Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Why is Radha not considered a goddess in Hinduism?

 According to the Devi Bhagavatam and Brahmavaivarta Purana, she is Mula Prakriti, The Devi Bhagavatam states: "Ganesh-janani Durga, Radha, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Savitri these five goddesses are said to be the fivefold Prakriti of creation". Among these five, Radha is the Prana-Adhisthatri Devi of the Supreme Being. She is described as the "Mukhya Prakriti" who is dearer to Krishna than his own life.

(Image credits to original artist)

The Narada Pancharatra and Brahmavaivarta Purana says that Maha Lakshmi appeared from the left side of Radha. Furthermore, Durga is described as a manifestation of Radha’s power to protect. It is stated: "Radha is Durga and Krishna is Rudra...". The Padma Purana says that the countless goddesses (presiding over arts, wealth, and strength) are merely expansions of Radha's "Kala". The Brahmavaivarta Purana and Narada Pancharatra use a specific analogy: "Just as whiteness is inseparable from milk, or heat from fire, so is Radha inseparable from Krishna" Vedāntins consider Brahman the ultimate reality, characterized by the primary principles of puruṣa and prakṛti. These remain unmanifest within Brahman, but upon their union, prakṛti manifests into the elements constituting dharma. The Brahmavaivarta Purāṇa (Prakṛti Khaṇḍa, 1.1–3) identifies Bhagavati Rādhikā, along with Durgā, Lakṣmī, Sarasvatī, and Sāvitrī, as the Mūlaprakṛti responsible for the creation of the jagat. The Padma Purana identifies her as the Hladini Shakti. She is the personification of the joy of the Supreme Brahman. Without her, the Lord is described as "lifeless" or like a corpse (Shava). The Brahmavaivarta Purana describes a cosmic event where Radha produces a golden egg from which Mahavishnu (the form of Vishnu who breathes out universes) is born. Thus, she is technically the mother of the Creator. She is the Raseshwari who exists in Goloka which is beyond the physical universe. According to Narada Pancharatra
"Ra" signifies the giving of everything (dān) or possession.
"Dha" signifies Nirvana (Liberation/Moksha).

(Image credits to original artist)

Therefore, Radha is the Goddess who bestows liberation upon the devotee. Even Lord Krishna worships her to set an example for the world.

Radhe Radha, Jai Maa Sherawali Vaishno Devi