Ananda Vrindavan Champu

Stealing the Garments of the Gopis

One day, due to their sadhana, the intense hope of Dhanya-sakhi and the other attractive Vraja kumaris to attain Krsna as their husband blos­somed like a flower on the desire tree of their hearts. Somehow or other from that very day the parents thought that their daughters would be happy by getting good husbands. So rather than being disturbed, they happily helped their daughters observe the necessary vows to fulfill their natural desire.

With great affection the mothers warned their daughters, "Your young bodies are as delicate as flowering creepers, therefore, you cannot en­dure painful austerities. How will you be able to suppress the bliss you are feeling within, and suddenly show the determination needed to perform such difficult activities? Since you will not be able to do it, you should not attempt to undergo this vow of worship. We have never seen you do such a thing before."

Such discouraging words merely increased thegopis' determination. The mothers inquired from their daughters, "0 young girls! Who is the devata whom you are worshiping? Is it Uma, Umapati, Madhava, Kamala, or Brahma? What type of puja are you doing? Is wealth required? Who is the acarya directing the chanting of the Vedic mantras? Think about this carefully and tell us."

To stop any further discussion of the subject, which might reveal their hidden intentions to attain Krsna, the unmarried gopis thought about their mothers' words and answered modestly, "If any living entity puts his de­termined faith in any devata, than that devata will surely fulfill his desires. Therefore, we will satisfy our desires by increasing our worship of god­dess Katyayani. We have employed our minds to serve as the best of acaryas. His orders will determine our future and bring us to our goal. While waking or sleeping our mental acarya is chanting a mantra to help us fulfill our purpose."

Being discouraged by their mothers' words from performing the Katyayani vrata, the gopis felt temporarily despondent. Nevertheless, when the first day of the Hemanta season arrived, waves of blissful rasa agitated the ocean of their hearts. With great enthusiasm they collected havisyanna and the other articles to execute the Katyayani vrata. The bodies of the gopis revealed a distinct type of beauty while undergoing the hardship of the vrata. Since they no longer chewed tambula, the natural luster of their lips glowed prominently. Though their skin turned somewhat pale and hardened without their daily oil massages, their bod­ies glistened like fresh asoka leaves washed by the rain. Since they no longer applied oil to their hair, it became dull and dry like the minds of the destitute. From eating once a day their bodies became very thin and lost their natural effulgences. Though they still wore gems and jeweled necklaces, their bodies looked as lackluster as the second phase of the dark moon. Seeing the intensity of their penance and their emaciated condition, all the Vrajavasis were astonished and felt pity for them.

The burning desire to attain Krsna within the minds of the gopis inter­rupted their sleep, and forced them to wake up in the middle of the night. Although insufficient sleep reddened their eyes, they washed their faces, discarded their white sleeping dresses, and put on auspicious pink clothes. While throwing off the lethargy of sleep they joyfully considered, "Fol­lowing the scriptural injunctions, let us take an early morning bath in the Yamuna."

Every morning the gopis would meet according to the secret agreements they had made the night before. Welcoming each other with respectful words, they embraced and exchanged great love. With their impeccable qualities and graceful lotus stem-like arms the gopis looked like an attrac­tive cluster of lotuses walking down the path. Alone they felt shy and hesitant to approach Krsna, but as a group they shone with the pride and power of a dazzling cascade of light.

Spreading their radiant effulgences in all directions, the gopis appeared like a garland of lightning bolts moving on the earth. Everyday before sunrise these lovely young ladies went to the Yamuna while singing loudly about the qualities of Hari who is forever praised by heavenly demigods like Brahma. Full of rhythm and precise intonations, their voices blended harmoniously with the soft sweet notes of their vinos. A sweet smell ema­nated from their mouths as the gopis engaged in kirtana. Captivated by that fragrance, swarms of bees flew excitedly toward their lotus faces hop­ing to drink the nectar. When the gopis blinked their eyes in fear of the buzzmg bees, the beauty of their faces greatly increased.

The chiming sounds of their bangles conquered the chirping of love-maddened sparrows. Just as the hot sunshine does not wilt the lotus flow­ers, the faces of the gopis remained fresh and attractive, even though they constantly burned with the desire to meet Krsna. The maidservants of the gopis followed behind them carrying the finest ingredients for devi-pu]"' which they had collected according to strict rules.

Thus the Vraja kumaris, brimming with affection, ignored the restric­tions imposed by their elders and proceeded to the bank of the Yaniu"^ Although Yamuna-devi is the daughter of the sun, who removes all dark' ness and afflictions, she herself is filled with streams of darkness. With the eyes of her swirling waves, Yamuna-devi could directly perceive the faith of the young women who desired Nandasuta as their husband.

Seeing the agitation caused by their blossoming prema, Yamuna-devi wanted to embrace the gopis with the playful hands of her waves. Yamuna respectfully said, "0 sakhis! Come, come!" Then she made a "jhat! jhat!" sound with her waves in response to the delicate "jhat! jhat!" sound of the gopis' ankle-bells as they quickly ran down the forest path. Understand­ing the desire of the young girls, Yamuna-devi offered her respects and tenderly looked at the gopis from the corners of her lotus flower eyes.

The rays of the rising sun instigated pleasure pastimes among the pairs of reunited cakravaka birds who had been separated the night before. Water birds chirped gaily while flying overhead. Upon arriving at the Yamuna, the impatient Vraja kumaris immediately threw off their woolen shawls. Covered by thin white cotton bathing outfits, the blissful bodies of the gopis looked more beautiful than a stream of falling snow. The gopis shivered and softly sighed due to the chilly morning air. The quivering of their leaf bud-like lips revealed the splendor of their pearly white teeth.

The gopis smiled gently and giggled upon noticing their friends feeling the same way. Reacting to the biting cold, the gopis made a comic scene by slapping their arms and crossing their legs in various contorted pos­tures. Commencing their vrata, the Vraja kumaris offered obeisances to Kalindi before bathing. Climbing down the bank, they slowly entered the water. Ignoring the cold, they followed all the prescribed rules and com­pleted their baths. Then they joyfully ran back up the banks of the Yamuna. After coming out of the Yamuna the gopis felt elated over courageously tolerating the painful cold water.

The water dripping from the garments on the limbs of the young, beau­tiful, doe-eye gopis with pretty smiles fell onto the earth. It seemed that their bodies wept golden tears after being tortured by the cold black wa­ters of the Yamuna. The water birds that had spent their youth among the blooming lotus flowers in the Yamuna saw these drops as the wonderful essence of nectarean beauty. The shimmering light emanating from their golden bodies made the gopis look like blissful embodiments of the god­dess of fortune. The water previously caught in their hair now poured out rapidly. It appeared as if the gopis cried out of fear.

As they gracefully dried themselves with small towels, the gopis looked ^ry beautiful. After removing the water from their bodies the gopis com­passionately gave up their enmity toward the cold water. While drying ^d arranging their hair, it seemed that the gopis were showing affection 0 their weeping hair. The desirable Vraja kumaris had achieved a unique P°sition due to their sweet beauty and refulgent golden complexions.

After bathing and drying their creeper-like bodies, the gopis looked even more beautiful as they filled their lotus mouths with the sweet name of Krsna. Even Laksmi-devi could not surpass their fortune. While dressing in fresh clothes, they thoroughly immersed their minds in remembrance of Krsna. The borders of their dresses were ornamented with attractive lacing of gold and silver threads. After tying up their hair, the gopis, who are expert in various arts, proceeded to a special place on the bank of the Yamuna. They occasionally sighed from the cold while carrying the puja para­phernalia that they had painstakingly gathered. The sweet fragrance of their breath attracted swarms of bees. But the gopis felt nervous and twitched their eyebrows because they could not tolerate the cold wind generated by the wings of those bees. Feeling compassionate, Surya-deva gradually dispelled their chill by caressing them with his gentle warm rays. Thus, Surya-deva showed more affection to the gopis than to his own daughter Yamuna-devi.

The gopis set the excellent puja items on the sandy white banks of the Yamuna, which glistened like camphor powder. They chose a clean, quiet place for puja. It was a secluded location undisturbed by the wind, and free from the contamination of Yamuna foam and the footprints of birds and animals. Desiring to make a murti of goddess Katyayani out of sand, the highly qualified gopis spoke in sweet voices resembling the soft cooing of cuckoos.

One gopi said, "0 my friends! We have never observed the Katyayani vrata. Before initiating this auspicious act, we should remove the evil ele­ments from the atmosphere. Are we going to conduct the worship indi­vidually or all together? Let us decide in such a way that we do not end up with a disaster. With faith and intelligence we should take decision."

Another sakhi said, "We should do the puja all together in a group. To perform puja separately is not good. Worshiping together will be more beneficial."

The experts inpuja chanted sweet verses praising Krsna's attributes while offering handfuls of fragrant flowers to a murti of Katyayani molded from sand. Seeing the elegant murti, the gopis felt that Bhagavati Katyayani herself had appeared in that murti. The gopis thought, "How fortunate we are to perceive goddess Bhagavati, even though we have not yet installed the deity." Feeling that they had satisfied Devi Katyayani, the gopis felt elated. This strengthened their determination to execute the vow. To properly please Katyayani, the gopis did manasipuja of the murti before com­mencing the worship. While concealing the confidential desires within their hearts and controlling their minds, the gopis silently fetched water from the Yamuna. The gopis kept Krsna locked inside their hearts like a precious treasure. After washing their hands and doing acamana they sat down on kusa asanas. Fixing their minds in the mode of goodness, the gopis silently worshiped Katyayani. To invoke Katyayani's presence in the murti, the expert pujaris respectfully uttered the mantra:

iha gaccha gaccha devi,

sannidhanam ihacarah,

Krsnasya sannidhanam naha,

prapayasva namo namah.

"Come Devi, please enter this murti. Please help us come close to Krsna. We pay obeisances to you again and again."

After invoking Katyayani-devi in this way, the young gopis carefully placed an asana before her. With great bliss they humbly requested the glorious Katyayani, "Welcome Devi! We offer our heartfelt respects to you. Please accept this splendid asana. 0 Devi! May your visit be auspi­cious. We secretly request you to be merciful to us and bring Krsna before us."

While bathing Katyayani's feet in water mixed with the appropriate in­gredients the gopis said, "0 completely pure Durga! Please accept this worship of your feet. May our breasts be cooled by this foot water, which reminds us of Krsna's perspiration. Please help us meet our beloved Krsna."

Following the foot wash, the Vraja kumaris offered priceless arghya (aus­picious hand wash) made of selected items gathered according to sastric rules. "0 Devi! You are worshipable by all the demigods. We offer this arghya in hopes that you will soon award us the association of Krsna who is our maha-arghya."

After arghya the gopis presented acamana (mouthwash). "0 Devi! We offer this pleasant acamana to you in hopes that we will be able to taste Krsna." Then they offered madhuparka (a pleasant drink composed of honey, ghee, and yogurt) saying, "0 Devi! We offer you this sweet madhuparka with the desire to taste Krsna's honey sweet lips."

Absorbed in samadhi and overcome withprema-rasa, those young, pure-hearted girls with thin waists offered acamana again while saying, "We offer you this acamana with the desire to repeatedly drink the nectar from Krsna's lotus mouth."

They brought aromatic oil in a jeweled container for massaging the body. Even without any wind it automatically dispersed its rich fragrance through the air. It was an attractive deep red oil just suitable for massage. The gopis said, "0 Devi! Please accept this oil for massaging your body. Please attach our bodies, which are saturated with prema, to each of Krsna's limbs."

To remove the oil they used a soft scented powder, which seemed like a spray from a fountain of concentrated bliss. While doing this the gopis said, “We offer this fragrant powder to you. Please remove our sorrow by giving us the association of Krsna." They respectfully offered bathing water scented with the finest camphor and kept in a golden vessel. "We offer you this finely scented bath water. Please arrange for us to bathe in the nectar of Krsna's association."

The Vraja kumaris very methodically offered a neatly folded sari woven with golden threads. "0 Devi! Please accept this golden sari. Please ar­range that our clothes will be exchanged with Krsna's clothes." They brought the best quality flawless jewels and ornaments made by expert goldsmiths. "Please decorate yourself, 0 Devi, with these priceless orna­ments. And please adorn us with the nectar of Krsna's limbs."

The young, lotus-eyed gopis brought attractive ointments made of aguru, camphor, and musk. "0 Devi! We offer you these opulent ointments. Please arrange that our bodies will become anointed with the touch of Krsna's limbs."

The air attained good fortune by carrying the pleasing, celestial aromas of the various scents presented by the gopis. "0 Devi! We offer you these scents which enliven the nostrils. Please make our limbs fragrant with the aroma from Krsna's body."

They offered Vrndavana flowers from all six seasons, which were very colorful, covered with sweet pollen, and surrounded by bees. "0 Devi! Let our lips be worshiped by Krsna's teeth which conquer the beauty of kunda flowers." They offered incense made from black aguru, khus root, and clusters of the finest gulgul, saying, "0 Devi! We offer you this pleasing incense smoke. Please show us your effulgence and pacify our burning hearts."

While offering opulent ghee lamps mixed with camphor, the gopis prayed, "Please illumine the house of our breasts with the lamp of Krsna's kaustubha jewel." They offered milk, butter, rock candy, bananas, coconuts, mung dal,

sun-dried rice, cakes soaked in sugar water, malpoa, sweet rice, cooked grains, amrta-keli, and assorted little tasty cakes covered with powdered rock candy icing. While presenting these delicacies to Katyayani the girls prayed, "Please eat all these pure and pleasing food offerings. And please give us the remnants from the lotus mouth of the ever-youthful Krsna. Fixing their minds on their goal, the gopis chanted the following mantra with full feeling:

katyayani maha-maye, maha-yoginy adhisvari, nanda-gopa-sutam devi, patim me kuru te namah "0 goddess Katyayani! 0 great potency of the Lord! 0 possessor ot great mystic power and mighty controller of all! Please make the son o Nanda Maharaja our husband. We offer our obeisances unto you."

Then they muttered japa with clear pronunciation. While offer1 o tambula and acamana the gopis said, "Please relish this tambula made of betel, cloves, camphor, and cardamom. And please color our lips with the juice of Krsna's tambula."

Performing arati, they said, "0 Mahesvari! We show these lamps to you in hopes that you will please illumine our limbs with the glow of Krsna's limbs." After arati they gracefully bowed down on the ground and offered eloquent prayers disclosing their minds' desires. The gopis prayed, "0 mother of Ganesh! Neither your husband Mahadeva, nor Brahma, nor Brhaspati can offer suitable praise to you, what to speak of others. We are greedy only to taste Krsna. Therefore, we glorify you so that you will stop the itching of our tongues. 0 Mahesvari! Please shower your mercy upon us.

"You are called Yogamaya, the potency of Maha-Visnu, who possesses all energies. You have the power to do the impossible. You are peace, tolerance, nourishment, satisfaction, knowledge and ignorance. Although you bind the living entities, you are the giver of liberation. 0 mother of all! By your glance the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the world takes place.

"0 Devi! You are the pinnacle of all auspiciousness. Your order and glories are sitting like a swan on the heads of all the devatas. You are expert in worshiping Krsna, and you are the supreme Vaisnavi. 0 Paramesvari! 0 supreme goddess! You always engage in the welfare of others. We pay our respects unto you. You perfectly understand the minds of all living entities. So please fulfill our desire to achieve Krsna as our husband."

Upon finishing their personal prayers for that day, the gopis paid re­spects and offered the deity of Katyayani to the Yamuna. Throughout the days and nights of the entire month of the vrata the young girls main­tained their unswerving zeal. Their throats always sung about Krsna's qualities. As the days passed the gopis offered more items and increased the standard of worship.

Katyayani-devi was pleased with their pure offerings and regular wor­ship. Thus the gopis hoped to attain her grace. Indeed, just before the end of the month they received the mercy of Devi. Everyone suspected that the gopis wanted wealth like any ordinary human being. But the gopis did not want any wealth from their worship of Yogamaya or the devatas.

The all-auspicious Katyayani fulfills desires, and bestows mercy and happiness upon those qualified with a pure heart. She reciprocated with the

Vraja kumaris by appearing within their minds saying, "0 auspicious girls! You are the embodiments of Krsna's conjugal attraction. You will attain all good fortune by worshiping Krsna. The devotees of Laksmi, who fulfills all desires, do not worship other devatas to attain the favor of Laksmi-devi. Your sincere prayer ornaments your heart and indicates your longing for Krsna. Your prayers also make me glorious. Very soon you will attain the association of Krsna according to your individual tastes. Now you can stop your austerities." After speaking thus, Katyayani dis­appeared from their hearts. The words of the goddess greatly increased the gopis' faith.

On the last day of the vrata, the gopis felt quivering in their left arms, eyes, and thighs. These signs of imminent auspiciousness removed their fatigue, and made them confident of attaining the fruit of their desire to enjoy with Krsna. As they considered how to best complete their vrata, the sun rose brilliantly in the sky. The lotuses responded by opening hap­pily as the atmosphere saturated with immeasurable joy.

The gopis worshiped Devi with countless numbers of the best quality articles. Rejoicing over the successful completion of their vrata, the gopis liberally offered the various puja items. Anticipating the forthcoming re­sult of their austerities, the gopis succumbed to a playful mood and stood up excitedly. After receiving the blessings of Katyayani they took off their fancy pure silk saris and placed them on some clean ground.

Following the local customs, they bathed naked in the Yamuna. Elated and enthused, the gopis joyfully pushed and squeezed each other. Bask­ing under the warm rays of the sun, they were oblivious to the cold water. The blissful gopis created a captivating scene as they lost themselves in the fun of water sporting.

Meanwhile, according to the previous day's plan, the young cowherd boys walked toward the pastures. Hearing them approaching, the forest birds excitedly flew into the sky. Though Krsna is very strong, He is con­quered by the intense love of His dear friends like Balarama. Although He is independent, Krsna became controlled by the pure love of the gopis and thus moved in their direction.

The prema of the young gopis reached perfection because it had the desire to give bliss to Krsna as its only goal. In order to dispel the pain of their longing, .Vmdavana-candra, the master of all masters of mystic yoga, showered nectar from His flute. Taking the qualities of the young girls as His necklace, Krsna left the happiness of herding the cows and playing with His intimate friends. He went to perform pastimes with the gopis in order make the bud of their heart's prema blossom into a flower.

The gopis' cherished desire to meet Krsna had been steadily growing throughout the year. Leaving the company of Balarama and the older boys, Krsna took some of His young friends and went to enjoy with the gopis. These blissful boys had spotless characters and beautiful forms that resembled toy dolls. Secretly and unseen, Krsna arrived amidst the gopis He wanted to award the gopis the fruit of their endeavor, and at the same time relish a playful pastime.

Thus Krsna, who is the color of a new monsoon cloud, who attracts the gopis and is attracted to the gopis, who always befriends His devotees, and who gives happiness to all but never inflicts pain on anyone, prepared to enact His pastimes. Krsna tied His hair under His turban, pulled up His cloth, and quieted His ankle-bells. With a glaring look Krsna silenced the silly talking of His young friends. Then Krsna crouched down and cast a few furtive glances while smiling mischievously. Although Krsna is an unfathomable reservoir of steadiness and all other good qualities. He of­ten displays a unique type of fickleness.

Adopting the mood of a thief, Krsna arrogantly snatched the gopis' clothes and slung them over His shoulder. After hushing up His little friends, Krsna quickly climbed to the top of a kadamba tree. Sitting on a branch, Krsna glanced toward the gopis and listened to their talk. At that time, the young gopis, who are praised even by the goddess of fortune, desired to stop bathing.

Not seeing their clothes on the bank of the river, the gopis thought with surprise, "Who stole our clothes? There is no one here except the rays of the sun, and on the banks there are only the footprints of some water birds. Perhaps the devatas have hidden our clothes somewhere, because when they visit they do not touch the earth nor leave any footprints."

The gopis looked fearfully here and there while arguing over the various possibilities. The waves of their sidelong glances skimmed across the sur­face of the Yamuna. The gopis scanned all directions with their wide blue eyes that resembled the petals of a blue lotus. Their unparalleled beauty astounded the whole universe. The glances of the gopis resembled rows of glittering saphari fish darting to and fro. Not finding their clothes, they submerged in an ocean of sorrow.

Seeing their plight, the young prince of Vrndavana, who removes the sadness of the world, assumed a splendid aura of beauty as He sat on the kadamba tree. His natural effulgence easily eclipsed the radiance of the sun. While smiling at His young gopa friends, Krsna joked with the gopis in a sweet, clear voice soaked in a nectar unknown even in the heavenly Planets. Krsna said, "0 young girls, you should not be so disturbed by this. I have stolen your pure sparkling garments just to attract your minds and relish some pleasurable pastimes. Using your pearl necklaces as an offering, give up your pride, and come here alone or come all together to get your clothes."

The fruit on the vine of the Katyayani vrata, which is difficult for others to attain, had now spontaneously ripened for the gopis. Drinking the words

flowing from Krsna's mouth, which indicated His greed for them, the gopis savoured a stream of rasa-filled nectar. They saw it as an exclusive gift awarded to them on the auspicious completion of their vrata. In this way, the gopis overcame the fatigue from executing their austere vow.

Lowering their eyelids in shyness, the gopis cast sidelong glances to rep­rimand that expert thief who fulfills all desires. Krsna's appearance seemed like some good fortune arriving at the wrong time. Their extreme joy forcefully propelled them to Krsna, yet simultaneously filled them with confusion. In this state of bewilderment, they ignored the coldness of the water and submerged themselves up to their necks.

They stood silently without yielding to Krsna's demand. Those young girls with gleaming teeth and bashful faces thought that Krsna might not keep His promise to return their clothes. Whispering amongst themselves, one gopi said, "Why not talk to Him and defeat Him with your clever words?" But being controlled by Yogamaya, none of the gopis could re­spond to Krsna's request to collect their clothes.

In their silence, the faces of the gopis, encircled by dark blue locks of hair, looked like rows of half-open lotuses surrounded by quiet bumble­bees. What charm they added to the bank of the Yamuna! For a long time the gopis deliberately refused to answer or look toward the kadamba tree. Giving up their shyness, which had pervaded them like an internal dis­ease, the gopis finally spoke in such a way to show their disgust with Krsna's naughty behavior.

The sweet dancing of their lotus eyes and the darting movements of their eyebrows captivated all directions. The gopis showed their shyness through their affectionate solicitations and entreaties that appeared both witty and respectful at same time. Their smiling faces created waves of sweetness as their teeth reflected on the water.

One gopi said, "Are You not the respectable son of the great king of Vrndavana who instructs everyone in proper behavior? Are You not the all-attractive ocean of good qualities full of waves of compassion? Are You not the one who distributes wonderful auspiciousness on the earth with the beauty of Your body? Are You not the personified bliss of Vrndavana illuminating the eyes of everyone with Your effulgent limbs? Are You not indifferent to the excessive praises of others? Are You not learned in all sastras and weapons? Are You not the remover of igno­rance?

"Therefore, how could You have suddenly performed such an unjust and abominable act? You should not do such things because You are the most worshipable entity and the benefactor of the world. So why have You done this atrocious act? We deserve Your mercy after having ex­ecuted such difficult austerities.

"Your conduct spells death to all the virgins in Vrndavana. Why did You steal our splendid garments needed for our vrata? Is this Your idea of fun? It will not do You any good, but rather it will make You infamous. You should follow the path of honor and not be unfair. Now return our clothes and maintain Your spotless fame."

Affected by their pleas and shyness, Krsna said, "0 lotus-eyed girls! I am not a skillful speaker who is prone to lying. Of course, some eloquent speakers are so habituated to lying that even when telling lies, they re­peatedly say it true. Thus people accept their lies as truth. However, it is well known that My nectarean words are always true. Even in joking, I do not conceal the all-auspicious truth. It is not proper to joke, especially with ladies like you who are practicing vratas. When I said come and take your beautiful clothes, I was not telling a lie."

The gopis said, "0 one who removes intense pain and destroys irreligion. Why are you deviating from the path of dhanna? Even jokingly a good person never says such things. 0 deliverer of Gajendra! You are famous for being naturally merciful. But why are You not showing one drop of mercy toward us? Why can't You sympathize with our suffering?

"You are not considering how to remove the confusion within our intel­ligence as we stand here up to our necks in ice cold water. It is the nature of village girls that we would rather drown in the Yamuna, than stand naked before You who are afflicting us. We fully understand the inner meaning of Your words.

"0 deliverer of harsh words! Please stop speaking. 0 clever joker! Do not bewilder us with Your wit. We offer respects to Your feet. Actions speak louder than words. 0 one, whose face defeats the luster of the autumn moon, we are Your servants, and we will obey whatever order You give to test our minds. Give up Your prevailing mood of being a charitable person by donating cloth. Do not turn a well into an ocean of mirth. Now give back our dresses by passing them to Your trustworthy young friends."

After one gopi tried pacifying Krsna with these words another gopi spoke. Her voice sounded more pleasing than a vino. or a cuckoo. Although she spoke with the courage of an infantry commander, the vibration of her voice contained an undeniable attraction for Krsna.

She said, "It is difficult but we must stick to the path of dhanna. We young girls of Vrndavana have never before been spoiled by such vile behavior. 0 perpetrator of injustice! How are such abominable acts going on in the village of Vrndavana? 0 son of Nanda Maharaja! We request You to counteract this injustice. We are Your servants and are very re­spectful towards You, but if You persist we will complain to the King of Vrndavana."

Wearing a necklace on His chest and enjoying the comical situation, Krsna smiled gently and said, "0 My dear love-saturated gopis. It does not befit You to speak like this. Indeed, if you are really My servants, then you must do as I say. Why can't you follow My sincere and pertinent instructions meant for your benefit? Whether an order is agreeable or disagreeable, a servant must always obey the master's orders. Therefore, the conclusion is that you should come forward and take your clothes. Do not spoil the reputation of your family. If you do not do what I say, I will not give them back to you. 0 ignorant ones! And even if the king be­comes angry, what can he do?"

Those young unmarried gopis, the epitome of good conduct, had praised their beloved with sweet words and served that difficult to achieve Lord with great affection. Intensely eager to attain Krsna, they drank His ambrosial words with the cups of their ears. Because their love for Krsna had already matured over a long time, the gopis felt they could no longer ignore the harsh demands of this rarely achieved person. Although angry, the shy young girls were indifferent to it due to their deep attachment to Krsna.

Agitated by the waves of prema, they took Krsna's order to heart and gradually moved toward the shore. The young girls covered their bodies with their long hair that hung to their feet. Surrounded by their curly dark locks, the lustrous lotus faces of the gopis looked like many small moons encircled by the essence of darkness. The beauty of their eyes eclipsed the beauty of blue lotus petals, their graceful movements conquered the gliding of elegant swans, and their faces defeated the splendor of golden lotus flowers.

Their tender feet had become completely numb from the cold. They felt very shy, but due to the bliss awakening within, their skin erupted with tiny thrill-bumps, which appeared like particles of snow spread over their bodies by the winter winds. Inside themselves the gopis waged a war with the forces of shyness trying to hold them back, and the forces of desire pushing them forward. As they came up to waist level in the water, the gopis suddenly stood still by the scolding of the sakhi known as modesty. They joked with each other, "0 sakhi! You go first!" "No, no, you go first!" "0 thin-waisted young girl, why not go?" "Oh, no, no, you go first." In that lonely place Krsna greatly relished this splendid conversation.

The gopis could not move forward because the power of their moral character equaled that of their strong attraction to Krsna. Though satu­rated with Krsna prema, modesty subdued their ecstatic bliss. Glancing restlessly here and there from the comers of their eyes, the gopis came to the river's bank with great difficulty.

Sri Krsna, the supreme relisher of rasa, looked at the young girls with astonishment and cleverness. Being overpowered by shyness, they hid behind each other while trying to cover their private parts from His curious ga2e. To those qualified gopis whose hearts burned with an intense desire to serve Him, Krsna said, "0 sakhisi Why are you afraid of Me? You are standing there in a confused state as if you are not the least bit attracted. How is it possible to cover yourselves? Sitting in the limbs of this tall tree, I can easily see you. On the pretext of morality you are trying to cheat Me. Now stand in a straight line, come before Me, and exhibit your splen­did beauty. By following My instructions it will be very easy to get your | clothes."

| The Vraja kumaris attentively listened to the pleasing words of Krsna. ^ Overcome with feelings of love, respect, and hesitation, each of the gopis | slowly moved toward their beloved Lord. Krsna relished the purity of their love while observing their state of embarrassment. Putting their I clothes on His shoulder, Krsna smiled as He drank the nectar from their : sweet loving faces.

In an affectionate voice, Krsna said, "It is very inauspicious to stand here with your hair hanging loose and disheveled. It is especially offen­sive for one performing a vrata. What to speak of a person observing a vrata, even an ordinary person keeps his hair tied. 0 beautiful young girls! Even the celestial nymphs lose their beauty if they let down their hair. By this act you have spoiled your beauty. 0 girls whose sweet faces conquer the moon! You should tie your hair in a braid."

Upon hearing Krsna's clever pleasing words, the gopis lost all apprehen­sion. Overwhelmed with prema, they slowly rose out of the water. Their golden thighs radiated a special type of elegance. The ankle-bells on their pink lotus feet resounded like an army of quarreling ducks. As the young girls stood before Krsna, they pleased Him with the fickle sound of their bangles.

Their hair stood on end as the gopis relished the moment with nervous laughter. The young gopis looked very beautiful with their slightly bloom­ing golden breasts. Desiring to please the Lord, they tied up their hair in artistic ways. Though satisfied, Krsna spoke as follows, "0 girls, it is not right to stand before someone you respect. Even if you see Me as an ordinary person, it is not right for you to stand before Me. Therefore come here and obey Me by sitting on this pure seat."

For the gopis, these words flowed like nectar from the moon of Krsna's mouth. They felt relieved, but due to fear they could not decide between right and wrong. The gopis crossed their legs and placed their hands over their private parts. With their breasts hanging down slightly as they leaned forward, the gopis looked like golden forests creepers laden with heavy Jewel-like fruits.

The desire for conjugal love captured Krsna's mind. Smiling, He spoke Pleasantly, "0 young ladies! This is not the proper conduct of righteous people. A person doing a vrata should never bathe naked in a river. By doing so you have offended Yamuna-devi, the presiding deity of the river. And by playing in the water while looking at the bank you have also of­fended the devatas! Although you have obstructed My desires, your offense can be mitigated because you acted in ignorance. If you really want to achieve the results of your vrata, then you must atone for your offenses by following My advice."

Seriously considering Krsna's proposal, the doe-eyed gopis thought, "We should do whatever the opposition suggests. But we cannot guess what He will say next. And if we do not comply, the results of our vrata will be destroyed. So what can we do?" While thinking thus, the gopis spoke amongst themselves. One gopi said, "We are afraid and doubtful about following His advice." Though filled with great joy and fervor, the grip of timidity made the gopis apprehensive.

Understanding their fatigue and mental condition, and seeing them losing their natural color, Krsna said, "0 young girls! Your glances fly hither and thither like the fearful eyes of the cakora. Why are you raising such harsh arguments? Please hear My words that can remove all the offenses made during your vrata. Can one quench his thirst without water? With­out evening, summer gives no relief. Therefore, you should follow My order. You can wipe away all your sins just by offering your respects to Me. If you do it with great faith and devotion, you will receive the desired result in many ways. 0 beautiful young girls! To counteract your offenses you should stand before Me with straightened legs, and offer obeisances while placing your joined palms above your heads."

Casting aside their shyness, the gopis obeyed the words of their deal-most lover. With half-closed eyes they held their joined palms above their heads and offered respects to Krsna, who made them act just like toy dolls. The gopis pacified Krsna by standing humbly before Him with their heads hang­ing down. As Krsna's prema-filled heart melted, a nectarean smile per­fumed His lips.

Glancing wantonly at the young girls, Krsna revealed His desires by say­ing, "You have greatly pleased Me and I feel the utmost limit of love for you. Dress yourselves in your clothes, which are redder than pomegran­ate flowers. May you drown in the ocean of ecstasy according to your

individual tastes of love."

After saying this Krsna extended His hand to give each gopi her respec­tive clothes. The good fortune of the Vraja kumaris far surpassed that of the goddess of fortune. Holding their shimmering dresses in their hands, the gopis looked like clusters of golden lotuses bedecked with flags. They appeared very beautiful and ready for the play of love.

Then they carefully put on their clothes that were nicely scented from the touch of Krsna's lotus hands. Glancing shyly at Krsna, their golden lotus faces bloomed with beauty. Their bodies trembled pleasurably from the excitement of finally achieving His association. Tasting the topmost happiness, the gopis stood there steeped in affection. Even without touch­ing Krsna, they felt His powerful embrace.

Abandoning His gravity, the young prince of Vrndavana spoke compas­sionately to the young girls, "I knew everything before the desire tree of your determination sprouted. I have performed this astonishing pastime just to increase your love. By ordering you harshly, I tested the purity of your love. Attracted to Me, You submissively obeyed My beneficial or­ders, and therefore I have manifested eternal love within your hearts.

"Your desire is pure, eternally existing, and laden with rasa. I recipro­cate differently with people in the mundane world. If a pure-hearted per­son displays such intense desires, I will transform them mtoprema. Then he will taste the blissful nectar derived from experiencing My qualities. This well of nectar exists independently of any other type of rasas. Even Laksmi-devi hankers for the love that you have so clearly displayed. Just as rice paddy that is boiled in water or fried in fire can never show the qualities of the seed, similarly, the lusty desires of the common people can never sprout in the ocean of such supreme rasa."

After hearing Krsna speak, the thoughtful girls appeared beautified with the sweet fragrance of the vine of fickleness. Accepting the words of their dearmost as truth, the gopis experienced both immeasurable joy and agi­tation due to their intense longing for Krsna. Then the gopis cried tears of happiness that seemed like the fluid dripping from the ears of a lust-crazed elephant. Without responding to Krsna, the gopis just stood for some time with a disturbed look in their eyes. Now that their vrata was finished, the gopis felt surcharged with love and incredible bliss. They murmured among themselves with voices as sweet as cooing birds.

Krsna continued, "Now return to Vrndavana. Soon we will enjoy to­gether during a festive night. You have attained eternal perfection, so stop whispering like thirsty cataki birds."

With their sidelong glances and lips trembling in love, the gopis appeared to be covering Krsna with a shower of blue lotus petals and newly un­furled leaves. Pacified and pleased, the gopis then returned to Vrndavana with great difficulty.

Gopal Champu

Chapter Twenty-one - Stealing the young gopīs clothing

[1] Snigdhakaṇṭha again spoke (the same evening, to the sakhīs).

[2] After Garga performed the samskāras for Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, thus delineating their status, many young girls, being very fortunate, were born in Vraja in various families, and by their nature developed desires for Kṛṣṇa alone from the time they were small children (kaumāra). This should be described.

When they had developed an inclination that Kṛṣṇa would be their husband, they were ignorant of a method. The gopīs, having beauty like the moon, grew thin like the waning moon because of their inclination to Kṛṣṇa and because of their great sorrow. ||1||

[3] When alone they would pray to various devatās for attaining Kṛṣṇa. They wandered about with no aim.

[4] They prayed, “May we live in the house of Nanda and Yaśodā and may they be our father-in-law and mother-in-law. May Kṛṣṇa be our husband birth after birth.” ||2||

[5] One day the young girls met together and went to the bank of the Yamunā.

[6] This was suitable. Though many students study under one guru, their goal is one and they gather at one place. The girls of various births, being friends, gathered together in one place with the same goal. ||3||

[7] When they gathered together their sentiments became one. Though born in various places, they all had affection for Kṛṣṇa, just as, when thick clouds gather together, there is rain. ||4||

[8] Though sometimes they were unfriendly to each other, now they showed great friendship because, though they hid their hearts when among their elders they revealed their hearts to each other. How could they hide their hearts when they met together? ||5||

[9] When they revealed their hearts to each other, tears flowed from their eyes and their bodies fainted. Observing them and desiring their happiness, Vṛndā approached them, wearing the cloth of a mendicant.

[10-11] Earlier Vṛndā had thought, “All these young girls have attraction to meet Kṛṣṇa but they cannot express this. Attraction arises from conventional affection and becomes strong when it awakens. They should worship a devatā, and not worship him.”

[12] She was welcomed and blessed them. After the formalities she began to speak:

[13-14] “O young girls! I live in this forest. Seeing your attraction for Kṛṣṇa, I have come with a heart laden with compassion. I have a method for achieving your goals. Please hear about it carefully. You can accomplish this without great endeavor, but you must practice with a little endeavor for one month. I have mastered that compassionate, magical method endowed with mantras.”

[15] Just as one places the nidhi gem in a particular place, Vṛndā placed the mantra in the ears of the girls, taught them the method of worship, and feeling satisfied within, disappeared. Attached to her teachings, the girls became absorbed in the highest bliss.

The greatness of profuse rāga assisted all of them constantly and they had attained a method for fulfilling their desires. Thus they experienced pure bliss. The supreme Vaiṣṇavī-śakti, most worshipable, was their guru for anurāga. The best of mantras would fulfill their desires. What other happiness could they desire? ||6||

[16] The young girls began the vow on the first day of Agrahāyaṇa month with a saṅkalpa. Leaving their houses together four daṇḍas before sunrise, they went to the bank of the Yamunā while holding hands and singing. While going, they joked and revealed their intentions.

O friend! The form of all auspiciousness, wearing a garland and endowed with the best qualities, will marry you. Nanda, pleased with this, is spreading the joyful news. ||a||

On hearing the news, your mother and father become joyful and distribute wealth. Hiding his joy within, Kṛṣṇa will make you angry with joking words sent through friends. ||b||

After the match maker decides the auspicious day, Kṛṣṇa will don new cloth for his wedding. His dark complexion mixing with the gold color of his cloth is like the cloud with lightning bolts, the basis of all beauty. ||c||

He has a yellow vest which sparkles with various colors. He wears a crown, head ornaments and turban and has jewels in his locks of hair. He wears tilaka. ||d||

Earrings decorate his cheeks. His lips become reddened with betel stains, and he covers his lips with a cloth held in his hand. He has a necklace on his throat. ||e||

He has armlets, bracelets and rings on his fingers and a colored thread on his wrist. On his heart are a necklace and the Kaustubha. He wears many garlands. ||f||

He has a shining belt with jewels on his waist and ornaments on his feet. No one has ever seen such remarkable dressing. ||g||

He is the ornament for all those ornaments and limbs. Such pride is acceptable. The people watched him arrive on a jeweled cart surrounded by friends. ||h||

They shower him with flowers while he sits on the cart and they sing songs. He is pleased with the sound of the cart and hundreds of instruments. ||i||

O friend! On hearing the tumultuous sounds of the marriage your heart will become agitated. O friend! When he arrives at your door, you faint in bliss. ||j||

O friend! Your relatives will approach the groom and women with red lips will sing. The instrumentalists will approach the groom and the songs will be loud. ||k||

The women will approach, perform āratrika and sprinkle flowers. O beautiful girl! When Kṛṣṇa comes to the pavilion your happiness will increase. ||l||

Beautiful girl! After Nanda and others have been worshiped, there will be much joking. Having followed the preliminary rules, they will bring you to Kṛṣṇa along with many gems. ||m||

They will bring you, whose limbs are weak because of love, in front of him. Your father will take your weak hand and join it with Kṛṣṇa’s hand using water. ||n||

Beautiful faced girl! No one will understand your great happiness. What more can I say? I see that he has accepted your attractive hand. ||o||7||

[17] Coming to the Yamunā, quickly finishing their songs, they shed their garments on the bank of the river in the early morning with childish flurry and, coming together, submerged themselves in the water. Because they wore silk, that cloth was not rejected even though ut was not washed again. They put on the cloth, made a worshipable deity of Kātyāyanī out of sand, chanted mantras and returned to their houses.

[18] For one month they performed this vow. On the last day, when the vow was to be completed, in great bliss they went to the bank of the Yamunā and played in the water for a few moments without bashfulness, since the place was isolated and far off from habitation.

[19] Understanding what they were doing for a month, Kṛṣṇa took four young boys with him and went there secretly, watching them while offering his heart to them.

[20] The wise understand that Dāma, Sudāma, Vasudāma and Kiṅkini are the external manifestations of Kṛṣṇa’s mind, intelligence, citta and ahaṅkāra. When they turned five years old they received a shower of prema from Kṛṣṇa every day and became joyful in association of others their same age. They went along with him, asking, “Where are we going?”

Clever Kṛṣṇa, taking company of the four boys, arrived at the Yamunā and signaled them to stop laughing with a gesture of his hand. Bending down, while the girls could not see, he stole their clothing. ||8||

Taking the clothes he quickly climbed in a kadamba tree and began laughing along with the boys. Hearing the laughing, the young girls all together looked up in fear. ||9||

Hearing the deep-throated laugh, whose supreme excellence was appreciated by others around him, the girls glanced at each other. Not seeing their clothing where they left it, they submerged their bodies in the water up to their necks, appearing like lotuses. ||10||

The faces of the girls could not be mistaken for lotuses, since they derided the forest of lotuses, for no lotus blossomed in the winter season. ||11||

The girls remained with downcast eyes for some time in the water. They then glanced at the kadamba tree when the chill became intense. Previously Kṛṣṇa hid himself behind the branches, but now he made himself visible. ||12||

Kṛṣṇa’s glance at the faces of the girls with their bodies submerged in water was like a bee within a lotus. The girls gazed at Kṛṣṇa just as a cātaka bird gazes at a cloud. ||13||

The young boys laughed loudly and the young girls became angry. The boys said, “Stealing your clothes will become respected in Vraja.” ||14||

[21] With Kṛṣṇa giving them constant instructions, the young boys spoke.

[22] First they said, “We do not know at all whether our action is permissible or not. But we came to teach you, since we have understood our lessons.” ||15||

[23] Looking at each other with shame the girls said, “You have learned well from some teacher. Please practice teaching in Vraja to gain the respect of your teacher.” ||16||

[24] Again the boys, on being instructed by Kṛṣṇa, spoke. “We do not know why you are scolding us. You are aquatic beings and we reside in the trees.” ||17||

[25] The girls said, “One should criticize the acts of you thieves sitting on the edges of the tree’s branches. Since our clothes have been stolen we are suffering from being submerged in the water.” ||18||

[26] Then Kṛṣṇa himself spoke with feigned anger and astonishment, “What did we steal from you?”

[27] The girls said, “Ah! We are many. Why are you trying to hide our clothing (ambara) with great difficulty?”

[28] Kṛṣṇa said, “You are certainly covered by the sky (ambara). Why are you saying that I have stolen the sky?”

[29] They said, “O Dāmodara! You have the power to make cloth (ambara) become sky (ambara). How much bravery will you gain by stealing in this isolated place?” ||19||

[30] Kṛṣṇa spoke in a gentle voice. “These girls are not naked, but are covered with water. I am laughing at that. You can see that they have bad character and are gentle in behaviour only superficially. These poverty-stricken girls are unlawfully eyeing our clothing that we have thrown about while playing. They cover themselves in water while thinking which piece of cloth is most suitable for them, while desiring a private place far from our eyes to put on that cloth. You can clearly see their golden cloth in the clear water of the Yamunā which clings to the various limbs of their bodies, appearing like groups of letters. Go quickly to the water and take the girls out by grabbing their hands.”

[31] Understanding his order, the boys went to the bank and stood waiting for a moment out of respect. The girls addressed the boys:

[32] “Why are you standing there stunned? Come close without fear.”

[33] The girls spoke to their friends. “O friends! Bring these thieves into the water and dunk them.”

[34] They spoke to the boys. “We can pull the person who taught you how to steal women’s belts and clothing into the water by the mercy of Kātyāyanī, what to speak of pulling you in.” ||20||

[35] Hearing this, the boys stumbled back to the kadamba tree and quickly climbed up.

[36] Laughing, Kṛṣṇa addressed them clearly. “Ah! You are playing in this place like auspicious women. Let your pride remain. I see that the devatās are merciful to you. As long as you remain living in the water we are determined to stay on the top of this tree, living in the air.”

[37] Understanding his words, the girls revealed their minds using puns.

One who remains in a boat (or tree) has no fear of the river. Why ask about the river to persons who have offered their bodies into the river? ||21||

[38] Smiling, he began to speak compassionately to the girls who were shivering from seeing his face and from the cold waves.

[39] “O rare girls! Your joints are becoming loose because of the cold. Please come here.”

[40] Frowning they said, “Why are you asking us to come?”

[41] Kṛṣṇa said, “Please come and take the cloths which were stolen by a forest spirit and taken from her by me.”

[42] They said, “What more do we need to look for?”

[43] Saying this they stretched out their hands and advanced slightly. Kṛṣṇa then said while pointing his finger: “Oh! Lotus eyed girls! Come here, close to me.”

[44] They said, “Why are you telling us to come here?

[45] Kṛṣṇa said, “My glance has become extraordinary.”

[46] They said, “What does that mean?”

[47] Kṛṣṇa said, “You cannot change clothing during an eclipse.”

[48] They said to each other, “O fools! He is speaking in order to cheat us.”

[49] Biting his tongue, Kṛṣṇa then spoke while showing the cloth. “I speak the truth. It is not a lie.”

[50] Suspecting some obstacle the girls spoke amongst themselves: “Oh! Fools! This is one of his jokes. He is laughing heartily within himself.”

[51] Hiding his smile he spoke sweet words: “This is not a joke. You have become thin because of your vows to Kātyāyanī. You are so pitiful. You should not suffer.”

[52] They said, “Someone who takes others’ clothing because of lust and then acts compassionate to them when they are cold shows himself to be most absurd.” ||22||

[53] “Let that be. Speak truthfully. When did you begin speaking the truth?”

[54] Kṛṣṇa said, “I never speak lies.”

[55] They said, “Who said that?”

[56] Kṛṣṇa spoke with a smile: “Ah! Proud girls! If you make incorrect conclusions about me, then please ask these most righteous people gathered here.”

[57] They said while smiling, “True, they seem to know your intentions and are righteous.”

[58] Kṛṣṇa said, “Ah! Girls with thin waists! If you think my words are not true then see with your eyes. You can all come or one among you can come forward.”

Then, seeing how Kṛṣṇa was joking with them, the gopīs became fully immersed in love for him, and as they glanced at each other they began to laugh and joke among themselves, even in their embarrassment. But still they did not come out of the water. SB 10.22.12 ||23||

They were embarrassed to go to the shore and were freezing cold in the water. Thus they all remained there stunned. They spoke a little. ||24|| BSM 23 ?

“You are the jewel of Nanda, the object of affection for the people and are respected by them. We are becoming disturbed in heart because of the extreme cold. Please give us our clothing. Give us our clothing. Do not act improperly.” ||25||

[59] Kṛṣṇa said: “I have seen some crafty person here. Since you are from good families I must help you who are defenseless since the forest spirit has stolen your clothing. Therefore I am acting like this. We do not have any interest in your lowly clothing. If you give something to satisfy us, with joy we will remove the obstacle caused by the forest spirit.”

[60] Hearing this, the girls who were engaged in worshiping Kātyāyanī began to reflect: “Ah! He is trying to make us reveal the exact intentions in our minds. This is the right time to reveal the attraction in our minds. But we should be careful of deceit. That seems natural since we are now freezing and frightened.”

[61] They said to him, “Ah! We are freezing from the icy wind and are about to die. You should not joke with us using tortuous words. Give us our clothes. We will accept the bad name what you wish to give us.”

[62] Smiling he said, “Oh! If you give what I want, I will accept obedience to you.”

[63] They began to think. “Oh! He has become expert at affecting our hearts. Anyway, we must go along with his jokes and serve him.”

[64] They then spoke clearly. “O Śyāmasundara! We are your servants.”

[65] Kṛṣṇa spoke with a smile, “Please do as I previously stated.”

[66] Looking at each other with darting eyes they spoke: “Alright! We will do as you have said.”

[67-68] Though filled with eagerness, Kṛṣṇa remained silent. Then they spoke again: “O knower of dharma! Give us our clothing! Since you break your promises elsewhere, you should not pronounce dharma while causing mortal wounds.”

[69] When Kṛṣṇa remained silent, hiding an amused smile, they again spoke, “If you do not do this, we will tell the king.”

[70] They spoke in this way to cause fear in him, though he was without fear. They did not mean it.

[71] The intention of their statement was to make him understand the word “king.”

[72] Kṛṣṇa replied suitably: “Ah! When will you be my servants? When will you follow my words? I have not realized that yet. If this topic is true, without alternatives, rise from the water, bringing with you all treasures, and come here as a group with smiles–not with even a little rudeness. If you do not do this, why should we help young girls who have made false vows and have introduced adharma?”

[73] Seeing that they did not come out of the water he then spoke using harsh words: “I do not seek a relationship with you girls who are useless, hopeless and vulgar. But you should understand that I am quite merciful to you. Otherwise, I would not give you the cloth. What can an angry king do?” ||26||

[74] He had mentioned the word “king” deceitfully. Then in silence and in fear they began to trust the words of Kṛṣṇa, the crest jewel of civility and compassion. Still, they did not completely trust him. However, though their bodies could not move because of shame, they rose from the water in order to get relief from the pain of the cold, because their limbs were becoming numb. This is how the wise describe their situation. Though they acted this way because of the cold, there is also another reason:

“If our desires are fulfilled we will maintain our bodies. Otherwise we will give up our bodies. This much we agree on. If the agreement is not met, even then what is the use of our shame (since we will die)? Going to him without clothing, we can use the pretext of the cold.” ||27||

[75] Somehow they came out of the water but they did not reveal themselves completely.

They placed their delicate hands in front of them, acting as their lower clothing and by spreading their hair they obtained an upper covering. Placing infant girls in front of them, they approached Kṛṣṇa with their bodies contracted like hunchbacks. ||28||

[76] The young boys then laughed loudly amongst themselves, saying, “Look Kṛṣṇa! These young girls, completely frightened, are coming here after throwing their clothing in the water.” Kṛṣṇa however, being contemplative, showed great mercy.

Though women endowed with all good qualities are compared to the moon, these young girls surpassed that comparison since they were without blemish. ||29||

How astonishing! These girls from good families desire to give up their bodies. They cannot give up their shame. They have approached me in this condition. It is good that they worry about displeasing me. Their eagerness has made them give up reservations and they look to me in their condition of suffering. ||30||

[77] My heart desires to make clear jokes which fulfill my desires and point out their faults, in order to remove their shyness. Though they have come, they are fully inhibited and remain there covering their limbs.

[78] He then spoke out loud: “Ah! You are fickle boys! Why are you laughing? These girls are without clothes. Can they be criticized in a naked state?”

[79] Taking the cloth from a branch of the kadamba tree and showing it to them, he spoke with a smile in order to express his love.

[80] “I will give you the cloth when you decide to become my servants. Previously it was difficult to decide, but seeing the situation now, it is clear. You have learned about conducting worship from a genuine guru but I have become pale on seeing your bad conduct.

You should understand that by entering the river naked you have offended the deity of the water. In order to nullify this fault you must place your hands on your heads and offer respects to the deity.” ||31||

[81] The girls felt shame in their hearts. They were overcome with intense fear. They understood that they must obey his order: “It is improper that these boys see our private parts but there is no harm in showing them to a husband who is like a devatā.” They thus diverted the boys by saying “Look! Someone is making sound over there.” In a joking manner they offered respects to Kṛṣṇa. “O master, we offer respects to you.”

[82] Seeing their limbs with interest and eagerness, considering their tenderness and beauty, he became satisfied. He gave them their clothing with a laugh: “Because of seeing you, I have easily attained you as my wives. How else can I offer myself to you?” Having satisfied them he showed his own cleverness.

Unfavorable speech produced out of friendship produces compliance and joy. See! By stealing their clothes he gave them great bliss. ||32||

[83] When Kṛṣṇa came down from the tree, to hide their shame, the girls put on their clothing with even greater embarrassment. Clear rati manifested in them and spread throughout their limbs. Their lotus faces began to blossom slightly on attaining Kṛṣṇa. Their glances fell upon him. Ah! The movement of love is crooked! ||33||

Kṛṣṇa came to give them a gift, but he forgot everything on smelling the fragrance from their lotus faces with his nose. ||34||

As bees surround lotuses filled with honey, the young girls remained around him, accepting him as their husband. ||35||

[84] The girls then said: “Let us go. What else should we do here?” Taking the clothing and ornaments in their hands, they felt bliss. Kṛṣṇa, attractive because of stealing the clothing, looked for the gift he was to give.

Thereafter, understanding that the girls undergoing penance desired to touch his hand, he decided to fulfill that desire. ||36||

If one worships someone else for one’s own benefit, it is worship for the self. One who is absorbed in me but shows disrespect externally gives me pain. I am the first type of person. You are the second type. I consider your unconditional vow to be the highest truth. ||37||

In desiring me, you have no other desire, just as grains fried in ghee and then fermented in sugar dissolve. Worshiping only me, you worship no other object. There is only taste for me. Thus what more can I say about you? ||38||

[85] When the best of women heard this, when he hinted that they should marry according to Gandharva rites, their eyes showed embarrassment, and they waited for the time of acceptance. Increasing his powers for accepting them in marriage, he again spoke pure words to them.

Mutual acceptance of the bride and groom is the method of Gandharva marriage. Mutual acceptance is the highest dharma and manifests naturally between a couple. Having reached success by the Gandharva method of marriage, please return to Vraja. On a night very soon, we will meet. ||39||

[86] When he promised them this, their devotion increased further. Śukadeva has said:

ity ādiṣṭā bhagavatā labdha-kāmāḥ kumārikāḥ |

dhyāyatyas tat-padāmbhojaṁ kṛcchrān nirviviśur vrajam ||

Thus instructed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the young girls, their desire now fulfilled, could bring themselves only with great difficulty to return to the village of Vraja, meditating all the while upon his lotus feet. SB 10.22.28

When the girls bowed to him in shyness, their eyes experienced first his eyes, then his red lips, then his arms, then his waist, hips, thighs, knees and lotus feet. When they separated from him and returned to Vraja, they saw those limbs within their hearts continually. ||40||

Kṛṣṇa stole their cloth and their hearts and only returned their cloth. He did not return their hearts but hid them. ||41||

The last day of the worship and vows had passed. Joyful on attaining Kṛṣṇa as their husband, they forgot the worship and returned to Vraja. All their actions were filled with the happiness of attaining him. They had obtained the happiness of Kṛṣṇa accepting to be their husband as a result of their prema, for which reason they had worshiped Kātyāyanī. What more could be attained after this? ||42||

[87] Madhukaṇṭha said, “Why did Kātyāyanī who ate the sweets offered during that month not come to bestow the desired result?”

[88] Snigdhakaṇṭha said, “The anurāga of the girls was capable of bestowing the best results. Our worship does not give such results. Kātyāyanī did not come to bestow benedictions but Kṛṣṇa, the object of their anurāga, came personally.” ||43||

[89] Madhukaṇṭha said, “Then Garga kept these young girls especially separated from Kṛṣṇa.”

[90] Snigdhakaṇṭha said, “He did so but not directly.”

[91] Madhukaṇṭha said, “How is that?”

[92] Snigdhakaṇṭha said, “Kṛṣṇa was not eager to come back to Vraja to see Rādhā and other women of Vraja, best of chaste women, who were suffering from being married to men. And, the vows of taking the sacred thread and weddings could not be conducted without bringing Garga again. Since Nanda and Yaśodā accepted Garga’s proposal, Rādhā and other women were no longer available to him. Because his mind was disturbed by this, he kept apart from the young girls at that time.”

[93] Madhukāṇṭha said, “How did the young girls carry on after that?”

[94] Snigdhakaṇṭha said, “Externally they were still young but because they married Kṛṣṇa they were no longer young girls.”

[95] Madhukaṇṭha said, “That is true. Their present state was opposite to their previous childish condition. They remained separated from Kṛṣṇa because his consciousness was predominated by Rādhā and others.

[96] After elaborating on this subject, the reciter addressed Rādhā: “When Kṛṣṇa delayed, the strength of love became stronger, because of the lack of meeting with you.” ||44||

[97] As previously, Kṛṣṇa again began playing his flute. Śukadeva, guru of Parīkṣit, has recited a verse which is pertinent to this pastime, though it belongs to the description of the rāsa-līlā. The words of the gopīs are filled with rasa.

śarad-udāśaye sādhu-jāta-sat- sarasijodara-śrī-muṣā dṛśā

surata-nātha te ’śulka-dāsikā vara-da nighnato neha kiṁ vadhaḥ

O Lord of love, in beauty your glance excels the whorl of the finest, most perfectly formed lotus within the autumn pond. O bestower of benedictions, you are killing the maidservants who have given themselves to you freely, without any price. Isn’t this murder? SB 10.31.2

yarhy ambujākṣa tava pāda-talaṁ ramāyā datta-kṣaṇaṁ kvacid araṇya-jana-priyasya |

asprākṣma tat-prabhṛti nānya-samakṣam aṣjaḥ sthātuṁ tvayābhiramitā bata pārayāmaḥ ||

O lotus-eyed one, the goddess of fortune considers it a festive occasion whenever she touches the soles of your lotus feet. You are very dear to the residents of the forest, and therefore we will also touch those lotus feet. From that time on we will be unable even to stand in the presence of any other man, for we will have been fully satisfied by you. SB 10.29.36

Thus they made a request in misery at the beginning of the evening of the rāsa dance.

pūrṇāḥ pulindya urugāya-padābja-rāga- śrī-kuṅkumena dayitā-stana-maṇḍitena |

tad-darśana-smara-rujas tṛṇa-rūṣitena limpantya ānana-kuceṣu juhus tad-ādhim ||

The aborigine women of the Vṛndāvana area become disturbed by lust when they see the grass marked with reddish kuṁkuma powder. Endowed with the color of Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, this powder originally decorated the breasts of his beloveds, and when the aborigine women smear it on their faces and breasts, they feel fully satisfied and give up all their anxiety. SB 10.21.17

This descripton indicates the influence of flute which was previously described.

[98] That second contact cannot be simply a special experience arising from meeting with Kṛṣṇa, since Kṛṣṇa could not at all refuse them on the night of the rāsa dance. At the beginning of the rāsa dance it is said: Kṛṣṇa also thought of enjoying. (He did not feel complete without them.) (SB 10.29.1)

[99] The women had said, “O lotus-eyed one, the goddess of fortune considers it a festive occasion whenever she touches the soles of your lotus feet. You are very dear to the residents of the forest, and therefore we will also touch those lotus feet. From that time on we will be unable even to stand in the presence of any other man, for we will have been fully satisfied by you.” (SB 10.29.36) The meaning is, “After you have touched us, you have endowed us completely with rati (bhāva).”

[100] Then the following is described. After Kṛṣṇa played his flute in the evening, through the long dull nights of hemanta and then śiśira seasons, spring time finally arrived.

[101] Though spring is known as the best season, in Vṛndāvana it reached its topmost state.

When summer becomes like spring, what can we say of the attractiveness of actual spring? The wise know that Kṛṣṇa resides in Vṛndāvana at that time eternally. ||45||

[102-103] Hemanta and śiśira seasons brought both Kṛṣṇa and the women distress and pain. Spring which precedes the summer also gave them remarkable pain. All the women thought as follows:

O friend! When spring comes I will blaspheme the bad conduct of all the seasons. What can we say about our real desire? Spring previously entered and afflicted us with the sound of cuckoos and bees. What insolence! ||46||

The bee is a fool and the cuckoo is a slave. We see the bee and cuckoo as the commanders-in-chief of spring. What woman can spend her time in happiness? ||47||

The flowers make us think of his sweet smiling face and the lotuses remind us of his eyes. The cuckoos remind us of his playing the fifth note and the bees remind us of his kiss. Where is the means? From where will the means arise? What means do we have to attain him? The world is now covered with the symptoms of spring. ||48||

We do not approve of spring, because it does not act properly. But where can we flee? The spring is pulling us towards Kṛṣṇa. ||49||

The bees are like the fire’s smoke and the wind is sharp. The gentle touch of the palāśa flower gives pain. The cuckoos fly about like fire brands. The flowers with their pollen are like ashes. It is not astonishing then that we are burning. The cloud of Kṛṣṇa alone can deliver us. ||50||

[104] Kṛṣṇa went through the same experience:

If it is apparent that the spring does bring a meeting with the gopīs, then spring, which shoots flower arrows is certainly unjust. Who can tolerate this? ||51||

[105] Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa both thought:

In the month of Mādhava (spring) the constellation Viśakhā is worthy of worship for bringing a meeting with Kṛṣṇa (or it produces love for Kṛṣṇa). It reveals Yogamāyā in order that the meeting is fulfilled. Kṛṣṇa produces all happiness and removes all sorrow. In order to meet Rādhā, Kṛṣṇa reveals Yogamāyā. ||52||

[106] The agitation of all the women:

Because of separation, which is like a sacrifice for the women, the sweet chirping of birds becomes a mantra uttered to light the fire. ||53||

[107] A parrot taught by Vṛndā came and began speaking in front of Kṛṣṇa.

O hero of Vraja! Rādhā and other gopīs, in great pain, in their agitation, are tolerating the heat coming from the moon and drinking poison arising from the wind. ||54||

[108] Vṛndā showed Kṛṣṇa a message written on the campaka creeper by Rādhā.

In Vṛndāvana you are a tamāla tree and I am a campaka creeper. Vṛndā alone can arrange our meeting, since we by ourselves are without motion. No one else can do this. ||55||

[109] Looking at this message with his eyes repeatedly, Kṛṣṇa then began contemplating with longing.

[110] Oh! I always go to Bhadrā and Padmā and today I cannot go to the auspicious lotus Rādhā. Though I have obtained the sweet beauty of Śyāmalā, I have been separated from Rādhā who has desire for me. Though I have conquered a host of moons by my nails (Candrāvalī), I desire Rādhā who is similar to Candrāvalī.

[111] Ah! Ah! Though this is so, though I have attained skillful Viśākhā, I have not attained Rādhā with Lalitā and Viśākhā. Therefore I am very unhappy. Rādhā’s letter is the height of skillful intelligence.

[112] Detached from everything on the full moon night of Viśākha month, Kṛṣṇa thought, “I have become extraordinary by perfect teachings.” Entering an insurpassable forest he began to play his flute. Decreasing the self control of the gopīs by the playful sound of his flute, he agitated Rādhā and other gopīs. Giving them great pain, he attracted them. Rādhā would also come since she was also a woman.

[113] Rādhā however remained for several praharas motionless like a picture, unaware that Kṛṣṇa was attracting the other gopīs. Previously when the animals were attracted to the flute, the gopīs realized this.

[114] The gopīs then entered Vṛndāvana, praiseworthy because Kṛṣṇa had entered it. For the eyes, it was shining like a sapphire. For the skin, it was spread with water droplets from the Yamunā. For the nose it was fragrant with musk particles.

Then the women came from all directions to that forest, alone or in groups of two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight. Their numbers could not be measured. Gazing at that beautiful face from whose flute emanated an attractive spell, losing their awareness, they became merged in happiness. ||56||

[115] Following his command, they hid their shyness arising from directly meeting him and, touching his feet, remained within his vision.

Though they did not reveal any affection in front of him, their condition communicated their extraordinary love. ||57||

[116] He gazed at the gopīs who stood there, revealing their condition to him, and for a moment became absorbed in their beauty.

[117] All the women except Rādhā, the object of his intention, had gathered in the isolated grove. They did not make any special gestures. Though they did not want to return, he sent them home since he would satisfy them in the future, while indicating respectfully that he supported the cause of their accepting him.

[118] He explained as follows:

By my nature I play the flute. Because of this you have gathered here. I think that if other people came here also on hearing the flute, you would not remain. ||58||

[119-120] His conciliation:

Leave this place immediately and return to Vraja. Do not mistrust me. Do I not know the affection you have for me? O prāṇa-sakhis! If I do not know your love, at least immediately accept me as the one who can fulfill your desires. ||59||

Their reaction:

Their pitiful eyes were not satisfied and their ears, though hearing, were not satisfied. Their noses, though swooning, were not satisfied. Their minds, though offered to him, were not satisfied. ||60||

[121] Thus they sang:

O lotus-eyed one, the goddess of fortune considers it a festive occasion whenever she touches the soles of your lotus feet. You are very dear to the residents of the forest, and therefore we will also touch those lotus feet. From that time on we will be unable even to stand in the presence of any other man, for we will have been fully satisfied by you. SB 10.29.36

[122] When Rādhā remained in difficulty, unconscious for two praharas, her friends found all methods to revive her hopeless. Paurṇamāsī came quickly with Vṛndā. Understanding her mental anguish, she spoke clearly.

[123] If you leave Rādhā alone in my thatched hut for one prahara, I will make endeavors to revive her.

[124] When they all agreed, Rādhā was brought to the cottage. Paurṇamāsī, overcome with trembling, had Madhumaṅgala bring Kṛṣṇa. When he arrived, she welcomed him with seat and other items and then scolded him with a slight smile: “Let that be. Whatever you have done, let that be. Now, please tell us what to do.”

[125] Kṛṣṇa spoke with embarrassment: “Oh! What has happened? What should we do?”

[126] Paurṇamāsī said: “We are suffering but have no means of reviving her. By the touch of your body remove her swoon.”

[127] Kṛṣṇa said, “Who? Her?”

[128] Madhumaṅgala then spoke, having anger mixed with affection: “If the cloud does not know the lightning which resides within it, lightning becomes slightly manifest. But can the lightning hide forever? If Kṛṣṇa does not recognize Rādhā who is fickle within because of her attraction to him, she will not reveal herself fully. But can she hide her feelings forever?” ||61||

[129] Smiling sweetly, Paurṇamāsī, looking at Madhumaṅgala’s face, then looked at Kṛṣṇa’s face.

[130] Kṛṣṇa said: “Madhumaṅgala is unsteady because of a disturbance in his life airs. Let him prattle as much as he likes. The lies of an uncultured fool are mere effort. I should not disobey your order, but please do what is suitable.”

[131-132] Vṛndā said: “Rādhā is endowed with the essence of all beauty of Gokula’s people under its protectors. What is the harm if Rādhā becomes conscious on experiencing your touch?

Oh! Oh! Kṛṣṇa! If you are indifferent to Rādhā, be indifferent! My heart has hardened. What more can I say to you?” ||62||

[133] Thinking a moment, she spoke again.

“Rādhā surpasses Lakṣmī in beauty. If you reject her, you cannot be called the person who has Lakṣmī on his chest. Being gentle, we cannot obstruct the meeting between you and Rādhā.” ||63||

[134] Kṛṣṇa remained silent.

[135] Paurṇamāsī said, “O life of the people of Vraja! You are silent. Why do you not accept my words?”

[136] Kṛṣṇa said, “I am silent because I will be afflicted with adharma.”

[137] Paurṇamāsī said, “I know everything. I have accepted adharma but you should increase dharma.”

[138] Kṛsṇa said, “Please advise something other than touching her.”

[139] Vṛndā said, “Show yourself to her. You are endowed with all good qualities. By showing yourself our actions are complete. Why should we pray for anything else?”

[140] Kṛṣṇa began to think, “O beloved! Because I disrespect you, my body, senses, mind, intelligence and prāṇa have all become useless.”

Kṛṣṇa thought about Rādhā in this way. Though full of longing, he remained silent externally. Madhumaṅgala took his hand and led him to a bower in the cottage. He placed Vṛndā there and went outside. He had Paurṇamāsī go elsewhere. He looked at the events from nearby as an instructor, while remaining motionless.

[141] Vṛndā said, “O Kṛṣṇa! Show your beautiful face. The moon mistakes your face for a second moon. The mirror thinks your face is a second mirror, receiving its reflection. Lakṣmī becomes bewildered, thinking your face is more beautiful than hers.” ||64||

[142] His hairs stood on end and tears came to his eyes continually. He looked at her face. The sakhīs sing of this even today.

Rādhā, having come to a solitary place, was resting on a bed of new shoots to gain relief from her fire of separation. Kṛṣṇa looked at Rādhā, who had become pale because of the sound of his flute. Tears streamed constantly from his face. She made his moonstone face liquid by the sweet beauty of her face. Worship that body filled with the fire of separation, whose heart is centered on you! That body appears like the external reflection of its heart. The body is affected by vāta, pitta and kapha. The wise offer kuṁkuma to that body as a remedy. Seeing the kuṁkuma, Kṛṣṇa considered that her internal love had surfaced externally. Seeing her, he manifested sāttvika-bhāvas and transformations in his heart. Though he applied the remedy, he considered that it was only a semblance of Rādhā. He was thinking that a clumsy magician nearby, testing his emotions for Rādhā, had produced a false form. But desiring her, he then thought that the false form was actually Rādhā. Then full of anxiety because of grief, he responded to Vṛndā’s request. Out of grief for Rādhā, he accepted Vṛndā’s contrived request to see Rādhā, who in her heart held his lotus feet, the cause of her life. ||65||

[143] Seeing the unavoidable symptoms in Kṛṣṇa and Rādhā, she prayed for the desired goal:

O prince of Vraja! She has the highest prema for you. O Kṛṣṇa! Rādhā, the form of rāsa, exists during the period of your youth. Intuiting your desire for enjoyment filled with grief and accepting your grief, she constantly gives up her own happiness. ||66|| [

[144] Knowing this, you play the flute for her. Please hear with attention.

[145] In a choked voice Kṛṣṇa said, “What should I do?”

[146] Vṛndā said, “Put your hand on her heart.”

[147] Kṛṣṇa said, “That is most improper.”

[148] Vṛndā said, “Then put your feet on her heart.”

[149] Kṛṣṇa remained silent.

[150] Vṛndā fell at his feet. “Oh! Do not delay.” In great grief she grabbed a foot or hand by force and placed it on Rādhā’s heart.

[151] Trembling to the extreme, he placed his lotus foot on her heart and lost his self-control.

[152] Opening her eyes on being touched by a portion of his foot, as if touched by the leaf of a life restoring plant, she saw Kṛṣṇa.

[153] At that time, the eyes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa reflected the image of each other. Because of the beauty, their greed increased. They both desired to exchange eyes to relish the other’s beauty. ||67||

[154] Kṛṣṇa became shy in front of Vṛndā. Covering his head with a cloth he quickly exited, offered respects to Paurṇamāsī and departed. However, he stumbled as he walked. Taking support of Madhumaṅgala with joking gestures, he met his friends.

[155] As if having seen a dream, with no control, Rādhā got up and began softly, inaudibly crying. When Vṛndā carefully consoled her, she slightly recovered and offered respects to Paurṇamāsī. That afternoon after Kṛṣṇa had come and seen her, she returned to Vraja with her friends and Vṛndā and somehow passed some time.

[156] This mutual touching was for the purpose of merely touching (not enjoyment).

[157] For once having experienced that happiness, how could Rādhā stop her increased grief when separated for a moment from that happiness? She kept that happiness within herself, not telling others.

Which poet can even slightly describe the joyful condition of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa when they met? The Pulinda women spread the kuṁkuma that fell from Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa on their bodies. ||68||

[158] When the Pulinda women decorated themselves with the kuṁkuma on the grass from Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, these fortunate persons are described as follows, to show their amazing realization.

The aborigine women of the Vṛndāvana area become disturbed by lust when they see the grass marked with reddish kuṁkuma powder. Endowed with the color of Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, this powder originally decorated the breasts of his beloveds, and when the aborigine women smear it on their faces and breasts, they feel fully satisfied and give up all their anxiety. SB 10.21.17

[159] That is indicated here also:

Enough of speaking about dearest Rādhā, the kuṁkuma from whose breast became most attractive when it stained the grass, since it had also directly touched Kṛṣṇa’s feet. The good fortune of the Pulinda women who achieved success from the bliss of smearing on their limbs that kuṁkuma is far beyond our fortune. ||69||

[160] The speaker then concluded:

“O Rādhā! You have obtained a lover, who previously expressed many desires to attain you, while shaking with agitation like a moving chariot.” ||70||