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Radha

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Main page For other uses, see (disambiguation). Contents Radha (: राधा, IAST: Rādhā), also called Radhika, Radharani, and Radhe, is a Featured content Radha Hindu popular in , especially in the tradition. She was said Current events Goddess of Kindness, and Beauty to be the head of the milkmaids (also called the or Gopikas) who resided in Braj Random article Donate to Wikipedia Dham. She is the lover of the Supreme personality of Godhead Lord in the Wikipedia store medieval era texts.[2][3] She is a supreme goddess in her own right.

Interaction She is also called Jagat Janani (mother of the whole universe). She appeared as queen of milkmaids and queen of -Barsana. She taught selfless love and surrender to the Help About Wikipedia Godhead Shri Krishna. She is considered the supreme goddess in Vaishnavism. Rasik Community portal Saints have mentioned Her as a descension of Supreme Goddess, Source of Infinite Recent changes , original form of Yogmaya and Allhadini (Power of Divine Love) which is Contact page main Power of Godhead Shri Krishna. She and her consort Krishna are collectively known Krishna and Radha at temple as , the combined form of feminine as well as the masculine of . Affiliation Lakshmi, , , Tools Vaishnavism, form of krishna's love Lord Krishna often underwent various kinds of "leelas" with Her. What links here and Related changes Radha is worshipped in some regions of , particularly by Gaudiya Vaishnavas, Abode , Barsana, Vrindavan, Braj Upload file Vaishnavas in West ,, and . Elsewhere, she is revered in the Dham Special pages Nimbarka and movements linked to Shri .[4][5] Symbol Golden Lotus Permanent link Texts Brahmavaivarta Purānạ , Devi- Page information Srimati Radharani ji is considered a metaphor for , her longing for Lord Krishna Purana, Gita , Wikidata item theologically seen as a symbolism for the longing for and the divine.[6] She has many others Cite this page inspired numerous literary works,[4] and her dance with Krishna has inspired many Personal information types of performance arts till this day.[7] Print/export Consort Krishna

Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD Create a book Her is . Parents Vrishbhanu[1] (father) Download as PDF Smt. Kriti Devi[1] or also called smt Printable version Contents [hide] Kirtida (mother) 1 Etymology In other projects 2 Description Wikimedia Commons 2.1 Radha and Wikiquote 3 Influence Languages 3.1 Nimbarka Deutsch 4 Temples Español 5 See also Français 6 References 한국어 7 Further reading िहदी 8 External links Italiano Русский Tiếng Việt 中 Etymology [ edit ] [8][9] 33 more The Sanskrit term Rādhā (Sanskrit: राधा) means "prosperity, success". It is a common word and name founded in various contexts in Edit links the ancient and medieval texts of India. Of these the most celebrated is the name of the who was the beloved of Krishna. Both Radha and Krishna are the main characters of of .[8] Radha in this context is considered the of Lakshmi, just like Krishna is considered an avatar of Vishnu.[8]

Similarly, In Hit Harivansh and Literature, Radha is considered as the main form of deity. Here, Radha is not an avatar of Laxmi but another form of supreme god Shri Krishn Himself. In Devi Bhagvat and Vaibtra Purana, Radha is mentioned as the source of infinite Laxmi, Gopis, and mother of infinite . Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj (the 5th original Jagadguru) elaborately described the of Radha and has given a brief description of Shri Radha in his lectures and . He has said, "She is the Supreme Goddess and is worshipped by everyone including Godhead Shri Krishna himself and that's why she is called Radha; means one who is the form of ."

[8] The term is related to Rādha (Sanskrit: राध), which means "kindness, any gift but particularly the gift of affection, success, wealth". The word appears in the Vedic literature as well as the Epics, but is elusive and not as a major deity.[3] In some Vedic contexts, states Sukumar Sen, it could mean "beloved, desired woman" based on an Avestan cognate.[9] However, Barbara Stoller and other scholars disagree with the Avestan interpretation. They state that the better interpretation of Radha in these ancient texts is "someone or

Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD something that fulfills a need".[10] Starting with the and particularly with Jayadeva's composition, her profile as a goddess and constant companion of Krishna became dominant in Krishna-related Vaishnavism.[3]

Rādhikā refers to an endearing form of Gopi Radha.[8]

Description [ edit ]

Radha is an important goddess in the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. She is a goddess whose traits, manifestations, descriptions, and roles vary with region. Since the earliest times, she has been associated with one of the most popular Hindu , the cowherd Krishna.[2] In the early , her mentions are illusive and not as common as other major of Hinduism, but during the Bhakti movement era she became popular among Krishna devotees whose strength is her love.[11]

According to Jaya Chemburkar, there are at least two significant and different aspects of Radha in the literature associated with her, such as Sriradhika namasahasram. One aspect is she is a milkmaid (Gopi), another as a female deity similar to those found in the Hindu goddess traditions.[12] She also appears in Hindu arts as ardhanari with Krishna, that is an iconography where half of the image is Radha and the other half is Krishna. This is found in sculpture such as those discovered in , and in texts such as Purana and Brahmavaivarta Purana.[13] In these texts, this ardhanari is sometimes referred to as Ardharadhavenudhara , and it symbolizes the complete union and inseparability of Radha and Krishna.[13] Radha with Krishna, a 1915 painting. Radha's depictions vary from an already married woman who becomes an adulterous lover of Krishna in a secondary role,[6] to being dual divinity equal to Krishna in Jayadeva's Gita Govinda, to being supreme object of devotional love for both Krishna and devotees in Rupa Gosvami's tradition.[2][11]

In some Hindu sub-traditions, Radha is conceptualized as a goddess who breaks social norms by leaving her marriage, and entering into a relationship with Krishna to pursue her love.[6] According to Heidi Pauwels, it is a "hotly debated issue" whether Radha was already married or had an affair with Krishna while she remained married.[14] Several allude to these circumstances.[6]

According to David Kinsley, a professor of known for his studies on Hindu goddesses, the Radha-Krishna love story is a metaphor for divine-human relationship, where Radha is the human devotee or soul who is frustrated with the past, obligations to social expectations and the ideas she inherited, who then longs for real meaning, the true love, the divine (Krishna). This metaphoric Radha

Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD (soul) finds new liberation in learning more about Krishna, bonding in devotion and with passion.[6][15]

Radha and Sita [ edit ]

The popular and other legendary literature of the Hindu traditions present two major Lakshmi – Radha and Sita, and two major Vishnu avatars as their respective companions – Krishna in the and in the . The Radha-Krishna and Sita-Rama pairs represent two different personality sets, two perspectives on and lifestyles, both cherished in the way of life called Hinduism.[16] Sita is traditionally wedded, dedicated, and virtuous wife of Rama, an introspective temperate paragon of a serious, virtuous man.[17][18][19] Radha is a lover of Krishna, a playful adventurer.[17][16]

Radha and Sita offer two competing templates within the Hindu tradition.[16] If "Sita is a queen, aware of her social responsibilities", states Pauwels, then "Radha is exclusively focused on her Radha's story has inspired romantic relationship with her lover", giving two contrasting role models from two ends of the moral many paintings. Above: Radha waiting for Krishna by Raja Ravi universe. Yet they share common elements as well. Both love their man and their lives, both face life Varma. challenges, both are committed to their true love and both have been influential, adored and beloved goddesses in the Hindu culture.

Therefore in their deepest meaning, when they are referred to each other; like Krsna and Rama, they continue their " past life " and " fulfill their dharma " in this way. This is espeacially interesting in the spheres of astrology.

[16][20]

Influence [ edit ]

See also: Radha Krishna

In some devotional (bhakti) traditions of Vaishnavism that focus on Krishna, Radha represents "the feeling of love towards Krishna".[4] For some of the adherents of these traditions, her importance approaches or even exceeds that of Krishna. Radha is worshipped along with Krishna in Bengal, and Odisha by Vaishnava . Elsewhere, such as with Visnusvamins, she is a revered deity.[21] She is considered to be his original shakti, the supreme goddess in both the and following the advent of Chaitanya

Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD Mahaprabhu also within the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.[4][5]

Radha Chalisa mentions that Krishna accompanies one who chants " Radha" with pure heart. Other gopis are usually considered to be self willing maidservants (Sevika) of Radha. Radharani's superiority is seen in Krishna's , which repeats the name Radha. Between Radha and , Radha is superior. It is also said that when lord Krishna brought all his consorts to meet Radha, they saw Radha's face and declared her the most beautiful and sacred hearted woman in the whole universe and that she would retain this position until the end of the universe as no one will surpass her beauty and her nature.

Radha's connection to Krishna is of two types: svakiya-rasa 14th-century fresco of Radha A 16th-century Radha sculpture (married relationship) and parakiya-rasa (a relationship Krishna in , in copper from Bengal. signified with eternal mental "love"). The Gaudiya tradition focuses upon parakiya-rasa as the highest form of love, wherein Radha and Krishna share thoughts even through separation. The love the gopis feel for Krishna is also described in this esoteric manner as the highest platform of spontaneous love of God, and not of a sexual nature.[citation needed]

Nimbarka [ edit ]

Nimbarka was the first well known Vaishnava scholar whose centered on goddess Radha.[22][23]

Temples [ edit ]

Radha and Krishna are the focus of temples in the Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Vallabhacharya, and other sub-traditions of Vaishnavism.[5] She is typically shown standing immediately next to Krishna, jeweled up like a bride, happy.[5] Some important Radha temples are:

Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD Barsana and Vrindavan in District, Northern India contain a large number of temples dedicated to both Radha and Krishna, including the Radhavallabh Temple.[24] Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir in is also the .[25][26] The Shree Raseshwari at in Austin, , USA, established by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, is one of the largest complexes in the Western Hemisphere,[27] and the largest in .[28][29][30] Left:Radha-Krishna Prem Mandir (Love Temple) in Vrindavan, ; Right: Krishna-Radha in Gokarneshwar temple, See also [ edit ] Nepal.

Krishna Janmashtami Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir – the tallest Radha-Krishna temple under construction

References [ edit ] 1. ^ a b Jackie Menzies (2006). Goddess: divine energy . Art Gallery 7. ^ Guy L. Beck (2006). Alternative : Regional and of New South Wales. p. 54. Vernacular Variations on a Hindu Deity . State University of New 2. ^ a b c John Stratton Hawley; Donna Marie Wulff (1982). The Divine York Press. pp. 46–47. ISBN 978-0-7914-6416-8. Consort: Rādhā and the Goddesses of India . . 8. ^ a b c d e Monier Monier-Williams, Rādhā , Sanskrit-English pp. 1–12. ISBN 978-0-89581-102-8. Dictionary with Etymology, Oxford University Press, page 876 3. ^ a b c Miller, Barbara Stoler (1975). "Rādhā: Consort of Krṣ ṇ ạ 's 9. ^ a b Sukumar Sen (1943), "Etymology of the Name Radha- Vernal Passion". Journal of the American Oriental Society. krishana," Indian Linguistics, Vol. 8, pp. 434–435 American Oriental Society. 95 (4): 655–671. doi:10.2307/601022 . 10. ^ Jayadeva; Barbara S Miller (Translator) (January 1997). Love 4. ^ a b c d John Stratton Hawley; Donna Marie Wulff (1982). The Song of the Dark Lord: Jayadeva's Gitagovinda . Columbia Divine Consort: Rādhā and the Goddesses of India . Motilal University Press. pp. 56 footnote 5. ISBN 978-0-231-11097-6. Banarsidass. pp. xiii–xviii. ISBN 978-0-89581-102-8. 11. ^ a b Heidi R. M. Pauwels (1996), The Great Goddess and 5. ^ a b c d Roshen Dalal (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide . Fulfilment in Love: Rādhā Seen Through a Sixteenth-Century Penguin Books. pp. 321–322. ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6. Lens , Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, 6. ^ a b c d e David Kinsley (1988). Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Cambridge University Press, Vol. 59, No. 1 (1996), pp. 29–43 Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition . University of 12. ^ Jaya Chemburkar (1976), ŚRĪRĀDHIKĀNĀMASAHASRAM , California Press. pp. 81–86, 89–90. ISBN 978-0-520-90883-3. Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Vol. 57, No. 1/4 (1976), pp. 107–116

Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD 13. ^ a b Shrikant Pradhan (2008), A UNIQUE IMAGE OF 21. ^ Asoke Kumar Majumdar (1955), A Note on the Development of "ARDHARADHAVENUDHARAMURTI: OR "ARDHANARI Radha Cult , Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research KRISHNA" , Bulletin of the Deccan College Research Institute, Institute, Vol. 36, No. 3/4 (July – October 1955), pp. 231–257 Vol. 68/69 (2008–2009), pp. 207–213 22. ^ Singh, K.B. (2004). "Manipur Vaishnavism: A Sociological 14. ^ Heidi R.M. Pauwels (2008). The Goddess as Role Model: Sita Interpretat1on" . Sociology of in India. ISBN 978-0-7619- and Radha in Scripture and on Screen . Oxford University Press. 9781-8. Retrieved 2008-05-03. pp. 13–14. ISBN 978-0-19-970857-4. 23. ^ Kinsley, D. (2010). "Without Krsna There Is No Song" . History 15. ^ Roshen Dalal (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide . of . 12 (2): 149. doi:10.1086/462672 . Retrieved Penguin Books. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6. 2008-05-03. "Nimbarka seems to have been the first well-known 16. ^ a b c d Heidi R.M. Pauwels (2008). The Goddess as Role Model: religious leader to regard Radha as central to his cult (thirteenth Sita and Radha in Scripture and on Screen . Oxford University century)" Press. pp. 12–15, 497–517. ISBN 978-0-19-970857-4. 24. ^ Radhavallabh Temple 17. ^ a b Vālmīki; Robert P Goldman (Translator) (1990). The 25. ^ "Asia and India ISKCON temples" . Radha. Ramayana of : . Princeton University Press. 26. ^ "Archived copy" . Dandavats. Archived from the original on 26 p. 3. ISBN 9781400884551. June 2015. Retrieved 29 July 2015. 18. ^ Dimock Jr, E.C. (1963). "Doctrine and Practice among the 27. ^ Vedic Foundation Inaugurated at Barsana Dham, Austin Vaisnavas of Bengal". History of Religions. 3 (1): 106–127. Archived 18 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved doi:10.1086/462474 . JSTOR 1062079 . Dec 15th, 2011. 19. ^ Marijke J. Klokke (2000). Narrative Sculpture and Literary 28. ^ Ciment, J. 2001. Encyclopedia of American Immigration. Traditions in South and Southeast Asia . BRILL. pp. 51–57. Michigan: M.E. Sharpe ISBN 90-04-11865-9. 29. ^ Hylton, H. & Rosie, C. 2006. Insiders' Guide to Austin. Globe 20. ^ Jacqueline Suthren Hirst; Lynn Karen Thomas (2004). Playing for Pequot Press. Real: Hindu Role Models, Religion, and Gender . Oxford 30. ^ Mugno, M. & Rafferty, R.R. 1998. Texas Monthly Guidebook to University Press. pp. 117–140. ISBN 978-0-19-566722-6. Texas. Gulf Pub. Co.

Further reading [ edit ] Krsna: The Supreme Personality of Godhead (ISBN 0-89213-354-6) by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 81-208-0379-5) by David Kinsley Hawley J.S. & D.M. Wulff (ed.) (1986) The Divine Consort: Radha and the Goddesses of India, Beacon Press, Boston, ISBN 0-8070- 1303-X.

Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD External links [ edit ] Devi in Hinduism (with Radha) , Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and Freer Gallery of Art, Listen to this article (info/dl) Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 0:00 MENU

Radha in the Erotic Play of the Universe , David C. Scott, United Theological College,

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Create PDF in your applications with the Pdfcrowd HTML to PDF API PDFCROWD Shri Radha

…The Feminine Nature of God

Millions will gather today, in India and around the world, to offer , worship, and devotional songs glorifying the appearance of the Divine mother, Radha (Radharani). Radha descended from the spiritual realm shortly after Krishna, approximately 5,000 years ago. She took birth in the small village known as Barsana, which is about 28 miles from Mathura, the Gita Daily birth place of Krishna.

Donate The word Radha comes from the Sanskrit verbal root radh, which means to worship, and the word rani, which means queen. Radharani can be literally translated to mean "the queen of How I Came To ISKCON worship." In some texts, she is described as "the supreme goddess who is worshipable by ISKCON Devotee Social Network everyone. She is the protector of all, and she is the mother of the entire universe."

The answer to the question that has been on everyone's mind for millennia is, YES and NO. The Videos question is: Is God a Man? God is not just male, and according to some Vedic scriptures, God Recipes has both masculine and feminine expansions. In the , Krishna provides a sneak preview into these feminine traits. Locate ISKCON Centers "Among women I am fame, fortune, fine speech, memory, intelligence, steadfastness and All ISKCON’s Website patience."

Spiritual Wallpapers However, in some of the more esoteric texts such as the and the Chaitanya- Caritamrita, it explains that the complete manifestation of God includes his feminine Audio Download counterpart, Radha. They are inconceivably one and different, as Krishna expanded himself

Devotional Quotes into two for the purpose of exchanging love. There's a beautiful description in the Chaitanya- Caritamrita which gives us a window into the connection between Radha and Krishna. Spiritual Quiz "Radha is the full power, and Lord Kṛṣṇa is the possessor of full power. The two are not ISKCON Leaders different, as evidenced by the revealed scriptures. They are indeed the same, just as musk and its scent are inseparable, or as fire and its heat are non-different. Thus Rādhā and Kṛiṣhṇa are Spiritual Vedic Names one, yet they have taken two forms to enjoy the mellows of pastimes."

Vaishnav Calendar This concept is not an easy one to grasp. If God is full and complete, why does he need to expand himself to exchange love? The next question we can ask is why does God need to do Gaudiya History anything? God has a personality which indicates that he has preferences. Perhaps this need to Vaishnav Songs expand for the purpose of exchanging love speaks of the importance love plays in the lives of all individuals. Our desire to love and be loved comes from God. For the most part, no one wants to be alone, Back to Godhead: Magazine at least not permanently. The thing everyone is chasing after is love. We all want to know that there are people out there that love us. Simultaneously, we hanker to be able to give our love eBooks to others.

Comics There is another passage in the Caitanya-Caritamrita that describes Radha's qualities and love for Krishna. Website For Kids "Radharani's body, mind, and words are steeped in love for Krishna … The body of Radharani is Live Webcam a veritable transformation of love of Godhead. Even Krishna can't understand the strength of Radha's love which overwhelms Him. Her transcendental body is complete with unparalleled

Most Asked Topics spiritual qualities. Even Lord Kṛiṣhṇa Himself cannot reach the limit of the transcendental qualities of Radharani." Who am I? These are some of Radha's prominent qualities: What Is The Purpose of Life? 1. Radha is adolescent and always freshly youthful. What Is ?

What Is Reincarnation? 2. Radharani is very sweet and most charming to look at.

Why eat prasadam? 3. Radha's face is smiling and ever blissful.

Why bad things happen to 4. Radharani is the most exceptional singer and veena player. good people? 5. Radha's words are charming and pleasing.

Yoga That Works 6. Radha is exceptionally humble.

Active Spirituality 7. Radha is the embodiment of mercy and . The Peace Formula 8. Radha possesses Mahabhava, the highest sentiment of love. Who is Krishna? 9. Radha always keeps Krishna under Her control. Krishna submissively obeys Radha's What is Bhakti ? command

Why be a Vegetarian? These topics of divine and spiritual love between Radha and Krishna will always remain a mystery as long as we remain on the material platform. Love on the spiritual platform is devoid of selfishness. The needs and interests on the other take precedence over one's own needs. The kind of love that comes closest to spiritual love is the love exhibited by a mother towards her child. It's full of and is completely selfless; it is without expectation.

The feeling of love is derived from the service itself. The child is limited in its capacity to reciprocate the mother's love. Even if it increases its demands, the mother keeps on giving. Most of us can only imagine a relationship where the reciprocation of love and service is completely selfless and without expectation. It's the kind of love our hearts hanker for.

The path of bhakti or devotional service prepares one's heart and consciousness — by eradicating selfishness and incorporating selflessness — to understand and that divine love which exists between Radha and Krishna.

This is a wonderful day to meditate and reflect on the beautiful selfless qualities of Radharani and pray that we can to some degree follow in her footsteps.

Thank you.

Hare Krishna.

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Daily Darshan at Hare Krishna Hill, Bangalore. Sri Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and is worshipped along with His consort Srimati Radharani. People say that Krishna is the eighth avatara of Lord Vishnu. But Brahma , a composed by Lord CLICK HERE Brahma, mentions that Krishna is the original and He is the source of Lord Maha Vishnu. This is also confirmed in Srimad Bhagavatam. He appeared as the son of and and performed various pastimes along with His brother .

Srimati Radharani is the eternal consort of Lord Sri Krishna. She is the repository of all good qualities and the crest jewel among all the lovely consorts of Lord Krishna. Her mind, senses and body are steeped in love for Krishna. She is Krishna’s own energy and there is no between the energy and the energetic. Without energy, there is no meaning to the energetic, and without the energetic, there is no energy. Similarly, without Radha there is no meaning to Krishna, and without Krishna, there is no meaning to Radha.

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