Verse 13

Translation

One Who is captivated by Love, Who is the seat of Supreme Beauty that is forever new, graceful and charming at every moment – may That kishor Sri Krishna with His large alluring eyes be forever inspired in my heart.13.

uring the Râs-leelâ Sri Krishna wants to take Râdhârâni away from all the Gopis to sport with Her in seclusion. Therefore, oblivious to all the other Gopis, He is sending signals through His eyes indicating Râdhârâni to proceed towards a particular flower-grove. Sri Lilâshuk is noticing this, and as Râdhârâni’s sakhi, he is surprised, joyous and eager. Hence, he utters this verse.

The poet is surprised because not one of the crores of Gopis, other than Râdhârâni, could read the message of Sri Krishna’s eyes. He is joyful because by the mercy of Râdhârâni he could understand the message. Lastly, he is eager to behold Their dalliance. Sri Lilâshuk’s mind was absorbed in the beauty of Sri Krishna’s eyes as they were sending signals to Râdhârâni and in this verse, he has described that sweet alluring beauty of Sri Krishna’s eyes.

Sri Lilâshuk considers himself a sakhi and when he beheld Sri Krishna’s glances, he was tempted to relish the ras of Râdhâ- Krishna’s dense love. Thus, he prayed, ‘May kishor¹ Sri Krishna, Who is the Master of my soul, flood all our hearts with the ras of the love He has for Sri Râdhâ’. The beauty of Sri Krishna’s eyes is by nature, incomparable and so the Mahâjan says –

“Govinda’s eyes are so wide, so large, so artistic and with rosy corners; they are so serene, deep, restless, intoxicated with youth and agitating. May they reveal themselves in my heart forever.”

– (G. L. 16.1017)

The ras-full glances of these eyes are as attractive to the Vraja-balas as they are troublesome! A Vrajabâlâ is saying –

“Languorous with amorous ras, He glances around softly and dreamily. His gaze is lethal and it pierces the heart, making me feverish. Dear friend, my heart cries for Him. How many ages have passed since I have not beheld Kânâi (Krishna)? I remember Him day and night. I am so anxious to see Him. I keep on remembering His soft steps. He has forcibly lodged Himself in the innermost compartment of my heart. O friend! Alas! Alas! Tell me, what do I do? Who has decorated Him with chandan tilak? Does he no know, it is verily a snare for the heart ? Balarâm dâs says- we cannot uphold our family honour any more”.

(to be contd….)