26-34 The Śukas’ and the Śarīs’ Debate 2

26 Another Śuka exclaims, "The fire of Kṛṣṇa's strength burned all the insect -like demons to a crisp! And besides, he lifted Govardhan hill. So, who is his equal?"

Ṭīkā: "Kṛṣṇa is Vīra-Rāsa personified!" exclaims the Śuka. "Could the weak-hearted Vrāja Gopīs ever possess such prowess?"

27-28 A Śarī answers, Aha! By Vrāja Rāja Nanda's worship Narayan became pleased. Thus, Kṛṣṇa was able to destroy the devatas' enemies like Putana, Bakāsura, and the rest! Actually, Kṛṣṇa didn't do anything; only the confused people give him the credit. As for Girirāja Govardhan, he became pleased by the Vrājavasis' bhoga offering. Hence, he himself into the air on his own accord. Kṛṣṇa just stood underneath and raised his hand. Nevertheless, the whole world praises him as Giridhārī!"

Ṭīkā: Thus, the Śarī minces the Śuka's praises to reveal the Vrājavasis' actual mentality. They dismiss Kṛṣṇa's aīśvarya as unreal due to their intimate mood as being his superior or equal.

29 A Śuka continues: "Oh Śarīke! Let's glorify Jaga-Mohana (Illusionist of the world) Śrī Kṛṣṇa! After all, he protects the entire universe. His beauty steals the patience of uncountable sundarī Ramaṇīs; and he stuns even Lakṣmī. Kṛṣṇa lifted Govardhan as if it were a ball, his qualities are unlimited, he enchants everyone, and his fame spreads everywhere!"

30 But the Śarīs reply in unison: "Hey Śuka! Don't forget, our Rādhikā is the Jaga-Mohana's Māna Mohini (Illusionist through Māna) -for her beauty, Prema, behavior, singing, dancing and poetry render her as such."
31 A Śuka says, "The bee is attracted to the blooming Mallikā only for drinking its honey; it never touches other parts of the vine. Similarly, when Kṛṣṇa jokes with Rādhā, embraces her, kisses her, or shows other loving behavior, Śrī Rādhā reciprocates by serving his lotus feet. But our Kṛṣṇa never massages Rādhā's feet -He's only anxious to kiss her lips!"

32 A Śarī replies, "Hey Śuka! Vṛṣabhānu-nandinī prays to get Kṛṣṇa-but when he comes, her Māna scorches him like the summer's heat! So, although Rādhā wants to perform Kṛṣṇa's priti-Sevā he treats her as his Īśvarī instead!"

Ṭīkā: She's always anxious for Kṛṣṇa's Saṅga, yet when he arrives she melts him with the fiery rays of her Māna Sūrya! Then your Kṛṣṇa worships our Swamini; he even falls at her feet and begs for mercy! What's more, Kṛṣṇa meditates on Rādhā every day-just as a Bhakta worships his Lord! Haven't you seen this behavior?"

33 "Listen, Śuka!" replies the Śarī, "Although Kṛṣṇa's flute-song stops the rivers, enchants the world and makes the Kula-kāminīs abandon their chastity-the Vaṁśī lost her Sādhu-like qualities and turned corrupt by the bad association she keeps!"

Ṭīkā: "Oh Śuka! You're declaring Kṛṣṇa as Viśva-Mohana; yet if He's filled with good qualities-why don't they show? I think his so-called merits are actually faults. Kṛṣṇa is just a great magician, and his wicked flute proves everything! When Kṛṣṇa plays it, the chaste women lose their religious principles. Just look! Although the flute was a Sādhu, she's become as such a criminal by Kṛṣṇa's influence!" 

34 "Hey Śarī! Who can describe the wonder of Kṛṣṇa's Vaṁśī-amṛta?" the Śuka replies, "It showers the ears of all the Viśva-Nārīs to serve their chastity to their husbands! Then their deep anurāga awakens for the Jagat-pati Śrī Kṛṣṇa!'

Ṭīkā: The Śuka springs to the Vaṁśī's defense: "When an impudent lady gets the opportunity to speak, there's no end to her meaningless jibbering! Accha! Are you fit to understand the Vaṁśī's mahā-mahima (great attributes)? She grinds to dust everyone's worldly attachment. And for the Vrāja-taruṇīs her song showers nectar, awards new life and dispels all suffering! Then she invokes Prema for their Eternal lover, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. The realisation of the Vaṁśī's supremely pure potency comes only after accumulating great heaps of piety."