Sri Lilâshuk is saying – “May the lotus-face of Vibhu that is abounding with the wealth of mâdhurya and châturya1 blossom eternally in the lake of my mind. The reverberation of the flute is the honey of this lotus! The lotus–face of Vibhu Who is the embodiment of sweetness, is eternally filled with this honey.
“tri-jagan-manas-akarshi–murali–kala–kujitah.” – [B.R.S. 2.1.42]
Meaning: – The mellifluous notes of the flute captivate the mind of all universe.
Venu-mâdhuri2 is an extra ordinary quality of Sri Krishna. Venu-mâdhuri is the unique property of Vraja alone.
“madhur madhur bamshi baje ei to brindâbon.”
Meaning: – “Vrindâvan is where the flute plays ever so sweetly.”
The Vedic mantras resound from very pore of the flute.
“shabda-brahma-mayam venum vadayantam mukhambuje”.
Meaning: – “The flute is overflowing with Brahman in the form of sound vibrations.”
Hence, the nectarine melody of the flute is omnipresent.
“The song of the flute rushes in all directions, it pierces the boundary of this universe and reaches Vaikuntha and it forces its way into everyone’s ears. It intoxicates one and all. It forcibly catches and brings one near, especially the young damsels. The song of the flute is very impudent. It breaks the marital vow of chaste women and drags them from the lap of their husbands. The flute attracts the Laxmis of Vaikuntha, what to speak of the Gopis. It slackens the skirt-strings of women in front of their husbands, forces them to forsake household duties and using its might, drags them to Krishna. It makes one forget the societal norms, shame and fear. It makes all women dance to its tune in this manner.”
– (C.C.Madhya.21.119-121)
Above all is Srimati Râdhârâni. She has surrendered all Her entity to the flute after hearing its song.
“O Grandma, who plays the flute on the banks of the Kâlindi? Tell me, O Grandma, who plays the flute in the pastures of Gokul?
My body is anxious, my mind is so very anxious! The song of the flute makes me forget the most ordinary things, such as, how to cook!
Who plays the flute, O Grandma? It is so painful, yet so joyous – I want to surrender at His feet and become his maidservant.
Who plays the flute, O Grandma, with such a cheerful heart? How have I troubled Him, O Grandma, that He punishes me so?
My tears flow like torrents. The melody of the flute O Grandma, is stealing my life.
Is the son of Nanda playing the sweet musical flute just to agonise me?
I’m not a bird that could spread its wings and reach him. I wish the Earth would swallow me – I don’t want to live any more.
When there is forest-fire, O Grandma, the whole world comes to know. But my heart burns like a brick kiln which looks calm from outside but has a raging fire inside it.
My heart is ablaze with the desire for Kânha (Krishna). Poet Chandi-dâs has sung this song with obeisance to Goddess Bânshuli3.”
This poem draws a perfect picture of the heart-touching effect of Sri Krishna’s flute on the Gopa-girls. If an emotional devotee immerses his sensitivity in this poem, he will definitely realise the captivating effect of Vamshi–mâdhuri.
Lilâshuk is experiencing in the mood of a sakhi – the melody of the flute is the wonderful honey of Sri Krishna’s lotus-face! His captivating cheeks are resplendent like sapphire. His eyes are half-closed since He is absorbed in bhâv and they are intoxicated with love. They resemble lotus-buds. He is telling his friend – “O Sakhi! May this lotus-face of Krishna manifest eternally in my heart”.
(to be continued)