Radha Tatvam : The significance of Radhasthami
Doctor Sapam Nabakishore Singh *
Radhastami is the celebration day of Srimati Radharani's birth. Radharani is the consort of Krishna. She was born 15 days after Krishna's birth, which is celebrated also - Janmastami.
Traditionally, Followers of Gaudiya Vaisnavism will follow a half-day fast on this day. Radhastami Srimati Radharani is the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. Her appearance day is celebrated exactly two weeks after Krishna's Janmastami Celebration.
Radharani's special qualification is that She is the best devotee of Krishna. Krishna therefore loves Her the most. On Her festival day, devotees seeking Krishna's grace will especially ask Her to grant them devotion to Her beloved Lord, knowing that if they can attain Her favour, they can attain His as a natural consequence.
Others may pray to Lord Krishna that He may permit them to approach the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani, knowing that if He is satisfied by their prayer then She will smile upon them also and pure devotion will be theirs.
Sri Sri Radha and Krishna are the Eternal Divine Couple and are forever bound up in transcendental love for one another. Worshipping Them is the goal of life for Gaudiya Vaisnavas. This esoteric subject matter is not openly discussed by devotees but on this special day devotees will remind themselves of the sublime goal of their religious practices.
On Radhastami, Sri Sri Radha Krishna deities are traditionally dressed entirely in flowers. A spectacular sight not to be missed! Also, please note that only on this day may you receive the auspicious darshan of Srimati Radharani's lotus feet. On all other days Her feet remain covered.
Devotees will fast until noon and sing devotional songs in praise of the Divine Couple and Their pastimes. Then a feast is served, most often including the famous Radha Red — a delicious, spicey, plum chutney.
" Surya Deva (Sun God) performed a great tapasya (austerity). Being satisfied with his great tapasya, Lord Krishna appeared before the Sun God, and blessed him with a boon to beget a beautiful daughter. The Golaka Vrindavan Radha is the most beautiful so Lord Krishna blessed Surya Deva that Radha would become his daughter in the earthly pastimes.
With the blessings of Lord Krishna, Surya Deva appeared in the earthly planet as Vrishabhanu, the king of Barsana. And Radharani appeared as his daughter.
Lord Krishna said: “ Radhe! The time has come, you go to earthly planet and take birth as the most beautiful daughter of the king, Vrishabhanu through the womb of Queen Kirtida.”
* Doctor Sapam Nabakishore Singh contributes to e-pao.net regularly . The writer can reached at dsnabasingh(at)gmail(dot)com
This article was webcasted on September 06, 2011.
* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.