Manthara-gatih (slow moving)

When Sri Râdhârâni’s glances caress Him lovingly, Shyâmsundar starts radiating so much splendour that it casts a spell on the Vraja–gopis and make them sloth–like (slow moving).  He feels the desire to send loving signals because the glances of Mahâlaxmi (Sri Râdhâ Who is the Supreme Laxmi) adore Him.

‘laxmi–katâksha-adritam’ means that Sri Râdhâ should accept His desire. It may also be that, Sri Krishna’s desire–filled glances are being referred to as ‘laxmi–katâksha’ (auspicious gaze). We can also explain ‘laxmi–katâksha–adritam’ in the following manner –

“shriyah kântah kântah parama – purushah”

Meaning – “The Laxmis are Sri Krishna’s beloveds” – (Brahma–Samhitâ)

Again, Brahma–Samhitâ says –

“laxmi – sahasra – shata – sambhrama – sevyamanam”

Meaning – “Sri Krishna is reverently served by millions of Laxmis (Vraja–Gopis).” 

The sidelong glance of Sri Râdhâ’s restless eyes completely stupefies That Primeval Supreme Personality and renders Him entirely incapable of performing His pastimes!! Amazing !! 

‘Kâm – avatar – ankuram’                    

 Here ‘Kâm’ means ‘love’ and not lust.  In Tantra–shâstra we find-

“The love of the Gopis is termed as ‘Kâm’.”

The love of the Vraja–Gopis for Sri Krishna, in the erotic (sweet) mood is the rarest of all love. It is called ‘Kâm’.  Hence, B.R.S. says–

 “Even great devotees of Sri Bhagavân (He loves them as well) such as Uddhav, desire a love akin to that of the Gopis, but can not obtain it.”

“The love of the Gopis is very deep and is called ‘mahâbhâv’. It is extremely pure and clear. It can never be classified as lust. Love and lust are as unlike each other as gold and iron. When we wish to gratify our senses, it is called ‘lust’. When we want to please Krishna’s senses, it is ‘love.’ Lust only wants to satisfy itself while love is very strong and has only one aim – to make Krishna happy.” – (C.C. – Âdi.4.139-142)

“Thus there is vast difference between lust and love. Lust is pitch darkness while love is as resplendent as the sun. Thus there is not a hint of lust in the Gopis; they have relation with Krishna only to give Him joy”.

 –  (C.C. – Âdi.4.139-142)

The Gopis’ love for Krishna is termed as ‘lust’. You may ask – the word ‘lust’ sounds bitter while the Gopis love is the topmost and the sweetest.  How can you call such topmost love as ‘lust’?

Srimad Rupa Goswâmi allays such doubt –

“The Vraja–beauties’ special love reaches the height of inexpressible sweetness, and performs certain pastimes that resemble lust. Therefore the pandits term that love as ‘lust’.” – (B.R.S.1.2.284)

Externally their behaviour seems like lust. However, internally they absolutely lack any desire for sense gratification – it is an incomprehensible mystery.  To show that this mystery is beyond our understanding, we term their love as lust. 

“sahaje gopir prem nohe prâkrita kâm,

kâm – kridâ samye tanr kohi kâm nâm.”

Meaning – “The Gopis’ love is not at all like the material lust, only because it resembles the activities of lust, we call it ‘lust’.”

 – (C.C – Madhya.8.174.)

Whom has the poet called ‘Kâm-avatâr’?

‘Kâm-avatâr’ literally means ‘incarnation of the Love-god’. However Sri Krishna is definitely not so. Then why is the poet referring to Him as ‘kâm-avatâr’ ? ‘Kâm’ means the love of the Gopis. ‘Avatâr’ means manifestation. Nava Kishor Vrajendra-nandan (the son of king Nanda) is called ‘Kâmavatâr–ankuram’ because He is showing the signs of ‘sprouting (ankur) love (kâm)’. Bhatta Goswâmi says that, when Sri Krishna sees the erotic signs (Kâm) of the Gopis, He too manifests such moods, so He is called ‘Kâm–avatâr–ankuram.’  

(to be continued)