
A Secret Meeting
In Krishna-bhavanamrita, Vishwanath Chakravarti reveals an intimate lila that begins
now: After Nandarani leaves to perform her prescribed duties, Tungavidya
whispers into Vishakha's ear. And upon hearing, Vishakha smiles with a nod of
agreement. But as Radhika observes them, she replies, "Oh Vishakhe! Oh
Tungavidye! Seeing your broad smiles and whispering, I can understand that I
shouldn't loiter around here anymore; for I am a simple-hearted kulabati
(chaste wife)!
Thus Radhika gets up and pretends to start back home. But Vishakha catches hold
of Radha and answers, "Sakhi Rai! I understand-your so-called fear is revealing
your mind's inner desire. Look! Just a moment ago, Vrajeshwari affectionately
ordered you to laugh, to play and to take rest with your svabayasya. Therefore,
how can you neglect her request? If you leave without taking a little rest,
surely Mother Yashoda will be hurt!"
As Dhanishtha overhears the conversation, she advises: "Radhe! You shouldn't
remain with these two mischievous ones. Come, let's exist through this khirki-dvara
(secret passage). Then we can easily fulfill your desire to pick bandhuli
flowers for Surya puja."
The inner meaning is: "O Radhe! Come with me, so the
desire of your bandhu (friend, Sri Krishna) will easily be fulfilled."
While walking along the path, Dhanishtha assures: "Sakhi Rai! Vrajenshwari won't
know what we're up to, so don't fear-just come this way!" Then Dhanishtha takes Radha by the hand and leads her to a cave on Nadishvara
hill. Inside the cave, she unites Radha and Krishna. (This is the second roho
lila of the day, when Krishna satiates all of his desires with Srimati
Radharani.)