Why Radharani is at Left side of Krishna & Balarama at Right side?
“Harish Kumar Bhagwani” asked three related Questions. I have taken his first question today. Other two will be Posted within this week as they are related.
“I have heard in some lectures that Srimati Radharani has expanded from the left side of Lord Krishna while Lord Balaram has expanded from the right side of Lord Krishna. Probably due to this in most of the Gaudiya Vaishnava temples, we find Radharani on the left while Lord Balarama on the right side of Krishna Deity (atleast in Vrindavan temple).
Are you aware of the scriptural reference of the above fact? Also is there any special significance of the same?”
REPLY:
In Principle, Radharani is Krishna Himself.
That means, She is within Krishna but coming out to please Krishna in Goloka Vrindavana.
Let us now see how Radharani appeared from Krishna and why Radharani is at Left side of Krishna & Balarama at Right side:
H.H Bhakti Purusottama Swami says:
“In Goloka Vrindavana there is a place called the rasa mandala. On one side of the rasa-mandala there is a mountain called Satasrnga. This mountain appeared in Bhuloka as Govardhana. In Vrndavana there are nice gardens of malati and mallika flowers. The Lord of the universe, by whose mere desire everything happens, was sitting in that garden on a beautiful ratna-simhasana. He had the desire to enjoy, and as soon as this desire came to His mind, immediately from His left side appeared a very beautiful devi.”
This devi is Radharani.
(FIRST MEETING OF KRISHNA AND RADHARANI – A BLISSFUL LILA! READ HERE!)
Krishna actually exists in a Two in One form.
He is the Pack of Radharani at the left side and Krishna at the right side.
Krishna is the Supreme person and Radharani is His internal energy.
It is said by the scriptures that the athma/ soul resides in one’s heart.
So, we have to understand that Krishna’s Soul is Radharani who resides in His heart also at the left side of Krishna.
This is the Original arrangement of Krishna to bring out Radharani from His left side.
Krishna need not depend on other living beings for His enjoyment. So, when He wanted to enjoy, He brought out His own energy Radhika from his left side and He Himself came out as Krishna from the Right side.
This happened in Goloka Vrindavana.
(THE GREATNESS OF GETTING KRISHNA THROUGH RADHARANI! READ HERE!)
This Two In One form of Krishna inclusive of Radharani is explained in Narada Pancaratna.
Narada Pancaratra (2.3.21) Says:
dvi-bhujah so ‘pi goloke
babhrama rasa-mandale
gopa-vesas ca taruno
jaladah-syama-sundarah
eka isah prathamato
dvidha-rupo babhuva sah
ekd stri visnu-mayaya
puman ekah svayam vibhuh
sa ca svecchamayah syamah
saguno nirgunah svayam
tam drstva sundarim
lolam ratim kartum samudyata
MEANING:
“The two-handed form of Parabrahman in the form of a young cowherd boy whose bodily color was like new clouds, was wandering in rasa-mandala in Goloka-dhama. Only one form of Isvara divided into two forms: one part appeared as a female from known as Visnu-maya, or the internal potency of Krishna; the other part remained as Himself, vibhu-purusa, or the male form. He is independent and acts according to His own will. Everything happens as soon as He desires. He has a blue bodily effulgence. He is saguna (having transcendental qualities) and nirguna (without material qualities).”
There is no difference between Radharani and Krishna. Krishna serves Radharani and Radharani serves Sri Krishna. Krishna is energetic (Person) and Radha is energy.
(Can a devotee get Krishna and Radharani as Parents in Goloka also? READ HERE!)
WHY BALARAMA IS AT THE RIGHT SIDE OF KRISHNA?
It is understandable.
Krishna, Balarama both are from the same source. That is Krishna Himself comes as Balarama also.
Balarama is always serving Vishnu as Sesha naga being a seat for Vishnu.
Vishnu keeps Balarama always with Him as His Seat and shield. So, Balarama is not different from Krishna.
Since Krishna has given His left side to His own energy Radharani, Balarama is at His right side.
Balarama is the SYMBOL OF STRENGTH that is symbolized by the right hand.
Hope you are clear about why Radharani is at Left side of Krishna & Balarama at Right side!
(LORD BALARAMA – APPEARANCE, FORM, PASTIMES AND GLORIES! READ HERE!)