Originally posted by: vyapti
Sorry Madhuri. I have not seen the episodes. But I have some questions. Are not there some variations where Kubja desired Krishna as a lover?
Another question. Can not a devotee question or challenge God? Does that make her less of a devotee?
Yes, a devotee can question or challenge God. But in this serial, they've shown in such a way that she accused Krishna and questioned God's love, which I am criticizing. It should be a meeting between a devotee and Divine, a tender encounter. Krishna lecturing on 'Ananth Prem' to Kubja and pouring the Anath prem dust in the hands of Kubja, gifted to him by Radha! Not looks convincing. When Kubja lovingly offered sandalwood paste to K&B, Krishna was pleased by this act of hers. Out of brimming love and kindness, he held her toes pressed to the ground with his own toes, and gently lifted her chin upwards with his fingers. All her bodily crookedness vanished at once, and she stood upright as a beautiful damsel! It was written like this in Bhagavatha Puran.
Krishna also offered her a boon in return for her service. She, in turn, appealed to Krishna to come to her home. Krishna promised her that would do so once his mission in Mathura was accomplished, and he kept his promise!
In Krishna Leelamrit, Lord had to visit her in her house to give her promised pleasure. She stands on the same footing as gopis, yogpatnis, and countless souls who loved Krishna without knowing who He was and what powers He had. Her desire may not be the same as gopis who did every act to please Krishna while she asked for her own fulfillment! She just wanted him to come to her house to accept her request .... she wanted carnal satisfaction, which was satiated by Krishna later,after finishing other lilas in Mathura.
Later many modern-day critics said that, it is wrong wanting the material and perishable pleasures from Him. Connection with Krishna is necessary no matter what the feeling as per sage Naradji. She attained Krishna as He Himself... the attractive youth at that time! A carnal desire for the Almighty, whether male or female in form is also a method of liberation, stated by many sages. It is a very interesting story portraying love, desire, naturality from a different perspective Vyapti. It was clearly written in Bha.. --
Kubja gets overcome with desire for her saviour and pulls the upper garment of Krishna, inviting him to her house. However, Krishna politely declines and promises to return to her house, after fulfilling the purpose of his visit, and later he fulfilled her desire.
Here is the interesting info for us , as you rightly mentioned she was Surphanaka in her previous birth --
Surdas's poetry mentions the episode in a passing reference, however the focus in the text is the saving grace of God, who does not discriminate in devotees and helps even a low-class maidservant Kubja. In the Bhagavata Purana, after slaying Kamsa, Krishna visits Kubja with Uddhava as promised. Kubja worships Krishna with her companions and offers him a seat of honor. As Kubja readied herself for Krishna, Krishna made himself comfortable in Kubja's bed in the inner chambers. As she shyly approached Krishna, he pulls her in bed and consummates the relationship, fulfilling his promise. By embracing him, Kubja's desire is fulfilled. She requests Krishna to stay with her for some time, however, Krishna left for Uddhava's residence, promising he will fulfill her desires again.
Surdas talks about the second meeting of Kubja and Krishna in more detail. He mentions that Kubja's fortune is due to her virtue in a previous life. After killing Kamsa, Krishna hurries to Kubja's house to fulfill her desire.
In the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Kubja is the reincarnation of Surpanaka, a demoness who vied for Rama, Krishna's previous birth on earth. Surpanaka's penance is rewarded in her birth as Kubja when her desire to unite with Rama is fulfilled this way.