Radha Astami

Radha Astami is the appearance anniversary of Srimati Radharani. She is Krishna's greatest devotee, the feminine aspect of the Absolute Truth, and Krishna's spiritual energy personified.

It is an auspicious start for the rest of the year, and we encourage devotees reading this to kindly consider donating on this day.

The Male and Female Aspects of the Divine

The highest truth has both male and female aspects. Like the sun and the sunshine, each gives meaning to the other. The male and female aspects of the Supreme Being appear together as Vishnu and Laksmi, Rama and Sita, and Krishna and Radharani. Srimati Radharani represents Lord Krishna's *Hladini-shakti*, His internal pleasure-giving potency.

During Krishna's childhood pastimes in Vrindavan, Radharani is His feminine counterpart. The Srimad-Bhagavatam and the books of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan tell how They eternally enjoy each other's company and are always making plans to meet.

Srimati Radharani, the Queen of Vrindavan

Transcendental Nature of Radha-Krishna Pastimes

Srila Prabhupada, in his commentary on Srimad-Bhagavatam, cautions that although Krishna and Radharani's relationship may appear like romantic dealings between young boys and girls, it is purely transcendental. There are spiritual prerequisites for properly understanding it.

In his summary study of the Tenth Canto — Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead — Srila Prabhupada recommends that an aspiring devotee of Krishna thoroughly study the Bhagavatam's first nine cantos — which stress the greatness of God and His divine energy — before delving into the more intimate, confidential pastimes found in the Tenth Canto.

"Radharani also appears in the Hare Krishna mantra as 'Hare', the vocative form of 'Hara'. Hara is the feminine form of Hari, another name of Krishna. Her name appears before Krishna's in the mantra because She is known for Her compassionate nature; devotees of Krishna approach Her first to seek recommendation to Krishna."

On Radhashtami day, the temple is decorated with colorful flowers, and a grand abhishekam is performed. Devotees sing sweet prayers, listen to discourses on Srimati Radharani's transcendental qualities, and join in a grand feast offered in Her honor.