Kṛṣṇa Disguised as a Gardener
The Trap of the Thorn
One serene morning in the flowering groves of Vṛndāvana, Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, accompanied by Her sakhīs, wandered gracefully among the fragrant trees near Kusuma-sarovara. As She reached to pluck a particularly exquisite campakaflower, Her delicate veil became entangled in a thorn bush. Momentarily caught and surprised, She paused.
The Appearance of the Gardener
Just then, from behind a flowering creeper, appeared a charming young boy with curling locks, dusky complexion, and lotus-petal eyes, dressed in simple gardener’s attire. It was none other than Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who, by the arrangement of Yogamāyā, had assumed the disguise of a humble mālī—a gardener in service to Vṛndā-devī.
With hands joined in reverence, He said sweetly, “May I help You, O gentle lady?”
Rādhā’s Suspicion and Kṛṣṇa’s Innocence
Rādhikā, raising Her lotus-like eyes, asked cautiously, “And who are You, appearing so suddenly amidst these vines?”
He smiled softly and replied, “I am merely a servant of Vṛndā-devī, entrusted with the care of these sacred flowers. I saw You in need, so I came to offer assistance.”
The Divine Touch
Stepping forward, Kṛṣṇa carefully disentangled Her veil from the thorns. In that gentle act, His hand brushed against Hers. Though the touch was subtle and seemingly accidental, it sent a tremor of bliss through Her transcendental body. Rādhā turned away shyly, Her heart flooded with divine emotion.
The Gopīs Uncover the Truth
But the gopīs, ever expert in recognizing their beloved Śyāmasundara, saw through His disguise. With bursts of delighted laughter, they cried out, “This is no ordinary gardener! It is our Kṛṣṇa, our very life and soul!” Surrounded by their teasing giggles and loving glances, Rādhārāṇī blushed, Her joy mingled with shyness, as Kṛṣṇa stood, pretending innocence but glowing with the radiance of love.
Lesson to Be Learned
The Supreme Lord, although the master of all worlds, takes humble forms to lovingly serve His devotees. Out of affection and playfulness, He conceals His divine identity to deepen the sweetness of loving exchanges. Those who are spiritually awake can recognize Him even in the most ordinary appearances. His humility is not a lack of power, but a sign of His boundless love.
Origin: This līlā is described in the oral traditions of Vraja and devotional literature, including the narrations of rāsa-laden līlās at Kusuma-sarovara.
