Question: "Rajasika Rasa-Krida-Granthas devoted to Shreemati Radharani-Devi and Bhagavan Shree Krishna often mention nail marks on the breasts of Gopis.
For example, "Govinda-Lilamrita", 1.62: "Shri Shri Radha and Krishna were both fatigued by the previous night's transcendental pastimes, their lips bore the marks of each other's teeth, Their bodies bore the marks of each other's nails, the aromatic cosmetic decorations artistically drawn on each other's bodies were broken.
Their garments and hair were loosened, and Their jewel necklaces and flower garlands were broken. When the gopis saw their dear Master and Mistress in this way, they became filled with happiness."
Do these marks have any special meaning?"
Answer by Vishnudut1926: Yes, their symbolism is based on Rati-Shastras.
They indicate
very strong libido and love quarells (because Radhika and Krishna love to be engaged in joking love quarells very much!!!).
very strong libido and love quarells (because Radhika and Krishna love to be engaged in joking love quarells very much!!!).
THE FOLLOWING IS THE CHAPTER ABOUT NAIL-MARKS FROM "RATI-RAHASYA":
1. Nail-marks arc usually made by persons with a strong libido, and usually on the following anatomical parts:
The arm-pits, the shoulders, the thighs (jaghana), the breasts, the sides, the back, the bosom (the place between the breasts) and the neck.
Nail-marks should be made principally under these circumstances:
- during the first union
- at the time of a union after a quarrel has been appeased
- after menstruation
- while drinking intoxicants
- on embarking on a journey
- if a separation is imminent (Pravasana means travelling in other provinces and Viraha means separation for a short time without going out of the province).
2. The making of nail-marks depends on certain natural and provincial habits, and the same can be said of teeth-marks. Persons of a strong or ultra-strong libido generally possess pointed nails.
Good nails must have a good growth, cleanliness, softness, brightness, absence of cracking or lines.
3. Nail-marks are usually made to cause horripilation, and should be so small and indistinct as to be almost unnoticed. They are accompanied by the ‘chata-chata’ sound at the end.
4. The Ardhachtmdra nail-mark is curved like a crescent moon, and most suitably made on the breasts, the neck and the throat. When two such nail-marks are made facing each other, it is termed the Mandalaka nail-mark by Munindra.
The anatomical parts most suitable for these varieties are the space just above the yoni, and the yoni itself, and on the thighs.
When these marks are made in a row more than two or three angulas apart, they are called Rekha.
5. Experts in the Art of Love call it the Mayurapadaka nail-mark when, with the thumb-nail below and the other nails above, pressure is gently applied and worked up from the bottom of the breast towards the nipple.
6. The Shashapluta nail-mark is made with all the nails on the upper part of the breast. When it is made on the breast, the reproductive organ and the back, it is termed Utpaladala, which is self-explanatory.
Smarananha nail-marks are usually inflicted by the lover on the beloved to serve as a reminder while the lover is away on a journey. They are usually three or four deep lines, made either on the breasts or on the reproductive organ.
Cited from "RATI RAHASYA" -
