19-30 The made-up letter from Kandarpa

19 Then Kṛṣṇa removes the letter he has tucked into his turban and places it in Nāndīmukhī's hand. She begins reading it, mumbling to herself, but as everyone is curious to hear the message, she reads it aloud,
20 "Greetings! Madana Sarvabhauma- Cupid, the all-powerful lord of love, hereby makes it known to Nāndīmukhī, Kuṇḍalatā, Vṛnda and all of the assembled Sakhīs that Rādhā stole the forest's beauty! This wealth of beauty must be returned. And then all of you should settle Rādhā and Madhava's dispute over the Muralī."

Ṭīkā: In śloka 6 of chapter 11, was described that Kṛṣṇa wrote this letter with moistened kuṅkuma on a white lotus petal after having vilāsa with Rādhā. He takes this occasion to broadcast the message.

21 The Sakhīs are puzzled to hear the news and start asking Rādhā whether it is true. Finally, Viśākhā comes out from the group and says, "I don't understand. Didn't Rādhā testify to Kandarpa Rāja that she hadn't stolen anything from the forest residents and that, on the contrary, she helps to enrich its beauty by her effulgence?"

22 Lalitā exclaims, "O Viśākhe! Don't be foolish! What's the need of mentioning all that? Vṛndāvan's forest is simply the reflection of Rādhikā's mohini murati!"

Ṭīkā: What is Lalitā's logic? When an object is stamped by the mark of its owner, everyone can easily identify whose property it is. Similarly, as the forest's beauty is simply Rādhā's reflection, this proves that it is hers. So even if Kṛṣṇa complains to the Mahāraj, what can he do?

23 [Lalitā continues] "So if some unscrupulous person tries to defame us before the Mahāraj, what can he do? As the forest is ours, we'll maintain it, and we'll enjoy its fruits and flowers!
24 But if you say that we should execute the Mahāraj's order, then I'll reply: Just go and take a look at this forest! You will see that it is nourished by our Vṛndāvan-īśvari as if it were her own Sakhī!"

Ṭīkā: Whether the Mahāraj understands or not, still one should follow his order. Then, later, one can approach him and thoroughly explain the situation." To this proposal, was replied: "What's the need to do so? If one simply opens his eyes one will see that everything belongs to Rādhā!"

25 Lalitā goes on: "That Vaṁśī was initiated with a mantra to destroy the Vrāja Kiśorīs' satī-dharma - chastity! Luckily, we have never seen it. And if we ever do, we will certainly throw it in the Yamunā- let it be carried off to the sea!"

Ṭīkā: Concerning Rādhā's second offense, the matter of the stolen flute, Lalitā cleverly dismisses the issue to avoid any inconveṇience to Rādhā.

26 "Hey Kṛṣṇa!" exclaims Nāndīmukhī. "Rādhā says, 'I've returned the forest's wealth!'-so why don't you investigate to see if that's true? Then you can look into the matter of your stolen Vaṁśī."
27 But being eager to inaugurate Vana-vihāra, Lalitā pulls Rādhā forward saying: "Come on! I'll show everyone how your beauty maintains the forest!"

Ṭīkā: Lalitā-ji places Rādhā at the front with a procession of Sakhī and Mañjarīs who follow. Then she says, "O Vrinde, Nandi and Kuṇḍa! Let's have a look at the forest-I'll show you what I'm talking about!"

28 But as Kṛṣṇa and the others proceed on-Aho! The trees, the latās, the flowers, the leaves, the birds and the deer all become enveloped by Rādhā's golden effulgence! These objects are distinguishable only by their variegated shapes!Ṭīkā: As Rādhā leads the way, everyone clearly witnesses her divine potency!

29 Nāndīmukhī exclaims, "Aho! Vriṣabhānu-nandinī is right! Her amazing aṅga-kanti nourishes the whole forest it's creating a festival for our eyes!"

Ṭīkā: As Nāndīmukhī looks to Kṛṣṇa her glance implies, "So what can you say now?"

30 Kṛṣṇa retorts: "Hey Nandi! When Rādhā goes home she takes the forest's beauty with her! But when she returns, she replaces its wealth, fearing Madana Rāja. My guess is that Rādhā knows some sort of magic spell!

Ṭīkā: Catura-cūḍāmaṇi Kṛṣṇa isn't one to admit defeat. No matter how crookedly he behaves, still his words ring cira-satya-ever true. As Rādhā proves her point and the Sakhīs beam with pride, Kṛṣṇa quickly dismisses her victory and strikes from a different angle. "Aha! This is nothing but magic," he retorts. "The forest's beauty only remains when Rādhā is here, but when she goes home, she takes all of its opulent beauty with her!"
Although Kṛṣṇa speaks with a joking connotation, there is a sincerity in his words that reveal a heart-rending fact about the Prema dhāma, Vṛndāvan. As soon as Rādhā leaves the forest, it cries in separation for her, just as Kṛṣṇa does! Hence, when she returns, it isn't surprising that Vṛndāvan's forest splendor reawakens with new joy.