The second chapter of the Geet Govind consists of two verses – five and six. Miller incorrectly translates the Sanskrit words “without care” as careless instead of carefree and therefore misstates the intent. Carefree refers to Krishna’s attitude of playing with all the maidens of Vrindavan, including Radha, without feeling guilty. Actually Radha is the protagonist of this chapter. As she says in the introduction to the sixth song:
My heart is attracted to his wanton ways
And refuses to admit my rage at being cheated.
In fact it feels strangely elated
And keeps denying that Krishna is guilty.
When Krishna steals away from me
To fulfill the desire of the other maidens
My perverse heart wants him back.
What can I do?
The Fifth Song
In this song Radha imagines Krishna with the maidens of Vrindavan for no reason other than wanting to tease her. In a sense this song repeats the imagery of the third song where Krishna is actually flirting with the other women. Perhaps the scene is fresh in Radha’s mind. Krishna is described wearing dangling earrings, plume of peacock feathers and his customary yellow garments. He plays alluring music on his flute and when the maidens come to him he smiles at them or kisses them or embraces them.
This dalliance with the maidens of Vrindavan is known as Rasa Lila and it forms in indelible impression in Radha’s mind. Actually Radha is just the medium for Jayadeva. What the poet says in his signature last verse is that the description of Krishna and the maidens should form an indelible impression in the minds of the readers, because it is only this impression that can lead to salvation in the Kaliyuga.
The Sixth Song
This is one of the most emotive songs in the entire collection and is lyrical poetry at its best. In this song Radha imagines that Krishna is with her and Jayadeva takes the readers through the myriad intimate emotions that the couple experience. The song begins with Radha in a tentative and shy mood and Krishna reassuring her and making her feel comfortable. Step by step they reach the passionate pinnacle of love. It is best to quote from Miller’s translation.
“I rest on the bed of tender ferns; he lies on my pulsating bosom.
I embrace him, kiss him; he drinks the nectar from my lips.
My eyes close languidly as I feel the quiver of his cheeks.
My body is moist with sweat; he is resonating with the passion of love.”
The aftermath is depicted as beautifully – Radha’s disheveled tresses, nail marks on her breasts, the floral garland broken and scattered and her body drained of energy.
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