Vâtsalya-bhakti-ras
“The devotee in vâtsalya-ras has 4 ras-qualities –
1. the qualities of the shânta-devotee
2. the sevâ of the servant – as a parent the sevâ comprises of love, care and protection.
3. the qualities of the sakhâ, namely, no self-consciousness and no awe and reverence,
4. love is much more in this ras, hence the devotee scolds and beats Sri Krishna. He considers himself as the protector and thinks he is responsible for Him.
Since the devotee in vâtsalya-ras has all the above qualities, this ras is as delicious as nectar.” – (C.C.Madhya.19.185-187)
Vâtsalya-rati is the permanent (sthâyi-bhâv) of the devotee in vâtsalya-ras. Sri Krishna is the subject of this ras. How is He?
“He is soft, dark and serene like a garland of fresh blue lotuses. His eyes are shaped like lotus-petals and their corners are playing restlessly. His thick black eyelashes resemble black bees hovering around the lotus (His eyes). When Vrajeshwari Mother Yashodâ saw her beautiful son playing in the dust of Vraja, she wet her body with milk that flowed involuntarily from her breasts.”
– (B.R.S. 3.4.3)
Thus Sri Krishna, Who is dark, handsome, endowed with excellent qualities, soft, sweet-spoken, simple, innocent, well-mannered, respectful and kind, is the subject of this ras.
The Queen of Vraja (Yashodâ-mâtâ), Rohini-mâtâ, the Aunties, the Gopis whose sons Brahmâji had stolen, Devaki, her co-wives, Kunti, Vasudev, Sândipani Muni (His teacher) and other elders are the shelter of this ras. This list is arranged in descending order of love.
What excites vâtsalya ras? The child-form, childish beauty and attire, babyish pranks, sweet speech, smile and leelâs.
What are the reactions of a devotee in this ras? She kisses Sri Krishna’s forehead, caresses Him, blesses Him, and commands Him. She bathes Him, cares for Him and instructs Him about His welfare. A devotee in vâtsalya ras also displays 9 types of silent reactions – 8 of them being stupefaction etc. and an additional one – milk flowing from the breasts.
The passing moods are – joy, strong emotion, eagerness.
The sthâyi-bhâv of the devotee mingles with vâtsalya-rati and becomes vâtsalya–ras. An example of this ras –
Yashodâ and Rohini were so full of love for Gopâl that milk would flow spontaneously from their breasts. He would get covered with dirt from head to toe – this was His anga-râg1 – yet they would pick up both beautiful babies (Krishna and Balarâm) onto their laps. Then they would breast-feed Them. When the babies would suckle, the mothers would gaze lovingly at Their enchanting smile that revealed few tiny teeth. They would be immersed in supreme bliss.”
– (B.R.S. 108.23)
(to be contd……)