From Krishna’s Mistress to the Mistress of Krishna

The Evolution of Rādhā in the Haridāsī Sampradāya

Abstract

The article "From Krishna’s Mistress to the Mistress of Krishna: The Evolution of Rādhā in the Haridāsī Sampradāya" by Lucy Rosenstein explores the theological and literary transformation of Rādhā from a pastoral milkmaid to a divine, supreme goddess within the Haridāsī tradition of North Indian Vaishnavism. The article examines how sectarian commentaries reinterpreted the mystical poetry of Svāmī Haridās to elevate Rādhā's status, asserting her supremacy over Krishna. Rosenstein also draws parallels with other bhakti traditions like the Vallabh and Rādhāvallabh Sampradāyas to highlight the widespread theological emphasis on Rādhā’s primacy.