60-71 Rādhā राधा returns home
Verse
60-62
Back in Javat, Jatila is busy making cow dung paddies and anxiously watching
for Rādhā's return.
But as Rādhā meets Jatila, Kundalata suddenly awakens Rādhā
from
her stupor.
Although Kundalata still desires to unite Rādhā
with Krishna, she
address Jatila:
"Oh saintly one! Please take my pranams! Here is your
auspicious bauma (daughter in law); I have escorted her so carefully that
Krishna didn't even see her shadow! And just look, oh respected one!
Vrajaveshwari was overjoyed by Radha's cooking! Thus she rewarded her with
costly clothes and ornaments that surpass the ocean's wealth. Even the Queen of
Heaven, Sachi Devi, hasn't seen such jewels as these!"
Rasa-tarangini Tika:
Kundalata always remains alert to protect Rādhā
's best interests. While
returning home, Rādhā
was daydreaming of sambhog-vilasa (union play) with
Shyamasundar. Upon seeing Jatila, however, Kundalata gives Srimati a shake to
awaken her stupor, lest Jatila might surmise Rādhā's thoughts. And how clever
Kundalata contemplates the means to fool Jatila again so that Rādhā-Govinda's
midday milan can soon take place.
The description of the ornaments presented by Nandarani aren't exaggerated. The
jewels provided by Vrajabhumi's kalpa-vrikshas are all extraordinary; they
excel the value and charm of any worldly or heavenly gem.
Verse 63-69
When Jatila sees that Subhadra's wife (Kundalata) protected Radha's chastity,
secured Yashoda's blessing, and brought home a vast collection of wealth, she
becomes happy. Thus Jatila considers Kundalata fit to observe her own
self-interests, and praises:
"Oh child Kundalate! Come, come, are you feeling well? Your presence is very
auspicious! Aha! I'm pleased to see your affection for my bauma! I bless you to
be the mother of seven illustrious sons!
"Oh child! As you are chaste and dashing, you protect the Sati-dharma (the qualities of the chaste women) of others; therefore, you're just like me! In fact, Pauranamasi Devi has advised me. 'When a woman is loyal to her husband, he becomes famous, wealthy and long-lived.' Thus I'm placing Rādhā in your care, for only you can protect her dharmic principles."
Jatila continues: "The sadhus declare that from dharma, wealth and sense enjoyment follow - this is always true - thus by religiously engaging my bauma, my son's wealth has increased, and it will continue! Oh child Kundalata! I've only one son. Therefore, for his prosperity and family reputation, please properly guide Radha and engage her in Surya-puja."
Next, Jatila turns to Radha and says, "Oh child! Bring a tamra-kundi (copper bowl), reddish milk from a brown cow, yogurt, ghee, cane molasses, jaba flowers, keshora, and sandal paste and a lotus garland. Then you can leave with Kundalata to perform Surya puja under an expert brahmin's guidance, or Garga Muni's daughter."
Rasa-tarangini Tika:
As the sun is red, red objects are ideal for Surya puja. Hence, Jatila instructs
Radha to use reddish milk, reddish flowers and reddish chandan, etc. Similarly,
the sun is called Padma-bandhu (the lotus's friend). Thus Surya puja is never
complete without an offering of lotus flowers.
Verse 70
Then Jatila advises: "Hey Lalite, you're an outspoken, chaste lady too, so
never allow Radha to pass from sight, even for a moment! And if Nanda-nandan's
bodily odor should enter your nostrils, offer your namaskar to that direction,
but keep your distance!"
Rasa-tarangini Tika:
Lalitaji is Radha's foremost sakhi; she is a pragalbha nayika, namely outspoken
and bold. Ujjvala-nilamani describes her personality as vama prakhara. This
means that she is a heavy-weight in her dealing, and her words are very
difficult to defeat. Thus she protects Srimati from Krishna's misbehavior.
Dana-keli-kaumudi gives the following example: Once at Sri Govardhan's dan ghat, Radha and her Sakhis were having a flaming
argument with Krishna. Suddenly, amidst the confusion, Krishna eagerly tried to
touch Radhika! Seeing his audacity, Lalita became like a flaring fire to address
him: "Every deer-eyed gopi in Vraja Mandal is worth eighty-four lakhs,
according to your friend Madhumangal. Yet, among of them all, our priya sakhi
Rai is the most rare! No price can be put on her. So hey, you great cheat! What
is this audacious behavior are you attempting with our Raja-kumari Radha?" (DKK
57)
Verse 71
Jatila continues: "Hey Kundalate and Lalite! It's getting late. There is still
a large pile of cow dung that has to be made into govar patties. So, I am
putting Radhika in your care so that I can continue my work."
Rasa-tarangini Tika:
Jatila and Kutila spend their day making goshi, or patties made of dried govar,
cow-dung. Although Lakshmi-svarupini (Sri Radha) resides in their home, still
their greedy mentality impels them to toll for making a few extra farthing from
goshi sales in the bazar.