Beggar

One day, Sri Krishna could not meet with Radhika because She was in mana. He became most agitated in separation from Her, so on the advice of Visakha, He disguised Himself as a brahmana student. He donned a sacred thread across His shoulder and wooden shoes on His feet. Carrying a begging bowl and staff in His hands and a book under His arm, He arrived at the door of Jatila’s house in Javata and began begging by calling out God’s name. Since it was morning time, Jatila and Kutila were making cow-dung patties and had not yet bathed. Because they were not clean, they could not give any alms in charity. They therefore called for Radhika and ordered Her to give alms to the brahmana, but Radhika refused to come before any man other than Her husband. The beggar boy had His own unique style.

“Mother,” He said, “I cannot stay here very long. I can only wait for as long as it takes to milk a cow and no longer. It is already time for Me to go.”

Jatila thought, “If this young brahmana leaves empty-handed, it will not be at all auspicious for my family and the cows or any of my family members may die.”

She entered the house and in a gentle way explained the situation to her daughter-in-law, repeatedly requesting Her to give the mendicant some alms. She then returned to make cow-dung patties.
Srimati Radhika covered Her face with Her veil and carried a plate of flour, lentils and vegetables to the door. Lalita, Visakha and the other sakhis accompanied Her. When She tried to offer them to the beggar, He humbly petitioned Her, “I have no need for these alms. Please place Your precious mana in My begging bowl.”

Now Priyaji understood everything. She smiled, uncovered Her face a little and emptied the whole plate on top of His head. Delighted, the young beggar went His way, meditating upon the alms He had just received from Radhika.