
53-54 Jala Keli II - Kṛṣṇa-Bhāvanāmṛta
Kṛṣṇa-Bhāvanāmṛta again provides more detail:The ghana Rāsa Priyā Sakhīs (who love the water and rati keli) begin their assault, relishing Kṛṣṇa's Aṅga Śobhā (bodily beauty). And surrounding him in a circle, they float over the Kuṇḍa like a thousand lotus stemsled golden with a blue sapphire center piece. But as the Vraja Sundarīs churn the water, their minds churn Anaṅga's Rāsa too! They splash in such a way that the water makes the shape of a woman's breast. Then as their shyness disappears, they speak in captivating voices:
"Hey Kṛṣṇa! It's your endless pursuit to see and touch beautiful breast, thus you've polluted the Vraja-Strī community! But today you're really lucky-because look: these shapely breasts have directly appeared from the Kuṇḍa! So just stare at them and fondle them to your full satisfaction!"
Hearing such forward words spoken by such shy women, Kṛṣṇa is astonished! Thus, he declares: tathāstu (let it be so)! And becomes the cañcala-kara-yugala-śalī (restless-handed one) to touch the breast-like water formations, and then the Gopīs breasts!
Then Kṛṣṇa inquires: "Oh Sundarīs! Are these, or are those the stana
(breasts)?" But when Kṛṣṇa's hands pinch the Vraja-raṅginīs stana yugala they
giggle, and quickly move out of reach!53-54 Above the Kuṇḍa, Nāndīmukhī, Vṛnda and Dhaniṣṭhā watch from a pavilion,
throwing flower petals and cheering "Jaya Radhe, Radhe!"
And nearby, in another pavilion, Subala, Madhumaṅgala and Kundalata shower
flowers, but they are shouting, "Jaya Kṛṣṇa! Jaya Kṛṣṇa!"
Ṭīkā: Although Dhaniṣṭhā is a maidservant in Kṛṣṇa's home, she's anxious for Rādhā's victory. Similarly, Kundalata's life is Rādhā, Yet she hopes to see Kṛṣṇa win. But everyone pleases Rādhā Govinda with their endeavors.
Kṛṣṇa-Bhāvanāmṛta elaborates:As Kundalata's minnow-eyes glide over the Kuṇḍa, she sees the Vraja Sundarīs retreating and wants to reverse the situation to witness their expertise in Anaṅga's combat. Thus, she says: Hey Kṛṣṇa! You're like a jaladharā (Rāincloud), and I'll bet that you can turn these ramaṇī into jaladharās too! So, let's see you achieve the syllable ja (jaya), and enjoy the syllable stu (praise). In other words, you become the victor, so the Gopīs will offer you due praise!"
But while speaking the pun, Kundalata mistakenly says the "stu" first and the "ja"
last, which gives the opposite meaning. Hence, Kṛṣṇa inquires, "Hey Kundalata!
What are you saying?" Kundalata gravely tries to correct herself, but the Gopīs
interrupt, "Hey Śyāma! Just see! Sarasvatī has blocked Kundalata's intelligence
to preserve the truth. Thus, we shall win and receive your due praise!"
Kṛṣṇa retorts: "Hey garvinīs (proud girls)! If you win, I'll reward you with a
kiss. Aha! You're already anticipating that bliss, and thus you're mad for
victory! But if I win, where can I hide to enjoy the spoils? I'm unable to see
a befitting place."
Next Kṛṣṇa asks, "Hey Nāndīmukhī! What should we offer for the bet? Please
decide and tell us."
Nāndī replies, "Hey Vraja-yuva Rāja! Smṛti-Śāstra declares that when a wealthy
person loses a bet, his victor can tie him up usurp his wealth!"
Kṛṣṇa replies with a smile: "Hey Nāndī! We're all wealthy, and our necklaces,
bracelets, armlets and anklebells are our riches. So, if I win, I'll take the Gopīs
ornaments. Then I'll bind them within my embrace!" But the Gopīs raise their
eyebrows and loudly rebuke Nāndīmukhī!
