As far as Gaudiya theology is concerned, we are exclusively devoted to Srimati Radharani. Our founder acharya, Srila Prabhupada, and his Guru, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, emphasized that we are shuddha-shakta—pure worshipers of energy. While people in Bengal who worship Kali are called tantrics, we worship the energy of Lord Krishna ie Srimati Radharani.
Types of Tantrics
Tantrics are of two types: left-wing and right-wing. Left-wing tantrics worship Durga and practice black magic, whereas right-wing tantrics worship Radha. We, however, worship the divine love of Srimati Radharani for Krishna—that’s her magic.
The Importance of Srimati Radharani
Understanding who Srimati Radharani is and how she can enchant and attract Krishna is crucial, especially today on Radha Ashtami. It is only through Radharani that we can approach Krishna.
Srimati Radharani’s Unique Position
Govindānandinī rādhā, govinda-mohinī.
Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami says that Srimati Radharani gives pleasure to Sri Krishna and Govinda-mohini is the only one in entire Vrindavan who can attract Krishna. No one else in Vrindavan can enchant Him—not His servants, His best friends, His parents, nor even the other gopis. Krishna is under the control of Srimati Radha, and He cannot be controlled by anyone else. This is why one of the names of Srimati Radharani is Damodara-rati-vardhana-vese—she can bind Shri Krishna with the chords of love.
Embodiment of All Goddesses
Govinda-sarvasva, sarva-kāntā-śiromaṇi.
For Her, Krishna is everything. She is the embodiment of all the goddesses. It is said that if you take Krishna and extract all of His mercy and love for all the living entities in this entire universe and His devotees, and if you give a form to it, that form would be Srimati Radharani.
Approach to Worship
For this reason, the residents of Vrindavan seek to approach Krishna through Her. We Vaishnavas worship Srimati Radharani by offering this verse from CC Adi lila 4.83.
devī kṛṣṇa-mayī proktā
rādhikā para-devatā
sarva-lakṣmī-mayī sarva-
kāntiḥ sammohinī parā
Meanings of “Devi” According to Krishna Das Goswami
- Dyotamānā: This means “full of effulgence.” Srila Prabhupada writes that it signifies “shining with love for Krishna.” Krishna is attracted to Srimati Radharani not because of her physical beauty, although she is the most beautiful female in the entire universe, even in the spiritual world. Instead, Krishna is drawn to Her shining devotion, which illuminates the entire universe. Everyone, including Lakshmi, Sachi, Uma, Brahma, and Shiva, praises Radharani for Her love. The term “shining” also refers to her knowledge and beauty.
- Paramā Sundarī This means “the most beautiful female.” Radharani’s beauty is attributed to Her qualities. Scriptures advise not to judge anyone by their physical appearance. A person is known by their qualities, and in the eyes of Lord Krishna, Radharani is the most beautiful because of Her 25 qualities, which can control Krishna, who has infinite qualities. This may not be mathematically rational, but in the spiritual world, even one of her qualities is so profound that it can bring Krishna under her control.
- Kṛṣṇa-pūjā-krīḍāra vasati nagarī: This means “the lovely abode of worship and love sports of Lord Krishna.” Radharani worships Krishna not with incense and lamps, although in the spiritual world, the gopis offer him lamps, incense, and flowers. Instead, her mode of worship is through Her glances, sweet words, anger, jealousy, cooking, and silence. She teaches us that the best mode of worship of Krishna is through activities done for him. She embodies service and shows us that to please Krishna, one must express their love through actions, which is the true worship of Lord Krishna.
Meaning of the Name “Radha”
The name “Radha” is derived from the Sanskrit word “aradhana,” which means worship. Radha is considered the supreme devotee of Lord Krishna, and Her primary role is to fulfill Krishna’s desires and serve Him with utmost devotion.
In the Puranas, Radha is often referred to as “Radhika,” highlighting Her exceptional ability to worship and please Krishna. She is seen as the embodiment of devotion and love, teaching devotees how to serve and satisfy Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada says in one of his lectures that if you want to approach Krishna, you should approach Radha. If Radha recommends to Krishna, “Here is a good boy or girl, please accept them,” Krishna is obliged to accept them. Prabhupada also says that Radharani is the pleasure potency of Krishna, known as Haladini Shakti. Whatever pleasure any devotee attains by serving Krishna is due to the blessings of Radha.
Radha’s Role in Devotion
Radha’s role is not just limited to being Krishna’s consort; She is also the guiding force for devotees, inspiring them from within to serve Krishna better. This concept is central to the teachings of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, which holds that serving in the camp of Radha is greater than being directly with God.
Blessings on Radha Ashtami
Today marks the manifestation of Srimati Radharani in this material world. On such auspicious occasions, Radha is showering blessings on all her devotees and all those who approach Her. The more we understand Her and delve into her mysteries with an attitude of reverence, the more She will bless us.
Srimati Radharani Ki Jai!