Stanza I
Radha claims in the opening verse that she used to transport curd to the Mathura fair in order to sell it. Krishna, her adored, was born at the same location. While traveling, she witnesses heifers, or cows, lowing, or very softly mowing.
“Who will buy curd which is as white as white clouds which float in the sky because of blowing of Shravan (monsoon) breezes?” was how she intended to advertise her curd. Take note of the poet’s comparison of the beauty of two disparate objects, curd and monsoon clouds.
But she was unable to carry out her plan. She claimed to have started crying uncontrollably when she was overcome with thoughts of her beloved, the stunning Krishna. Krishna is also known by the name Govinda. Those around her began to laugh at her when they saw her acting in this way.
In the last phrase, Radha says that the river (in which her boat was drifting) was flowing quite quietly. Radha says this because everything around her seems beautiful because of her love for Krishna.
Stanza II
In this verse, Radha reiterates that she went to Mathura tide—that is, on the river (in the boat)—carrying the pots, which were full of curd. The boats, or rowers, are rowing (floating) with joy.
In addition to asking her to dance, sing, and dress in saffron to greet spring, Radha’s traveling companions also ask her to pluck the fresh flower buds that are blooming all around them.
But Radha was still thinking about her beloved Govinda and his beautiful music, so she began weeping his name again and again, much to the amusement of those around her. But Radha doesn’t appear to be concerned by them. Rather, she observes the river’s joyful flow.
Stanza III
Radha claims in the last stanza that she brought her gifts—curd—to the Mathura shrine. The candles, or torches, had a brilliant brightness. She then prayed for both her protection and the protection of her beloved Govinda, folding her hands in the temple.
The shells (conch?) were blowing very loudly. But Radha’s devotion to her beloved Govinda consumed her heart. The priests in the temple become enraged as she begins uttering Govinda’s name again. Once more, though, Radha claims that the water was flowing brilliantly and ignored them. The poem comes to an end.
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