parakiya bhava | परकीया भाव

Parakiya Bhava (Devanagari: परकीया भाव; ISO 15919: parakīyā bhāva) refers to the devotional sentiment of a married woman who loves Shri Krishna as her beloved, despite being married to another.

Svakiya Bhava (Devanagari: स्वकीया भाव; ISO 15919: svakīyā bhāva), in contrast, refers to the sentiment of those who are His lawful wives or unmarried girls who love Him with a sense of legitimate relationship.

Comparison Devotees with Parakiya Bhava must defy both societal norms and scriptural injunctions to meet their Beloved. Paradoxically, due to these very restrictions and obstacles, their love increases by leaps and bounds. Therefore, in the realm of divine romance, Parakiya Bhava is considered sweeter and superior to Svakiya Bhava.

Further Reading and Reference

• Alternate Spelling:
• Related Concepts: Braj, madhurya bhav, jaar
• Reference: Prema Rasa Madira - The Intoxicating Bliss of Divine Love, Vol. 3, Ch. 20