21-65 Krishna's morning bhojan

Verse 21
Vrajeshwari leads Krishna, the sakhas and Madhumangal to the dining room. The large bhojan-vedi had been cleansed with water and covered by a colorful cloth. Placed over it are expensive asanas lined in rows. Alongside are pitchers filled to the brim with drinking water, and aromatic incense smoke fills the room.

Rasa-tarangini Tika:
Sri Siddha Krishna Das Baba elaborates from the Gutika: "Batu (Madhumangal) devoutly offers all of the preparations (that Radhika and Rohini Devi cooked) to the household, Narayan vigraha. Then he offers achaman, and pan; he performs Narayan's arati, and puts the Lord to rest. Meanwhile, Mother Yashoda calls Rama-Krishna and all of the sakhas to the bhojan mandir. Then after washing their hands and feet, everyone eagerly sits down to begin eating." 

The Gutika also mentions that the bhojan-vedi is made of gold, and that sitting asanas are woven with golden threads. Nearby, there are golden pitchers that are covered by moistened gamchas for washing.

Verses 22-24
As Krishna steps up on this manohara-vedi and sits down, Subala and Śridama sits on his left, and Balaram on his right; then Madhumangal comes and take his seat directly in front of Krishna. All of the other sakhas sit down in nearby places. Then Yashomati comes escorting Chitra Sakhi who holds a large golden bowl of sharbat. Coconut milk and sugar cane juice are amongst the drinks that are served first. Yashoda personally calls the Gopi who made each preparation to collect it from her. Then Yashoda takes these dishes from the kitchen and serves then.

Rasa-tarangini Tika:
In Sankalpa-kalpa-druma, Vishwanath Chakravarti (Vinoda-vallari Manjari) prays to Srimati Radharani as follows: "Oh Praneshwari! After you finish cooking four categories of preparations, including shaka, dhala, fried items and sweet rice, Mother Yashoda will say: 'O Radhe! You go forward and serve these preparations to Krishna.' Then you will repeatedly say: 'Na, na, na!' When will I see you in this circumstance?"

Verses 25-27
Radha nods to Rangadevi to give Yashoda the delicious 'ganga-jal' Laddus that she brought from home, and Yashoda's heart melts as she takes them. Then she places them on golden trays and goes out to divide them amongst the sakhas headed By Baladev. As Yashoda-mayi serves the buttery sabjis, Krishna begins to laugh and joke with the Sakhas and from the corner of his eye, He repeatedly glances towards the kitchen to peek at Radhika's lovely face! Krishna's darshan at this moment gives unceasing bliss to the sakhis!

Rasa-tarangini Tika:
In Sankalpa-kalpa-druma, Vishwanath Chakravarti prays to Radha: "Hey Devi! As you ecstatically witness Krishna's morning bhojan through the holes of the decorative kitchen window, your body takes on a special effulgence! Thus, when you become pierced by Cupid's arrown, my mind bathes in your ecstasy!"

The sakhas' laughter and joking centers around Madhumangal. Krishna-bhavanamrita describes that Batu chides everyone by humorously addressing Krishna as follows:
"These four types of delicious edibles (including laddus and other sweets) are mukti personified for the saints who transcend the four vargas of dharma, artha, kama and moksha! But, unfortunately, in this entire assembly, I am the only connoisseur who knows how to relish them!"

Hearing Madhumangal's amusing statement, Krishna relies: "Oh Batu! You are a real pandit of the rasa-tattva! Can you tell us how many types of rasa there are?"
Batu replies, "According to my theory, there are six. This is certain because the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, sense of touch, and the mind are the only tasters. In practical application, also we find six flavors: salty, bitter, pungent, juicy, sour and sweet."
Krishna continues: "Oh Madhu! According to your 'rasa-paddhati, ' we understand that the six senses are meant to relish six types of bhojan-rasa. But can you specifically tell us what type of rasa is tasted by which particular sense?'

"Aha! What a pity, you are all incompetent!" exclaims Madhu. "Oh well, if I don't tell you, I guess you'll never learn. Listen: These ganga-jala laddus (and other items) are simply rasa personified because they are enjoyed by all of the senses!
Their sweetness is tasted by the tongue,
their lovely smell is perceived by the nose,
their softness is felt by the touch, and while eating them,
the sound of chomping steals the ears-but that's not all-when swallowing them,
their pleasing taste enchants the mind! 

Thus, simply by eating-all at once,
the purpose of the senses are completely fulfilled,
and one's life is crowned with success!
And rasa directly takes shape here! 

But those who neglect these laddus to pursue the intangible rasa such as madhura (amorous love) are only unfortunate. Such attempts are likened to a thirsty person who follows a mirage in the desert. So who can deny shastra's verdict: carbanei rasah nishpatti- 'Rasa is directly perceived by tasting.' So what's the use of seeking flavor in other forms of rasa?" Overhearing Madhu's words, Balaram inquires with a grin: "Oh Batu! Then your rasa theory must certainly include ashta-sattvic emotions?"

Madhumangal breaks into laughter to chide Balaram's ignorance and replies, "If these symptoms aren't there, how could rasa exist? I'm the ideal example: Just see!
When deprived of this wonderful sweet-rice, tears instantly come to my eyes!
But when I taste it, my hairs ecstatically stand erect!
Then with such bhojan-ananda, my body changes color!
When I loudly praise its taste, I lose my voice!
As I eagerly eat more and more, sweat comes to my brow!
And when I see that it's impossible to eat everything, I become paralyzed!
Oh, and finally, after eating to my full satisfaction, I faint (fall asleep)!

"So much for the ashta-sattvics. Now listen, I'll tell you about the stayi-bhava: Simply by attraction for bhojan rasa, bhojan-prema is aroused! What to speak of sanchari bhavas:
The pleasure of eating (harsha), plus the tiredness (alasya) one feels at the meal's conclusion!
Can you honestly tell me who doesn't experience such symptoms?"

Krishna replies, "Batu! I'm simply amazed by your vast wisdom! Who knows how much tapasya you underwent to acquire such knowledge?"
Madhumangal: "You're right! In my previous life, I performed severe austerities in the forest. As I wandered through those thickets and groves herding animals, I'll bet that the wind must have blown my pure bodily fragrance onto all yours. Otherwise, how could you have received the fortune to taste these six forms of rasa with me?"

Subala replied: "Hey Rasika-shekhara! I think the monkeys are like you, too. They tolerate the heat, the rain and the cold, and munch on uncooked leaves and fruits in a renounced spirit. But just look over there! Some monkeys have assembled on the roof. They want to snatch those six types of bhojan-rasa from your plate!"

Verse 28-37
Mother Yashoda points her finger and says, "Oh Krishna-lal! This dish is excellent, this one is sweet, and that one is exotic. You may eat them all!"
Knowing the sakhas' favorite dishes, Krishna smiles and repeatedly tosses those items from his own plate to each friend!"
Noticing Krishna's inattention and Vrajeshwari anxiousness to feed him, Madhumangal jokes: "Oh Ma! Since Krishna has a poor appetite, you can serve his portion to me, because my hunger is insatiable. Then when I embrace Krishna, he'll become fully nourished!"

Batu continues: "Oh Ma! Krishna is unable to digest food cooked in ghee, so just give him some light rice and sabji." Krishna smiles hearing Madhumangal's request and takes five or six handfuls of rich foodstuffs from his portion of fill Madhu's plate, saying: "Eat this!" But joyful Madhu slaps his left armpit, making a funny noise, and addresses Krishna: "Oh Sakha! Just watch me eat!" Then Madhumangal requests Nandarani: "Oh Ma! Please bring some more yogurt."

When Yashoda returns to the kitchen, Batu captures everyone's attention saying: "Oh sakhas! Look! A monkey is coming to steal our yogurt and fried rice!" But as the boys look to where Batu is pointing, he quickly places all of his food on their plates, and as they look back, he proudly announces: "I've eaten everything on my plate!"
But when Batu sees Yashoda returning with the yogurt, he says, "Oh Ma! While you were away, I finished everything-so now you can serve the sweet-rice!"

Verse 38
Radhika had been fanning the sweet rice she made with a moistened banana leaf to cool it. But now Rohini transfers it to a golden bowl and begins serving Rama-Krishna and all of the sakhas.

Rasa-tarangini Tika:
In Gaura-desh (Bengal), the sweets are served to conclude a meal. But in Vraja Mandal, the sweets are first given, followed by all of the other preparations, and at the end, sweets are served again. According to this system, Ma Rohini serves the payasa.

Verse 39-44
Next, Rohini brings Radha's warm rice in a large golden bowl, placing it on a tri-stand beside the dasi named Bimala. Then, with her own hand, she carefully begins serving it. Rohini serves one preparation after another. She begins with shak and concluds with numerous kinds of chutney. Each time she returns to the kitchen, Radha presents her with a new item. Then Rohini-Mata serves Radhika's special rotikas that are softer than a new formed banana leaf. They are made with white flour and topped with ghee.

Meanwhile, Dhanishtha brings the rasala that Lalita made and transfers it to the serving containers. Yashoda is overjoyed to see this preparation, and thus she serves it herself with loving affection. Sri Radha and her sakhis are auspiciousness personified. Yet while gazing upon their Prana-vallabha's moon face and effulgent bodily limbs, deep feelings awaken to satiate their minds with joy!

As Madhumangal and the sakhas relish four types of delicious edibles, they are unable to remain sober. Thus everyone laughs and jokes with Krishna to increase the bhojan-ananda."

Rasa-tarangini Tika: The four categories of edibles are:
• charvya: items that are chewed;
• chushya: juicy preparations that are sucked;
• lehya: items that are licked;
• peya: liquids for drinking.

Verse 45
Some of the boys enjoy chewing the fried rice and flat rice, others lick the soft and moist preparations, others suck the ripe mango chutneys, and others relish milk and other drinks.
While eating Radhika's delicious cooking, Krishna's bumblebee eyes soar to drink the madhu from her mukharavinda! And as Mother Yashoda sees Krishna's bhojan satisfaction, her bliss becomes boundless!

Rasa-tarangini Tika:
The madhu of Radharani darshan adds to the taste of the preparations sweetened by her touch. Hence Govinda's bhojan-ananda becomes indescribable! Rasika-bhaktas can fathom why. Similarly, the poet Chandi Das portrays Krishna's love-struck words to Radha: basane basana lāgibe boliyā eki rajake deya
"Because I am eager to receive your touch, I give my clothes to the same washerman."

Sri Yadunandana says,
rādhikā hasta sparśa sarvānna vyañjana
bhojan koren kṛṣṇa amṛtāsvādana

Because the cooking was touched by Radhika, Krishna enjoys everything as amrita.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur wrote his bhoga arati song, Bhaja bhakata-vatsala Sri-gaura-hari in correlation with this chapter. For example, the songs following lines match the previous narration:
rādhikāra pakva anna vividha vyañjana
parama ānande kṛṣṇa korena bhojana
rādhikādi gaṇe heri nayanera kone
tripta hoye khaya kṛṣṇa yashoda bhavane

Radhika has cooked all types of rice and sabjis in Yashoda's house, and Krishna eats with paramananda! Yet while glancing towards Radhika and her sakhis from the corner of his eye, Krishna's pleasure increases! 

This pada is for the morning bhoga offering. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, being a government serviceman, would personally sing Bhaja bhakata-vatsala Sri-gaura-hari for his morning bhoga offering before going to the office. 

At noontime, Krishna enjoys various forest fruits and sweets with Radhika and her shakhis at Radha Kund. Thus 'bhaja patita uddharana shri gaurahari' (by Narottam Das) and 'bhaja-govinda madhava giridhari (by Manohara Das) are ideal for Sriman Mahaprabhu's and Sri Radha Govinda's midday bhoga arati-kirtan.

Verse 47-48
Radhika relishes Krishna's darshan-madhuri and carefully conceals her deep feelings; but she captures his mind by her lovely winking eyes! Preyasi Radha's flirting glances stoop Nagarendra! Thus, even though Rohini eagerly tries to serve, he loses his appetite!

Rasa-tarangini Tika:
Radharani remains just out of Rohini Devi's sight,
as her passionate eyes dark like wooing hummingbirds to allure Krishna!
But, while gazing upon Srimati's elegant pose, Krishna enters into samadhi.
And as his eyes wander over Rai-mani's attractive arms, his mind addresses Radha's dazzling angada (armlet) as follows: "Oh Angada! You are certainly the bestower of Ananga's splendor. Will you offer your Ishwari's anga (body) to me? Let's see if you are indeed an angada (one who awards a beautiful body)!"

Verse 49-65
Yashoda-mayi suddenly notices Krishna's bhojan disinterest, and thinks, "Hay! Gopala has only half eaten some of the items, and the others he has hardly touched!" Thus, she becomes overwhelmed by anxiety and exclaims, "Oh Son! Why aren't you eating despite your hunger! Hay! Please eat a little more, lest Providence curse me!"
Mother Yashoda continues: "Oh child! I carefully invited Vrishabhanu Raja's daughter to cook in our home, and she has labored to prepare these edibles that conquer the flavor of amrita. Oh, what else can be done? Has our desire to sumptuously feed you become foiled?

Yashoda next says, "Oh Rohini! Just see! Although my restless and weak Gopal is hungry, he neglects to eat!"
Then Balaram's mother affectionately fondles Krishna, and says, "O child! If you don't enjoy the meal that Radha and I have carefully prepared, your mother, delicate Radha (who is softer than a mallika flower) and I will be hurt! Oh child! Just consider, your mother is lamenting because you will exert yourself and become fatigued while cow herding. So please honor our request to eat a little more-this will remove all inauspiciousness!"

Krishna answers, "I have already eaten a lot, so I'm not hungry anymore." But, suddenly, the ecstatic desire to see Radha and chant her name overwhelms Krishna, so to conceal this emotion, he resumes eating and this makes Rohini and Yashoda overjoyed! Still Yashoda pleads, "Krishna, you must eat everything!" Thus, with tears rolling down her cheeks, she points and says, "This sweet-rice is delicious, please finish what is on your plate!" 

Owing to her motherly affection, Yashoda; clothing gets soaked from her tears and flowing breast milk. Yet still she requests Krishna to enjoy the rasala, mango juice, shikharini, sarab, sweet milk, curd, gram flour with yogurt, and many types of cakes. At last, when Rama, Krishna and the sakhas become fully satisfied, their zeal awakens to begin forest cowherding. 

Then everyone washes their hands and mouth with freshened water that the servants pour from golden lotas. Refined, scented earth is used to remove the ghee stains from their hands; then soft toothpicks are given for cleaning the teeth. The servant named Jambul offered everyone after-meal spices such as cardamon cloves and camphorized rose powder. Then Jambul carefully massages Krishna's stomach to aid his digestion. Krishna accepts pan prepared by the servant named Rasala, takes a hundred steps, and falls into bed; then the servants begin fanning. As Krishna rests and is fanned by peacock fans, Vilasaka offers his specially prepared pan.