Rādhā and the Rāsa-līlā

The Esoteric Vision of Caitanyaite Vaishnavism

Abstract

The article "Rādhā and the Rāsa-līlā: The Esoteric Vision of Caitanyaite Vaishnavism" by Graham M. Schweig explores the nuanced and symbolic presence of Rādhā in the Rāsa-līlā episode of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa. It examines how Caitanyaite Vaishnava traditions perceive Rādhā as the supreme goddess and central heroine in the divine dance, despite her name being absent in the original scripture. Drawing from early theological sources, the article argues for an esoteric reading that places Rādhā at the heart of the līlā, illuminating the deep devotional and philosophical foundations of this tradition.