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Plate 135

Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, the Topmost Gopī

When Krpua reappeared befoe theps prior to therienmanc, they vere ovenwhelmcd vrich. happiness, and He was also extremely happy to see them. He was especially happy to be once

again in the company of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.

In the Caitanya-caritāmrta, Srila Kīṣnadāsa Kaviraja reveals how the Lord feels about Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. Kṛṣṇa says, "Everyone says that I am complete bliss, full of all rasas. All the world derives pleasure from Me. Is there anyone who can give Me pleasure? One who has a hundred times more qualities than Me could give pleasure to My mind. One more qualified than Me is impossible to find in the material world. But in Rādhā alone I feel the presence of one who can give Me pleasure. Although My beauty defeats the beauty of ten million Cupids, although it is unequaled and unsurpassed, and although it gives pleasure to the three worlds, seeing Rādhārāṇī gives pleasure to My eyes. The vibration of My transcen- dental flute attracts the three worlds, but My ears are enchanted by the sweet words of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. And although My touch is cooler than ten million moons, 1 am refreshed by the touch of Śrīmatī Radhika. Thus although 1 am the source of happiness for the entire world, the beauty and attributes of Śrīmatī Radhika are My life and soul."

Painting by DHṚTI-DEVĪ DĀSĪ (1984)

Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, the Topmost Gopī