Verse 51

 

 

Translation

 

 

My innermost mind is immersed in That God Whose eyes are like the lotus that have bloomed slightly in the new rays of sunshine, and Whose face looks very sweet since it is shining with pride, having won the battle of love-making against the damsels of Vraja. 51.

 

 

rila Kavirâj Goswâmipâd has written in the beginning of his purport to this verse – hereafter Sri Râdhâ’s heart and senses were so engrossed in Sri Krishna’s  sweetness that She bade Her sakhis farewell – O sakhis! This is the last time we see each other, for now I shall die – and She fell down unconscious. She spoke in delirium and Sri Lilâshuk has echoed Her feelings in three verses. In this verse, Srimati was overcome by a bhâv called ‘kuttumita’. She was absorbed in the sweet pastimes of Krishna – when He tugged at Her bodice, forcibly folded Her in His arms and joked with Her.

What is ‘kuttumita’ bhâv?

 

“Although Sri Râdhâ is pleased when Sri Krishna touches Her breasts and lips, to maintain Her dignity, She expresses hurt and anger. Wise men call this bhâv as ‘kuttumita’. – [U.N. 11.49]                           

 

“When Krishna covetously tugs at Her bodice, Sri Râdhâ stops Him, although She is ecstatic within. Externally She displays anger, although She is happy in her heart. We call this adornment (bhâv) as ‘kuttumita’.

 

She locks His hand and His aim is fulfilled (since this is what He wanted). Râdhâ is pleased inside although She expresses anger outside. She pretends as if She is hurt and cries, although there are no tears. Then she chastises Him with a slight smile.”  – [Sri Chaitanya-Charitâmrita.Madhya.14.184-187]

 

“pani-rodham-avirodita-vanchhang,

bhartsanashcha madhura-smita-garbhah,

mâdhavsyua kurute karabhoruh,

hari shushka-ruditancha mukhe’pi”

 

Meaning – “Sri Râdhâ, Whose thighs are as shapely as the elephant’s trunk, obstructs Sri Krishna’s hands (when He tries to touch Her breasts and lips) in a manner as if She wishes He would never stop, conceals Her sweet and soft smile and chastises Him. She also cries without shedding any tears, and Sri Krishna finds this highly attractive.”

 

Sri Krishna finds kuttumita bhâv as very captivating.

 

“Once when They were sitting in a lonely place, Sri Krishna put His arms around Srimati. She expressed kuttumita bhâv. Seeing this Sri Krishna told Her, ‘Darling! Why are You raising Your eyebrows at me? And why are You casting aside my hands? O Beautiful One! Don’t cover Your face while Your cheeks are giving away that You are thrilled with joy! Make Madhusudan happy by allowing Him to drink madhu (honey) from Your madhur (sweet) lips.”  

– [U.N.11.51]

 

Sri Râdhâ is telling Her sakhis – ‘O sakhis! My mind is immersed in That attractive and supremely sweet Sri Krishna with Divine pastimes.’ The point to be noted is that, Sri Râdhâ’s mind is immersed in the ocean of Sri Krishna’s sweetness! How is the sweetness of Sri Krishna? She is saying, ‘vraja-yuvati-rati-kalaha-vijayi-nija-lila-madam-udita-vadana-shashi-madhuri-mahi’, meaning, ‘Sri Krishna fights a battle of love-making with Sri Râdhâ and the other damsels of Vraja such as, forcibly putting His arms around them, tugging at their bodice and touching their breasts and lips while the Gopis thwart His actions. Now He has won this battle, hence His beautiful moon like face is sparkling with pride and joy. His face is looking incredibly sweet!’ Sri Râdhâ is absorbed in the glorious sweetness of Sri Krishna. Also, His face is ‘ahima-kara-nikara-mridu-mudita-laxmi-saras-tara-sarasi-ruha-sadrisha-drishi’, meaning, “Sri Krishna’s eyes are as beautiful as a lotus that has bloomed slightly in the new rays of sunshine. His eyes are beautiful, cool, fragrant and have all other qualities that the blooming lotus possesses. Sri Râdhâ’s mind is absorbed in Sri Krishna Who has such beautiful eyes. Srimati’s mind is enchanted by Sri Krishna’s beauty. The mind controls the senses. Hence, each of Her senses wants to merge with Sri Krishna. Srimati says –

 

“There is something about His beauty that fills my eyes with tears when I behold Him. He has such wonderful qualities that my mind is lost in them. Each part of my being aches for each part of His being. My heart cries for the touch of His heart. My soul is restless; I am so much in love.

 

My friend, what shall I say? I shall fulfil my vow at any cost. I cannot express the happiness that arises in my heart when I see Him, and how I am eager to see Him and touch Him.

 

When He laughs, cascades of honey seem to tumble down, and when my darling smiles, it seems to be the essence of love. The elders are highly protective of me. So out of fear I remain surrounded with friends and my body is full of goose bumps whenever someone mentions His name. I try my level best to hide the goose bumps, while my eyes shed tears endlessly. Everyone in my house is whispering amongst themselves, poet Gyâna dâs says, ‘She has burnt up all Her shame’.”

 

(contd…)