Among all the gopis in Vrindavan, Radha was Krishna's
favourite. She was the daughter of a cowherd Vrishabhanu and Kamalavati of
Barsana.
Radha loved Krishna deeply and was very devoted to him. Often found
singing and dancing together, their deep affection for each other made the
other gopis jealous. When Krishna and his friends went to Barsana to smear
colour on Radha, her friends beat them up with lathis or sticks and chased
the boys away. This playful tradition is celebrated as Laathimar Holi in
Barasana even today.
When Krishna left For Mathura and and later became king of Dwarka,
Radha waited earnestly for his return. Krishna had told Radha that her
name would always be taken before his and that is why we always say
Radakrishna and never Krishnaradha.
Radha's birth is celebrated on Radha Ashtami, fifteen days after the
birthday of Krishna. |