Nisantha lila Lalita and Vishakha’s Debate
Lalita and Vishakha’s Debate
In Krishnaa-bhavanamrita, Lalita and the other sakhis arrive to join the manjaris who have been relishing Rādhā Shyamasundar’s shayana sobha (beauty at rest). While peeking through the window of the nikunja mandir, Vishakha exclaims,
“Oh sakhi Lalite! Our Rādhā Govinda’s bodies are never bereft of superb dress and ornaments! Just see! Although they are unclothed, they are still covered with a radiant effulgence. Although lacking a mani-hara (jeweled necklace), they’re manohara (stealing to the mind) with a necklace of nail-marks!
Although their angada (arm bracelets) are missing-they’re anangada (bestowing love)! And, even though they are niranjana-nayana (without any mascara on the eyes), they’re nirantara-ranjana (always pleasing) to one another! Observing these auspicious symptoms on Rādhā Madhava, and on the flower bed also, I conclude that an unbounded festival of prema has taken place here!”
Lalita remarks: “Rādhā and Krishna’s hair is strewn all over, yet it appears lovely. Their lips are bruised, yet fascinating! Their chests are covered with nailmarks, but they resemble uncountable moonbeams! Seeing the Divine Couple equally assaulted, however, my mind has become puzzled: During Kandarpa’s battle last night, who emerged victorious?”
Vishakha answers with a grin:
“Neither has won! Just observe, the kunkum from sakhi Rādhā’s breasts now appears on Sri Krishna’s lotus feet, and the red alta from the bottom of Sri Rādhā’s charana padma can clearly be seen on Krishna’s forehead. Therefore, I declare-prema has scored the victory!” (Krishnaa-bhavanamrita, 2.2-5)