A while back, I stumbled upon an engaging question: Why didn’t Krishna wed Radha? The person who posted this query discussed a Dvaita Vedanta perspective in which Radha is a seeker who yearns for Krishna. My heart melted at the beauty of divine love in that presentation.

Taking a different viewpoint, I have also read an alternative version of the Radha-Krishna narrative. This gives insight into this timeless tale of selfless love from an Advaita Vedanta perspective, which I explore in this post.

Before we proceed, I want to draw attention to the fact that the core texts of Sanatana Dharma contain only a blink-and-miss reference to Radha. It is possible that the entire Radha-Krishna story was someone’s figment of imagination. Still, let’s set it aside and celebrate this iconic couple’s love.

A Folklore

In his youth, Sri Krishna was determined to marry Radha. He eventually discussed it with his foster parents, Yashoda and Nanda. However, they did not favor it because Radha was a few years older than him. Not the one to back down, Krishna put his foot down.

At about that time, a powerful sage approached Krishna’s foster parents. The sage started examining Krishna’s astrological charts. After finishing his analysis, the sage looked at Krishna in awe. “This is the Divine Himself!” the sage declared. “He is going to change the world.”

Yashoda and Nanda were startled by the sage’s words. Until then, Krishna had been a mischievous, stubborn, and playful child. What would he do to change this world? They wondered, unaware of who had entered their lives as a child. The sage’s prophecies even disturbed Krishna. To introspect, he ran up a mountain and sat in meditation.

Sitting in deep absorption amidst scenic hills, he gradually remembered his true nature. From then on, it was a clear case of no looking back. He assumed a different demeanor, and shortly after, he received an invitation for a duel from his unjust uncle Kansa. With that, in his sense of duty, Krishna bid goodbye to Radha, his parents, and the village.

The Selfless Sacrifice

Although I do not know the source or authenticity of this folktale, I can’t help but admire Krishna and Radha’s last conversation as it narrates.

In response to Krishna’s explanation of his mission, Radha did not say, “I don’t care! Marry me right away.”

Instead, she said — Krishna, you are too attached to me. If we marry, I will burden you, and you will not be able to concentrate on your purpose. My beloved, for the sake of this world, let us not get married.

In turn, Krishna handed his bamboo flute to her (or some say he just threw it away), resolved not to waste the sacrifice of their love, and devoted all his attention to his purpose.

After that separation from Radha, Krishna had several wives but remained mentally unattached to everyone. He went on to conquer and reform the world with his wisdom, unconditional love, and non-attachment.

Meanwhile, for the remainder of her life, Radha lived in the village of Vrindavan. She cared for Krishna’s foster parents, freeing her lover of that responsibility.

The Divine Mother

The entire tale of Radha and Krishna, including whether they ever married, will remain a mystery. Going beyond that, Radha’s parting remarks in the story teach us something profound.

Radha could have insisted on keeping Krishna all for herself, but she chose not to. She became an embodiment of the Advaita philosophy — she was Krishna, and Krishna was her. As a result, she considered Krishna’s cause her own and made the ultimate sacrifice of letting her beloved go.

The selfless sacrifice of Radha made everyone address her as Rani, the queen. She was not a timid woman grieving for her beloved but a Vairagi, the non-attached one, admired for her beautiful heart.

Radha may have felt the pain of separation from Krishna. Yet, a soul with the inner strength to radiate unconditional love and compassion cannot be a yearning seeker. Instead, they verily become the sought. She was none other than a manifestation of Sri, the Formless Divine or Divine Energy, revered as Divine Mother.

Love,
Sri Devi Om