Pratha lila 53-56 Mukhara reprehending Rādhā
Mukhara reprehending Rādhā
Verse 53-56
Finally, from everyone’s coaxing, Srimati rises from her luxurious bed. The bright yellow cloth covering Radhika’s body, however, arouses Mukhara’s suspicions! So, she speaks in a heart-piercing tone:
“Ayi, Vishakhe! Yesterday evening the bright yellow chador that I saw Krishna wearing now covers my natni! Hay, hay! What a disgrace! How could such a thing happen to a young girl hailing from a family of spotless reputation?”
Mukhara’s words startle Vishakha! Thus, as she nervously looks towards Radhika and noticing Krishna’s garment, immediately wonders, “Uh-oh! What’s this?” Being sharp-witted, however, Vishakha quickly answers,”
Oh naive Mukhara! You have gone blind in your old age! Can’t you see that the sunrays are shining through the window onto Rādhā’s golden body? This makes her blue garment appear yellow! So, jarati, (old biddy) why are you needlessly accusing faultless Rādhā?”
Rasa-tarangini Tika:
Upon hearing Jarati‘s accusation, Vishakha swiftly removes Krishna pita-vastra (yellow cloth) from Rādhā’s body replacing it with her nilambari! Then she retorts Mukhara with a counter-offensive. Vishakha’s tactful words embarrass Mukhara, and thus she leaves to perform her morning duties.
Although appearing otherwise, Mukhara favors Rādhā Krishna’s loving affairs; only externally does she show disregard. This is a characteristic of her colorful relationship with Rādhā. Mukhara’s intentions can be understood by her previous words: surya-puja giya nijabhshta lagiya,” You can perform Surya puja and fulfill your desire (to meet Krishna in the forest).”
Krishna-bhavanamrita describes Mukhara’s early morning encounter with Rādhā on another day as follows: Mukhara is a treasure chest of vatsalya-prema, and the darshan of Rādhā’s lovely face is her sustenance. When she arrives at Radhika’s bedroom, she repeatedly calls: “Oh natni Radhe! Where are you? Rādhārani replies,
“Oh didi-thakurani! here I am!”
When rising, Rādhā stretches and looks at Mukhara with tired rolling eyes; but seeing Krishna’s yellow chador on Rādhā’s body, Mukhara pretends not to notice.