Eighth Sarga: Midday Pastimes

Eighth Sarga

At midday I remember Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, charmingly adorned by the many transformations awakened through union with one another, restless with contrary moods and longing, and delighted by the love-sacrifice and the witty exchanges of Lalitā and the other sakhīs. Thirsting for one another, They enact pastimes of swinging, roaming the forest, playing in water, stealing the flute, amorous play, drinking honey, worshiping the sun, and more, while hosts of attendants serve Them. (1)

Then the beloved of the son of the lord of the cowherd settlement spoke to Viśākhā, who was trying to console Her. Each of Her senses separately, yet all at once, pulled Her heart toward Her beloved, eager for union with Him. (2)

'Friend, the son of the cowherd king forcibly draws all five of My senses. Waves from His ocean of nectarean beauty flood the mountain-hearts of women. His playful, charming words delight the ears; His body is cooler than millions of moons; a deluge of nectarean fragrance from Him envelops the world; and His lips are lovely with ambrosia. (3)

'His radiance gleams like a new rain cloud, and His captivating garment resembles fresh lightning. His splendid flute shines beside a face like the brilliant autumn moon. Adorned with peacock feathers and the luster of a beautiful pearl necklace, that Madana-mohana inflames the longing of My eyes. (4)

'His voice resounds like a thundering cloud, and the lovely jingling of His ornaments draws the hearing. His artful words, syllables, and meanings intimate the rasa of playful love. The music of His flute steals the hearts of Lakṣmī and all other excellent women. Friend, that Madana-mohana inflames the longing of My ears. (5)

'Waves of fragrance from His body surpass musk and draw all women. His eight lotuslike limbs diffuse a scent blending lotus and moonlight. Anointed with fragrant musk, blue lotus, sandalwood, and aguru, that Madana-mohana inflames the longing of My nose. (6)

'His captivating broad chest is like an emerald door, and the bolts of His arms remove the anguish clouding the minds of young women tormented by love. His body is as cool as the moon, white sandalwood, lotus, and a pale cloud. Friend, that Madana-mohana awakens My breast's longing for His embrace. (7)

'The radiant nectar of His lips dispels every thirst for lesser flavors in the incomparable noble women of Vraja. Even a trace of His remnants is attained only by the greatly fortunate. He chews betel packets made from fine nāgavallī leaves whose taste conquers nectar. Friend, that Madana-mohana inflames the longing of My tongue.' (8)

Then Tulasī entered the assembly. Joyfully placing the guñjā garland and the pair of fragrant fruits in Lalitā's lotus hand, she related everything that had happened. (9)

Lalitā joyfully placed the two flowers upon her dear friend's ears and the lovely guñjā garland upon Her breast. Contact with Hari had enriched them with His fragrance. (10)

At their touch Her lotus eyes opened wide, and She felt as though Kṛṣṇa's body touched Her own. Trembling and covered in horripilation, She longed to depart at once, yet for a moment stood frozen. (11)

Her sakhīs awakened Her composure, contrariness, and subtle intelligence. Then, artfully urging them to hasten their journey, She teased them. (12)

'Deer-eyed friends, if you wish to see what lies ahead, then go. There is no need to wait for Me. The black deer Kṛṣṇa has been caught in the net of Śaibyā's words. (13)

'O lotuslike girls, you must exert yourselves to rescue the lotus Kṛṣṇa, who has fallen into the waters of Candrāvalī's circle of sakhīs.' (14)

The truly wise do nothing rashly, for an act performed without reflection proves fruitless. What the intelligent do after careful deliberation is suited to yield a good result. (15)

Lalitā said, 'It is true that Hari has not gone to the appointed meeting place but is surrounded by Śaibyā and the others. Going to Him now would only destroy Your proud reserve.' (16)

Then their mistress, inwardly agitated by intense hope of meeting Kṛṣṇa, suddenly perceived how difficult that meeting would be and thought as follows. (17)

'My sister-in-law hates Me, My husband is exceedingly harsh, and his mother is devious. Padmā and the other rival sakhīs form a powerful faction. By day the people and cattle of Vraja fill the entire forest, and Kṛṣṇa is surrounded by His friends. Amid so many obstacles, how can I possibly reach Him?' (18)

As Her troubled mind thought, 'My cruel fate makes unobstructed union with Hari difficult today,' an auspicious succession of omens arose. (19)

Outside, an astrologer emphatically declared to someone, 'The bull upon the mountain is easily attained.' At that very moment Her left breast, thigh, arm, and eye all throbbed together, foretelling union with Her beloved. (20)

Although filled with joy by these auspicious omens, Her mind remained absorbed in expectations born from the force of deep love. Then, wonderful to behold, Dhaniṣṭhā arrived together with a flowing stream of thirst to receive news of the beloved of Her heart. (21)

Seeing Dhaniṣṭhā delighted to meet Her, Rādhā understood that the beloved of Her heart had sent the girl. Though agitated by many newly arisen emotions and anointed with eagerness to hear His news, She questioned her indirectly. (22)

'Friend, have you come here from Vṛndāvana? Tell Me, did you behold and experience Mādhava's splendor, the glory of the noblest of His lineage? If you met and saw that protector of Vraja's people and wealth, then tell Me: what was that splendor like, and what was He like?' (23)

'Friend, Mādhava's vast sweetness shines forth: His blooming forest garland draws swarms of well-fed bees; His fully blossomed tilaka is splendid; His speech is lovely as the cuckoo's song; and He kindles desire in the hearts of young women.' (24)

'Friend, who could describe Mādhava's condition, crowded with so many longings and increasing the power of Love merely by being seen?' (25)

'Friend, the lifter of the earth-bearing mountain shines resplendent. His colorful limbs are decorated with mineral pigments; His sounding flute drives away the cattle herds' mass of fear born from rain clouds; the play of His blossoming youth increases the happiness of every cow; and His horn resounds loudly.' (26)

Though Her heart was intoxicated by drinking the honey concealed in Dhaniṣṭhā's artful speech, Rādhā began this exchange with her to hear clear news of Her beloved. (27)

'Where are you going now? Why have you come near Me, and whose activities do you wish to report? Is it the moon of Vraja? Friend, what is His condition under the dark oppression of His enemy Kandarpa?' (28)

'He has only His shadow as a companion and stands unarmed, while His adversary is fully equipped with weapons. Enraged because Kṛṣṇa's perfect beauty has conquered him, that enemy, now strengthened by his own spring season, torments Him. (29)

'The lord of love has covered Your lake forest overhead with flowers as though they were his arrows. With vassals headed by bees, cuckoos, and the spring breeze, he has besieged Kṛṣṇa here as if with an army stationed outside. Thus Kṛṣṇa longs for Your company.' (30)

'Though guarded in many ways, Your beloved has fallen into danger through the force of fate. Your company alone can rescue Him. Save Him quickly, for otherwise You would be ungrateful.' (31)

'When He is united with You, He shines as Madana-mohana, the enchanter of Love. At other times, though He enchants the universe, He is Himself bewildered by Love.' (32)

'Hari waits in a bower filled with humming bees and cuckoos. Richly adorned, He has prepared a flower bed. Alternatives turn within His heart as He makes resolve after resolve and speaks of You. Though a hero, He has utterly lost His courage beneath the torment of cruel, bodiless Love. (33)

'Noble lady, Hari shines in the bower with the luster of a fresh rain cloud. He wears golden-yellow silk, flashing makara earrings, and a lovely saffron design. His eyes are blooming lotuses, a garland of golden jasmine rests upon Him, and peacock feathers crown His head. (34)

'Within the vast nectar ocean of His glorious youth flow waters of beauty, high waves of radiant grace, and a whirlpool of amorous emotion. The whirlwind of His flute song lifts and casts down the strawlike eyes and minds of women, drowning them at once in that ocean. Yet Hari Himself keeps gazing down the path You will take. (35)

'O supremely clever girl, make the enemy of Baka's exquisite cleverness fruitful by offering Him the current of Your own skill. Filled with fresh youth, make His new youthful splendor fruitful; moon-faced girl, make His thirst for love fruitful with Your own thirst; and, beautifully dressed, perfect His elegance of dress with Your graceful presence. (36)

'Lovely one, go quickly to Your beloved. Bewildered by prema, His heart melting, overwhelmed by Love and dependent upon You, He is approaching an exhaustion that ends in a swoon.' (37)

As She drank the nectar of Her friend's words, hosts of manifest emotions adorned Her body. Agitated by both extreme eagerness and stunned immobility, She appeared to resolve upon a journey at once swift and delayed. (38)

Just then Kundavallī arrived and urged Her to depart. Rādhā took Kundavallī's hand with Her left hand, held a play lotus in the other, and set out. (39)

Tulasī walked in front with Dhaniṣṭhā. Lalitā and Viśākhā went at Her sides, while rows of the other sakhīs encircled and followed their dearest friend. (40)

Rūpa Mañjarī and the other intimate companions followed Her with their own peer associates and two maidservants carrying articles for serving Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa's feet, together with the requisites for worshiping the sun. (41)

Upon leaving Vraja, She saw auspicious sights before Her and to Her right: a woman carrying a pot of yogurt, a blue jay, a brāhmaṇa, a mongoose, a herd of deer, a cow with her calf, and a bull. (42)

In a lake the young girl saw a pair of intoxicated bees begin to dance around a blossoming lotus. Its trembling petals and the graceful movements of those fine-eyed companions made Her mistake it for the image of Her lover's face, and She stood transfixed. (43)

Thus the auspicious omens made Her mind and gait slow, while Her intimate companions spread the radiance of many sly smiles. Surrounded on both sides by their rows and moving with the stately gait of an intoxicated elephant, She reached the edge of the forest. (44)

Then the lotus-eyed splendor of Mādhava entered the forest, causing its hosts of trees and vines to blossom. The sweet, delicate notes of intoxicated cuckoos became Her voice, while the humming of bees and sparrows rose around Her like waves. (45)

Before Her the forest gleamed with flowering dark creepers, splendid tilaka trees, vast arjunas, and tall blossoming halipriya trees. Rows of peacock feathers adorned it; garlands of punnāga, amalaa, campaka, and other flowers ornamented it; tender shoots glowed like gold and coral; and the radiance of tāpiñcha trees suffused it. (46)

Clusters of guñjā berries beautified it, and the shade of kadamba trees dispelled fatigue. Flute song made it enchanting, while radiant yellow coloring adorned it. Filled with fully awakened Love, it was the abode of excellent youth, beauty, and play. She saw the forest before Her as though it were the all-delighting body of Her beloved. Verses 46-47 form one description. (47)

Wherever Her gaze fell, every object there assumed the likeness of one limb or another of Aghāsura's enemy. Each sight intoxicated Her heart, yet instantly became a weapon with which the five-arrowed Love-god struck Her. How wondrous was this and that! (48)

The forest, like Śrī Rādhā, was joined by radiant companions, adorned with rows of intoxicated bees and fresh jasmine, shaded by branching boughs like Viśākhā and the sakhīs, and agitated by blossoming Love. (49)

Its lovely flowering vines delighted the heart; it was always beautified by exquisite form, expanded with cool breastlike hills, and glorious in satisfying Kṛṣṇa and His cows. (50)

Full of the beauty of excellent youth and stirred by many barriers and enclosures, the forest appeared just like Śrī Rādhā with Her companions, bestowing happiness. Verses 49-51 form one continuous comparison. (51)

'The group leaders and all their sakhīs are skillfully searching for Him in the forest's hidden places. How could they fail to find Him? How did they arrive here? And how could that greedy rogue have escaped them?' (52)

While Rādhā doubted in this way, She saw to Her right a black deer sporting in the forest with does and to Her left a magnificent peacock among peahens. Mistaking them in bewilderment for Her beloved's deer and peacock forms, She grew suspicious. Verses 52-53 form one sequence. (53)

She saw a tamāla tree whose roots were bound in gold, embraced by blooming golden jasmine, and whose highest branches held a dancing peacock. Even after Her mind reached a conclusion, She fell into doubt again. (54)

Bitten by the serpent of love-born jealousy, deprived of sound judgment, and fierce in mind, Rādhā aimed the terrible bows of Her eyebrows like the weapons of Caṇḍī's lord and addressed Dhaniṣṭhā. (55)

'Dhaniṣṭhā, what is this? What are you staring at ahead? This is merely a forest and nothing but forest growth. You arranged this unprecedented dance before that moonlike rogue, did you not? Or, cunning girl, were your eyes closed?' (56)

Then She said to Lalitā and the others, 'Dear friends, look at this wondrous, delightful simultaneous dance of these two rogues, this actor and actress!' (57)

'Dhaniṣṭhā was thoroughly bewitched and brought under control by the honey of his own words. Alas, Hari has made her a false dancer in His brazen performance. (58)

'Fond of wandering through amorous play, she is expert in the dance called deceptive message-bearing. Eager to stage it here, she is leading all of you to become the audience at this rogue's dance. (59)

'Look! Even that deer named Suraṅga has deceived his loving companion Raṅgiṇī and dallies with other does, refusing to leave them though he sees Me. Surely, through association, Hari has transmitted His own deceitfulness to him.' (60)

'Alas, though the dancing peacock sees his loving, beloved peahen, My companion, standing before him, he boldly revels with the other peahens. Through association, the enemy of Baka has transmitted His shamelessness here as well.' (61)

Then smiling Dhaniṣṭhā said, 'Noble lady, You Yourself have made all of us spectators at this extraordinary dance of Yours. We are delighted to have seen what no one has ever seen before.' (62)

When passionate attachment arises toward some object, whether difficult or easy to attain, the minds of those possessed by such attachment always suspect obstacles. (63)

Dhaniṣṭhā continued, 'Come, sakhīs, let us quickly report this astonishing dance to Kṛṣṇa. That playful connoisseur will cherish this gifted dancer, for one who recognizes excellence becomes deeply attached to a person of excellence.' (64)

Rādhā then looked in astonishment at Her circle of friends, their faces veiled by smiles. Looking again, She realized that the indistinct figure was merely a tree seen from afar, and She became ashamed. (65)

Thus the sight of Vṛndāvana blossoming with the delight of Mādhava's presence left Her intensely thirsty to drink the excellent nectar of Kṛṣṇa's wondrous sweetness. As love-madness made Her heart reel and many illusions agitated Her, the sakhīs, themselves eager for Her to attain Kṛṣṇa, laughed while hurrying onward. (66)

Suddenly, in the midst of the flower forest for the Beloved Couple's play called Madana-raṇa-bāṭikā, the Garden of Love's Battle, She arrived before the image of the sun-god standing within a bower. (67)

The slender girl bowed to the image with deep devotion, joined Her palms, and requested a beautiful boon: 'O god, by your grace may I enjoy unobstructed union with Govinda's lotus feet.' (68)

The gracious, blooming eyes and face of the image made Her heart blossom. Bowing again, She departed with Her sakhīs. (69)

By Lalitā's order, the two attendants carrying the articles for the sun worship remained there with the guardian goddesses of that garden. (70)

On the path Rādhā caught a stream of fragrance spreading in every direction from Murāri's splendid body, like the powerful scent of blue lotuses anointed with musk. Maddened by it, She at once wished to fly after Him like a bee. (71)

Kṛṣṇa suddenly inhaled from afar the exalted nectarean current of fragrance flowing from His beloved's body like the celestial Gaṅgā, flooding the circle of the forest and surpassing the perfume of saffron-anointed lotuses. His nose filled with it, He bristled with joy and wished to fly toward Her like a bee. (72)

From the meeting of their fragrances, Hari understood that His beloved had entered the forest but was still far away. Eager to bring Her to Him, He sent Vṛndā. (73)

Then, reaching the abode called Kuñjera, a residence of the king of bowers, Rādhā saw Vṛndā approaching to guide Her onward. Sent by Hari in His eagerness for Rādhā, Vṛndā appeared before Her like the embodied fulfillment of Her desire. (74)

Vṛndā gave Her the pair of blue lotuses that had served as Kṛṣṇa's ear ornaments. Contact with His body had so deeply scented them that the fragrance left the flower-drinking bees bewildered. (75)

Receiving their touch and fragrance, Rādhā became intoxicated by the experience of Kṛṣṇa's own touch and scent. Striving to conceal the emotions rising within Her, She eagerly began this exchange with Vṛndā. (76)

'Dear friend Vṛndā, why have you come from Hari's lotus feet? Where is He, and what is He doing here in the lake forest? Who is His dancing teacher? Your form shines from every tree and vine in all directions and intermediate directions, wandering like an actress and making Him dance behind it.' (77)

'Vṛndā, you are mistaken. That is not a manifestation of Me but a black bee flying up to reach Padmā and her sakhīs. Made bold by thirst, he roams with Śaibyā, swept along by the gale of fragrance rising from her. (78)

'That Śaibyā whirlwind caught and carried the bee with its force. Together with her own companion she led Him, eager to meet Gaurī, away from our company to Gaurī-tīrtha under the spoken pretext of worshiping the goddess.' (79)

Lalitā replied, 'What concern have we with news of Him? Let us bathe here in the waters of subterranean Gaṅgā arising in Ariṣṭa-kuṇḍa, worship our friend the sun as our elders have commanded, and return home.' (80)

Rādhā asked, 'Vṛndā, where are you going? Why have you come close to My lotus feet? Is it to announce some astonishing good fortune in your realm? Tell Me: does this Vṛndāvana, adorned by Śrī Mādhava's magnificent presence, repeatedly shine through the grace of your attentive care?' (81)

Then bold Kundalatā said, 'Vṛndā, abandon your deceitful message-bearing. Her venerable mother-in-law, who is suspicious of Kṛṣṇa, entrusted Her to me for worshiping the sun. (82)

'I shall quietly bathe Her in the lake of Ariṣṭa's killer, born from the waters of subterranean Gaṅgā, and then lead Her to the sun altar for worship. (83)

'If Kṛṣṇa is there, we shall not go; we shall proceed to Mānasa-gaṅgā instead. By Jaṭilā's order, Rādhā must not be taken in any direction scented with Kṛṣṇa.' (84)

Vṛndā replied, 'Kundalatā, why do you let fear of Hari toss about the river of your mind? Hear one plan by which, even if you go there, He will not see you. (85)

'Kṛṣṇa waits in a bower at His beloved's lake, His heart reeling under Love. Noble girl, take the eastern path through the spring forest. Bathe as you please at the splendid bathing place filled with the nectar of Ariṣṭa's killer's lotus feet, then proceed quietly, unseen by anyone. (86)

Lalitā said, 'Kundalatā, though you are bold, why do you lose that boldness and fear Hari, your own younger brother-in-law, like an innocent girl?' (87)

'Let us go to our own lake and behold Mādhava's splendor in the forest. After bathing, we shall return here. What can Kṛṣṇa possibly do to us?' (88)

Rādhā said, 'This is a place where women play freely, utterly unsuitable for men even to see or remain in. Vṛndā, go quickly and drive Him out. What business does that cowherd have there?' (89)

Vṛndā replied, 'I am exceedingly gentle and Hari is terribly fierce. How could I easily impose the punishment of banishment upon Him? Friend, You are sharp and more formidable than Caṇḍī herself, so You must expel that peacock-feathered rogue.' (90)

Kundavallī said, 'Vṛndā, this fierce girl has confused you. Why should the lord of the animals be expelled? Half His body ought instead to be occupied by Her.' (91)

Vṛndā replied, 'Kundavallī herself appears endowed with the auspicious beauty fit to be enjoyed by Madhusūdana, eagerly inclining toward the shelter of His punnāga-like body.' (92)

As all the sakhīs smiled, Vṛndā saw Śrī Rādhikā filled with longing, Her limbs rendered gracefully slow by the depth of Her emotion. Reporting Kṛṣṇa's thirst to Her, Vṛndā spoke. (93)

'Lalitā, quickly answer one question. Seeing a rain cloud rise at the horizon, the lord of cātaka birds faints with thirst. What must his friend, the breeze, do at once?' (94)

Lalitā replied, 'Powerful dark cloud girls flash in every direction by night and day. Their wind companions constantly send them before him, showering him with ever-new floods of rasa. Yet only one cloud is the exclusive object of his gaze. (95)

'If he is truly devoted to that one alone, then the breeze should quickly bring her before him and joyfully let him drink her nectar.' (96)

Vṛndā said, 'Those fickle cloud girls, though devoid of rasa, are forever driven about by their swift wind companions. They never give him that joy anywhere.' (97)

'Therefore go freely, sakhīs. Bathe at the bathing place of Ariṣṭa's enemy and perform your worship of your friend the sun. I shall remain here, for I have work to do.' (98)

After they departed, Vṛndā dispatched quick, subtle-minded Śubhā and exceedingly clever Śārikā on separate missions. She sent the first toward Vraja, especially to Abhimanyu's mother, and the other toward Candrāvalī at Girijā's temple. (99)

Vṛndā entered the preparation house for articles of service. Seeing the supplies, she praised them enthusiastically and joyfully commended the attendants who had prepared them. (100)

For the Couple's spring pastimes, swing play, drinking of flower nectar, forest love play, water sports, and dressing one another, (101)

as well as Their forest meal, rest, training the parrots, and dice game, she had those attendants arrange all the appropriate articles in their respective places. Verses 101-102 form one statement. (102)

By announcing the Couple's arrival, she delighted and hastened every animate and inanimate attendant of each pastime. (103)

Eager for the full moon of Their beholding one another to rise, Vṛndā longed to immerse herself in the surging nectar ocean of Their many emotions. Her heart impatient, she remained hidden in a bower near Hari. (104)

Meanwhile Nāndīmukhī arrived eagerly behind the sakhīs. Desiring to witness the Couple's pastimes, she remained there with Vṛndā. (105)

From afar Kṛṣṇa saw His beloved approaching along the path between two rows of bakula trees, surrounded by Her dear companions. Love rose visibly within Him, yet He could not believe the vision was real, for Her apparitions had repeatedly deceived Him as He awaited Her arrival. (106)

His beloved too saw Him and was filled with wonder, but, overcome by abundant emotions, could not be certain that it was truly He. Earlier, wandering in delusion around a tamāla tree, She had babbled and then been deeply embarrassed by the laughter of Her sakhīs. (107)

Each one's mind was overwhelmed by experiencing the endless qualities of the other. Intoxicated by the joy of seeing one another, They wondered aloud. (108)

Kṛṣṇa thought, 'Is this the presiding goddess of beauty, or the goddess of youth? Is She beauty's entire treasure, sweetness embodied, or a torrent of grace? Is She a river of blissful waves or a flowing stream of nectar? Or has My beloved come to delight all My senses?' (109)

'Her moon face nourishes the cakora birds of My eyes; Her lotus fragrance draws the bee of My nose; Her juicy lips delight the cuckoo of My tongue; Her jingling voice captivates My ears and heart; and Her embodied stream of nectar extinguishes the forest fire of Love afflicting My body. Yes, My beloved Herself has appeared. The wish-fulfilling tree of My fortune has borne fruit.' (110)

Rādhā wondered, 'Is this a tāpiñcha tree, a rain cloud, or a mass of sapphires? Is it a slope of a mountain of collyrium, or a swarm of intoxicated bees? Is it a flood of the dark river Kṛṣṇā, a bank of blue lotuses, or the gathered sidelong glances of Vraja's doe-eyed girls?' (111)

'Is this Kandarpa? But he has no body. Is it the king of rasa? But rasa has no embodied bearer like this. Is it an ocean of nectar? But that is far too vast. Is it the excellent celestial tree of blossoming prema? But that cannot walk. It must be My dearest Himself! How else could My fortune triumph so?' Verses 111-112 form one reflection. (112)

'Viśākhā, tell Me truthfully, friend: is that My beloved shining before Me, a lotus for the bees of My eyes, or am I again bewildered?' Thus questioned, Viśākhā joyfully replied to Rādhā, whose body thrilled, throat choked, voice faltered, and eyes darted because of the sakhīs' laughter. (113)

'Beautiful-faced friend, He is the fine musk tilaka upon Your forehead, the painted dot upon Your two breasts and chin, the splendor of collyrium upon Your eyes, the blue-lotus ornaments upon Your ears, and the flower in Your hair. Yes, Your beloved, the very treasury of Your fortune, shines before You. Go to Him!' (114)

Thus, upon seeing one another, Their minds and bodies were joyfully agitated by hosts of emotions arising from the nature of pure prema. For a moment neither could undertake any action at all. (115)

Thus the Eighth Sarga, following the midday pastimes, has now come to its close in Govinda-līlāmṛta, a poem born from service to Śrī Rūpa, the honeybee at Śrī Caitanya's lotus feet; composed by the fortunate Śrī Raghunātha Dāsa; arisen in the company of Śrī Jīva; and radiant through Śrī Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa.