Tuesday, April 21, 2015

A-Z April Challenge 2015: R for RAAS LILA

R for Raas Lila
Google Images

Just as the sun went down the horizon at one end, the full moon made its appearance from the opposite end, embellishing the Yamuna River with ripples of white gold. The water flowed calmly while the birds and animals began to settle down for the night. Suddenly, their ears cocked as they heard the divine music from Krishna’s flute. Deer, cows, horses along with crows, pigeons and peacocks came rushing to the bank of the river to find their favourite Gwala seated on a smooth rock, his fingers delicately caressing the flute as he blew such wonderful notes from it.

It was not long before Radha joined the scene at his feet, her eyes looking up at her lover’s face adoringly. A gentle sigh broke from her lips as she placed her head against his lap, giving herself up to the soft music.

Gopika Karuna stood straight, entranced by the sounds coming from the river bank. She forgot that she was serving her husband his dinner and walked out of the house, following the notes.

Gopika Shivangi didn’t stop to find out if her baby was asleep in his crib before she stopped her lullaby in a hurry to reach the banks of the river.

Gopika Madhavi was spreading the bed on the floor to settle for the night. The pillows fell out of her hands as she left her task midway to follow the music flowing into her ears.

Gopika Ranjana was just shutting the cowshed when the cows pushed against the door and walked away. Surprised to see this unexpected behaviour of the cattle, she turned in the direction they were walking when she heard Krishna’s flute. She followed the cows, forgetting her home.

And so it was all around Gokul, every single woman from age 14-50, thronged the banks of Yamuna, listening to Lord Krishna’s divine flute. Their eyes studied Radha enviously. Wasn’t she lucky to have the Blue Lord belong to her!

Lo and Behold! Each Gopika was astounded to find a lovely Krishna beside her, looking at her with glowing dark eyes, as if she was the only other person on earth besides himself. And it began, the celestial dance of hundreds of Gopikas with as many Krishnas, with Radha-Krishna in the centre. The anklets of the Gopikas added rhythm to Krishna's flute as the Raas Lila lasted through the night.

Glossary:
Gwala – cowherd





Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015
Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal
I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

32 comments:

  1. Wow, such wonderful descriptions and the image combined with your words captures the imagination of the reader.

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  2. Aha... apt for romantic souls like us! All the gopis and scenarios, so well thought of. Fantastic!!

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    1. Thank you so much Ruchi! I totally agree with you. So glad you liked it :)

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  3. Ah that is the story of Raas Lila! Wonderfully woven madam.

    You know, I have been learning so much about mythology here. And I'm so glad to have found your blog at the right time :)

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  4. Beautiful story of Kanha's Raas Lila. Divine love for all so beautifully shown.

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  5. Oh, how beautiful and magical, I can imagine it in my head!

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  6. Your words bring the characters to life as we read it :) Loved this one :)

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  7. How beautifully you have described the entire story! Your words helped me picture the scene.

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    1. Thank you so much Cynthia :D I am glad to hear that

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  8. I have heard that every one was mesmerized, you describe it beautifully.

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    1. Yeah, that's what I have heard too. Thank you Inderpreet :)

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  9. Wow! Wish I was a Gopika too. Lovely.

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  10. just reading about it gave me goosebumps!! so well you described the leela of krishna to be everywhere at the same time!!

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    1. Glad to hear that Little Princess. Thank you so much :D

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  11. This created such a beautiful and a vivid imagery, Sundari! Loved it!! ♥

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    1. So glad to hear that Shilpa. Thank you so much :D <3

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  12. You have used a lot of imagery this time Sundari. Yes!! Its different and it suits the story to the T. When ever we speak of Ras Lila .. we want to 'see' it. You showed it to us. #Thankyou. :P

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    1. Thank you Ina! Was wondering where you had disappeared. So glad you were able to 'see' the scene. That was the idea :D

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  13. Your narration is as beautiful as the image that shows the vivacity of the Ras Leela, Sundari! I love the way you have brought the romance of the dance to life!

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    1. Thank you so much Deepti. It was not easy getting the right image after writing that piece :D Glad you find them matching

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  14. what a beautiful description of Ras Leela :)

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  15. Admire the way you personalised each Gopika and the beauty of the entrancing quality of Krishna's flute :)

    *Shailaja/Alternate Angles/A-Z*

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