Gaudiya Vaishnavas believe that in fact Radha is the original source from whom Lakshmi emanated.Songs of the Vaishnava Acharyas is a collection of prayers by some of the prominent acharyas-teachers-in the lineage of Krishna consciousness. Radha is often referred to as Srimati Radharani by devout followers. Radha is the most important gopi in the Rasa lila, the dance with Lord Krishna. Radha is also the principal god of worship in the Nimbarka Sampradaya, as Nimbarka, the founder of the tradition, declared that Radha and Krishna together constitute the absolute truth. 'Radha, also called Radhika, Radharani and Radhikarani, is almost always depicted alongside Krishna and features prominently within the theology of today's Vallabha and Gaudiya Vaishnava sects, which regards Radha as the original Goddess or Shakti. Her graceful limbs are next covered with the silken garment of her modesty, powdered with the saffron of beauty's essence, and dappled with the black musk of her passionate love for Krishna.' ~ Raghunath Das She then bathes, first in waves of the nectar of compassion, then in a shower of the elixir of youth, and finally takes a third bath in an ambrosial flood of charm. It shines with lustrous splendor after being massaged with the fragrant oils of the other gopis' friendship. 'Radha's body has been carved out of the most resplendent gem of ecstatic love. 'O golden-skinned Radha, queen of Vrindavan, daughter of Vrishabhanu and beloved of Krishna, I offer salutations to you.' ~ traditional prayer They exist in two distinct forms only to enjoy the exchanges of love.' ~ Chaitanya Charitamrita Radha and Krishna are inseparable, like musk and its scent, or fire and its heat. She is the full power and Krishna is the possessor of that power. Resplendent and most beautiful, she is worship-able to everyone she is the protector of all and the mother of the entire universe. 'Radha is the storehouse of spiritual love and her countless expansions manifest unlimited aspects of that love. Mahārānī: Literally meaning Great ('maha') Queen ('rani'), here being used as a name for Radha. This sequence of words is also heard in Indian temples when a song leader will shout 'Radharani ki.' and then the entire crowd gleefully responds 'JAY!' as in, 'For Radharani?.' and the group responds, 'VICTORY!' Ki: Meaning 'to' or 'for,' as in Victory to ('ki') Radha. Rādhārānī: A name for Radha, meaning Queen ('rānī') Radha.

Vaishnava Songs on the Harmonium