It is a common belief that Radha is an invented character.. that she is ONLY a symbolism of Bhakti, and that no one knew her until Jayadeva composed his beautiful Gita Govinda.
But the truth is, Radha has been worshipped alongside Krsna for a LONG time. Well, at least according to the Puranas. (If you want to say that the Puranic stories were created by Western people, then I have nothing else to comment on...😆)
So for example, the Devi Bhagavata gives an elaborate description of Srimati Radharani, the highest among the Five Prakritis or Five Energies of Lord Krsna.
The Padma Purana and Skanda Purana talk about the glories of her worship alongside Krsna, and the Narada Purana and Brahmanda Purana give methods of her worship. The Matsya Purana contains only references to her though.
The Harivamsa, Southern Version, contains a Chapter called, 'Krsna's Marriage to Neela'.
Since I have not read this chapter, I don't know exactly what it talks about, but I do know that it relates to Krsna's marriage with a gopika called 'Neela' (who COULD be Radharani, or could be another gopika called Nappinnai, who is revered in Tamilnadu.)
That's it about the details.
Her appearance has been beautifully illustrated by Radhikarani...
And, uh if you are interested, you could go through this: http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3718764
Which DOES sound like self promotion, but still...😛😃
EDIT: Oh, and Shiva Purana gives a vivid description of how Krsna and Radharani are immesed in bliss always in Goloka, and the subsequent chapter describes how both of them come to Shivaloka to discuss with Lord Shiva about their cursed devotee Shankhachuda...
Edited by Surya_krsnbhakt - 8 years ago
