Krishna Lila is one of the most prominent themes of Indian paintings. The Blue God is seen having an ecstatic dance of love with the Gopis (Cowherd girls) and His beloved Radha. Ancient Indian scriptures like the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata called this dance of love ‘Rasa’. In the Balacharita of Bhasa, circa second century B.C., Krishna’s dance with the Gopis is called Hallisaka.
It is said that the Gopis of Vrindavana nurtured tender feelings for Krishna. The Shastras (scriptures) have defined this passionate feeling of the Gopis for Krishna as the soul’s yearnings for union with the supreme soul – the Paramatma that Krishna was. The Rasalila took place on a beautiful autumnal night. Drenched in the gossamer moonlight, Krishna played on his mesmerizing flute … and the enamored Gopis left everything to rush and be with Krishna. Krishna admonished them for leaving their homes and duties, but at the same time fulfilled their desires by sporting with each one of them. The Gopis were all satisfied and proud at the thought of being the most favored one.
 To teach the Gopis a lesson in humility, Krishna suddenly disappeared from their midst. The Gopis realized that their pride was the cause of Krishna’s disappearance and became repentant. Moved at the plight of the Gopis – Krishna’s true devotees – Krishna reappeared among them. To requite the Gopis for their immeasurable love for him, Krishna began His famous Rasa dance. During this enchanting dance, each of the Gopis thought that Krishna was dancing with her alone. At the end of the dance, Krishna and the Gopis entered the waters of Yamuna and sported in the river.
During the Rasa dance, Krishna had multiplied Himself into as many times as there were Gopis, and by an illusion, the husbands of the Gopis thought that their wives were by their sides. At the end of the enchanting night, Krishna bid the Gopis to return back to their homes. | 