Verses 27-32

Vichakshan’s recital

Verse 27
The shuka named Vichakshan, a most eloquent speaker with great equilibrium and depth of love for Krishna, began to recite appealing verses full of clear, sweet and succinct sounds, fully capable of awakening Madhava.
Verse 28
All glories, all glories, to the root of the Vrajavasis’ good fortune! O Achyuta! You are the life of the Vraja ramanis and the lotus abode for their bee-like eyes! You increase Maharaj Nanda’s pleasure at every moment! Hey Govinda! You bring delight to your surrendered devotees! All glories to you!”

Rasa-tarangini Tika:
Vichakshan (vicakṣaṇa) means clever. These names of Krishna fit the moment and subtly remind Krishna that he should get on his way home as soon as possible. Because the Vrajavasis consider Krishna to be their only source of good fortune, they will surely visit, come anxiously looking for him as soon as they awaken.

Similarly, the Vraja gopis all rush to Nandagram as restless honey bees dart to the early morning’s blossoming indivaras (blue lotuses)! Vichakshana continues:

Verse 29
Hey Govinda! Lotus of all the cowherd villagers’ thirsty bee-like eyes! Morning is here! Nandagram, where all your dear family members and superiors are, is quite far away. So hurry, otherwise you’ll be embarrassed before them!
Verse 30
Hey Kamala-nayana! Have you noticed how Surya’s mistress, the eastern sky, has put on a red dress on seeing that her lover, red with desire, is about to arrive after being absent for so long. Therefore, O Krishna, now is the time to awaken here in this clandestine kunj!”

Rasa-tarangini Tika:
In the Puranas, the eastern sky is described as an independent and daring nayika (heroine), and the sun is her dearest kanta (beloved). The unbridled loving affairs of these two sweethearts is an open secret. Even so, though the eastern sky is unchaste, she preserves her modesty before Surya Deva by covering her head with the red garment of the sun’s reflected rays. Vichakshan’s words are also a subtle hint to Rādhā, “For a chaste woman like you, losing your reputation is more fearsome than death!”

“O Krishna!” Vichakshan continues, “It is your duty to protect Rādhārani’s reputation. You are kamala-nayana (lotus-eyed), so why are your lotus eyes not opening like the other lotuses at the first hint of the sun’s rays?”

Verse 31
O Krishna! Fearing the sun’s appearance, the night flees with her husband, the moon! Therefore, like them, you and your Rādhā should quickly leave the Yamuna’s forest banks!

Verse 32
Hey Govinda! The chakravaki birds turn one eye toward the reddening eastern sky, while the other searches for their absent husbands. Meanwhile, the owls, who are blind in the daytime, have entered their tree hollows in fear of their arch enemies, the crows, and have gone silent. All these signs tell me that the sun is about to rise, so please, Krishna, wake up!”

Rasa-tarangini Tika :
By nature’s arrangement, there is a proper time and place in all forms of amorous love. At this moment, the chakravakis anxiously await their husbands from whom they have been separated throughout the night. And what could be a better proof of the night’s cessation than the owls’ behavior? Attached to the darkness, they have retired to their tree hollow homes where they will sleep throughout the day, safe from their enemies, the crows. Vichakshan thus hints to Krishna that the right time for sharing loving pastimes with Rādhā is over.