Sri Radhakrsna's leela - Part III - Completed on Page 48 - Page 20

Chapter 17: Radhakrsna-viraha varnanam

"Saa Virahe Tava Deena! Krsna! She is suffering separation from you! Sandalwood seems like poison to her, and is causing her pain, like a serpent biting a person! Kamadeva is continuously shooting his arrows at her, and she is seeking your shelter! Krsna, Radha is-" At the mention of Radha Krsna choked.

Radha looked at the moon, shining brightly, and felt that it was mocking her. And suddenly, without meaning too, she began singing the very same song which Chandravali had sung, so many months ago, on Sharad Poornima.

"En manam, Alaipayude, Kanna! En Manam Alaipayude!"

Like a statue I sit, waiting for you to come, not aware of the time passing so fast!

"Nilai Peyaradu Silai polave Ninru neram avadhariyaamale miga vinodamana Muralidhara!"

She broke. Her Muralidhara was with the other gopikas now! Why should he come to this forlorn devotee of his?

The moonlight scorched her.

"Telinda Nilavu Patta pagal pol, eriyudhe! Dikkai Nokki enniru puruvam Neriyudhe!"

She had heard Krishna's flute playing melodiously, from the time Vrinda had left. That very music had thrilled her! It had swept her off her feet! Yet, her Krishna was nowhere to be seen!

"Kalitta Manattil Orutti Padattai enakku Alitthu Magizhtha Va!

Oru Tanittha Vanattil anaithu enakku Unarchi Kodutthu Mugizhtha va!"

Come Krsna, make my heart joyful! Take me to a secluded grove and grant me total bliss of your union!

She looked on. Neither was Vrinda seen nor Krishna.

"She has prepared a flower bed for you and only you, Krsna! Tormented by Kamadeva she draws your beautiful face with musk on a mango leaf, imagining you as Kamadeva himself! She suddenly laughs and the next instant cries! Her eyes resemble rainclouds, her face a moon without light! She is totally immersed in your love O Madhusudana! Come to delight her!"

"Do you expect her to survive this longing? She will become an empty shell without you! Just there, without any movement! She needs you! Why, she refuses even sandalwood paste, saying that it burns her skin! She is frail and weak in her mind Krsna! Her resolve is crumbling! Like a tiger pouncing on a deer, Cupid is pouncing on your beloved! Her eyes streaming with tears, everything seems like fire to her! Do not let her undergo this pain! Come and comfort her! She is now chanting your name, hoping you will respond! Madhava! Delight her!"

"Kalaikadal Alaiyinil Kadiravan oliyena Inaiyiru Kazhalena Kalikkava!"

You made me dancein the sun-bathed waves of you love, Krsna! Now will you leave me and dance with other women?

"Kadari Manam Urugi Naan Azhaikkavo, Idara madharudan Nee Kalikkavo! Idhu Tagumo? Idhu Muraiyo? Idu Dharmam taano? Kuzhaloodidum Pozhudu aadidum kuzhaigal polave! Manadu Vedanai Migavodu Alaipayude!"

Is this proper? Is this right? Is this the dharma you seek to protect? My heart is dancing like your earrings Krsna, my heavy heart is dancing! Please Come!

Radha sobbed, her tears now dripping into a small puddle in her sari. Where was her Krsna?

Krsna wiped his tears. With a faltering voice he told Vrinda, "Vrinda, tell Radha about my condition! Tell her that I am eager to bring her joy!"

Vrinda was astonished. "You are not coming, Krsna?"

"Anguishing as it may be, there is a final test we have to pass."