Rasa Krida

Mrs. Vinita Velankar

Redmond, Washington, U.S.A.

Abstract :Rasa Krida is an extremely important and philosophically profound episode in the Shrimad Bhagavatam, representing the highest form of intense devotion between Shri Krishna and the Gopis. While Rasa Krida is commonly associated with worldly desires (Kama), according to Sridhara Acharya, it is actually a narrative of victory over desire. The core principle of this story is how Shri Krishna conquered Kamadeva (the god of desire) by transforming the desires within the hearts of the Gopis into pure love and devotion.

Saint Eknath Maharaj explains that the Gopis were the Shrutis (Vedic hymns) from previous births. Unable to fully describe the formless, attribute-less (Nirguna) God, they took the form of Gopis to experience the bliss of the manifest (Saguna) form. Through these Shrutis—representing the paths of action, knowledge, and devotion—the superiority of Bhakti is highlighted, as Bhakti is independent and does not rely solely on Karma or Jnana.

By stealing milk, curd, and butter from the Gopis' homes and calling them with his flute, Shri Krishna destroyed their destiny (Prarabdha), ego, and sense of discrimination. In Rasa Krida, all nine Rasas (emotions)—Shringar (love), Hasya (laughter), Karun (compassion), Raudra (fury), Veer (heroism), Adbhut (wonder), Bhayanak (horror), Bibhatsa (disgust), and Shant (peace)—manifest together; however, Bhakti Rasa remains at the center. The moment ego arises, Shri Krishna disappears, and from that separation, the Gopi Geet emerges. Once the ego is destroyed, God reappears. The purpose of Rasa Krida is both altruistic (the welfare of the Gopis) and self-fulfilling (the divine bliss of God), presenting a beautiful vision of Bhakti, Love, Detachment, and Advaita (non-dual) philosophy.

Keywords: Self-serving purpose, Altruistic purpose, Narrative of victory over desire, Intense devotion.