A Sanskrit Ashtapadi, Chandana Charchita by Sri Jayadeva in 3 Charanas is provided below:

 

1.  Hari Vihamugdhava Dhooni Kare Vilaasini Vilasati Kelipare
Chandana Charchita Neela Kalebara Peeta Vasana Vanamaali
Chandana Charchita Neela Kalebara Peeta Vasana Vanamaali
Keli Chalanmani Kundala Mandita Gandayu Gasmita Saali
Harivihamughdhava Dhooni Kare Vilaasini Vilasati Kelipare

2.  Kaapi Vilaasavi Lola Vilochana Kelana Janita Manojam
Kaapi Vilaasavi Lola Vilochana Kelana Janita Manojam
Dhyayati Mugdhava Buravibhakam Madhu Soodhana Vadana Sarojam
Dhyayati Mugdhava Buravibhakam Madhu Soodhana Vadana Sarojam
Harivihamughdhava Dhooni Kare Vilaasini Vilasati Kelipare

3.  Ishyati Kaamapi Chumbati Kaamapi Ramayati Kamaapi Raama
Sathyati Sasmita Chaarutaraam Aparaamanu Gasyati Raama
Harivihamughdhava Dhooni Kare Vilaasini Vilasati Kelipare

Introduction to the Ashtapadi:

 

This Ashtapadi by Sri Jayadeva [Sanskrit scholar] throws lights on Sri Krishna’s frolicking and playing with damsels in the Brindavan garden. This Ashtapadi is said actually to be a one-to-discussion between Raadha and her friend.

 

Meaning:

 

1.                 He who has a bluish body that is bedecked with sandal paste, clad in yellow (peeta) silks, garlanded with basil leaves and other flowers (vanamaali), whose cheeks are adorned with glitters from the studded earrings; is frolicking and playing with the damsels and is amid a modest, simple, naïve damsels!

 

One damsel says to Radha like this: “You, the expert in romance and amusement, are leaving Krishna play with simple, immatured and naïve damsels; Is it befitting Krishna to play with them when you are here? You go at once”.

 

2.                 Krishna is surrounded by these women who are simple and naïve, the romantic gestures of Krishna. His sliding and moving wide eyes (vilochana) towards them are so attractive (He himself) that these modest damsels/women who are inexperts in romancing, started gazing and staring at the the beautiful, lotus-like face of His, the eliminator of a demon Madhu (madhusoodhana*); thus, the Lord is amidst these damsels in a delightful (blissful) circle.

 

*Madhusoodhana also means ‘The one who is spilling honey’.

 

Though not everybody is expert danseuses/songsters, romance is common in every lass. Reaching Him is the Goal of every damsel and luckily He is for everyone. Women may be at any point in the circle/row, wherever but they feel Him. Be it bodily reach or envisaged/imagined. This is bringing each lady, a belonging to Krishna.

 

3.                 Krishna, now in the ronde, is kissing someone; someone else find Him in their bosom; yet someone else find Him delighting her in full beauty, having a look at the other damsels too (pashyati). Each damsel go after Krishna and everybody readily finds themselves with Him! Such is the delight that Raama**

 

**Rama is the analogy to the one who gives and takes delight in which the other person is delighted.

 

He, the giver of delight, is received with the beaming smiles on the faces of the damsels. Even those women who are peeved or irritated were reclaimed by the Lord and they encircle Him to play and frolic with Him for the diving desire !!

 

 

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