Radha’s Eternal Love

 

 

In a world obsessed with instant gratification, where we are surrounded by apps, events, and promises of finding love, are we truly finding love, or are we simply running after an idea of love? Who said that love could be found through an algorithm or a carefully curated profile? Love is not a destination on a map or a prize to be won. It is an energy-vast, boundless and beyond definition, and it is not confined to romantic relationships alone. But have you ever stopped to ask, does love truly come with a title? Or have we been conditioned to believe that love must be named to be real?

 

Love is not something we seek; it is something we create. It is something we give. And in giving, we receive. They say the one who loves is more fulfilled than the one being adored. Science agrees. Those who nurture and admire others experience heightened dopamine levels, the ‘happy hormone’ that fuels joy and purpose. Perhaps no story embodies this truth more deeply than that of Radha and Lord Krishna. One day, one of Lord Krishna’s wives asked him, “Why does the entire town speak of Radha and Krishna’s love, while we, the wives, also love You just as much and are devoted to you?” To answer this, Lord Krishna decides to play a divine leela. Suddenly, the palace and the entire city of Dwarka echoes with his anguished words: “I am in severe pain.”

 

The Lord, who had never before complained of discomfort, now suffers from an unbearable headache. Despite all efforts, no remedy seems to work. The great Narad Muni is summoned to find a cure. Upon examining Krishna, Narad Muni suggested a solution: “The dust from the feet of those who truly love Him must be placed on His forehead. Only then will His pain be relieved.” Narada first approaches Krishna’s queens, but one by one, all step back. “How can we place the dust of our feet on our Lord’s forehead?” they ask. Even the citizens of Dwarka refuse fearing it would be a grave sin. Seeing no other choice, Narada rushes to Radha. Without a moment’s hesitation, Radha bends down and wipes mud stuck on her feet from rainy soil and hands it to Narada. Astounded, Narada asked, “Do you not fear going to hell for this?”

 

To this Radha smiles and replies, “If my beloved is in pain and I cannot help him, I have already secured a place in hell. But if he is with me, then every place is heaven. I do not fear my fate if this can ease his suffering.” Radha did not ask to be recognised, worshiped, or rewarded for her devotion. Her love was not transactional, it was not confined by societal norms, religious constraints or even the fear of eternal damnation. It is pure, selfless and unshakable. Perhaps, like Radha, we are not meant to search for love. Perhaps we are meant to become it.