Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 054 “Feeling Separation from Radharani”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

These posts present the facts (tattva) regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis. Many wonderful lilas are given to highlight the manjaris’ intimate sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her beloved Krishna.

The information here comes from the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja on “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Tattva: Feeling Separation from Radharani

In verse 96 of Vilapa Kusumanjali, Sri Raghunatha Das expresses his intense lamentation in separation from Radharani: “I am Yours! I am Yours! I cannot live without You! O Devi Radha! Knowing this, please take me to Your lotus feet!”

Sri Raghunatha Das is taking complete shelter and surrendering himself fully to Sri Radha. Bhajan begins with surrender, is sustained by surrender, and finds perfection in surrendering one’s body, mind, heart and soul. Surrender more advance more, advance more surrender more. The house of bhakti is founded on four pillars: shraddha, shravanam, sharanagati, and seva; faith, hearing, surrender, service.

Surrender is our practice, goal, life-force, and perpetual duty. Das Goswami shows that only through surrender can one attain Krishna prema and the lotus feet of Radha Govinda.

Tattva: Feeling Separation from Radha

The anxious self-surrender of Radha’s maidservants is filled with feelings of possessiveness toward Radhika. Sadhakas become blessed by reading and chanting the great words of our rasika acharyas.

Tulasi Manjari’s surrender is filled with feelings of possessiveness: “This Tulasi is Yours Radharani! She cannot live without You! I have given my body, mind, and loving heart to Your lotus feet. You are my master and my goal! My heart wants no-one but You!” Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada ki jai!  Tulasi Manjari ki jai!

How much the nitya-siddha manjaris like Tulasi and Sri Rupa suffer when they feel separation from Sri Radha in sadhaka vesh! They can’t live for a moment without Radha! Their way of painful eagerness in bhajan inspires all ragamayi sadhakas. They teach to do bhajan with a feeling of urgency, eagerness and want; really missing Radharani! 

Pandit Sri Ananta Dasji Maharaja perfectly portrays the desperation of Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada at the end of his life:

“Sri Raghunatha Das’ body, mind and life-airs are burning in the fire of separation from Radha. Day and night he cries on the bank of Radha Kunda, without eating or sleeping. His heart is so anxious to attain Sri Radha’s intimate service.

“How much hope he carries in his heart while taking full shelter of Priyaji’s dearmost place. So many days, months, and years have passed without attaining the darshan his Praneshvari. What’s the use of living?

“In great anguish Sri Raghunatha prays to Svamini’s lotus feet: ‘How much longer can I live, cast away from Your lotus feet? In this life I’ve never offered myself to anyone else’s lotus feet! Understanding this, please quickly take this fallen maidservant to Your lotus feet now.’

“Although he has almost fainted, his lips can still tremble and say: na jivami tvaya vina, ‘I cannot live without You!’” 

Radharani’s manjaris ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!