{"id":1046,"date":"2008-11-30T21:04:30","date_gmt":"2008-11-30T15:34:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kunjeshwari.com\/sweetblog\/?p=1046"},"modified":"2008-12-03T15:28:11","modified_gmt":"2008-12-03T09:58:11","slug":"kk-31-the-lotus-and-the-moon-defeat-the-govindas-beauty-chaitanya-das","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kunjeshwari.com\/sweetblog\/sweet_books\/excerpts-from-sri-krishna-karnamritam\/kk-31-the-lotus-and-the-moon-defeat-the-govindas-beauty-chaitanya-das\/","title":{"rendered":"KK 31 – “Govinda’s face does NOT defeat the moon and the lotus” – Chaitanya das"},"content":{"rendered":"

Verse 31<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

pichch\u00e2vatamsa \u2013 rachanochita \u2013 kesha \u2013 p\u00e2she <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

peenastani \u2013 nayana \u2013 pankaja \u2013 pujaniye, <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

chandr\u00e2ravinda \u2013 vijayodyata \u2013 vaktra \u2013 bimbe <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

ch\u00e2palyam \u2013 eti nayanan tava shaishave nah.<\/span><\/em>31.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

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Translation<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Your well\u2013groomed hair is decorated with peacock-feathers, the high-breasted Gopa damsels are worshipping You with their lotus\u2013eyes, the beauty of Your face is all set to defeat the moon and the lotus – indeed Your budding youth is agitating my eyes.31.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\n\n\n
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S<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

ri R\u00e2dh\u00e2r\u00e2ni had remembered Shy\u00e2msundar\u2019s teasing words and had spoken to the bumble-bee \u2013 \u2018Does He ever <\/span>remember these kinkaris<\/em>?\u2019 <\/span>This expresses the restlessness of Her heart. <\/span>Now in this verse, that restlessness of Her heart has reached Her eyes. Sri Lil\u00e2shuk voiced Her feelings \u2013 O Mohan! <\/span>Don\u2019t harbour any fear of that sort. Your budding youth has vanquished all our pride and have made our eyes impatient. Oh! That kishor <\/em>form of the Lord is so wonderful that leave alone actual darshan<\/em>, if the Vrajab\u00e2l\u00e2s<\/em> behold Him in a dream, they say, <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

“His budding youth is a treasure\u2013house of vaidagdhi<\/em>. His body is so brilliant that it appears to be made of emerald and He looks like the god of love. I wonder who created Him. And with what? Just see how He is oozing nectar! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Once I saw Him in a dream, He looked so beautiful that I thought I would die. Now I can\u2019t forget Him even while eating or sleeping. He smiles softly with rosy lips, and destroys our honour and dignity with the corner of His mischievous eyes. The movement of His eyebrows pierces my heart. Alas! From where did this Hero of Charms appear? He walks slowly, taking a step at a time. I can\u2019t express how my heart skips a beat at that time. The breeze, after touching Him, can turn the rocks into dust.<\/span>[1]<\/sup><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> Poet Balar\u00e2m D\u00e2s says His touch makes one paralysed.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

We are once again eager to behold Your kishor<\/em> form. Tell me, what do we do now? We are stupid cowherd maidens \u2013 how can You blame our eyes? Who is not mesmerised by the sparks let out by Your pitch-black curls decorated with peacock\u2013feathers? Even great devotees have sung \u2013<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

“Who decorated Your chud\u00e2<\/em>, tied so high with peacock\u2013feathers, that steals the heart of every woman? <\/span>It seems someone brought down the rainbow from the sky to enhance the beauty of fresh clouds. And who has decorated Your chud\u00e2<\/em> with expertly knit <\/em>Mallik\u00e2 and M\u00e2lati flowers? <\/span>It looks as if River Gang\u00e2 is flowing around the Nilgiri Mountains.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Please read this one \u2013<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

“I saw Him, dear friend, I saw Him, but my eyes are incapable of beholding so much beauty in one body alone. He has tied His charming chud\u00e2 <\/em>with fresh gunj\u00e2<\/em> flowers. Upon it, He has donned peacock\u2013feathers that bow to the left. His dark form was anointed with chandan.<\/em> I could not hold on to my self-respect any more. He was leaning against the Kadamba tree, holding His hypnotizing flute (like a magic wand). Seeing His beauty, I was struck down unconscious. His beauty entered my heart, cutting through my ribs. Poet Gy\u00e2na d\u00e2s will always beware of this.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

“Your face is ever ready to vanquish the beauty of the moon and the lotus.\u201d <\/span>The loving poet is forever comparing Sri Krishna\u2019s face with the moon and the lotus.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does the poet compare Sri Krishna\u2019s face with the moon?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

“Dear Mukunda! Your moon-face is the fountainhead of waves of nectarine laughter<\/span>[2]<\/sup><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>. When You appear, the ocean of passion in the Vrajaramanis<\/em>\u2019 hearts is exulted (just as there is high tide in the ocean) and on beholding Your face, drops of tears ooze out of Your devotees\u2019 eyes that resemble the moonstone \u2013 may that moon\u2013face of Yours ever increase our bliss.\u201d <\/span>– [Govinda \u2013 Virud\u00e2vali]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Hence, His beautiful face is being compared to the moon; otherwise the moon, which is a material luminous body, is so worthless. How can we compare it to the moon-face of Sri Krishna Who is full of the ras of eternal bliss? Also, this Moon is extraordinary because some more moons surround it. It looks as if it is sitting with ministers and courtiers for the administration of a kingdom. Sriman-Mah\u00e2prabhu has said \u2013<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

“Dear sakhi<\/em>, Krishna\u2019s face is resplendent like the moon and it looks as if He is sitting on the throne for administration, surrounded by courtiers resembling the moon. His cheeks are so brilliant like gem-studded mirrors that they look like two full moons. The moon of Ashtami<\/em><\/span><\/span>[3]<\/sup><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> resides on His forehead (tilak<\/em>) topped with a dot of chandan<\/em> – another full moon. When His finger\u2013nails dance upon the flute, they resemble a baz\u00e2r<\/em> of moons, and the moons on His toes (toe-nails) dance in rhythm with His anklets singing in unison.\u201d \u2013 (C.C.Madhya.21.104-107)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

xxx <\/span>xxx <\/span>xxx<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

“His large eyes with pink corners, restless like an intoxicated Love-god, are the Ministers. Indeed, Govinda\u2019s joyful face is the repose of love-sporting l\u00e2vanya<\/em> and is a feast for the eyes.\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– <\/span>[C.C.Madhya.21.110]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is Sri Govinda\u2019s face also compared with the lotus?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

It is because – <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

“His nose, jaw line, lips, cheeks, chin and ears are like the beautiful lotus-petals. His beautiful teeth are its stamen. His very sweet smile is the honey that is exuding fragrance all around. His beautiful eyes are the Khanjan<\/em> birds dancing on it. It is surrounded by the bee-like eyebrows and curls. His beautiful mouth is the seed\u2013vessel \u2013 such wonderful lotus\u2013face of Sri Krishna is spreading beauty all around.\u201d- [G.L \u2013 16.77]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

“His face resembles a fully\u2013bloomed lotus flower, His eyes look like a couple of Khanjan<\/em> birds. His smile oozes such sweetness that my eyes are mesmerized on drinking that nectar. I cannot think of any word to describe His brilliant form \u2013 a dense cloud or bunch of blue lotus, or mascara or sapphire or what? His body is lovely and sparkling, reflecting His armlets, bangles, necklace, gem-studded earrings, anklets and tinkling waist\u2013band just as the dark waters of the K\u00e2lindi reflects the movements of the moon. His curly hair is styled with flowers and is exuding beauty like the moon. On beholding such l\u00e2vanya<\/em>, poet Ananta d\u00e2s says that all maidens have lost their heart in that noose.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

These poems by the great devotees are inexplicable. If we have some life in us, we can only feel little bit. What the Vrajab\u00e2l\u00e2s<\/em> may be feeling on Sri Krishna\u2013realization, is penned by our Mah\u00e2jans in these pad\u00e2valis<\/em> that are full of ras<\/em>\u2013exudation. They are so sweet, so stylish and above all, full of love-ras<\/em>. The above poem seems to be the very embodiment of Sri Krishna\u2019s beauty! <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Sri Lil\u00e2shuk is echoing Srimati\u2019s speech \u2013 How beautiful, how sweet, how captivating is Your face! Young women want to caress it eternally \u2013 who is not tempted by that face of Yours? Why are we being singled out? Even the birds, animals, trees and creepers of the forest are anxious to behold Your beauty, they tumble down at Your feet. Even rocks melt on seeing Your face. Then what to speak of the Vrajab\u00e2l\u00e2s<\/em> who are already enamoured? When a victorious king wearing a crown enters his kingdom, the women shower flower\u2013petals on him. Similarly You too are coronated with peacock feathers and stylish curly locks, and sporting a face that has gained victory over the beauty of the moon and lotus \u2013 why will not the high breasted Vrajab\u00e2l\u00e2s<\/em> worship You with their lotus\u2013eyes? O Lord! I cannot remain even a single moment without seeing You! Please save me by giving me darshan<\/em>!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The inner meaning of this verse is that \u2013 Sri Lil\u00e2shuk is praying in sakhi<\/em>\u2013bh\u00e2v<\/em> – Your Kishor<\/em> form is exultant due to dalliance with Sri R\u00e2dh\u00e2, it is worshipped by the lotus\u2013eyes of the high-breasted Sri R\u00e2dh\u00e2, and my eyes are impatient to behold that form. Please have mercy and give me darshan<\/em>!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For a s\u00e2dhak<\/em>, it is the topmost state in his life, when he prays with so much anxiety and eagerness for the darshan<\/em> of Sri Govinda. This thirst cannot be satisfied. It is like the thirst of a typhoid patient \u2013 I want You \u2013 I want You \u2013 the life is full of only one anxious desire. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

“k\u00e2han koron k\u00e2han jaun, k\u00e2han gele krishna p\u00e2un\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

– [C.C.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Meaning: – “What do I do, where do I go, where from can I get Krishna?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Srila Bhatta Gosw\u00e2mip\u00e2d has written \u2013 Even after experiencing the mischievous Sri Krishna, Who is the supreme ras,<\/em> Divine Kishor, essence of sweetness, and is the treasurehouse of the greatest wonders, Lil\u00e2shuk wants to experience Him again. Hence he is praying in this verse. Here the word \u2018Shaishava<\/em><\/strong>\u2019 <\/em>is used to denote slightly budding youth and predominance of childish qualities that are reflected in His mischievous eyes. Even after seeing Him repeatedly, we are not satiated.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Explanation of pichchha \u2013 avatamsa \u2013 rachana \u2013 ochita \u2013 kesha \u2013 pashe<\/em>\u2019<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

It means that \u2018His hair is styled in a chud\u00e2 <\/em>and is decorated by many flower\u2013ornaments. Also His is \u2018pina \u2013 stani \u2013 nayana \u2013 pankaja \u2013 pujaneeye\u2019<\/strong> \u2013<\/em> worshipped by the lotus-eyes of high- breasted Gop-kishoris<\/em>. Sri Krishna is surrounded by countless Gopis<\/em>. Their eyes are reflected in His resplendent body that puts to shame even a brilliant sapphire. Hence it is looking as if He is being worshipped by their lotus-eyes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

His face is \u2018chandra-aravinda \u2013 vijaya \u2013 udyata \u2013 vaktra \u2013 vimba\u2019<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>\u2013 the Moon that spreads joy with its nectarine moon rays and it is the Lotus is famous for its honey, coolness, fragrance and soft beauty. His moon-face is over flowing with the exultation of love-sport that is splashing out to enable the ever-thirsty chakor-<\/em>like eyes of the Gopis<\/em> to drink therefrom \u2013 thus the moon is conquered. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He is maddening all the Gopis<\/em> by the sparks of ras<\/em>\u2013full, sweet, nectarine glances \u2013 thus He has joyfully conquered the lotus. How wonderful is Srila Bhatta Gosw\u00e2mi\u2019s explanation!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Sri Chaitanyad\u00e2s has written, Sri Lil\u00e2shuk has spoken this verse in jest \u2013 Your adolescent mischief has spurred me to pray in this manner. You may ask how did you know I have been naughty? <\/span>Well, Your hair\u2013style decorated with peacock feathers is arousing our passion. Your adolescent form is dazzling due to this hairstyle. <\/span>The high-breasted sakhis<\/em> are worshipping Your gorgeous body with their lotus-eyes and are inflicting passionate nail-marks. These marks are denoted by \u2013 \u2018chandra \u2013 aravinda \u2013 vijaya \u2013 udyata \u2013 vaktra \u2013 vimbe\u2019<\/em>. <\/strong>It means – Your moon-face is all set to conquer the moon and the lotus…..this indicates that although ‘it is all set to conquer’ it has not yet succeeded in doing so. Why ? Obviously, since the kohl\u2013marks inflicted by the eyes of the sakhis<\/em> have tarnished it \u2013 a sign of ill\u2013reputation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In this manner the devotees have relished the sweetness of this verse in various ways. Srila Chaitanya d\u00e2s\u2019s explanation too is thought\u2013provoking and impeccable! 31.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


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\n<\/span><\/div>\n


<\/p>\n

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[1]<\/sup><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> the breeze is so fragrant that when the rocks smell it, they crumble.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[2]<\/sup><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> The moon has fountains of nectar in it<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[3]<\/sup><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> eighth day of the bright or dark fortnights<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“Your face is ever ready to vanquish the beauty of the moon and the lotus.\u201d The loving poet is forever comparing Sri Krishna\u2019s face with the moon and the lotus.<\/p>\n

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