Can we approach Radharani as mother as we approach Krishna in many relations?
A devotee who requested anonymity asked like this:
“Hare Krishna prabhu, I have a doubt. I know we all are entitled to serve Krishna and Radha. That is our constitutional position. But whenever I see Radha, I feel like she is my mother. Is this thinking correct, as normally a mother takes care of her son and serves her son more than the vice versa. Is it against our principle (i.e.) to serve Radha and Krishna??? Please clear my doubt. In case you plan to post this , don’t reveal my name . Thanks”
REPLY:
Why not? But, we can approach Krishna in many relations – even as a lover. But, we can not approach Radharani in Madhurya Bhawa that is the exclusive right of Krishna.
However, we can consider Radharani as our mother, daughter and sister. She should be approached only with a Revered Bhawa. Love, friendship, etc., are the exclusive right of Krishna. Radharani is Krishna’s Personal associate. In front of Krishna, all of us are females.
(Should a devotee in Gopi Bhawa dress like a Gopi? 15 Point Reply HERE!)
How to consider Radharani as our mother?
Radharani is Jagan matha as said by Srila Prabhupada. Krishna is the seed for the entire creations and hence Krishna is the eternal father for all of us. Being the eternal consort of Krishna, Srinmathi Radharani can be worshipped as mother. You need not have any doubt in it.
For your satisfaction, I have given a verse spoken by Srila Prabhupada on Srimati Radharani’s Appearance Day from Bhagavad-gita 18.5 in London, September 5, 1973, in which he mentions Srimati Radharani as mother:
“Therefore in Vrndavana you will see all devotees, they will address one another, “Jaya Radhe.” Still. Because they know that “If Radharani is pleased, if I can please Radharani…” Radharani is presented, the original pleasure potency, always absorbed in thought of Krsna. So anyone who comes before Radharani to serve Krsna, oh, She becomes so pleased, “Oh, here is a devotee of Krsna.” She immediately recommends, “Krsna, oh, here is a devotee. He is better than Me.” This is Radharani. I may be a, not devotee. I may be most fallen rascal. But if I try to reach Krsna through Radharani, then my business is successful. Therefore we should worship Radharani first. That is our business. Instead of offering directly one flower to Krsna, you just put it in the hands of Radharani: “My mother Radharani, Jagan-mata, if you kindly take this flower and offer it to Krsna.” “Oh,” Radharani says, “Oh, you have brought a flower?” Krsna said, patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati [Bg. 9.26], but don’t try to offer Krsna directly. Just offer through Radharani. It will be very much appreciated by Radharani.
(Can I consider Krishna in all relations as Parent, Child, husband and Guru? RED HERE!)
So this is our philosophy, to please Krsna through Radharani, and just today is the auspicious day of Radharani appearance. So we should offer puspanjali and pray to Radharani that “Radharani, kindly be merciful and tell about me to Your Krsna. To Your Krsna. Krsna is Yours.” Krsna, Radha-Krsna. Krsna is not independent. Krsna is Radharani’s property. So you have to approach Krsna through Radharani. That is, today is the auspicious day. Worship Radharani very nicely and be happy.”
So,you can approach Radharani as mother. Hope you are happy now!
(FIVE PRIMARY RASAS (RELATIONSHIPS) AND SEVEN SECONDARY RASAS ONE CAN HAVE WITH KRISHNA! READ HERE!)