
Kundalata`s talk with Jatila and Radha
Verse 18-26
Kundalata knows about Jatila's crooked nature, thus she intelligently presents
Mother Yashoda's request.
And upon hearing it, Jatila becomes perplexed as she remembers Krishna's
restless proclivities; but when Paurnamasi's instruction come to mind, she
affectionately answers,
"Oh child Kundalate! My bauma (daughter in law) is chaste, blessed with esteemed qualities, filled
with sweetness and attractive to everyone. My duty, however, is to protect her so
that she does not go astray, for there are so many fault-mongers who would
criticize upon discovering her slightest deviation in character. My greatest
worry, therefore, is the notorious philanderer, Nandanandan! But I cannot put
aside Bhagavati Paurnamasi's request to never disregard Mother Yashoda. So in
this situation my mind is bewildered. Oh Kundalate, what can I do?"
Hearing Jatila explaining her dilemma, Kundalata answers, "Oh Mother! You are
right on one hand, but you shouldn't listen to the ill advisors who vilify
Krishna-for Vraja Raja-nandana's character is spotless! You can take, for
example, the sun's rising. Although it dispells the darkness, causes the lotus
to bloom, and makes the chakravakas happy, still the owls are unable to appreciate
the sun's presence. Similarly, although Krishnachandra is the very emblem of
dharma, the destroyer of sins and the pleasure-giving friend to all of the
Vrajavasis-only the sinful are unappreciative. Therefore, as your saintly
daughter-in-law is virtuous, why should Krishna be a source of displeasure to
her?"
Kundalata continues addressing Jatila, "Oh saintly Mother! Look! Krishna's
madhurya is sufficient to intoxicate every young woman in the world! This isn't
his fault, however. Nevertheless, I can understand your fear, for this is
befitting. As Radharani's guardian, it is your foremost duty to protect her.
But just listen to my promise: I shall escort your chaste bauma to and from
Nanda bhavan and then return her to your care so cautiously that Krishna will
not even see her shadow!"
When Jatila hears Kundalata's pledge, she regains confidence and answers, "Oh
daughter Kundalate! In Vraja Mandal, you certainly have a virtuous reputation,
for everyone respects your spotless character. Therefore, I can entrust
Radha to go with you-but remain alert! Never allow Nanda-kishor's restless
glance to fall upon her!"
Jatila then calls Radharani, and when she comes, says, "Oh child, go in
Kundalata's company to Vrajeshwari Yashoda, then after assisting her, quickly
return. Remember, today Kundalata will take you to perform Surya puja also."
Radha rejoices upon hearing Jatila's instruction. Yet externally she
exhibits airs of disinterest by saying: "Oh Mataji, there are many duties to be
performed at home, and besides I am not eager to go there. Isn't it unrespectable
for a young married woman to serve in the homes of others?"
But upon seeing Jatila repeatedly coaxing Radha to go to Nandishwar, Kundalata
steps forward and addresses her: "Oh chaste one! Don't be afraid-I'll protect
you! There is no cause for fear in my company." Thus, as Sri Radhika starts
towards Nanda bhavan, her entire body shivers in elation!
Rasa-tarangini Tika:
In Krishna-bhavanamrita, Kundalata and Radha openly discuss the matter of going
to cook at Krishna's house but they speak using equivocal words. Outwardly it
appears that Radha is arguing against going to Nandagram, but the actual
meaning of her words reveal her intentions to enjoy Krishna's anga sanga!
Turning to Radha, Jatila coaxes her: "Oh child! Although a chaste woman should never leave her husband's home, and especially to go near that notorious debauch, Krishna, nevertheless Paurnamasi Devi's omniscient direction and the repeated humble request of Mother Yashoda are impelling me to send you there. But don't worry, Bhagavan Sri Hari will protect you!
Hey beautiful-faced one! Parameshwar Lokanath Sri Hari is protecting the whole universe. As such, could he turn his back on such a chaste religious girl as you? Considering his supreme mercy, I place you in his hands with a relieved conscience!"
Realizing a sweet inner meaning to Jatila's unerring statement, Radhika's blushing smile appears like a rolling wave on the ocean. Then, to cover her feelings, she cleverly speaks something to the sakhis while blinking her eyes, and falls silent! As Radhika feigns disinterest towards Jatila, she silently offers pranams within her mind to "providence'' for creating this favorable moment. Thus Srimati starts for Nandagram surrounded by Lalita and her other sakhis. (Krishna-bhavanamrita 5.14-24)
