(The Pastime of Disguise on Gopāṣṭamī)
The Divine Lovers
Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī is the embodiment of the hlādinī-śakti, the internal pleasure potency of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Kṛṣṇa is the eternal male, the source of all existence; Rādhā is the eternal female, the very essence of His bliss. Their love is not a worldly affection—it is the eternal play of divine attraction that sustains all creation.
Yet for the sake of relishing ever-deepening emotions, the Divine Couple forget Their eternal unity and appear as two—lover and beloved. They meet and separate, approach and withdraw, just to increase the sweetness of love. Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes are the secret heartbeat of reality itself—pure love enacting its eternal drama.
Love Defying Convention
In the eyes of the world, their relationship appears improper, even scandalous. Rādhārāṇī is outwardly married to another, and therefore her longing for Kṛṣṇa seems forbidden. But this apparent transgression is the highest expression of divine love, for in it lies the victory of affection over law, of love over fear, of heart over duty.
Committees of elders, led by Rādhā’s mother-in-law Jaṭilā, guard her every step. They watch her closely, fearing that she might secretly meet the charming cowherd boy of Vṛndāvana. The more they try to separate the lovers, the more their love intensifies, burning like gold purified in fire.
The Clever Plan
One day, Kṛṣṇa’s intimate friend Subala planned to help Rādhā escape her home. Carrying a young calf in his arms, Subala approached the courtyard of Jaṭilā’s house. As planned, he gave the calf’s tail a twist, and the little animal darted into the courtyard, bleating loudly. Subala ran in after it, pretending to be distressed.
Instantly, Jaṭilā’s suspicion flared. “What are you doing here?” she cried. “You’re one of Kṛṣṇa’s companions! You and that mischievous boy are always plotting something together! Get out of my house!”
Subala folded his palms humbly. “No, no, Mother,” he said, panting. “You misunderstand. I’ve come only to catch my calf. Truly, I’m finished with Kṛṣṇa. We quarreled this morning, and I’ve decided to give up his company. I’m just a simple cowherd boy now. Please, let me retrieve my calf.”
Subala’s words were so gentle and persuasive that Jaṭilā began to believe him. “Very well,” she said reluctantly, “but be quick about it.”
The Exchange of Forms
Once inside, Subala found Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī waiting anxiously. There was no time to lose. He quickly handed her his own cowherd clothes—his dhoti, his turban, and his stick—and she gave him her elegant veil and ornaments.
The resemblance between them was astonishing. Their faces, complexions, and figures were so alike that they looked like twins. When Rādhārāṇī donned Subala’s attire and wrapped her arms around the calf, pressing it against her chest, no one could recognize her. Her beautiful form was concealed beneath the simple dress of a young cowherd boy.
The Escape
With her heart trembling in excitement, Rādhā walked out of the house carrying the calf. Jaṭilā stood at the gate, watching her carefully, but saw only Subala. Rādhā turned and gave a gentle nod—the same sweet smile that Subala often gave—and passed by safely.
Inwardly, she was burning with joy. Every step carried her closer to Kṛṣṇa, who was waiting eagerly in the forest bowers of Vṛndāvana. Thus disguised in Subala-veśa, the Queen of Vraja made her way to meet the Lord of her life.
The Eternal Remembrance
This pastime is eternally commemorated in Vṛndāvana. On the sacred day of Gopāṣṭamī, devotees decorate the Deity of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī in the costume of a cowherd boy, holding a small calf to her chest. On this special occasion, Her lotus feet—usually hidden beneath her long skirt—can be seen and adored by all.
The vision of Rādhā in Subala’s dress is a reminder that love finds its way through every obstacle, that divine intelligence works even through disguise, and that the longing of the soul for God will always find its meeting place.
Reflection
This tender pastime of Subala-veśa teaches us profound truths about love and devotion:
- Love seeks no boundaries. When affection is pure, it defies fear, duty, and custom.
- True devotion is courageous. Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī risked everything—honor, safety, and reputation—for a single glimpse of Kṛṣṇa.
- Service requires creativity. The devotee finds endless ways to unite with and serve the Lord, even when the world opposes it.
- The soul’s ultimate yearning is to be with Kṛṣṇa, beyond all disguise, beyond all convention.
Whoever remembers this sweet pastime on Gopāṣṭamī day gains the blessing of seeing Rādhārāṇī’s lotus feet and the joy of her secret meeting with Kṛṣṇa in the forests of love.
