Radha refers to either one of two figures in Hindu religion and mythology. By far the most important is Radha, the gopi, who participates in the Rasa Lila with Krishna.

Radha the Gopi

In the story of Krishna, as told in the Mahabharata, she is one of the gopis, (cow-herding women, or cow-girls), of Vrindavana, and was brought up in this community with Krishna.

There are a number of accounts of her parentage. According to one of the common ones, her father is the cowherd Vrishabanu, and her mother Kamalavati. However, in other accounts Vrishabanu is described as a king.

According to some stories, she is married to the cowherd Ayana (who may also be called Ayana Ghosh, or Abhimanyu).

In the devotional or bhakti traditions of Hinduism that focus on Krishna, Radha the gopi is his consort. For some of the adherents of these traditions, her importance begins to approach that of Krishna. Further accounts of her in this role can be seen in the article on Radharani.

Foster mother of Karna

Another Radha is also found in the Mahabharata. She is the wife of the cart driver Adiratha, who found the abandoned newborn boy Karna. Adiratha and Radha became his foster parents. Hence, Karna is sometimes called Radheya (son of Radha).

External links

• Who Is that Girl with Krishna?
• Sri Radha