The Glories and Pastimes of Srimati Radharani

If Lord Gaura had not appeared as the yuga-avatara in this age of Kali, then what would have become of us? How could me have tolerated living? Who in the universe would have ever learned about the topmost limits of loving mellows that comprise the glory of Sri Radha?

Just like Krsna is the fountainhead of all forms of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in the same way Radharani is the fountainhead of all forms of goddesses like Laksmi, Rukmini, Satyabhama, etc. She is mula-prakriti, or the original prakriti.

But people in general had little knowledge about Radharani before Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared on this planet. He spread the glories of Srimati Radharani among the common people. The subject matter of Radharani is very confidential: even the Vedas only mention Sri Radha in brief. That's why Lord Krsna personally came to this earth to explain radha-tattava and Srimati Radharani's pastimes to everyone.

But not are all qualified to hear or speak of Srimati Radharani. One must hear about Radharani from bonafide Vaisnava acaryas in the line of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Then only can we understand about Srimati Radharani.

We have prepared this collection of pastimes of Srimati Radharani as they have been described in different scriptures, and also explained by the Gosvamis of Vrndavana. Some of the pastimes are also collected from books about Vraja-mandala-parikrama, where the stories total are not referenced in any Sastra but have been explained by Vrajavasis or great sadhakas of Vraja.

Before describing the pastimes of Radharani, the book explains radha-tattva and the purity of Sri Radha's love for Sri Krsna. This information of from Sri Caitnya-caritamrta, written by Srila Krsnadasa KaViraja Gosvami as it has been translated and explained by Srila Prabhupada.

Before reading this book one must be convinced that Sri Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and Srimati Radharani is His eternal consort. She is the personification of His pleasure-giving potency. She is not some ordinary lady. This book is meant for devotee of Lord Krsna who worship Him under the direction of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the six Gosvamis, our predecessor acaryas, and our Founder-Acarya, Srila Prabhupada.

There are unlimited pastimes of Radharani – these are but a few. We hope devotee will enjoy reading this book and develop more devotion to the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani. It by Her mercy can one attain love of Krsna.

I researched many different literatures describing the pastimes of Srimati Radharani. What I have understood by the mercy of Guru and Gauranga I have tried my best to put into the English language. I cannot claim everything I have written will be perfect. If someone finds any mistake then kindly consult with some more qualified Vaisnava to clear your doubts.

I hope Srimati Radharani will excuse me if I have committed any grave offense by publishing this book. I know to publish a book on Radharani is very sensitive. At the same time I feel that this inspiration within me to publish a book on Srimati Radharani's pastimes must have come from Her. Otherwise how can I proceed on this most difficult job? I am publishing this book with a feeling that she must be behind this endeavor: how anything can be mentioned about Her without Her sanction?

There are many more pastimes of Srimati Radharani. If she desires and gives Her blessings to me, maybe in future we can publish those.

O queen of Vrindavan, Sri Radha, I worship You! Your fair complexion is more resplendent than molten gold, the colour of Your sari the hue of a blue lotus flower. Even the beautiful lotus in the full bloom or the rising full moon offers no comparison to Your breathtaking face, for it is much more exquisite. The arches of your elegant eyebrows put to shame Cupid's bow. Your cascading black tresses sway and the dark mascara on Your roving eyes makes them look like restless black partridges. Your fine nose is decorated by a ring studded with the noblest pearl, and Your lips are more charming than bright red tulips. Your sparking, even teeth are like rows of spotlessly white jasmine buds.

O Srimate Radha! Among all the beloved gopis You are the cherished jewel. Therefore, kindly be pleased with me.

Born in Jagannath Puri in 1957 he became associated with ISKCON while on his second year in college. He joined the society in 1978 and was initiated by His Holiness Jayapataka Swami the following year during the Gaura Purnima festival in Sri Dham Mayapur. From then on served in various capacities, first as sankirtan leader in Kolkata, then on the boat preaching party in Mayapur. Starting in 1983 he served four years as Temple President in Bhuvaneswar.

In 1987 he returned to Mayapur to become general manager. Under his supervision the Gita Correspondence-course program, College preaching and book distribution were developed. At present Maharaja is serving in Mayapur as Co-director and one of the GBC members. He has also written a book on the pastimes of Lord Jagannath and several Bengali books for students.