvasa–the all-in-all of Lord Govinda; Shiromani Sarva-kanta–the crown jewel of all the Lord’s consorts; and Krishnamayi–the one who sees Krishna both within and without. She is also called Radhika in the Puranas because Her worship [aradhana] of the Lord consists of fulfilling His desires. Aradhana is the root of the name Radharani, which indicates one who excels in worshiping the Lord. She is also called Sarva-lakshmi, the original source of all the goddesses of fortune. This also means that She is the supreme energy of Lord Krishna, and represents His six opulences, which include fame, fortune, strength, wealth, knowledge, and detachment. She is also known as Sarva-kanti, which indicates that all beauty and luster rest in Her body, and all the Lakshmis derive their beauty from Her. It also means that all the desires of Lord Krishna rest in Srimati Radharani. As Lord Krishna enchants the world with His beauty and charm, Sri Radha enchants Him. Therefore She is the Supreme Goddess. Sri Radha is the full power, and Lord Krishna is the possessor of full power. (Cc.Adi-lila, 4.82, 84, 87-96) Thus, the two are non-different, as the sunshine is nondifferent from the sun, or as the energy is non-different from the energetic or source of energy.
In this way, without Radha there is no meaning to Krishna and without Krishna there is no meaning to Radha. Because of this, in the Vaishnava tradition we always pay respects first to the Lord’s internal energy in the form of Radha, and then to the Lord. Thus They are referred to as Radha-Krishna, or in other names as Sita-Rama, Lakshmi-Narayana, and so on. In this way, Radha and Krishna are one, but when Lord Krishna wants to enjoy, He manifests Himself as Radharani. Otherwise, there is no energy in which Krishna can attain pleasure outside Himself.
To understand Himself through the agency of Radha, or the hladini-shakti, the Lord manifests Himself as Lord Chaitanya, who is Lord Krishna but with the super-excellent emotions of Radharani’s love toward Lord Krishna. This is because the Lord accepts a position and the emotions of a devotee in order to fully taste His own sweetness.
It is also described that the potency of love of God is called hladini, the Lord’s pleasure potency. Whenever the Lord wants to enjoy pleasure, He exhibits His own spiritual potency known as hladini. And the essence of that love is in the emotion called bhava. The ultimate development of that emotion is mahabhava, or great bhava. Mahabhava is full of the pleasure potency, and it is an exhibition of the highest love for Lord Krishna. Sri Radharani is the embodiment of that transcendental consciousness found in mahabhava. Her mind, senses and body are steeped in that highest sort of love for Krishna. She is as spiritual as the Lord Himself. In fact, being the personification of the hladini-shakti, the pleasure giving energy of the Lord, She is the only source of enjoyment for the Lord. This pleasure potency manifests spiritually as Radharani in a way that attracts even Lord Krishna. He takes no pleasure in anything material. The Lord could never enjoy anything that is less spiritual than Himself. Therefore Radha and Krishna are identical. Then She expands Herself into different forms, known as Lalita, Visakha, and Her other confidential associates that increase the mood of divine love. However, being the Lord’s hladini feature, She is also the ultimate source of all happiness for all the living beings. In other words, everything that gives pleasure and happiness within the spiritual or the material worlds is because of Her and the energy that emanates from Her. (Cc.Adi-lila.4.68-72) That same pleasure potency expands and spreads throughout the spiritual worlds, and then descends into the material creation into the many forms of happiness that is experienced by the conditioned soul, though it may be called by different names and perceived in assorted ways. Since we are all parts and parcels of the Lord, we also have that pleasure potency within us to a minute degree. But we are trying to enjoy it in the material world. Therefore we are like sparks that are dying out because we have left our place which is in the blazing fire of Lord Krishna’s association.
The Hare Krishna mantra also directs one’s attention and devotion to Radha as well as Krishna. Radha is also known as Mother Hara, which is the name Hare in the vocative form within the mantra. So in chanting Hare Krishna, we are first approaching the Lord’s internal potency and asking Radha to please engage us in the service of Lord Krishna. Concentrating on Krishna through His names is one form of that service. In other words, it is through Radha that one more easily attains Krishna and service to Krishna. This is the advantage of approaching Lord Krishna through Radharani.
The descriptions of the beauty of Radharani are wonderfully poetic and descriptive. Actually, the residents of Vrindavana care more for Radharani than they do for Lord Krishna. They know that Krishna can be influenced through Radharani. They know that Radha can bring one to Krishna. She is also the compassionate nature of the Lord, and thus more easily approached than trying to reach Lord Krishna directly. And when we read these descriptions of Radha, it is no wonder why they are devoted to Her. For example, it is explained that Srimati Radharani has unlimited transcendental qualities, of which twenty-five are principal. These include: 1) She is very sweet. 2) She is always freshly youthful. 3) Her eyes are restless. 4) She smiles brightly. 5) She has beautiful, auspicious lines. 6) She makes Krishna happy with Her bodily aroma. 7) She is very expert in singing. 8) Her speech is charming. 9) She is very expert in joking and speaking pleasantly. 10) She is very humble and meek. 11) She is always full of mercy. 12) She is cunning. 13) She is expert in executing Her duties. 14) She is shy. 15) She is always respectful. 16) She is always calm. 17) She is always grave. 18) She is expert in enjoying life. 19) She is situated in the topmost level of ecstatic love. 20) She is the reservoir of loving affairs in Gokula. 21) She is the most famous of submissive devotees. 22) She is very affectionate to elderly people. 23) She is very submissive to the love of Her friends. 24) She is the chief gopi. 25) She always keeps Krishna under Her control. In short, She possesses unlimited transcendental qualities, just as Lord Krishna does. (Ujjvala-nilamani, Sri-radha-prakarana 11-15)
In describing Srimati Radharani, it is also said in the Vidagdha-madhava (1.32) by Rupa Gosvami, “The beauty of Srimati Radharani’s eyes forcibly devours the beauty of newly grown blue lotus flowers, and the beauty of Her face surpasses that of an entire forest of fully blossomed lotuses. Her bodily luster seems to place even gold in a painful situation. Thus the wonderful, unprecedented beauty of Srimati Radharani is awakening Vrindavana.”
“Although the effulgence of the moon is brilliant initially at night, in the daytime it fades away. Similarly, although the lotus is beautiful during the daytime, at night it closes. But, O My friend, the face of My most dear Srimati Radharani is always bright and beautiful, both day and night. Therefore, to what can Her face be compared?” (Vidagdha-madhava 5.20)
“When Srimati Radharani smiles, waves of joy overtake Her cheeks, and Her arched eyebrows dance like the bow of Cupid. Her glance is so enchanting that it is like a dancing bumblebee, moving unsteadily due to intoxication. That bee has bitten the whorl of My heart.” (Vidagdha-madhava 2.51)
There is much more to be known about Srimati Radharani, but this should suffice for now. Thus, the spiritual exchange of divine love between Radha and Krishna is the display of the internal energy of the Lord, and is very confidential and difficult to understand. No materialist can begin to understand this topic of the relationship between Radharani and Lord Krishna. But the more we awaken our dormant love for God, which is natural state of being for a fully awakened soul, then the more we can comprehend and actually enter into such spiritual loving exchanges.
Who is Radha, The Hindu Goddess?
Radha is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and is revered as the beloved consort of Lord Krishna, one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. Radha’s divine love for Krishna is celebrated as the pinnacle of devotion and spiritual connection in the Vaishnavite tradition. Despite her significant role and immense popularity in Hindu folklore, Radha’s character does not appear in the ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas or the Puranas. Instead, her story and her relationship with Krishna are primarily documented in the medieval texts and poetry, particularly in the Bhagavata Purana and the works of the Vaishnava saint-poets.
The legends and narratives surrounding Radha are multi-layered and complex, and they vary across different regional and sectarian traditions. Radha is often portrayed as a cowherd girl from the village of Vrindavan, a pastoral setting where Krishna spent his childhood. She is depicted as the embodiment of purity, devotion, and selfless love. In the narratives, Radha represents the individual soul (jiva) and her love for Krishna symbolizes the soul’s longing for union with the divine.
Radha’s relationship with Krishna is also portrayed as a spiritual journey marked by separation, longing, and eventual union. The concept of “Viraha” or divine separation is a central theme in Radha-Krishna mythology. It represents the intense yearning and pining of the soul for the divine, as Radha experiences moments of separation from Krishna. These episodes of separation are believed to intensify Radha’s love and deepen her devotion, making her the ideal embodiment of the devotee’s quest for divine realization.
Radha’s character has also been associated with various symbolic interpretations. In some traditions, she is considered the personification of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, while Krishna represents the male aspect of divinity. Radha is seen as the source of Krishna’s power and the ultimate expression of divine love. In this context, Radha is often worshipped as a goddess in her own right, representing the creative, nurturing, and compassionate aspects of the divine.
The significance of Radha’s character extends beyond her relationship with Krishna. She is regarded as a role model for devotees, teaching them the virtues of selfless love, surrender, and unwavering devotion. Radha’s devotion is considered so profound that it surpasses even the love of other gods and goddesses. Her story serves as an inspiration for seekers on the spiritual path, reminding them of the transformative power of love and devotion in attaining union with the divine.
The popularity of Radha’s character has given rise to numerous devotional practices, rituals, and festivals dedicated to her worship. In the Vaishnava tradition, Radha is often worshipped alongside Krishna, and their images are adorned in temples and homes. Festivals such as Radhashtami, celebrated on the eighth day of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, commemorate Radha’s appearance day and are marked by devotional singing, dancing, and storytelling.
In addition to devotional practices, Radha’s character has also inspired a rich legacy of literature, poetry, and arts. The works of renowned poet-saints like Jayadeva, Surdas, and Chandidas have beautifully depicted the divine love between Radha and Krishna. Their compositions, known as bhajans or padas, continue to be sung and recited by devotees as a means of connecting with the divine.
It is worth mentioning that Radha’s character and her relationship with Krishna have sparked debates and interpretations within the broader Hindu philosophical and theological discourse. Some schools of thought view Radha as a metaphorical representation of the individual soul’s yearning for the divine, while others consider her as a historical figure or a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi. These varying interpretations further enrich the diverse tapestry of Hindu mythology and spirituality.
Radha holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and devotion as the beloved consort of Lord Krishna. Her character symbolizes the highest form of love, devotion, and spiritual connection in the Vaishnavite tradition. Radha’s unwavering devotion, her selfless love for Krishna, and her portrayal as the embodiment of the individual soul’s quest for divine union have made her an iconic figure in Hindu folklore. Through her story, teachings, and devotional practices, Radha continues to inspire and guide countless devotees on the path of love and devotion towards the divine.
Lord Radha and goddess Radha are inseparable; They always come together as one name Radha Krishna. The name Lord Krishna is derived from the Sanskrit word Krishna, which is primarily an adjective meaning “black”, “blue”, “dark blue” or “all-attractive”. It is believed to have eight incarnations of Lord Vishnu. He is probably the most popular of all the heroes of Hindu mythology. The word Radha means the greatest lover and worshiper of Krishna. Shri Radha is the feminine aspect of Shri Krishna and is not separate from Krishna.
The entanglement of Radha-Krishna was such a pure and cutest love story. Isn’t it? According to the Vedas, Krishna believed that love does not require marriage. In fact marriage is a compromise and love is a selfless, pure feeling shared by two lovers. Love is true. Love is pure. The love of Radha and Krishna is immortal, it has no beginning and end. It is beyond the physical world and is spiritual in nature. It was the pure bond and love that kept both united, not marriage. Because every love story doesn’t end in marriage.
The love story of Radha Krishna started at a very young age. According to legend, when Krishna was young, he started playing the flute for grazing cows. Whenever Krishna played the flute, everyone and everything was taken to a samadhi which was completely pure and beautiful. Even the gopis, or cowgirls, would stop what they were doing, sense Krishna and start dancing around him in his love. However, a gopi, Radha, had taken him captive. The whole universe was yearning for Krishna but he was yearning for Radha. They met and fell in love when they were very young. Radha Krishna used to meet and dance in the garden which is known as Nidhivan (Madhuban) in Vrindavan. Even though they used to celebrate all the festivals together with their friends and relatives, Holi is one of those festivals which shows the pure love between them. This place is always remembered as the love place of Radha Krishna, devotees still visit this place to feel the love and devotion.
Krishna is the embodiment of love, affection, knowledge and intelligence and Radha is the female manifestation of all these traits. If Krishna is the Sun, Radha is the Sunlight. If Krishna is powerful Radha is the shakti behind. His sincere love and dedication has kept him alive in our hearts, his love story etched with admiration for ages. Radha and Krishna love story encapsulates the love that exists in the universe and that is why it is popular as the most powerful and mythological love story in this modern world as well. Their love is like a blowing wind. Which will be fluttering in the air forever and ever.
Lord Radha and goddess Radha are inseparable; They always come together as one name Radha Krishna. The name Lord Krishna is derived from the Sanskrit word Krishna, which is primarily an adjective meaning “black”, “blue”, “dark blue” or “all-attractive”. It is believed to have eight incarnations of Lord Vishnu. He is probably the most popular of all the heroes of Hindu mythology. The word Radha means the greatest lover and worshiper of Krishna. Shri Radha is the feminine aspect of Shri Krishna and is not separate from Krishna.
The entanglement of Radha-Krishna was such a pure and cutest love story. Isn’t it? According to the Vedas, Krishna believed that love does not require marriage. In fact marriage is a compromise and love is a selfless, pure feeling shared by two lovers. Love is true. Love is pure. The love of Radha and Krishna is immortal, it has no beginning and end. It is beyond the physical world and is spiritual in nature. It was the pure bond and love that kept both united, not marriage. Because every love story doesn’t end in marriage.
The love story of Radha Krishna started at a very young age. According to legend, when Krishna was young, he started playing the flute for grazing cows. Whenever Krishna played the flute, everyone and everything was taken to a samadhi which was completely pure and beautiful. Even the gopis, or cowgirls, would stop what they were doing, sense Krishna and start dancing around him in his love. However, a gopi, Radha, had taken him captive. The whole universe was yearning for Krishna but he was yearning for Radha. They met and fell in love when they were very young. Radha Krishna used to meet and dance in the garden which is known as Nidhivan (Madhuban) in Vrindavan. Even though they used to celebrate all the festivals together with their friends and relatives, Holi is one of those festivals which shows the pure love between them. This place is always remembered as the love place of Radha Krishna, devotees still visit this place to feel the love and devotion.
Krishna is the embodiment of love, affection, knowledge and intelligence and Radha is the female manifestation of all these traits. If Krishna is the Sun, Radha is the Sunlight. If Krishna is powerful Radha is the shakti behind. His sincere love and dedication has kept him alive in our hearts, his love story etched with admiration for ages. Radha and Krishna love story encapsulates the love that exists in the universe and that is why it is popular as the most powerful and mythological love story in this modern world as well. Their love is like a blowing wind. Which will be fluttering in the air forever and ever.
Traits
Radha is known for her exceptional qualities and unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna. Her impeccable character is characterized by personality traits that inspire loyalty and admiration among her followers. These traits include unconditional love, humility, sacrifice, and emotional depth, all serving as a testament to the transformative power of love. Radha’s love for Krishna is absolute and boundless, surpassing all limitations. It is a love that transcends worldly boundaries and showcases the profound depths of the human capacity for love.
Despite being the object of Krishna’s affection, Radha remains remarkably humble and modest. Her humility is essential to her character, reflecting her understanding of the divine and her role as a devotee. She epitomizes selflessness, and her love is characterized by sacrifice and surrender. She willingly renounces her desires and aspirations, prioritizing Krishna’s happiness above hers. Her actions demonstrate the profound depths of her love and devotion.
Radha’s emotional depth is another striking aspect of her personality (“The Tale of Radha and Krishna – a Benchmark of Love”). She experiences various emotions, from profound longing and separation in Krishna’s absence to ecstatic union in his presence. These emotional fluctuations reflect the complexities of the human heart and its yearning for divine love. Radha’s devotion to Lord Krishna is a source of inspiration and admiration for many, and her exemplary qualities continue to inspire devotees worldwide.
Symbols
Radha is often depicted with various symbols that carry profound meaning and significance. These symbols reflect her elevated consciousness and divine qualities and reinforce her sacred bond and divine love with Lord Krishna. One of the most prominent symbols associated with Radha is the lotus, a symbol of purity and spiritual enlightenment. Radha is often depicted holding a lotus, representing her embodiment of divine virtues and elevated consciousness. Another symbol of Radha is the peacock feather, which adorns her hair. The peacock feather symbolizes beauty, grace, and divinity and represents Radha’s deep connection with Lord Krishna. As Lord Krishna is often depicted wearing a peacock feather on his crown, this symbol reinforces their sacred bond and divine love.
Finally, the flute is an iconic symbol associated with Lord Krishna and holds significance for Radha (“The Tale of Radha and Krishna – a Benchmark of Love”). The flute symbolizes Krishna’s divine music and ability to attract and enchant devotees. As Radha is inseparable from Krishna, the flute symbolizes Radha’s union with her beloved and their divine love.
These symbols associated with Radha carry significant meaning and reflect the divine qualities and sacred bond between Radha and Lord Krishna.
Festivals and Rituals
The devotees of Radha express their deep reverence, love, and gratitude towards her through a variety of religious festivals and rituals. One of the most significant festivals is Radhastami, which is observed on the eighth day of the lunar month of Bhadrapada. On this auspicious occasion, devotees engage in fasting, sing devotional songs, and participate in ecstatic dances, known as Rasa Lila, to commemorate the appearance of Radha in the mortal realm. In addition to Radhashtami, devotees perform Radha-Krishna puja, offering worship to both Radha and Krishna as a divine couple. They recite Radha mantras, invoking her blessings and seeking her divine grace. Furthermore, the devotees read and contemplate Radha’s pastimes and divine interactions with Krishna as described in sacred scriptures such as the Bhagavata Purana (“The Tale of Radha and Krishna – a Benchmark of Love”).
These festivals and rituals provide devotees with ample opportunities to deepen their connection with Radha, express their love, and engage in devotional practices centered around her divine presence. The participation in these rituals and celebrations is believed to immerse devotees in Radha’s divine love and impart spiritual insights from her sacred teachings and experiences. Indeed, such observances serve as a profound expression of devotion and gratitude towards the divine feminine, Radha.
Legends associated with Radha
Radha, the revered Hindu goddess, and beloved of Lord Krishna, occupies a paramount position in Hindu mythology and devotion. Her miraculous origins, boundless love for Krishna, and deep-rooted loyalty testify to the profoundness of faith and spirituality in Hinduism. Her significance in Hinduism is unparalleled, and her legends reflect the highest form of devotion and love.
Origin story
The origin tale of Radha is steeped in an air of enigma, its intricacies varying across diverse sources and traditions. However, most believe that Radha was born as the daughter of King Vrishabhanu and Queen Kirti (“Radha”), her exceptional birth occurring when she emerged from a lotus flower that blossomed in the mystical lake known as Radhakund, situated in the revered land of Vrindavan (“About Radha Rani: A Beautiful Hindu Goddess of Vrindavan – Rudra Centre”). This divine inception is a powerful testament to Radha’s exceptional nature and deep-seated connection with Lord Krishna.
Radha and Krishna
One of the most cherished and esteemed legends in Hindu mythology is that of the divine love shared between the celestial beings Radha and Lord Krishna. The boundless love and unwavering devotion that Radha had for Krishna are considered to symbolize the concept of eternal love. Their cosmic love is believed to transcend all worldly attachments, embodying the union of the individual soul (Radha) with the Supreme Soul (Krishna)(“The Tale of Radha and Krishna – a Benchmark of Love”). This divine love story continues to inspire countless devotees, illustrating the transformative power of true love and the potential for a profound spiritual connection with the divine.
Final thoughts
The venerated Hindu goddess Radha, the divine consort of Lord Krishna, holds a place of great reverence in the hearts of devout followers of Hinduism. Her character is marked by an unwavering love and devotion to her divine partner, a characteristic celebrated and upheld in the many legends and stories surrounding her. Radha’s origin story and her role in the pastimes of Krishna serve as powerful reminders of the depth and significance of her character. At the same time, the influences of other religions and cultures have shaped how she is perceived and recognized. Today, Radha’s legacy endures as a beacon of inspiration for devotees, with her divine love story and teachings serving as a benchmark for eternal devotion. Indeed, the transformative power of love and the potential for a profound connection with the divine are but a few of the many lessons that can be gleaned from the life and teachings of Radha, the beloved goddess of unconditional love.
Radha Krishna – A Never Ending Love Tale
“Sacche prem ki koi samapti tithi nahi hoti, sanyog aur viyog ye dono hi awastha me samaan rehta hai.”
In other words, “True love has no end date. Coincidence and disconnection remain the same in both.” Isn’t it so romantic?
Lord Radha and goddess Radha are inseparable; They always come together as one name Radha Krishna. The name Lord Krishna is derived from the Sanskrit word Krishna, which is primarily an adjective meaning “black”, “blue”, “dark blue” or “all-attractive”. It is believed to have eight incarnations of Lord Vishnu. He is probably the most popular of all the heroes of Hindu mythology. The word Radha means the greatest lover and worshiper of Krishna. Shri Radha is the feminine aspect of Shri Krishna and is not separate from Krishna.
The entanglement of Radha-Krishna was such a pure and cutest love story. Isn’t it? According to the Vedas, Krishna believed that love does not require marriage. In fact marriage is a compromise and love is a selfless, pure feeling shared by two lovers. Love is true. Love is pure. The love of Radha and Krishna is immortal, it has no beginning and end. It is beyond the physical world and is spiritual in nature. It was the pure bond and love that kept both united, not marriage. Because every love story doesn’t end in marriage.
The love story of Radha Krishna started at a very young age. According to legend, when Krishna was young, he started playing the flute for grazing cows. Whenever Krishna played the flute, everyone and everything was taken to a samadhi which was completely pure and beautiful. Even the gopis, or cowgirls, would stop what they were doing, sense Krishna and start dancing around him in his love. However, a gopi, Radha, had taken him captive. The whole universe was yearning for Krishna but he was yearning for Radha. They met and fell in love when they were very young. Radha Krishna used to meet and dance in the garden which is known as Nidhivan (Madhuban) in Vrindavan. Even though they used to celebrate all the festivals together with their friends and relatives, Holi is one of those festivals which shows the pure love between them. This place is always remembered as the love place of Radha Krishna, devotees still visit this place to feel the love and devotion.
Krishna is the embodiment of love, affection, knowledge and intelligence and Radha is the female manifestation of all these traits. If Krishna is the Sun, Radha is the Sunlight. If Krishna is powerful Radha is the shakti behind. His sincere love and dedication has kept him alive in our hearts, his love story etched with admiration for ages. Radha and Krishna love story encapsulates the love that exists in the universe and that is why it is popular as the most powerful and mythological love story in this modern world as well. Their love is like a blowing wind. Which will be fluttering in the air forever and ever.
Radha Story, Story of goddess Radha and her birth story
goddess Radha Story
In India, Divine immortal Radha may be a well-known supernatural being in Hindu Mythology. She is additionally called Radharani. For her love and deep devotion for Lord Krishna images, immortal Radha is typically delineated with Lord Krishna. Immortal Radha is typically thought-about because the incarnation of immortal Hindu deity, the consort of Lord Vishnu.
Radha represents truth follower, each within the type of male and feminine. And Lord Krishna represents the divine. Intense love of Radha for avatar symbolizes every devotee’s fervent looking for final unification with God. along with her utmost devotion towards her lord, she became the supreme follower of Lord Krishna.
Today folks keep in mind Radha-Krishna in an exceedingly single term. However, Radha is not the consort of Lord avatar, however their love had united them for ever. Radha is associate degree ineluctable a part of avatar. while not Radha, avatar doesn’t suggest something and while not avatar, Radha is nothing.
About Goddess Radha Birth
As per recent tale sooner or later, king Vrishabhanu maharajah visited the bank of Yamuna at around hour to take bath. He saw a golden lotus flower floating on the water and shining brilliantly sort of a thousand suns. Vrishabhanu straightaway waded into the watercourse and once he came with regards to the golden lotus flower, he beheld the foremost stunning and effulgent style of female child lying among the petals of the lotus.
At that very same moment, Lord Brahma suddenly appeared there and speaking in an exceedingly grave voice, knowledgeable Vrishabhanu that in his previous life, Vrishabhanu and his better half Kirtida had performed nice austerities so as to urge the consort of Lord Vishnu as their female offspring. Lord Brahma told Vrishabhanu that this woman was the origin of the immortalMaa Lakshmi images which he ought to take tutelage of Her.
Lord Brahma then placed the female child within the arms of Vrishabhanu who became joyful, and when taking permission from Lord Brahma, came to his home. Seeing the attractive female child shining like a lot of autumnal moons, mother Kirtida was overcome with joy and straightaway organized for every kind of spiritual rites to be performed and given thousands of cows to the brahmanas.
At that point baby Radhika was placed in an exceedingly gem-studded cradle and gently rocked back and forth by all the insufficient women of the village. Day by day Her luster enlarged a bit like the digits of the moon.
Goddess Radha Love For Lord Krishna
Radha-Krishna is the name that can not be taken while not the opposite. These 2 names are continuously spoken in a very single breath as if they are one. While not Radha, Lord Krishna is incomplete and while not avatar, Radha will never be complete. Does not it say plenty regarding the type of eternal love these 2 share? They immortalised their story in time and gave a replacement definition to the that means of true love. Modern day couples will very take a cue from the epic story of Lord Krishna and his lover Radha.
Even once such a lot of millennia, this divine couple remains adored together! they are a illustration of the purest type of love, an feeling that binds the full universe along. So, here we tend to wake you some valuable love and life lessons that our young couples will learn from the lives of immortal lovers, “Radha-Krishna”. Radha, additionally acknowledged to be an avatar of divinity Sakti, is believed to be the foremost ardent lover of Lord avatar.
once the maakhan chor of Vrindavan accustomed play his flute, Radha would get mesmerized within the moment and would go away everything to bounce around him. Radha and Krishna’s story is special as a result of it’s the right example of platonic love. Radha and avatar were never married. And yet, they are argus-eyed as an example of divine lovers Radha and Lord Krishna images were childhood playmates.
Radha was one in every of the Gopis or cowboy ladies with whom avatar did rasleela within the forests of Vrindavan. however Radha was the loved one to avatar and most dedicated to Him. once avatar contend the flute, Radha American ginseng and danced with Him. However, this story never reached its maturity as a result of, avatar left Vrindavan at the age of twelve to review at his gurukul so to attack his uncle Kamsa in Mathura. Meanwhile, Radha was married off to a moneyed landholder named Abhimanyu.
Some stories additionally offer the name of Radha’s husband as Chandrasena. There is additionally a story that Radha and avatar were on the married in Vrindavan and Lord Brahma presided over their wedding as a priest.
This version of the story doesn’t hold a lot of water as a result of it is not written within the Puranas. The essence of the Radha avatar story is true love that goes on the far side the physical realm. avatar and Radha were ne’er man and married woman. They were certain in holy matrimony and nevertheless they were soulmates. Their love was “pure” as a result of it had been never consummated .
Goddesses : Radha
Radha
Unique Attributes : Beauty, charm, dedication, loyalty
Other Names : Radhika, Radharani, Aradhana, Govida-Mohini, Vrndavaneshwari
Love Interest : Lord Krishna
Incarnation of : Goddess Lakshmi
Primary Scriptures : Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Brihad Gautamiya Tantra, Garga Samhita, Gita Govinda
Radha Gayatri Mantra : Aum Vrashbhanujaye Vidmahe Krishnapriyaye Dheemahi Tanno Radha Prachodayat
In Hindu belief Radha or Sri Radharani is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. The goddess thus is believed to be the love interest of Lord Sri Krishna as he is the avatar of Sri Hari Vishnu. Radha was accorded the status of a goddess in northern India though the consort of Sri Krishna is known to be Rukmini. In many temples of India it is goddess Radha who is depicted alongside Lord Krishna and not Rukmini. The immense love and devotion the goddess has for Sri Krishna is the reason for her being raised to a higher celestial plane. Today Radharani is worshipped like any other goddess in Indian temples along with Lord Krishna.
Lord Sri Krishna is seen by Radha as the ultimate divine being while she sees herself as the devotee of her lord. Her divine love towards the lord is symbolic with the ultimate union of a devotee with the god. Goddess Sri Radha is believed to be Lord Sri Krishna’s adi (original) shakti. She is supreme among the Gopis (milkmaids) and sometimes it is suggested that the gopis were merely the maidservants of Radharani and she undoubtedly held the supreme position in the heart of Sri Krishna. The relationship between Radha and Krishna is not bound by marriage but eternal love and dedication towards each other.
In the Gita Govinda Radha is depicted as a human longing for unison with the divine. It was only after the sixteenth century that the cult of Radha-Krishna grew tremendously. Radha-Krishna have today become a single term, both having no meaning without each other. Both the figures complement each other and are rarely worshipped separately. She is particularly revered in Varsana the village where she was born and in Mathura Vrindavan where Sri Krishna is believed to have taken birth and spend his childhood years. Though Radharani is worshipped to throughout the year but it is on the occasion of Radhashtami when she was born that special celebrations are held. Radha till date is believed to be the supreme devotee of Sri Krishna whom she loved like no one else ever did.
THE STORY OF GODDESS RADHA: CHARACTERS AND THEMES – ANIME DEVTA
Goddess Radha is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. She is worshipped as the divine consort of Lord Krishna, and her story is a powerful tale of love, devotion, and sacrifice. In this blog, we will explore the characters and themes of the story of Goddess Radha.
Characters of the Story
Goddess Radha: The protagonist of the story, Goddess Radha is the divine consort of Lord Krishna. She is known for her beauty, devotion, and selfless love for Krishna.
Lord Krishna: The primary male character of the story, Lord Krishna is one of the most popular deities in Hinduism. He is known for his playful nature, divine love, and his ability to charm and captivate those around him.
Gopi: The gopis are the milkmaids of Vrindavan, the village where Lord Krishna grew up. They are deeply devoted to Krishna and are often depicted in the story as his friends and companions.
Themes of the Story
Divine Love: The story of Goddess Radha is a powerful tale of divine love. Radha’s love for Krishna is pure, selfless, and all-consuming. She is willing to do anything for him, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness and well-being.
Devotion: The story of Goddess Radha is also a story of devotion. Radha’s devotion to Krishna is unwavering, and she is constantly seeking to deepen her connection with him.
Selflessness: The story of Goddess Radha teaches us the importance of selflessness. Radha puts the needs of Krishna before her own and is always thinking about how she can serve him and make him happy.
Separation and Longing: The story of Goddess Radha is also a story of separation and longing. Radha and Krishna are often depicted as being separated from each other, and their longing for each other is a central theme of the story.
Beauty and Grace: The story of Goddess Radha is also a celebration of beauty and grace. Radha is known for her beauty and her ability to captivate those around her, and her grace and elegance are a reflection of her devotion to Krishna.
Oneness: The story of Goddess Radha is also a story of oneness. Radha and Krishna are often depicted as being two halves of the same soul, and their union is seen as a symbol of the union between the individual soul and the divine.
Separation and Longing: The story of Goddess Radha is also a story of separation and longing. Radha and Krishna are often depicted as being separated from each other, and their longing for each other is a central theme of the story.
Beauty and Grace: The story of Goddess Radha is also a celebration of beauty and grace. Radha is known for her beauty and her ability to captivate those around her, and her grace and elegance are a reflection of her devotion to Krishna.
Oneness: The story of Goddess Radha is also a story of oneness. Radha and Krishna are often depicted as being two halves of the same soul, and their union is seen as a symbol of the union between the individual soul and the divine.
Radha
Goddess Radha is a well-known deity in Hindu Mythology. She is also known as Radharani in the northern part of India. For her deep devotion towards Krishna, Radha is usually depicted with Krishna. Radha is sometimes considered as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.
Radha- the Embodiment of Love
The love story of Radha-Krishna has become a legend in the Hindu mythology. The story is believed to have taken place in the Dwapar Yuga, when both of them took birth in this world. Radha was a cowherdess, who through her beauty and charm captivated the heart of Lord Krishna and became his beloved goddess. Lord Krishna is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, whose birth was predestined.
Krishna took avatar in order to slay the demon king Kansa and to spread happiness. During his life, Krishna met Radha and they fell in love with each other. Krishna had a motive behind his life i.e. to kill Kansa and to fulfill this mission; he had to face many problems. But, Radha with her intense affection and steady devotion helped Krishna to overcome the problems.
Radha – Devotee of Krishna
Radha represents the true devotee, both in the form of male and female. And Lord Krishna represents the divine. Intense love of Radha for Krishna symbolizes each devotee’s passionate longing for ultimate unification with God. With her utmost devotion towards her lord, she became the supreme devotee of Lord Krishna. Today people remember Radha-Krishna in a single term. However, Radha was not the consort of Lord Krishna, but their love had united them for ever. Radha is an inescapable part of Krishna. Without Radha, Krishna doesn’t mean anything and without Krishna, Radha is nothing.
Radha – The Goddess
Radha has attained the status of goddess in the Hindu Religion. Radha’s immense love and dedication towards lord Krishna got her this position, which she truly deserves. Radha is the heavenly queen of Krishna’s celestial world. Today, Radha is worshipped like any other goddesses in temples.
Radha Gayatri Mantra Aum Vrashbhanujaye Vidmahe Krishnapriyaye Dheemahi Tanno Radha Prachodayat
Legends
The legends of Radha-Krishna have become immortal. There are numerous legends and stories of Radha and Krishna depicting their true love. Radha’s devotion and dedication towards Sri Krishna is the most sincere one. Here are some legends of Radha-Krishna portraying their love for each other.
Radha Ashtami
Birthday of Radha is celebrated as Radhaashtami throughout the country and especially in the north, with full devotion and joy. Radha Ashtami is observed after 15 days of Janmashtami, which is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna. Radharani’s birthday is the sacred eighth day of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).
Goddess Radha
About Goddess Radha
Radha is a Hindu goddess who is almost always depicted alongside Krishna and is often revered as the original Goddess or MahaLakshmi. Radha is the most important gopi in Rasa lila (sacred dance) with Lord Krishna and is often regarded as the incarnation of “the feeling of love towards Krishna”. Radha, in female form symbolizes the human soul and the male, Krishna symbolizes the Supreme Power of the Almighty.
Unique traits of Goddess Radha
Radha is described as charming, pleasing, humble, merciful, compassionate and her dedication and loyalty towards Lord Krishna is unparalleled. Her love for Krishna is spontaneous and of an esoteric nature devoid of any sexual desire. She shares a unique, transcendental and totally unconditional relationship with the Lord.
Goddess Radha
Incarnations of Goddess Radha
Radha is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and the love interest of Lord Sri Krishna as the avatar of Sri Hari Vishnu. She is accorded the status of a Goddess though the consort of Sri Krishna is known to be Rukmini. The sublime love and affection the Goddess has for Sri Krishna is the reason for her being elevated to the status of a Goddess and she is worshipped in Indian Temples along with Lord Krishna.
Mythology of Goddess Radha
Radha is depicted as the gopi (milkmaid) who became the beloved of the God Krishna when he lived among the gopas (cowherds) of Vrindavan. Even though she was the wife of another gopa, Radha was the dearest of Krishna’s consorts and his constant companion.
Unique offerings to Goddess Radha
Offerings dear to Lord Krishna are made to Goddess Radha since she emobodies His spirit and mind in all aspects. Fresh flowers and pure vegetarian food are dear to the Lord. Items made of butter and pure ghee are his favorite and after prayers, these items are deemed sanctified to be distributed to his devotees as Prasadam.
Benefits of worshipping Goddess Radha
People pray to Radha to reach out to Lord Krishna to bless them and to experience the power of pure love and selfless sacrifice which Radha displayed toward Krishna. On Radha Ashtami day, devotees fast all day and gather at the Temple to receive Her blessings. Praying to Radha is said to overcome marital obstacles and to enjoy a prosperous life full of joy and harmony.
Who are Radha and Krishna?
Radha and Krishna are two deities in the religion of Hinduism. Krishna is one of the foremost gods of that faith. Some worship him as the supreme deity, of which all other gods are aspects. Generally, Krishna is associated with love and protection. Radha is the chief consort of Krishna and is worshiped as the goddess of love and motherhood.Lord Krishna in Hinduism
Hinduism is an ancient and vast religion. Many different versions of the faith have been practiced over the millennia, so Krishna has been interpreted in different ways. To complicate matters further, different sects of Hinduism hold different gods to be avatars or reincarnations of each other. For example, Krishna is sometimes held to be an avatar of the god Vishnu and other times a sovereign deity in his own right.
One of the oldest written texts speaking of Krishna is the Mahabharata, one of the most famous epic poems of the world. In the Mahabharata, Krishna is born by the god Vishnu and the princess Devaki. Devaki’s brother, however, has heard a prophecy that his sister’s eighth son will kill him. For safety, Devaki retreats from her home city and hides the young boy Krishna in an isolated village. Krishna has an idyllic and bucolic childhood surrounded by herders. He has many adventures where he battles fearsome beasts and monsters. He has many divine powers, including great strength and the ability to perform miracles.
The Radha-Krishna Story
Radha and Krishna are said to have spent their youths together, dancing and falling in love. While the two are held to be each other’s closest partners, they were not generally held to be married. Various stories address this. To some, they did not marry since they already had one soul between them. Other stories say they married secretly or could not marry because Radha had already married another man.
Significance of Krishna and Radha
The Radha-Krishna partnership is an important one in Hinduism. This divine couple is viewed as a symbol of pure and good love. They were held to be strong partners who behave in ways that Hindu couples should replicate. This was especially emphasized during the Bhakti movement, which was a religious trend in Hinduism that began in the Medieval period. Various Bhakti poets and writers spoke of the divine partnership between Krishna and Radha as ideal and perfect love between partners. The Radha-Krishna couple is worshiped in many devotional practices, in which worshipers recite holy texts in temples before statues and shrines to the two gods.
Why did Krishna not marry Radha?
Several different stories provide different answers. In some, Radha is already married to another man. In another, Krishna explains they don’t need to since their souls are already one.
What was the relationship between Radha and Krishna?
Krishna and Radha are deeply and purely in love. Their love is held to be ideal and perfect. Both, in turn, fulfill ideal and perfect roles as partners.