Radha and Krishna visited the autumn forest with Their friends. The landscape was adorned with ripe fruit and bright flowers. Swans called near the water. Feathers left by peacocks lay upon the ground. The friends noticed a tree full of ripe fruit. Its branches offered a pleasant shade. Everyone sat down beneath the tree to rest. Soon they heard an unusual conversation above them.
Male and female parrots were arguing among the branches. One group wanted to praise Krishna's beauty. The others spoke with equal love about Radha. Shuka and Shari became known for such witty exchanges. Their words caught the attention of the company. Radha looked up at the birds with interest. Krishna prepared to listen to their debate. The friends smiled at the voices among the leaves.
The parrots first spoke about the forest. Some claimed that it belonged to Krishna. The others replied that Radha was its queen. Each side had an answer ready. The birds compared the forest and its fruit with their beloveds. Their debate grew more and more lively. Though they competed with words, love guided them. Radha and Krishna delighted in listening to their wit.
Krishna's parrots celebrated His strength. They remembered how He had lifted Govardhana Hill. They spoke of His beauty and famous deeds. They wanted everyone to know how dear He was to them. Shari replied with her own witty words. She too did not want to be without an answer. The friends laughed at her boldness. The conversation continued without losing its playfulness.
Then praises of Radha were heard. Shari spoke of Her beauty and goodness. She mentioned Her gifts for song and dance. She praised the gentleness of Her words as well. Radha's qualities attract even Krishna's heart. Krishna listened closely to the words about Her. Radha's friends were delighted by the praise. Beneath the tree smiles and laughter arose again.
Shuka then spoke of Krishna's flute. Its sound draws the creatures of Vrindavan. The melody reminds listeners of their love for Krishna. Shari had more to say about Radha. The two birds built upon each other's words. At times one spoke seriously while the other joked. Neither wanted to end its song of praise. Radha and Krishna followed every reply.
The parrots continued to speak of Their beloved pair. Some admired Krishna's wonderful deeds. Others emphasized Radha's charm and love. They used images of flowers, fruit, and bees. Their comparisons were full of cleverness. The listeners enjoyed every new turn. The debate became a cheerful celebration. Everyone felt the love behind the words.
When the conversation settled, Radha and Krishna were pleased. They asked Their friends to reward the birds. Lalita saw that the female parrots received ripe grapes. Subala offered ripe pomegranate seeds to the male parrots. Thus each group received a tasty gift. The birds were rewarded for their song. The friends enjoyed the happy ending. Peace returned to the shade beneath the tree.
Radha and Krishna then went on to explore the forest. Autumn flowers adorned Their path. Their friends accompanied Them through the lovely landscape. The birds' conversation stayed in their memory. Every praise had revealed something dear to the listeners. The forest had given them fruit and song. The birds had enriched the day in their own way. Radha and Krishna continued Their walk with joy.
This retelling follows part of the thirteenth chapter. The parrots debate whom they should praise more. Their words are a game filled with devotion. Krishna is celebrated for beauty, strength, and music. Radha is celebrated for song, dance, and virtue. Their friends respond to the birds with gifts. Together they share the happiness of listening. Kind words become a gift to remember.