Hindu Society of North Carolina

Author(s): Hindu Society of North Carolina
Publisher: Hindu Society of North Carolina

Page 36

RADHA KRISHNA
राधा कृष्ण
Lord Krishna was a dynamic incarnation of Vishnu. He was an Avatar, in the sense that he was totally attuned to the Supreme consciousness from his very birth. He has several other popular names such as Madhava, Mukunda, Murari, Shyam and Gopala. His incarnation represents the descent of the Infinite Brahman to the material world. The lord is described as being blue in color and donning yellow clothes (peetambara) with a bamboo flute (vansi) that brings out enchanting music to mesmerize his devotees. His incarnation brought to bear upon the Indian thought and life such a profound and powerfull influence that it has no parallel in India or elsewhere. There is no aspect of life, of culture and of civilization which did not receive his revitalizing touchthe Indian philosophy and religion, mysticism, poetry, painting, music and dance where all influenced by the Krishna theme and thoughts. Every aspect of Krishna and his deeds, is pregnant with deep mystical symbolism indicating the highest Truth. The word KRISHNA indicates the supreme consciousness which is said to be dark (Shyam), in the sense that it is unseen by or unknown to one as long as one remains rooted in earthly experiences limited to the realms of perceptions, emotions and thoughts gained through the physical body and intellect. Krishna was the major character of Mahabharat (The Indian Epic) in which He preaches Karma Yoga to Arjuna through Bhagavad Gita (The sacred book of Hindus).
Radha is the consort of Krishna who was the beloved mischievous and enchanting boy of Brindavan. The most beautiful and beloved amongst the gopikas (milk maids) was Radha. Her love and devotion for Krishna was unmatched. The love of Radha and Krishna is symbolic of the eternal love affair between the devoted mortal and the Divine. Radha's yearning for union with her beloved Krishna is the soul's longing for spiritual awakening and for union with the one source of peace and bliss. Rada symbolizes a unique state of devotion that is bound to lead to a merger with the Lord.
34 Page
कृष्ण-वन्दना KRISHNA-VANDANA
करारविन्देन
पदारविन्दं मुखारविन्दे विनिवेशयन्तम्
KARAAR VINDAIN PADAARVINDAM MUKHAAR VINDE I VINIVAISHAYANTAM VATASYA PATRASYA PUTE SHAYAANAM BALAM MUKUNDAM
वटस्य पत्रस्य
पुटे शयानं बाले मुकुन्दं मनसा स्मरामि ।। MANASAA SMARAAMI
I remember with my heart Lord Krishna in the form of a child entering his lotus foot into his lotus-like mouth with the help of his lotus-like hand and sleeping on the leaf of a banyan tree.
HINDU SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA CELEBERATION AND APPRICIATION (1976-2006)
December 2006