From the seven acts of the spiritual drama Vidagdha Madhava by Rupa Goswami, it is easy to pick out vignettes that demonstrate the range of lively colours that make up the vibrant personalities of Radha and Krishna. Of course, the same can be said for Rupa Goswami’s second play, Lalita Madhava. My current efforts are aimed at translating Lalita Madhava from Sanskrit into English, and I was recently delighted to come across a small section in the first act that I would like to share.
To set the stage, a demon is at large intent on absconding with Radha who is heading for temple worship with her new mother-in-law, Jatila. Because Jatila is wary of Krishna, Krishna has prudently disguised Himself as a helpful priest, and has turned up alongside His jacose companion, Madhu, in order to protect Radha from the demon threat:
[Krishna and his friend Madhu are escorted into a sun-god temple by Kundalata.]
Radha. [Glances over at Krishna. Aside to Lalita.] Who’s the dark boy coming in? The gallant-looking one?
From Gokool village? Where’d they find such an imposing person?
Oh, big trouble – oh, my word – as if He’s thieves for eyes!
Patience isn’t going to last! [Looks over again.] I fear My reason dies!
It’s bad, Lalita – sight of this priest stirs My wretched heart –
Severe penance time – I can’t tell right and wrong apart!
Lalita. [Aside to Radha.] You’re right, sakhi – priest’s being here is really getting to You.
Radha. [Checking.] Krishna’s getting to Me. Not a priest – it’s Him! That’s who!
I know it’s not another – only He does this to Me;
Sure as moonstones melt in moonlight.
Vishakha. [Aside to Radha.] Nicer news there could not be!
Definitely Krishna, friend.
Kundalata. Jatila – dear good woman!
These priests are qualified because they’re skilful at brahman.
Madhu. Jatila – at sun-god worship, I’m the best – no question.
Before we start, some laddhu, though.
Jatila. Now, look, mindless young priest –
As a close friend of that Krishna, you aren’t wanted in the least!
This nice dark votary will do the worship for my girl.
Krishna. [Disguised as priest.] Good woman, why’s this boy friends with one well-known as a churl?
That cowherd prince’s nonsense has been heard of in the city!
Shouldn’t be here.
Jatila. Let’s have the sun-god’s offering now, deary.
Krishna. [Imbibing Radha with a glance.] Which one, then, blessed girl?
Jatila. [In Krishna’s ear.] This here.
Krishna.[Acting surprised.] How virtuous is She!
Here’s the girl famed for her commitment to chastity!
Jatila. My girl maintains the good name of Gokoola single-handed.
Krishna. Please hold the copper pot, My chaste – a mantra shall be said.
[Radha unsteadily takes hold of pot of scented water.
Sunshine – to Your disquieted eye and shaky lip I bow,
Unworthy as I am, I pray for one thing anyhow:
The beauty of Your artful glance – I’m truly Yours forever.
Jatila. Odd prayer the lad recites, Kundalata – I’m not familiar…
From Act I of Lalita Madhava, translated by Arjundas Adhikari.
Rupa Goswami’s use of dramatic irony here is humerous and touching. Radha is not taken in by Krishna’s disguise, and we, the audience, are privy to the fact that Krishna is working under cover as a priest. Jatila, however, is none-the-wiser, and as her own misgivings about Krishna are echoed by Krishna (on a role) speaking in disapproving terms about the ungodliness of Krishna (!) Jatila is all the more satisfied she has a suitable assistant. Trusting Him fully, although He proceeds with an ambiguously-phrased prayer to the sun-god that is overtly a love-ode to Radha, Jatila is curious as to why she can’t recognise it from the temple missal (so to speak). Krishna’s equipoise, despite serious demon danger being imminent, stems from His courage and fearlessness and it is touching to realise His creative gambit is noble because His intention is to give full protection to Radha.
Krishna is famously known for being the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In the amazing spiritual drama A Portrait of Lord Shree Krishna AKA Vidagdha Madhava by Rupa Goswami, and also in Rupa Goswami’s second play, Lalita Madhava, we can come to have some appreciation of said exceptional Personality.
Arjundas Adhikari.
