The crystal cave in Varṣānā

Viśākhā next escorts the sādhaka dāsī outside into the garden where Rādhāl oves to sit in the afternoon. Being above the hill, the beautiful scenery can be seen for miles. A nice breeze blows in their hair. It carries the scent of the garden's fragrant flowers. Seeing that no one is around, Viśākhā turns to the sādhaka mañjarī and says: "Hey dāsī, today is Śrī Rādhīkā's birthday". (She nods with a grin).

Viśākhā continues: "But today is my birthday too, did you know that we were born on the same day?" "Yes, I've heard from the sakhīs", she replies.

Viśākha: Śrī Rādhīkā has promissed that She will meet Śyāmasundara tonight at my kuñja (at Rādhākunḍa). They will perfom Rāsa (dance) there." "How wonderful", the dāsī says.

Viśākhā goes on: "Look, I want you to sing some songs for the occasion, but they must be done just right."

"I would love to learn these songs form you", the dāsī says. "But do you really think, that I am capable? After all, there are many great singers in Rādhā's sakhī varga (assembly) and compared to them, I'm just a novice."

"Nā, nā!" exclaims Viśākhā, "You are quite good, and besides, with Rāi's blessings, tonight you'll beat your best!" Viśākhā's eyes scan the garden, and seeing no one in sight, she is relieved. Then she replies: "Come, we're still too close to the house, come this way!"

Viśākhā leads the sādhaka mañjarī down the hill along the enchanting path towards Vilāsa kunḍa, on Varṣānā's remote western side. Here there is a forest of Tamāla trees that twist and bend in intersting shapes. Flocks of peacocks are roaming and dancing about. But half-way down the hill they come to a cave which is covered by a thicket of Mādhavi vines. And there are many intoxicated bumble-bees guarding the cave's entrance. Viśākhā says: "Come inside."

As the sādhaka dāsī steps into the cave, she is surprised. The inside is completely molded from sphaṭika maṇi (crystal). "This isn't like a cave at all", she thinks, "rather, it's like a room of mirrors!" The inside is luminated by ghī-lamps. Just then another thought crosses her mind: "Wouldn't this be an ideal spot for Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa milana?

"Let's sit over her!, Viśākhā says (The sādhaka dāsī becomes more surprised, "Oh, the sides and the bottom of the cave are a smooth as silk and they aren't damp either, but have just the right temperature. It is also a wonder: a Vīṇā, Tablā and other instruments are resting beside us.")

"Let's not waste time", Viśākha says as she picks up the Vīṇā "the first song describes Rāseśvari's flowing Mohinī Mūrti as She advances with newer and newer dancing steps - listen carefully."