Chapter 33: Entry Restrictions
Mahadev and Lakshmi watched dumbstruck, as Kama's arrows seemed to cause infatuation in Krsna. When Kama released his final arrow, Marana, Mahadev was reminded of the time he had burnt Kama. But now the arrow just sailed swiftly through the air, and for an instant Krsna seemed to lose control of himself! The two deities saw him passionately embracing the gopikas, and planting fervent kisses on their lips! And then the arrow exploded.
Being a special arrow, it didn't cause much noise on explosion; rather, it burst into a shower of Neelotpala petals which rained onto the Rasa Mandala. And in that shower of petals, the Rasa Mandala itself disappeared, along with the passionate Krsna and His equally passionate gopikas!
*** Kamadeva was stunned at the explosion of Marana. He was even more stunned at the complete disappearance of the Rasa Mandala. And just then, Krsna's voice flashed in his mind, Is that all, Kama? Or do you have some more tricks left?
Tatraiva Avirabhut Shaurih Smayamana Mukhambujah|
Pitambaradharah Sragvi Sakshat Manmatha Manmathah||
In a flash, there appeared Lord Sauri, with a smiling lotus face, decked in golden silks, enchanting that enchanter Cupid himself.
And in front of Cupid's eyes, danced Radha and Krsna - in each and every direction he looked, the Divine Couple performed their Divine Dance of Love. With eyes filled with tears of joy, Kamadeva fell at His feet and offered his salutations. "It was for this very reason that I had challenged you, Bhagavan! To see this very form of yours!"
Krsna smiled at Kamadeva, who was his son in another incarnation; indeed at the very beginning of creation, Kama was his first child!
Lovingly picking up Kamadeva, Krsna said, "Those who remember this leela of Manmatha-garva Bhangam wholeheartedly shall not succumb to any form of lust!"
He then removed the illusion, and the Rasa mandala reappeared, with all the gopikas staring in delight. Krsna looked at Arjuni. "So how did you enjoy this leela?"
Arjuni's eyes sparkled with pleasure. "It was a truly beautiful one!"
"And now for Shiva and Lakshmi's turn!" Krsna said cheerfully, looking at the other two standing outside the Rasa Mandala.
*** The two deities took a step forward, when Tripurasundari manifested in front of them. She held her hand to indicate them to stop.
Lakshmi looked at Mahadev with a puzzled look. She inquired Tripurasundari, "Lalite, why are you stopping us?!"
Lalita Devi smiled at Lakshmi. "Well, first of all, you both aren't allowed inside."
Lakshmi looked aghast. "What?"
Lalita turned to Mahadev. "Of all gods, Mahadev, you are among the most masculine. And in the rasa Mandala, there can be only one Purusha, Lord Krsna. The rest of the Rasa Mandala is entirely feminine. Therefore, due to your masculinity, you are denied entry to the Rasa." She then turned to Lakshmi Devi. " Even though you, Sakhi, are one of the finest among women, you do not possess Bhakti equal to that of the Gopika Yuvatis. Their love is of the Highest form; yours, dear sakhi, is at the level just below theirs. Their love is filled with Madhurya Bhava (Pure Love), whereas you still have Aishvarya Bhava (Loved filled with desires of gifting things).Therefore you are not granted access into the Rasa Mandala."
Lakshmi's expression turned from surprise to one of horror. She looked at the Rasa Mandala, guarded by Tripurasundari, and her eyes filled with tears. She sat down in that very spot, and began chanting the Krsna mantra. From the mediating Lakshmi Devi sprung another portion of her, who flew back to where she had come from - Vaikuntha. She was going to take birth again.
Lalita Devi and Mahadev looked at the meditating Goddess. Mahadev turned to Kameshvari. Isn't there another way?
Lalita Devi smiled. "Indeed," she said, "at this very moment, another male resides in the Rasa Mandala-"
"What? But you said no males are allowed!"
"Let me complete, Mahadev!" she chortled. "Arjuna, the Pandava has taken the female form of Arjuni by my grace, and has entered the Rasa. You too may do so, if you wish. But in your case, yo will have to propitiate Vrinda devi, the Mistress of this Forest."
Hearing these words, Mahadev exclaimed, "Propitiate?! But that would take at least some days!"
"Fear not, Shankara. The Rasa Mahotsava of Lord Krsna always lasts for the duration of one Brahmaratra - Lord Brahma's night, which is 4,320,000 years. So you have lot of time!"
Within seconds, Mahadeva vanished.
Note: The place where Goddess Lakshmi sat in worship is now the famous Lakshmi temple, in Belvan, Mathura District, where many people come to worship her even today.
Edited by Surya_krsnbhakt - 10 years ago