Radharani’s lotus feet

devi krsna-mayi prokta radhika para-devata sarva-laksmi-mayi sarva- kantih sammohini para

The transcendental goddess Srimati Radharani is the direct counterpart of Lord Sri Krsna. She is the central figure for all the goddesses of fortune. She possesses all the attractiveness to attract the all-attractive Personality of Godhead. She is the primeval internal potency of the Lord. (Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 4.83)

I am not at all qualified to speak about this highly elevated topic, but I want to share what I know and how can we get the mercy of our divine mother Srimati Radharani. She is the mother of the universe, the spiritual mother of all souls. And the concept of mother is the most sacred symbol – that of purity, selflessness, caring, sharing, nurturing, and love.

Radhasthami (appearance day of Srimati Radharani) is that rare divine day when we can get darshan of her lotus feet which are more cooling than sandalwood paste and are the reservoir of all mercy.

Radharani is the consort of the Lord, and she has two distinct roles -

1. Service to Krishna and giving pleasure to Krishna (hladini)

2. Nourishing the devotees

Mostly we worship her as Krishna's counterpart. On her appearance day, she is especially merciful, and we approach her to beseech her mercy, and one way she bestows mercy is by giving us darshan of her lotus feet.

Meaning of the Auspicious Marks on the Lotus feet of Srimati Radharani:

01. cchatra - Umbrella

02. ari - Disc

03. dhvaja - Flag

04. valli - Flowery Twig

05. puṣpa - Flower

06. valayan - Jewelled Bangle

07. padma - Lotus

08. urdhva-rekha - Upward line

09. ankusham - Elephant Goad

10.ardhendu - Half Moon

11. yavaṁ - Barleycorn

12. śaktiṁ - Spear

13. gadaṁ - Club

14. syandanam - Chariot

15. vedi - Sacrificial Altar

16. kuṇḍala - Earrings

17. matsya - Fish

18. parvata - Mountain

19. daraṁ - Conch

You can read more about these markings here.

My only shelter is Sri Radhika's lotus feet which I yearn to worship with love and devotion. These lotus feet of Srimati Radhika are painted by Krsna's soft fingers with a feather dipped in the most fragrant red-colored juice. The gopis follow Krsna's example and worship the same feet for the happiness of all living entities. These feet are glorified in the Upanisads, and are found in the depth of the hearts of pure devotees.