The afternoon sun lit the forest temple. There the worship of Surya was to be performed. Radha and the gopis were together in Vrindavan. A little earlier they had been enjoying Krishna's company. Then news arrived that Jatila was coming. The friends immediately went toward the temple. Jatila was waiting for Radha and was curious. She wanted to know why they had been delayed so long. Radha answered that they had been bathing. Then Jatila asked about Kundalata.
Radha said Kundalata had been seeking a priest. Someone was needed to lead the prayers for the rite. At that very moment Kundalata did appear. With her came a young priest dressed in white. He carried a book and sacred grass in His hands. His voice was calm and pleasant. The friends immediately recognized who He was. It was Krishna, cleverly dressed in another way. Radha lowered Her eyes with a quiet smile. Jatila did not recognize His true appearance.
Kundalata introduced the young priest. She said He was a disciple of the sage Garga. She praised His learning and His conduct. Jatila was pleased at His arrival. She asked Him to lead Radha in the worship. Krishna graciously accepted the request. He spoke a blessing in a peaceful voice. The gopis looked at one another. They knew more than they could say. But the rite was to begin with respect.
Krishna asked Radha to prepare the offerings. The flowers they had gathered were set near the altar. The friends helped with whatever was needed. The fragrance of flowers filled the temple. Sunlight fell on the gifts they offered. Radha carefully followed the instructions. Krishna spoke the prayers to the sun. His gentle voice resounded in the temple. Jatila listened with satisfaction. The gopis tried to conceal their smiles.
Madhumangala was nearby too. He offered to recite a prayer. His eyes were drawn to the prepared dishes. Jatila did not want him to lead the rite. She praised the young priest Kundalata had brought. Krishna continued to assist Radha. The sakhis kept their thoughts to themselves. Each word from Jatila gave them another reason to laugh. Still, they remained composed and attentive. The prayer was drawing to its close.
Krishna asked Radha to walk around the temple. She did so with reverence. Then She bowed to offer Her respects. His flute was hidden in Her braid. As She moved, the flute slipped out. It fell and made a clear sound. Radha did not immediately notice what had happened. But Jatila heard it fall. She quickly looked at the object on the ground. The friends faced another surprise.
Jatila picked up the flute and became angry. She asked Radha how it had come there. The gopis saw they would have to answer quickly. Kundalata tried to calm the elder woman. Krishna still stood there in the priest's clothing. Jatila did not realize that the flute was His. He carefully followed their conversation. Radha and the sakhis listened to Jatila. The unexpected sound had revealed the hidden flute. But it had not revealed the truth about the priest.
Jatila wanted the flute taken away. The young priest could take it with Him. Thus Krishna received His instrument once more. What had been lost during the game was returned. The friends understood the unusual turn of events. Kundalata kept the secret of His clothing. Radha looked at Her sakhis. Krishna remained calm before Jatila. Everyone took care that the talk did not reveal the joke. The rite ended, and the secret stayed with the friends.
After the prayer it was time for the gathering to part. Radha and the gopis prepared to return. Jatila continued on the path with them. Krishna left the temple with His friends. The flute was again with its owner. But its journey gave them much to tell. Lalita and Vishakha remembered the game. Kundalata remembered the arrival of the priest. Radha carried the joy of the meeting in Her heart. And the temple grew quiet again in afternoon light.
This story is retold from the fifteenth chapter. The gopis hurry to the temple when Jatila arrives. Kundalata brings the disguised Krishna. Jatila asks Him to lead the worship. Radha and Her friends present the prepared offerings. During the bow, the hidden flute falls. Jatila picks it up without recognizing the whole joke. Krishna receives it back as the young priest. The friends keep the secret of their shared lila. They leave with a memory of the unusual service.