Rasikani Radha

Immersing oneself in a variety of musical renditions of a raga is the best way of learning it and as I delve myself into learning Raga Madhmad Sarang, a very evocative raag performed in the late afternoon, I started looking for different renditions in it. Upon searching YouTube, the first result that caught my attention was a rendition by the legendary Pandit Jasraj, a personal favorite of mine. Without hesitation, I pressed the play button, and what unfolded next was nothing short of a sublime experience. 

The rendition of the bandish 'rasikani radha palana jhoolai' by him is truly celestial. Instead of simply listening to explore Madhmad Sarang, I found myself completely immersed in it. As I absorbed the performance, vivid imagery unfolded before me: the enchanting sight of Radha gracefully swaying on a swing adorned with resplendent jewels, surrounded by joyful onlookers. It was as if the music poured down like honey, a sweet cascade to my ears. With each note, I felt merely goosebumps, a testament to the enchanting melody that is as mesmerizing as the ethereal beauty of Radha herself. 

The words deeply resonated within me, and upon investigating further, I discovered that the bandish is a segment of a pada penned by the illustrious poet Paramanand Das. Indeed, it is a "Jhoola," a seasonal folk song form that holds a connection with the monsoon. In essence, it portrays the serene and wise Radha, gracefully swaying in a swing adorned with precious jewels. Entranced, everyone becomes an observer. Her youthfulness and exquisite beauty shine, making her the very embodiment of aesthetic perfection. Such is her charm that even the sovereign of the entire realm, Krishna, finds himself captivated by her allure.

रसिकनी राधा पलना झूलें। देखि देखि गोपीजन फूलें॥

रतन जटित को पलना सोहै। निरखि निरखि जननी मन मोहे॥

सोभा की सागर सुकुमारी। उमा रमा रति वारी डारी॥

डोरी ऐंचत भौंह मरोरै। बार बार कुंवरी तृन तोरै॥

तिहि छिन की सोभा कछु न्यारी। अखिल भुवनपति हाथ संवारी॥

मुख पर अंबर बारति मैया। आनंद भयो परमानंद भैया॥

Paramanand Das Ji is renowned as an Ashtachhapa Kavi, belonging to a distinguished group of eight illustrious poets. These poets composed padas that vividly depicted the divine leelas of Lord Krishna. This group, established in 1565, composed their poems in the enchanting and sonorous Braj language. Soordas Ji, renowned to many for his enchanting poem 'Main nahin makhan khayo,' stands as another luminary among the Ashtachhap kavis, gaining widespread recognition among the masses.

Lyrics credits - https://www.hindwi.org/pad/rasikni-radha-palna-jhulen-permananddas-pad