A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1444

c5.1444

RĀDHĀ. 1. Wife of Adhiratha and foster-mother of Karna. 2. The favourite mistress and consort of Krishna while he lived as Go-pāla among the cowherds in Vrindā-vana. She was wife of Ayana-ghosha, a cowherd. Considered by some to be an incarnation of Lakshmī, and worshipped accordingly. Some have discovered a mystical character in Rādhā, and consider her as the type of the human soul drawn to the ineffable god, Krishna, or as that pure divine love to which the fickle lover returns.