Abhista Prarthanastaka
When, in the cowherd village, shall I too serve betel to the dear friend of Vishakha, who sits bowed low and hidden behind Rohini, while Mother Yashoda, the queen of the cowherd king's household, tearfully performing the rites of fondling her playful son, glances at her again and again?
When, as Gandharva (Radha), in her own home, joyfully and purely fashions necklaces for Hari's sake together with crowds of her girl companions of the same age, will this maidservant, choosing a jewel again and again from the heap of caskets and placing it in her lovely hand -- ah! -- make her own creeper-like arm bear fruit?
When, in the triumphant kingdom of pastimes that is the forest of Vraja, will my mistress Radha -- directly manifesting there her own good fortune as his beloved, sporting everywhere, and attended on every side by her subjects headed by the cuckoos and bees -- gladden me?
When, on the bank of the Yamuna, as Radha, the daughter of the sun's friend, strings flowers with three or four sakhis, her face bashfully lowered -- ah! -- and Krishna, the enemy of Baka, secretly approaches and suddenly longs to embrace her, will I, fanning her as her maid, intensely relish the frown with which she forbids him?
When, on that bright circle of the sandy bank, amid the splendour of the rasa dance, as the hosts of golden-limbed gopis are intoxicated with rivalry, each crying 'I first!', and Hari has become a blue-lotus touchstone to test them, will Radha, by her qualities that triumph over all, delight us like a divine treasure?
When, in the renowned and lovely bower beneath the Bhandira tree, seated upon an incomparable couch of flowers, will Krishna paint a wondrous picture upon his beloved, resting his vine-like arm upon her, taking the brush Vishakha hands him, and applying its colors?
When, in a secluded bower high on a mountain peak overhung with creepers, will Radha -- having first praised their forest resting-place and recounted to her beloved the pastimes of former days, her words indistinct from intoxicating bliss and broken by bashfulness -- quickly and eagerly place her question before me?
That which is my eternal goal; which is the whole wealth of her girl companions; which is the full glory of the good fortune earned by my mistress's love for her dearest one; which is Hari's beautiful object of love, equal to her; which is her very residence -- at that kunda may Lalita's dear friend (Radha) ever shine before my eyes.
About Abhista Prarthanastaka
An astaka of longing (abhilasa) by Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, who renounced kingly comforts to live as a beggar-ascetic at Radha-kunda absorbed in the moods of a manjari serving Radha. Each verse opens with the word kada, "when," as the poet yearns for the day he will witness and serve in one of Radha and Krishna's intimate Vraja pastimes -- fanning, holding jewels, watching Yashoda's tender care of her son -- and the final verse fixes his whole hope on Radha-kunda itself, the site where he passed his last days in bhajana.
- Composer
- Raghunatha Dasa Goswami · Read biography
- Verses
- 8
Frequently asked
Who wrote Abhista Prarthanastaka?
Abhista Prarthanastaka was composed by Raghunatha Dasa Goswami.
What is the meaning of Abhista Prarthanastaka?
When, in the cowherd village, shall I too serve betel to the dear friend of Vishakha, who sits bowed low and hidden behind Rohini, while Mother Yashoda, the queen of the cowherd king's household, tearfully performing the rites of fondling her playful son, glances at her again and again?
How many verses does Abhista Prarthanastaka have?
Abhista Prarthanastaka has 8 verses.
Can I download Abhista Prarthanastaka as a PPT or PDF?
Yes. A ready-to-display slide deck for Abhista Prarthanastaka — verse and translation on each slide — is available to download in both PowerPoint (.pptx) and PDF formats from this page, for use in kirtan or temple programs.