Krishna and Radha

Govinda-Mohini: The one who mystifies Govinda

Govinda-Nandini: The one who gives pleasure to Govinda

Govinda-Sarvasva: The one who is all in all for Govinda

Shiromani Sarva-Kanta: The crown jewel of all Krishna's Consorts

Radhika: Her worship of krishna consists of fulfilling his desires

Aradhana: The root name of Radharani, meaning one who excels in worshipping Krishna

Damodara rati: She who dresses up to please Krishna

Every aspect of Krishna's life is a lesson. his persona tells us about human life and how it should be. There is no incident in his life that is there for no reason. Then we wonder what the significance of Radha is. What is it that Radha and Krishna relationship tells us. As Neela asks me. Why do we celebrate a love that does not culminate in a marriage. Radha rani was separated from Krishna When Krishna left for Mathura. They never looked back at each other and led a life of Karma. Radha was married to Chandrasena and Krishna later married to Rukmini, Tulsi and Satyabhama (formerly known as Jambuvanti - the daughter of Jambuvant, the bear). But if you study the scriptures, there is a lot of importance given to the relationship between Krishna and Radha.

She is called the primeval internal potency of the Lord Krishna in Brihad Gautamiya Tantra, Padma purana and Vidagdha-madhava. The Bhaktivedanta calls her the source of all spiritual inspiration.

There could be a number of interpretations of the relationship, but what I like to believe is the beauty of being momentary. Like the dew drop on a leaf. While it lasts, it is the most beautiful thing that you can see. But it lasts only for a few moments. Then it falls off the leaf and never sees it again.

But imagine if it would have been eternal, would it be so beautiful? We celebrate the momentary beauty of the love between Krishna and Radha and sheer fact that it was not meant to last a moment longer. No questions asked, no justifications expected nor given.

It is made eternal by bringing an end to it when the time is right.