Abhimanyu’s Task
On one occasion, Abhimanyu went to the market to buy some cows. He selected nice cows and returned in the afternoon to get some coins to purchase them.
Krishna’s Rumor
Meanwhile, by His arrangements, Krishna spread a rumor in Yavat that “Krishna is coming in the disguise of Abhimanyu to see Shrimati Radharani.” When Jatila and Kutila heard this, they stood at the gateway of the village with sticks, determined that Krishna would not even have a moment’s glance upon Shrimati Radharani.
Abhimanyu’s Arrival
Abhimanyu arrived, not expecting anything. As soon as he did, Jatila and Kutila started screaming at him, “Get out of here, we know who you are! We know that you are Krishna in disguise. Get away from here, or we will beat you with these sticks. Get out, get out, get out!” The whole village of Javat was in an uproar, “Get out of here, get out of here.”
Abhimanyu’s Confusion
Abhimanyu didn’t know what in the world was happening. He tried to explain, “I just came back to get some money for the cows to buy.” They said, “Get out, get out, we know your tricks. We know your cunningness, Krishna. Get out of here now.” So he ran away.
Krishna’s Disguise
Meanwhile, from another direction, Lord Shri Krishna came perfectly disguised as Abhimanyu. When Jatila and Kutila saw Him, their hearts were overwhelmed with parental affection. They embraced Krishna and said, “Oh! Abhimanyu, we are so happy to see you. You know, Krishna just came, and He was disguised as you, but we drove Him out of this village. Now Radharani is waiting for you.”
Krishna’s Plan
Krishna said, “It is an auspicious day for Radharani to perform the Puja to goddess Mangaldevi. She should fast today and go to the temple to worship throughout the day and night.” So, the mother said, “All right, that is very good. Whatever pleases you, my son.” She sent Shrimati Radharani to the Mangaldevi temple to do Her prayers throughout the day and night.
Rasa Leela
When She arrived at the temple, Lalita, Vishaka, the Gopis, and Krishna appeared there to the delight of Shri Radhika, and they performed Rasa Leela throughout the night.
Moral of the Story
Jatila and Kutila are the mother and sister, respectively, of Abhimanyu, the “so-called husband” of Shrimati Radharani in Krishna’s pastimes. They perform the service of facilitating the “Parakiya Rasa” or the mellow of paramour love in the loving pastimes of Shri Shri Radha and Krishna. They were always trying to keep Krishna away from Shrimati Radharani, chastising Him, and sometimes calling Him bad names to drive Him away.
One time, Jatila called Krishna a black snake, and Krishna said, “Yes, I am a black snake, and with My fangs, I will bite you.” Later, Krishna told Uddhava, “Actually, the chastisements of these Gopis are more pleasing to My heart than the praises and glorifications of the great rishis and sages because they have pure love, the pure desire to please Me.”
Lessons to Be Learned
- Divine Play The intricate pastimes of Lord Krishna highlight His playful and loving nature.
- Pure Love The love of the Gopis for Krishna is pure and selfless, which is more pleasing to the Lord than any ritualistic praises.
- Divine Disguise Krishna’s ability to disguise Himself and playfully engage with His devotees shows His omnipotence and affectionate nature.
- Facilitators of Love Even those who seem to obstruct divine love, like Jatila and Kutila, play a role in the divine plan, ultimately facilitating the deep love between Radha and Krishna.
Prayer
“O Lord Krishna, please grant us the wisdom to understand and appreciate Your divine pastimes and the pure love of Your devotees. Help us to develop a heart filled with selfless love and devotion towards You. May we always remember and cherish the loving exchanges between You and Shrimati Radharani, and strive to deepen our own devotion.”
