by Muddupalani
She, who like a parrot speaks,
To this beauteous Rukmini
I pray for prosperity.
3. Like a graceful elephant she sways
Long, black hair coiled like Adi Shesha
Like lofty mountains her breasts rise
With languorous grace her feet move
To that gracious Satyabhama I pray
For eternal protection.
4. I bow to Adi Shesha
On whom rests mighty Srinivasa,
Hail to the able-bodied Garuda
Who is His vahana,
Praise be to Hari’s general Vishwaksena
To all the gods and great scholars
And to the Lord God, refuge of all beings,
I pay obeisance.
5. Muddupalani then evokes the blessings of all the scholars and poets she admires. These include Sanskrit littérateurs like Valmiki, Vyasa and Kalidasa, and Telugu poets Nannaya, Tikkana, Nachana Somana, Srinatha, Bhaskara, Vemulavada and Bheemakavi. She then disavows those she calls kukavis and critics while explaining the reason for her writing this kavya.
6. Bad news are critics and kukavis
Whose lives depend on calumny.
Ignore them and pay not heed.
And should you come to a barb while reading
Use your discrimination.
7. But cynics don’t stop:
‘What use is another kavya
When so much,
Far better, already exists?’
To them, I say:
‘The bee that enjoys the lotus
Delights in the honey of ordinary flowers
With equal relish.’
8. Brown body lustrous
Gossamer pitambar tied at his waist
Pearl nose pin gleaming bright
Kasturi tilakam anointing his forehead
Compassionate eyes reflecting his grace
With peacock feathers and abundant flowers
With the moon and the sun as his ornaments bright
His matchless beauty
Seemed all splendour and grace.
Holding Radhika’s flower in his hand
He appeared, the radiant Krishna,
In my dream.
9. Stunned and stupefied
I was
Prostrating before my Lord
He looked
At me
My Krishna
And spoke
With much love, much compassion.
10. ‘O Muddupalani!
Most sensitive of poets,
I desire you to write
With great dedication
The tale closest to my heart,
The tale of Radhika Santawanam.’
11. As soon as he uttered these words, the Lord disappeared, leaving me mesmerized and awestruck. Perturbed, and wondering what this wonderful dream meant, I sought the help of scholars to interpret it.
12. Then did I remember the man who was steeped in Vedantic tradition, known for his gravitas and magnanimity, who felled disbelievers and ignoramuses alike with his depth of knowledge, surrounded by devotees—he who stood like the moon in a sea of scholars, whose guidance I sought because of my good fortune. This epitome of good qualities was my guru and preceptor, Veera Raghava Desika, who followed in the footsteps of His Holiness, the revered Thirumala Tatacharya. Propitiating him, as he sat surrounded by scholars and artistes, I narrated the dream, seeking answers to what it meant. And then in chorus they declared that I’d been blessed by Krishna’s presence, because I’d served well the great sire Veera Raghava, who was none other than the Lord incarnate. Graced as I was by the God’s presence they showered me with blessings saying that I would be the recipient of much fame and fortune.
13. ‘He, most able of administrators,
He, who chased away darkness from earth
Earning the country’s praise.
He, who with his might and valour, contained the enemy’s armies.
He, whom Aryavrata considers an embodiment of knowledge,
Is such a man a mere king?
Loving son and compassionate ruler,
Known as the Moon of the Bhosale kingdom
Is the great Pratapsimha.
14. ‘He whose magnanimity
Put Lord Indra to shame
Whose deep devotion to Lord Rama
Caused Narada to pale in comparison
Whose genius and knowledge
Made Adi Shesha bow in humility
Whose pervasive fame
Rendered the Sea God shamefaced
He whose eminence and reputation
Spread through God’s kingdom,
The Himalayas and the entire world
Is the great Pratapsimha.’
15. They said:
‘You who have received such a king’s affections,
Should you be surprised by such unusual happenings?
Elaborate on your life for all to know,’
They encouraged with kindness.
16. Thus persuaded, Muddupalani outlines her genealogy. Tanjanayaki, a renowned court dancer and courtesan, befriends a man called Ayyavaya, who is a great philanthropist although from a lower caste. Considering him a brother, she adopts his son and names him Muthyalu, raising him as her own. When Muthyalu comes of age, she gets him married to another talented and beautiful courtesan much like herself called Rama Vadhuti, who is also addressed here as Potiboti.
17. What is it that turns red on touch?
The tips of his lady’s breasts.
What sparkles like precious stones
On the crowns of Manmatha, Brahma and others?
What blossoms like lotus fields
In the hearts of devout sages?
Who spreads the glory of the Vedas?
The sacred Ganges rising from Shiva’s head
Flows through the three worlds,
To the auspicious feet of Shri Vishnu.
18. From His holy feet was born
Into the Sudra caste,
A man called Ayyavaya,
Renowned as Karna,
The magnanimous philanthropist.
19. He and his wife Chengathi
Begot a son Muthyalu, whom
The dancer Tanjanayaki loved so true
That she took him for her own.
20. Impossible to assess was
Tanjanayaki’s wealth and intelligence,
Shrewd, skilled, sensuous was she
Winning over one and all.
21. Could she play the veena?
Oh! Even statues would start nodding their heads.
Could she dance?
Oh! Even Rambha would hang her head in shame.
Could she sing?
Oh! Even the hardest rock would melt in minutes.
Could she converse?
Like a sprinkle of cool water, drenching one in happiness.
22. Epithets such as these adorned her
Unequalled and beyond compare
Embodiment of virtue and great beauty
Kamadeva’s own creation, was Tanjanayaki.
23. And like siblings true
Did Tanjanayaki and Muthyalu’s father live
Caring and coexisting
Like Kunti and Vasudeva.
24. Then one day did Muddu Tanjanayaki
Come across another
Best amongst women,
An epitome of virtues,
A beauteous ganika called Rama Vadhuti.
25. An agraharam
Ramambakhya Puram,
A great temple to Shiva
Playgrounds and verdant gardens
Fragrant flowers full in bloom
Great ponds and lakes with lotus buds
All these and more had the great lady built
Giving joy to one and all.
26. On seeing her alluring face
Stood Muthyalu transfixed.
A king did he become, approaching this beauty
Conquering her love, a chakravarti or emperor,
And touching her breasts
Turned him into a Durgadhipati, King of Forts.
27. Devoted like Narada
Compassionate like Rama
Pleasant like the very moon, was he
Rivalling Duryodhana and Bhima in valour.
Like Raja Bhoj was he in the arts
Well versed in Bharata Shastras like Krishna
This disciple of the great Tatacharya
Benefactor of all those in need
Giving freely to all
Was this great man Muthyalu
Who chose Rama Vadhuti for his wife.
28. Fêted and feasted
Generous to a fault
Radiant like Lakshmi and Indrani
Devotee of Lord Shiva and his consort
No words are enough to praise
The wondrous Rama Vadhuti.
29. Only the one who can gaze at her beautiful face
Can be called the King of Kings.
Only the one who sees her narrow waist
Can be called the Lord of the Earth.
Only the one who strokes her proud breasts
Can be called the Owner of Forts.
Only the one who touches her stomach folds
Can call himself Supreme King.
30. Possessing wealth, friendship, intelligence
Beauty, loveliness, style and allure
Her comeliness surpassing all others
The epitome of good qualities,
Shone Rama Vadhuti, resplendent.
31. Such a person did Muthyalu marry
A woman who suited him true,
Giving his heart happily
To the virtuous Rama Vadhuti.
32. Muthyalu was the disciple of the great preceptor Thirumala Tatacharya, whose scholarship and character was equal to the gods, including Indra, Rama, Krishna, Bhoja and Narada. And I, Muddupalani, born to Muthyalu and Rama Vadhuti, also became his disciple.
33. Shining bright like the moon amidst stars
A rarity among poets
Most experienced in the arts.
Fish-like eyes desired even by Manmatha,
She mocks even the lotus flower
Padmavathi’s face,
Is equalled only by Muddupalani’s.
34. Which other woman of my kind
Has written the Ramakoti?
To which other woman of my kind
Have epics been dedicated?
Which other woman of my kind
Has been felicitated by scholars with valuable gifts?
35. Which other woman of my kind
Has been honoured by kings and lords?
Which other woman of my kind
Has won such acclaim in all the arts?
Blessed by the redoubtable Tatacharya,
This is the daughter of Muthyalu
Incomparable, is Muddupalani.
36. Praised by kings stands she
Of radiant countenance round like the full moon
Sparkling conversation matching her face
Compassionate eyes matching her gentle speech
Generosity of spirit matching her luminous eyes
Ornaments true of Muddupalani.
37. The one who resides on Garudachala
And dwells in the hearts of gopis
The one who killed the demon Sambara
To him, I pay obeisance.
38. The one on whose broad chest rests
The shimmering kaustubha.
The Lord who protects his devotees true,
Lord of the Vedas,
Greatest amongst scholars,
To him I pay my respects.
39. To Souri who fulfils all desires,
To the true friend of the Pandavas
Lifting Govardhanagiri
Eliminating the evil Kalinga
He who destroys the arrogance of rakshasas
To that God Hari I pray.
40. Charioteer and devoted friend
Who destroys the pride and ego
Dwelling deep in Arjuna’s heart.
His countenance and hands aglow
Mischievous smile, sparkling eyes
Before the enchanting Dwarkadheesh
I do bow.
41. To the compassionate Lord
Who dwells in the hearts of great sages
The one who won over the Kauravas
Unequalled in all virtues
At his lotus feet,
I do meditate.
Chapter One
Vrepalla, the seat of art and beauty
Krishna’s love life
Radhika, Krishna’s beloved
Young Ila
Vasudeva’s life
Ila’s desire for Krishna
Radhika tutors Ila in the arts
Ila attains puberty
Radhika performs traditional rituals
Wedding of Krishna and Ila
Radhika tutors Ila on sexual matters
Radhika’s depression
Krishna woos Ila
Parrot narrates Radhika’s anguish to Krishna
Radhika tells Souri of her desire
Love games between Radha and Krishna
Sunrise and the morning after
1. Muddupalani, believing that the subject and its treatment of her work could meet with censure from critics, shrewdly gets this tale of love between Radha, Krishna and Ila narrated by the wisest of sages, Maharishi Suka, to the scholarly King Janaka.
2. King Janaka, addressed the revered and renowned Suka Muni, with great devotion and enthusiasm:
3. O great saint! I have heard the stories of Lord Vishnu with great pleasure. Why though, did Radha, who had raised Ila from childhood, get so agitated? What was the cause of her anger? How did the leader of cowherds, son of Devaki, appease his lady love? Kindly narrate the story to me so I may hear and be blessed.
4. Hearing this, the saint Suka reverentially recalled the auspicious feet of Lord Krishna and said, eyes brimming with tears of ecstasy:
5. Whenever you hear
The sweet music of beauteous gopis,
Whenever you hear
The melodious veena played by moon-faced girls,
Whenever you see
The confluence of music and literature
By women who walk with elephantine grace,
Whenever you see
Expressive Bharatanatyam
Rendered by dusky women,
Whenever you hear
Groups singing praises of Krishna’s exploits,
Then Vrepalle shines
Bathed in the glorious colour of this Love God
Suffused with the divine love of Krishna.
6. Lying in Nanda’s private chambers
Is the one adorned with the kaustubha mani,
The slayer of demons,
The stealer of hearts,
The embodiment of all virtues—
Madanagopala.
7. His fame like fire
Spreads across the land,
Should we doubt that he is the moon itself?
His radiant glow forever attracts lotus flowers,
Should we hesitate in addressing him as the Sun God?
He is, verily, the slayer of demons,
Should we waver in calling him the Lord of Gods?
His resplendent body fascinates the very swan,
Should we pause before addressing him as the Sea God?
His feet that glow like the rising sun,
Are they not equal to the lotus flower?
Worshipping with reverence
Wise men pray
Whilst Lord Krishna sits
Ever dignified, silent.
8. Long, lustrous tresses that curl at the tips
Face radiant as the full moon
Arched brows framing twinkling eyes
Skin rich like intense dark clouds
The pretty women of Vrepalle
Succumb to his irresistible charms.
Alas! Should such a seductive man
set out to woo
How can a virtuous lady
Or even a nun resist?
9. Were her breasts not like lofty mountains
Would they withstand the attack of Krishna’s hands?
Were her eyes not like black tulips
Would they sparkle at a mere glance from Hari?
Were her body not electrifying as lightning
Would it merge with Krishna’s dark one?
Were her feet not like blossoms fresh
Would they flower at Krishna’s touch?
Praised thus by the wise,
The fairest of all
The younger sister of Nanda with long-flowing tresses
Who spoke as sweetly as a parrot
Was the lady Radhika.
10. Oh, was she content being the Lord’s lover!
11. Long, dark tresses weighed down her nubile body
Gazelle eyes darting shy
Breasts youthful and upright
Slimmest of waists and most youthful thighs
Undulating gait and flushed cheeks
Radiant face glowing bright
Is this beauty
Ila Devi.
12. Pamper and spoil
Did Yashoda and Nanda
This nature’s child.
Indulgently cared for
With every need met
Did Ila thrive under Radha’s tutelage.
13. The destroyer of demons
The Love God of village belles
The Lord God of all deities
The blue-eyed son of his parents.
14. Attractive and irresistible
Young eyes glint invitingly
Slim-waisted women
Flash beguiling smiles
Mature women with faces round
Entice by parading luscious breasts
Middle-aged women with eyes a-roving
Lure him, virtue abandoned
Them and others more he fulfils
Much like the moon lighting up the world
Living amidst them is he
Manmatha himself, churner of hearts
The gorgeous Rajagopala.
15. When Radha would offer her bountiful breasts
To the slayer of demons,
Ila would lament: ‘But I have none!’
When Radha would present her full red lips,
Ila would lament: ‘Mine aren’t so luscious.’
When Radha would present him a peacock feather,
Ila would lament: ‘I have nothing to give!’
When Radha would flash her shining teeth,
Ila would lament: ‘Mine don’t sparkle.’
And when Radha would invite Krishna,
‘Come into the bedroom …’
Ila would wail: ‘Wait for me too!’
To the merriment and delight
Of Radha and Krishna.
16. Playing hide and seek,
Ila would make Murari close her eyes.
Playing touch and go,