Eighteenth Sarga: Midday Pastimes

Then the affectionate sovereign Lady of Love took the parrot in Her hand and tenderly prompted him to recite. Kṛṣṇa similarly took the śārikā and encouraged her. (1)

'Parrot, praise the heroic cowherd whose body resembles a raincloud, the steadfast lifter of the king of mountains who dwells in a cottage beside the lake.' (2)

'Speak, parrot: All glory to the crown of beautiful lovers, the delight of Vraja's people, the mine of hosts of jeweled virtues, the ocean of pure rasa, whose honey-sweet lips intoxicate the young women!' (3)

'Recite, bird: All glory, all glory to the bearer of the finest mountain! He removes fear of Aghāsura, Bakāsura, the cart demon, and the forest fire. His feet humble the pride of newly opened lotuses, and His lotus feet shelter every person who bows to them.' (4)

'Parrot, sing of Hari, whose delicate anklets sweetly chime, who is deep in virtue, heroic in battle against the demons, steadfast in holding the great mountain, and adorned with a diamond.' (5)

'He is the finest elephant sporting amid the waves of the Yamunā with the beautiful female elephants, and the mountain caves are His dwelling.' (6)

'Parrot, contemplate charming Govinda, an ocean of waves of playful delight, His magnificent earrings swinging and His armlets radiant.' (7)

'Śārikā, praise My beloved, whose captivating face conquers hosts of lotuses, and whose exalted qualities steal the pride of all the women in the universe.' (8)

'Blessed Rādhikā, clever heroine, You are the swan within the heart of the gallant lifter of the mountain. All the young women of the three worlds become Your students in the arts.' (9)

'Śrī Rādhikā is a mine of jeweled virtues and a rising ocean of nectar filled with the wealth of prema. Her splendid deeds are worshiped by the finest chaste women in the three worlds. She shines as the sovereign empress of world-honored Vṛndāvana and is the goddess of fortune Herself.' (10)

'Through Her auspicious marks, supreme treasury of virtues, incomparable and spotless love, She brings even unconquerable Ajita under Her control. She who shines here in the forest is Ramā Herself.' (11)

'Rādhā repeatedly placed Her lower lip upon the firm lip of the steadfast lifter of the mountain, the mighty hero expert at raising the earth, and held Him fast.' (12)

'Upon every bank and in the trees growing there, rows of partridges nearby called in high voices beyond all ordinary modes, giving exceedingly deep delight.' (13)

The śārikā then flew onto the tender hand of her mistress, and the parrot flew to the hand of his master. The Divine Couple joyfully prompted the two birds to recite again. (14)

'Friend śārikā, describe the succession of Aghāsura's enemy's pastimes, pure as sandalwood, diamond, kunda flowers, the moon, and hailstones. His bodily radiance resembles bees, rainclouds, and tamāla trees, and His sweetness is the nectar of a fully blossomed lotus.' (15)

'The fame of Gokula's moon dances beautifully, while His qualities, like woodworms, perforate and weaken the bamboo-like hearts of all the women in the universe.' (16)

'O śārikā, that enemy of the demons entered the delightful lake of rāsa, rich with the finest lotuses, water birds, and nectarean rasa.' (17)

'Śārikā, praise Him whose flute sounds gave passion even to virtuous women, loosening the knots of the gopīs' waistcloths.' (18)

'Before Mādhava, the slender, beautiful-browed cowherd women, though virtuous, shine through their faces and through the loving intentions held in their hearts.' (19)

'Parrot, describe Govinda's steadfast play-beloved within the lakeside cottage, where deep water glistens in droplets, charming breezes wander through rows of lotuses, and the sweet swing pastime unfolds.' (20)

'Every day Rādhā comes to this forest with Her sakhīs. Awakening My longing again and again, alas, Her contrariness only intensifies it.' (21)

'Śrī Rādhikā, ever since You kissed My face, My upper and lower lips have thirsted without cease for Yours.' (22)

'When Love makes Me restless and eager to touch Rādhikā, the words and glances of Her friends enter My ears and eyes. Though contrary by nature, they are always sweet and pleasing, for they cherish within their hearts and increase My desire.' (23)

Vṛndā then offered grapes and pomegranate seeds. The deeply affectionate Lord and Lady fed them to the two birds with Their own hands. (24)

The company of śārikās and parrots then expressed a desire to see a dice game. Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa therefore went to a green bower called Sudevī-sukhadā. (25)

Upon a seat painted with the squares of a dice board, Hari sat on one side with His companions, while Rādhikā sat opposite with Her sakhīs. (26)

Lalitā and Madhumaṅgala advised the two players about favorable throws, while Sudevī and Subala sat beside them to settle disputes. (27)

Nandīmukhī and Vṛndā stood in the middle, and Kundavallī served as referee. The Lady took the black playing pieces, while the Lord took the yellow ones. (28)

In the first game, with the does Suraṅgā and Raṅgiṇī as the wager, Kṛṣṇa won and blossomed with delight. Madhumaṅgala tied the forfeited doe and brought her forward. (29)

In the second game, with the flute and pāvikā as the wager, Rādhā won. Lalitā seized the flute that Kṛṣṇa had tried to conceal. (30)

In the third deceptive game, the two necklaces were wagered. As part of his arbitration, Madhumaṅgala told Kṛṣṇa, 'Capture that lone śārikā piece.' (31)

Hearing this, the frightened śārikā Kalokti cried piteously and flew to the tip of a branch. The whole assembly laughed at the amusing sight. (32)

Amid the uproar of laughter, crafty Hari cheated in the game: although His throw was insufficient, He captured the śārikā piece and declared, 'I have won!' (33)

Just then the Lady obtained the throw She desired. Using Her own śārikā pieces to surround Hari's pieces, She laughed and said, 'I have won!' (34)

As Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa tried to seize each other's necklaces, Their contest became hand against hand, while Madhumaṅgala, Kundavallī, and the friends battled with words. (35)

Everyone questioned the neutral arbiters Nandīmukhī and Vṛndā. They replied, 'Our attention was elsewhere, so we did not observe the play properly.' (36)

'Let the two sides be declared equal, or let both be considered victorious and defeated. Keep the necklaces upon Your own necks and begin the game again.' (37)

In the fourth game, Their groups of friends were the wager. When Rādhikā was about to win, Madhumaṅgala became alarmed and began moving the śārikā pieces even before the throw was completed. (38)

Crying, 'Won! Won! No, not won!' he mixed together both players' pieces. When the sakhīs rose to restrain him, a tremendous quarrel broke out. (38-39)

The Lord told the Lady, 'Moving the śārikā pieces only creates conflict. Let them remain where they are, and let us continue by wagering directly upon the dice throws.' (40)

'Whether You or I cast the dice, victory and defeat will be determined solely by the resulting throw. There are ten possible throws in this game, four of which are even.' (41)

'Six are uneven. Let the five even or leftward throws be Your winning throws, while the other five uneven throws will be Mine.' (42)

'Whichever of Us wins will seize from the other the same number of limbs as the number of the winning throw. Let this be the wager.' (43)

Rādhikā cast the dice and obtained the throw called ten. The delighted sakhīs laughed, while Kṛṣṇa feigned dejection and spoke to Her. (44)

'My two arms, chest, two hands, upper and lower lips, two cheeks, and face are ten limbs. Let Your corresponding ten limbs seize them.' (45)

Rādhā said, 'Referee Kundavallī, place the limbs He has lost upon your own corresponding limbs.' (46)

Hari then cast the dice and obtained the throw called four-five. Blossoming with delight, Kundavallī addressed Him. (47)

'Her two eyes, cheek, teeth, lip, mouth, two breasts, and forehead make nine limbs. Before all Her friends, quickly and forcibly claim with Your own lower lip these limbs of the girl who became proud after winning a mere drop of victory.' (48)

Lalitā said, 'Hari, first use Your lower lip to reclaim from Kundavallī the ten limbs of Yours that this girl placed upon her.' (49)

Kundavallī replied, 'I placed them upon Lalitā's left cheek. Take them from there.' Kṛṣṇa immediately turned toward Lalitā to kiss that cheek. (50)

Saying, 'Ten-left,' Rādhā cast the dice. Kṛṣṇa replied, 'As You command,' and turned toward Her left cheek. (51)

Lalitā angrily turned away and rebuked Kundavallī and Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa told His beloved, 'Come and take the limbs You have won from Me forever.' (52)

As Kṛṣṇa eagerly tried to place His face against each of Rādhā's corresponding limbs, She rebuked Him with crooked glances and indistinct words. Her brows deeply arched, She blocked Her beloved with both hands while mingling smiles and tears, thereby greatly increasing His delight. (53)

While the dice game continued in this way, the clever śārikā suddenly arrived and announced, 'Jaṭilā has come from the cowherd settlement.' (54)

Hearing this, Rādhikā and Acyuta became alarmed and immediately departed with Their companions. Remaining together, They quickly entered the bower called Kuñjenara. (55)

Kundavallī concealed Kṛṣṇa there while Rādhā went to the sun temple. The elderly Jaṭilā then arrived and addressed Kundavallī. (56)

'Why has there been such a delay?' Kundavallī replied, 'Not even one young brāhmaṇa could be found. Those who serve you were invited away by the young women early this morning.' (57)

'One young brāhmaṇa from Mathurā, a disciple of Śrī Garga named Viśvaśarmā, has arrived. He is expert in worship of the sun.' (58)

'At Kṛṣṇa's request, he came with Madhumaṅgala to bathe at Ariṣṭa-kuṇḍa while Kṛṣṇa was grazing the cows in Kāmyaka forest.' (59)

'When I entreated Viśvaśarmā to come here, Madhumaṅgala recited all your faults to him along the way. Angered by the harsh words you have spoken, he forbade Viśvaśarmā to come.' (60)

The elder asked, 'Where is he?' Kundavallī replied, 'He is nearby, looking at the forest.' Jaṭilā said, 'Go and bring him with great effort. Because of your qualities, he will not come easily.' (61)

'Promise him a meal of very sweet food and a generous payment. If he will not come alone, bring both boys here with Dhaniṣṭhā.' (62)

When the elder repeated her demand, Kundavallī went and quickly returned with Kṛṣṇa and Madhumaṅgala. Kṛṣṇa wore the dress of a brāhmaṇa and brilliantly recited the Vedas. (63)

Honored by the elderly woman, Kṛṣṇa delighted her with the blessing, 'May your son possess many cows, and may your daughter-in-law be embraced by every auspiciousness.' (64)

As the worship began, Kṛṣṇa asked, 'Tell me, what is your daughter-in-law's name?' When the elder replied, 'Rādhā,' He spoke to her with feigned astonishment. (65)

'Is this the virtuous girl whose chastity is celebrated throughout the town? You are blessed to have Her as your daughter-in-law.' Having said this, He addressed Rādhā. (66)

'In this brilliant rite for the sun, the ceremony should not be performed while veiled. Choose Me as priest. A woman must not touch Me directly, so touch Me with kuśa grass and recite the formula.' (67)

'I choose you, Viśvaśarmā, as my priest: pure, learned in purity, foremost in the lineage that brings auspiciousness to the world.' (68)

'Obeisance to the radiant sun, the intensely loving friend of the lotuses, who stands before us and destroys the vast darkness.' (69)

'With this mantra offer footwater and the other articles to the sun-god, and offer yourself as well. Then the fair-rayed Lord will become submissive to you and grant your desire.' (70)

Throughout the ceremony Madhumaṅgala continuously recited Vedic verses of blessing. When the worship was complete, Kṛṣṇa instructed Rādhā. (71)

'Rādhā, to complete the cowherd lord's sacrifice and increase the abundance of cows, give Your own herd to this priest as his payment.' (72)

As an offering and priestly payment, the elder devoutly placed Rādhā's golden ring before Mādhava. Smiling, He addressed her. (73)

'We are exclusive Vaiṣṇavas and do not eat remnants offered to other deities. Nor do I accept wealth intended for another social order, for I am a young brāhmaṇa who follows a pure livelihood.' (74)

'I am an all-knowing disciple of Garga, versed in astrology, palmistry, and the other sciences. The weighty payment I desire is simply the affection of you residents of Vraja.' (75)

The elder leaned close to Kundavallī's ear and whispered. Kundavallī then told Hari, 'The elder asks You to examine her daughter-in-law's hand and reveal what the signs foretell.' (76)

Hari replied, 'It is not proper for us to look upon a young woman's limbs. Still, conquered by your affection, I shall examine Her hand from a distance.' (77)

'You yourself extend this chaste girl's hands before Me.' When Kundavallī did so, Kṛṣṇa began to tremble, shed tears, and erupt in horripilation. (78)

Concealing His inner joy beneath a show of astonishment, He said, 'How wonderful! Judging by all the auspicious marks upon Her hands, this girl must be Ramā Herself.' (79)

'If Her gracious glance falls upon us, all our prosperity will become complete. Wherever She dwells, every treasure and every auspiciousness dwell as well.' (80)

Hari asked the elderly woman, 'Tell Me your son's name.' When she did so, He made astrological calculations from that name and addressed her with great apparent astonishment. (81)

'Elderly lady, many obstacles threaten your son's life, but through the power of this chaste girl they can never prevail.' (82)

Delighted to hear this, the elder placed Rādhikā's priceless jeweled ring before Him as a reward. (83)

Subala then arrived and said, 'Viśvaśarmā, Hari is waiting for both of you to join Him for a meal of milk foam, fruits, and other foods.' (84)

Kṛṣṇa said, 'I do not eat food belonging to anyone but a brāhmaṇa, and Gārgī has invited Me to dine. I must go quickly. Madhumaṅgala, you accept this food offering.' (85)

Madhumaṅgala said, 'Elderly lady, give me payment for reciting the blessings.' She pulled the golden ring from her own finger and gave it to him. (86)

Delighted to receive it, Madhumaṅgala repeatedly beat his elbow like a drum. He tied the food offering within his cloth, praised the elderly woman, and danced. (87)

At the elder's request, Madhumaṅgala told Kṛṣṇa, 'Her vow cannot be completed unless You accept the priestly payment.' (88)

'Please accept it out of compassion. If You have no personal need for the wealth, it can be given to other brāhmaṇas, and the woman observing the vow will receive auspiciousness.' (89)

Laughing, Madhumaṅgala said, 'I accept Your objection, but not Your refusal,' and tied both rings into the corner of his own cloth, though Kṛṣṇa repeatedly tried to stop him. (90)

Jaṭilā told Kṛṣṇa, 'Young brāhmaṇa, whenever good fortune brings You to our cowherd settlement, I choose You as the priest for Her sun worship. I shall give You abundant payment.' (91)

Having spoken, the delighted Jaṭilā bowed to the sun and the two brāhmaṇa boys. Considering her purpose fulfilled, she departed for home with the girls. (92)

As Rādhā followed behind Lalitā, She repeatedly turned Her neck on the pretext of speaking. Though She drank the honey of Murāri's lotus face through waves of sidelong glances, the forlorn girl could not attain satisfaction. (93)

The beautiful-browed girl's golden pitcher-like body, filled with the rich milk of Her beloved's pastimes held within Her heart, first spread delight through Her sakhīs' eyes. But it quickly turned sour: discolored by the poison of separation, it began to burn their eyes with sorrow. (94)

Blue-lotus Kṛṣṇa had blossomed beneath the moon of union with His beloved, but when the sun of separation rose He wilted and in a moment appeared like someone entirely different. (95)

Dispirited, Kṛṣṇa went with two companions to rejoin His friends. Delighted, they each rushed forward first to embrace Him and spoke. (96)

'Dear friend, when You abandoned us, who cannot endure separation from You, our distressed and anxious hearts clearly understood Your hardness. Yet just as we were setting out to search for You, You returned within half a moment. From that we understand the supreme tenderness of Your love.' (97)

'This vast ocean of nectar, the abundant midday pastimes of Hari in Rādhā's company, shines immeasurably deep and shoreless. My good fortune is that the gale of glorious Śrī Rūpa's compassion has carried even one droplet from it to touch me as I stand upon the bank.' (98)

Thus ends the Eighteenth Sarga, following the midday pastimes, in Govinda-līlāmṛta, a poem born from serving Śrī Rūpa, the honeybee at Śrī Caitanya's lotus feet; revealed through the merit of Śrī Raghunātha Dāsa; arisen in the association of Śrī Jīva; and composed by the excellent Śrī Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa. (18)