Chapter 1 Prologue

Prologue

Radha has been perceived differently by people through the ages. To some, she is the adulterous and passionate lover of Krishna; to others, she is his eternal divine consort. These contrasting interpretations perhaps make her one of the most enigmatic characters in Indian mythology.

A married woman deeply in love with Lord Krishna, yet spiritually united with the Divine, Radha transcends conventional definitions of love and morality. To me, she is the very embodiment of love in this universe. Through this work, I have attempted to explore her character from philosophical, psychological, and mythological perspectives, while delving into the depths of her emotions from an inquisitive and unconventional angle.

This is my first attempt to share my thoughts and feelings with my readers. Since childhood, I have been captivated by the stories and songs celebrating the love and longing of Radha and Krishna. I have always been fascinated by the anthropomorphic tradition in Indian culture, the attribution of human emotions, relationships, and experiences to the omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient Divine. Our epics and devotional literature portray God in deeply human ways, making the divine accessible through love, separation, joy, and longing. This unique perspective drew me irresistibly towards the eternal love of Radha and Krishna.

For centuries, devotees, philosophers, and poets have looked upon their relationship as the highest expression of the soul's longing for the Divine. To me, however, Radha is more than a devotee or beloved. She is the supreme feminine power, the guiding force whose love can teach, inspire, comfort, and even guide God. In her, love is not weakness; it is the highest form of strength, compassion, and spiritual wisdom.

Love, in its truest form, is pure bliss, an immortal blessing that transcends time, desire, and possession. Yet, human beings often cloud its purity by reducing it to sin, prejudice, or social judgment. Every religion, in its own way, teaches that love is the path that leads us closest to the Divine. If this book encourages readers to look beyond conventions and discover the deeper spiritual essence of Radha's love, I shall consider my humble effort worthwhile.

(Viswasruti2020-09-18 12:56:25)