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Is the Shrimad Bhagavatam part of the Mahabharata?
Was Radha a mortal woman who was made immortal by Krishna?
Are there other gopis besides Radha who are important for Krishna?
Does Balarama, Krishna's broter, also have a companion?
When does Radha first appear in scriptures?
Has she a history as an independent goddess before she is affiliated with Krishna?
Does the name Radha have a meaning?
Shrimad Bhagavatam is a scripture on its own- thank goodness, since it's already very very long (it is a Purana).
Radha is Shakti. She is an incarnation or manifestation of Lakshmi/Parvati or whomever you believe to be the Holy Mother.
But actually I don't think that Radha is mentioned by name in the Srimad Bhagavatam. She is mentioned in the purport/commentary but not the actual verses. Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.
I remember it was some later text that spoke of her but I don't recall which one.
Are there other gopis besides Radha who are important for Krishna?
Does Balarama, Krishna's broter, also have a companion?
How do other denominations interpret this verse, does someone know?The earliest information (that I know of) about Śri Rādhā is given in the Rig-parisishta (the supplement to the Rig Veda):
radhaya madhavo devo madhavenaiva radhika/ vibhrajante janeshu.
"Among all persons, it is Śri Rādhā in whose company Lord Madhava is especially glorious, as She is especially glorious in His."
I remember it was some later text that spoke of her but I don't recall which one.
How do other denominations interpret this verse, does someone know?
How do other denominations interpret this verse, does someone know?
Is the Shrimad Bhagavatam part of the Mahabharata?
Was Radha a mortal woman who was made immortal by Krishna?
Yes, Bhagawad Gita is part of Mahabharata. In the original Mahabharata she isn't linked with Krishna(both male and female). She is the foster mother of Karna.
The (foster) mother or Karna is a different person all together.
Also Marble asked if Srimad Bhagavatam is part of Mahabharata..not BG
Oh sorry. I read Mahabharata. In that it was mentioned that Karna's foster mother's name as Radha.
Marble's question & subsequent development has caused me to do some research on this topic, will post findings in a bit after I clear my erstwhile to-do list, but it caught my eye that Viśākha as a constellation might be equated to she of the same name among the varistha gopis. There appears to be a great deal of astrological significance in the rasa lila.
Of course, the Rg Parishista (āśvalāyana-gṛhya-pariśiṣṭa?) as I understand it is a late text.
Radha was the daughter of Vrishbhanu Gurjar who was king Suchandra in his previous life. Suchandra and his wife had acquired a boon from Brahmaji that in the Dwapar age Shri Laxmi will be born as a daughter to them in the form of Radha. King Suchendra and Queen Kalavati only were reborn as Vrishbhanu and Kirtikumari and Laxmiji was incarnated as Radha.
It is said that at Radhas birth, Devarshi Narad himself went and met Vrishbhanu and informed him, This girls beauty and nature is divine. All the houses, wherever her footprints are, Lord Narayan with all other deities will reside. Nurture this girl thinking her to be a Goddess. According to Naradjis advice, Vrishbhanu nurtured Radha with great love and care. Nandbaba who lived in the nearby village was friends with Vrishbanu. Once during the festival of Holi; Vrishbanu went to Gokul to meet Nandrai. At Nandrai and Yashodas house Krishna (who was growing up as their son) met Radha. Their union was divine, phenomenal and incessant. This meeting was Radha and Krishnas first meeting which became eternal"