MADHURAYA DHAMA(A guide to Govardhana)

Sri Vraja -Vrindavan is the eternal abode of Lord Krishna. By the desire of Krishna, that transcendental realm descends to this mundane sphere but as a lotus never touches the water, so Vraja never becomes affected by the qualities of this world.

Although it is eternally existing, at some untraceable point Vraja manifested in the mundane realm, and it is not destroyed when the universal destruction takes place. Still, Vraja appears to manifest and unmanifest again and again, Lord Krsna is eternally wandering throughout the forests of Vraja, enjoying His transcendental pastimes. But for the sake of the conditioned souls, who are unable to see His transcendental activities and abode, He causes His pastimes to manifest before everyone’s eyes. Thus He appears to take birth and disappear again, in the same way Vraja also appears to manifest and unmanifest along with all of the transcendental places which reside in Vraja; Mathura, Nandagram, Varsana, Govardhana, Radha-kunda, In fact of the villages, kundas, hills, and forests. Just as Krsna is a person with transcendental qualities, His associates, abode, paraphernalia, in fact every one in the Vraja what ever from they may be, a hill, or a kund, all have a personality, and they are never affected by the qualities of the material nature.

Once upon a time Maharaja Nanda inquired from his brother as to how Govardhana had come to the land of Vraja and where he had come from. Sananda informed him that once in Hastinapura Pandu Maharaja had inquired the same question from grandfather Bhisma, and Bhisma had narrated the following history to him.

“Once in Goloka Lord Krsna requested Srimati Radharani to appear on the earth. Radharani told her beloved Krsna that, if Vraja- dhama is not present along with me the Yamuna and Govardhana, She could not at all happy. When Sri Krishna heard this, He informed Her that He had already sent his Vraja-dhama along with Govardhana and the Yamuna.

To the west of Bharata-varsa, in Salmali-dvipa, the wife of Nanda Dronachal gave birth to Govardhana Hill. At the time of Govardhana’s birth the demigods showered flowers and all of the great mountains, led by the Himalayas and Sumeru, went to offer their respects. When they arrived they performed parikrama and offered worship as well as prayers and accepted Govardhana as their king, praising him with the following word:

“You have come from the original Goloka of Lord Krsna, and you are also crown-jewel of Vraja” After having offered their respects to Govardhana, they returned to their homes.

Once, in Satya-Yuga, the great sage named Pulastya Muni was visiting all the holy places, when he came across the beautiful Govardhana Hill. When he saw Govardhana, he discovered so many beautiful creepers, flowers, rivers, and caves, as well as birds and various animals such as deer. He immediately felt that this hill is capable of giving liberation.

Pulastya Muni went to Dronachal who, upon seeing the great sage arrive, offered worship to him and inquired if there was any service to render. Pulastya informed him that he was traveling to all the holy places and that he was a resident of Kasi (Varanasi) which is the abode of Visvanatha (Lord Siva); and the Ganges river also flows there, but there is no beautiful hill to be found in that area. Thus with nice words he asked him to present his son Govardhana to him so that he could performed his austerities on top of him.

Upon hearing the request of the Muni, Dronachal started to cry at the thought of separation from his son Govardhana. Govardhana, not wanting the muni to curse his father, told Pulastya that he wanted to go with him. He inquired from him how he intended to carry him to Kasi. The Muni informed him that he would carry him on his right hand.

Govardhana agreed to muni’s proposal but with one condition; that if he placed him down anywhere in the course of the journey, he would not be able to lift him again. The Muni agreed and prepared to leave for Kasi immediately. After offering respects to Dronachal, Pulastya began his journey, carrying Govardhana on his right hand. Moving very slowly, Pulastya Muni arrived at Vraja Mandala in the evening time. While he was passing through Vraja, he felt a great need to tend to the call of nature. At the same time Govardhana was thinking, “Now I have arrived in Vraja-Dham, I must stay here and await the arrival of my Lord Krsna”

Thus by his great mystic powers, he was able to influence the Muni to place him down. In due course of time, when Pulastya had finished tending to his body he again attempted to lift Govardhana but was unable to move him even slightly.After trying for some time with both hands,the Muni became angry. He cursed Govardhana that he would sink by the measurement of one mustard seed per day, after which he proceeded to go to Kasi.

Since that time, Govardhana has been sinking by the measurement of one mustard seed per day”.

(In Satya-Yuga, when Pulastya Muni placed Govardhana in the present place, Govardhana was 8 yojanas long (64 miles), five yojanas wide (40 miles), and two yojanas high (16 miles); and after ten thousand years of Kali-yuga Govardhana will disappear).”

When Sananda had finished narrating this story, he informed Nanda Maharaja that as long as the Yamuna and Govardhana hill remain manifest, Kali-yuga could not take its full effect. He also informed him that anyone who heard the description of the appearance of Govardhana would be freed from all sins. (This description is taken from the Garga-Samhita)

After Pulastya Muni had left Govardhana in Vraja, Govardhana reside there very happily, waiting for the time when Lord Krsna would appear. In due course of time Treta-Yuga began and due to the burden on the earth of many demons and specially Ravana, Lord Rama appeared to bring peace once again and established religiosity.

When there arose a misunderstanding with Rama’s stepmother, and by the divine will of the Lord Himself. Lords Ramachandra’s father, Dasaratha, was forced to banish Him to the forest for fourteen years, where the king of the demons, Ravana, cunningly kidnapped Sitarani (Rama’s wife). Thereafter, with the help of monkeys, headed by Hanuman, and

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the bears, Ramachandra constructed a bridge of stone across the ocean, so as to be able to attack Ravana’s kingdom known as Lanka and free His wife Sitarani.

In the course of constructing the bridge, the monkeys and bears brought many rocks and mountains and threw them in to the ocean, and by the divine power of Lord Ramachandra, this rocks and mountains were able to float.

Hanuman, the strongest of these monkeys, was bringing the largest mountains and tossing them into the ocean. In the course of collecting mountains from here and there, Hanuman came across Govardhana and tried to pick Govardhana up. But even though Hanuman was capable of picking up mountains many times larger than Govardhana, he was unable to lift Govardhana.

Understanding that Govardhana must be a very special personality and a great great devotee of Lord Rama, Hanuman circumambulated Govardhana and offered his obeisances, and with folded hands he informed Sri Govardhana that he wanted to use him in the service of Lord Ramachandra and thus complete the bridge across the ocean, so that they could destroy the demon Ravana and free the Lord’s wife Sitarani.

When Govardhana heard Hanuman’s proposal, he readily agreed to be lifted by him, thinking that he would be able to have the vision of the Lord. As soon as Govardhana was ready to leave with Hanuman, a voice announced from the sky that the bridge to Lanka had been completed and that no other rocks and mountains were necessary. Upon hearing this Govardhana became very unhappy and said to Hanuman; “You promised to take me to the ocean where I would have the opportunity to serve Lord Ramachandra and now this is not possible; I will not be able to continue living.”

Upon hearing this words of Govardhana, Hanuman left after assuring Govardhana many times that he would have returned immediately. After having informed Lord Ramchandra of his devotee’s position and longing, he returned to Govardhana with the Lord’s answer. He told Govardhana, “ The Lord is extremely pleased with you and is requesting that you take courage from His remembrance and wait for some time and in the Dvapara-Yuga the Lord will appear in His original form as Lord Krsna along with His cows, boyfriends, and girlfriends, and he will also become the shelter of all the devotees.

Upon hearing this message Govardhana become somewhat pacified. In Dvapara-Yuga Lord Krsna enjoyed endless pastimes on and around Govardhana Hill, and king Indra became angry with the residents of Vraja for stopping their worship of him and thus sent torrents of rain to

destroy the entire community of Vraja, Lord Krsna lifted Govardhana Hill to give them protection and personally explained and demonstrated how Govardhana should be accepted and worshipped as non-different from him.

Govardhana Hill is worshipped as Radha-Krsna and also as Their greatest devotee. This in inconceivable position of Govardhana Hill. He is thus worshipped by all the great devotees and by the Supreme Lord Himself. Even stones (Govardhana silas) from Govardhana Hill are collected by great devotees and worshipped as the Supreme Lord but it is warned in the Garga-Samhita(Giriraja Kanda 1:29) “One who takes a Govardhana sila from Govardhana Hill without permission of an older devotee and by replacing it with as much as gold as the Govardhana sila weight, will go to the hell known as Raurava.”

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“ The Identity of Krsna and Govardhana Hill is still honored, and great devotees take rocks from Govardhana Hill and worship them exactly as they worship the deity of Krsna in the temples. Devotees therefore collect small rocks or pebbles from Govardhana Hill and worship them at home, because this worship is as good as Deity worship.” (Krsna Book Ch.-24)

First of all to get a Govardhana sila you must beg the permission of the Vaisnavas; but only if you are qualified to worship Giri Govardhana. To know if you are qualified you must find out from your spiritual master. Do not ever take it yourself. You must receive it from the hand of a Vaisnava and after taking his permission the Vaisnava who will give it to you will weight it and you have to leave an equal amount of gold as the Govardhana sila you are taking out of Vraja. In this way no offense is made and you will receive the full blessings of the Vaisnavas. Those of you who have continued to keep Giri Govardhana in spite of my warning just come up here now with your gold and we will see if the weights are equal. If you have opulence to do this then you may take Sri Govardhanji out of Vraja. Do not think that Giri Govardhana is worth any less than Gold ? Giri Govardhana is worth millions of times more than gold.Giri Govardhana can give you Krsna prema. Gold can only give temporary, material comforts. So please go at once and put them back, or else your offense today will cause you a great disaster in your life.”(Sri Vraja Mandala Parikrama, page-29)

“A piece of Govardhana Hill can not be taken from Vrindavana “ (Srila Prabhupada, Letter 3-10-71)

Lord Krsna has appeared as Saligram sila (a black stone) so that His devotees may practice rendering all kinds of service to him. Radha and Krsna have manifested as Govardhana Hill to simultaneously accept service from Their devotees and to render service to Their devotees. One should be conscious of the fact that Govardhana is Radha Krsna in the mood of serving themselves as well as Their devotees. Govardhana sila should be taken and worshipped by those devotees who have realized the same, such as Raghunath Dasa Goswami, who was awarded Govardhana sila by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu personally. Govardhana sila is not to be taken away by devotees who are in the early stage of practicing devotion to Lord Krsna. The immature devotee can go to Govardhana Hill and offer worship there.

So please do not take Govardhana sila away prematurely. The example of how to approach Govardhana Hill has been given by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: “When the Lord saw Govardhana Hill, He immediately offered obeisances, falling down on the ground like a rod. He embraced one rock from Govardhana Hill and become mad.” (C. C. Madhya, 18. 33-34)

Govardhana Hill has a parikrama (circumambulation) route of 14 miles which is performed by hundreds of thousands of devoted pilgrims every year as a form of worship (pada-sevanam). Many pilgrims every years complete the entire route by performing dandavats (standing in one spot and lying down flat with arms outstretched and marking the spot with a stone and repeating the same). Sanatana Goswami would performed a 12 kosa (24 miles) parikrama.

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Srila Rupa Goswami has stated in his Mathura Mahatmya that one should first bathe in Manasi Ganga and then take darsana of Harideva before starting parikrama of Govardhana Hill.

MANASI GANGAManasi Ganga is a large lake located in the middle of the town of Govardhana. and it is the center of Govardhana Hill. This kund is non-different from the river Ganga. All of the holy places and rivers are present in their original forms in Braja Dhama. “Oh, Ananta, best of serpents, from this place (Braja), Vaikuntha and all the other places of this world, are expanded.”

(Sri Navadwipa-Dhama-Mahatmya, 2-31)Srila Rupa Goswami has stated in his Mathura Mahatmya that if one travels to other holy places for purification after hearing that Braja Dhama is the topmost and the best, and that all holy places are taking shelter here, then his only benefit will be the trouble he undergoes to reach them. With each step taken in Braja Dhama, one gets the result of visiting all of the Holi places, performing all the great yajnas and giving all types of charity.

Mother Ganga—in the form of river Ganga --- mercifully flows from the original abode Goloka into the material worlds for the purpose of purifying all of the sinful living entities. Anyone who bathes in her waters, become purified, both internally and externally, even of the greatest sins including go hatya (cow killing) and brahma hatya (killing of Brahmans). By continuously bathing in her waters, one will attain Lord Krsna’s lotus feet. For those persons who do not approach and bathe in the Ganga in this lifetime, will after this lifetime be thrown into Ganga’s more fearful form of Vaitarani, which acts as a moat around the region of hell

When a sinful man is thrown into the river Vaitarani, the aquatic animals there immediately begin to eat him. But because of his extremely sinful life, he does not leave his body. He constantly remembers his sinful activities and suffers terribly in that river.

Nestled on the lap of Govardhana, Mother Ganga in her original as Manasi Ganga, who is the knower of the mind and inner desires of Lord Krsna, very quickly destroys the sinful reactions of the most sinful deeds and fulfill the self motivated desires of those unfortunate persons, who came and disturbs her service to Sri Sri Radha- Krsna, and she send them far away to reap their foolish fruits.

For those devotees of Radha-Krsna, who sincerely approach her to get her blessings in the form of the revelation of the true nature of Govardhana, she very quickly washes away all misunderstandings with her transcendental waters and reveals the inner truths of Govardhana.

It is recommended that to get the full benefit of Govardhana parikrama, one should visit all the kundas (lakes) and the presiding deities and offer obeisances and chant the pranam-mantra.

For bathing in Manasi Ganga the following mantra is chanted:“Gange dudhamaya devi bhagavanman sodbhave

namah kaivalyarupadhe muktide mukti bhaguni “(Skanda Purana)

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So now after taking our bath and praying for the mercy of Manasi Ganga, we will sit on her banks and recount some of the pastimes which Radha and Krsna have enjoyed here.

Once, when Krsna and Balarama were playing on the bank of the Yamuna, a demon of the name Vatsasura assumed the shape of a calf and came there, intending to kill the brothers. By taking the shape of a calf the demon could mingle with the other calves. Krsna, however, specially noticed this; and He immediately told Balarama about the entrance of the demon. Both brothers then followed him and sneaked up upon him. Krsna hold the demon-calf by two hind legs and tail. whipped him around very forcibly and threw him up into a tree. The demon lost his life and fell down from the top of the trees to the ground. When the demon lay dead on the ground, all the playmates of Krsna congratulated Him and said, “ well done, well done “, and all the demigods in the sky began to shower flowers with great satisfaction. In this way, the maintainers of the complete creation, Krsna and Balarama, used to take care of the calves in the morning every day, and thus They enjoyed Their childhood pastimes as cowherd boys in Vrindavana.

After Krsna killed this demon, who came in the shape of a calf, He was advised by the Gopas (cowherd boys) that He should take bath in the Ganga to purify Himself.

It is described in the Ganga-Samhita that Vatsasura in his previous life was the son of Murasura, Pramil. Once this Pramilasura, who had defeated all the devas, went to the asrama of Vasistha Muni, where he saw Vasistha’s cow, Nandini. This camadhenu (wish-fulfilling-cow) was the most precious

possession of Vasistha Muni for she was the very source of his spritual life, providing him all he needed

for his daily rituals.Upon seeing her, Pramilasura immediately desired to have possession of the camadhenu and with this intention he took on the form of a brahmana. He went before Vasistha Muni and requested him to donate the cow to him. Vasistha Muni did not reply to him because he was observing Mauna -Vrata (vow of silence).

At that time the beautiful camadhenu spoke;” Oh son of Murasura, Pramil, you have come here in the disguise of a brahmana, trying to cheat Vasistha Muni of his cow. For this act I curse you to became a female calf.” Immediately that Pramilasura turned into a calf. At that time that Pramilasura, who there after became known as Vatsasura, circumambulated Vasistha Muni and Nandini, the wish-fulfilling-cow of plenty, and fell before them, begging for their forgiveness and protection. Nandini told him that in Dvapara Yuga, when Lord Krsna personally appears as a cowherd boy, he will be liberated by him.

Once upon a time, Nanda Maharaja, Yasodarani and the residents of Vraja Dhama were told a story about the glories of the river Ganges. They heard that Garuda, the giant bird-carrier of Lord Vishnu had been searching for food, when he came across a large snake. He immediately pick it up and started to fly away. When they passed over the Ganges, the tail of the snake happened to touch her sacred waters and due to its touch the snake immediately attained a four-armed form identical to the residents of Vaikuntha.When Garuda saw this, he placed that glorious personality on his back and personally carried him to Vaikuntha.

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When Maharaja Nanda and the residents of Vraja-dhama heard this event, they all desired to take a dip into the sacred waters of the Ganga. So they all agreed and prepared to leave immediately. When Krsna saw all of these preparation going on, He inquired from His mother and father as to where they were planning to go. They informed Him they were going on pilgrimage to the river Ganges. At that time Krsna told them that there was no need to go out of Vraja-Mandala to visit any holy place as all of the holy places (tirthas) from throughout the three worlds were present here in Vraja-Dhama itself.

However the residents of Vrindavana thought that Krsna was just a small child and not fully understanding these matters. Lord Krsna insisted again and again that there was no necessity for them to visit any other holy place. But when He saw that they were not to be convinced, He led them to the center of Govardhana Hill and immediately in front of all of them Ganga Devi appeared in her personified form.

When the residents of Vrindavana saw Ganga-Devi, they offered their respectful obeisances to her. After that, they all took their bath in the sacred waters of Manasi -Ganga and offered ghee-wick lamps.

This pastime took place on the dark moon night of the Kartika month. Still to the present time that day is celebrated throughout India as Dipawali, when in every home people light lamps and decorates their rooftops. Also still to this day thousands of people gather at Manasi Ganga with small lamps in clay cups and float them on Her sacred waters, thus lightening up the whole

lake. This lamp-festival is also connected with many other puranic histories.Once in the evening, Srimati Radharani, along with her girlfriends, arrived on the sandy banks of the Manasi Ganga. They carried yogurt pots containing various kinds of milk preparations. They

wanted to cross to the other banks, but they saw that there was only very old boat and that the boatman was a young boy with a peacock feather in his hair. They inquired from him if he would take them to the other bank. He agreed that he would and inquired what his payment would be. They argued for some time over the cost and eventually settled the payment in sweet and butter. Thereafter they got into the boat and the boatman started to row. After having traveled for some distance, he stopped rowing and just sat there. Srimati Radharani had one of her friends inquired from him why he had stopped. He informed them that he was tired and hungry and he could not go any further until they feed him. First they refused but when they saw that he was not going to take them, they relented and offered their pots of milk products to him. He completely emptied all of their pots and informed them that now he was full and he would like to take a little nap. He wanted that two of them should massage his arms and two of them his legs.

In reply to this the friends of Radharani told him that certainly two of them would take his legs and two his arms and then, throw him overboard unless he started to row immediately.

After hearing these words, he started to row again. But after a little while he stopped and again they inquired from him what was the problem. He told them that the boat was very old and water was beginning to come in because the weight was too heavy and that they

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must throw some of the articles overboard, otherwise they would certainly all drown. So eventually they agreed and they threw overboard all their yogurt pots.

When all of the yogurt pots had disappeared into the waters, he again told them that the weight wastoo much and that now they would have to throw all their jewelry into the water. At first they refused, but when they saw that the boat was steel sinking, Radharani told her friends to throw their jewelry overboard. But even after this the boat still appeared to be sinking. So then he informed them that they would have to remove all of their clothing and throw it overboard. Upon hearing this the cowherd girls told him that they will throw him overboard and solve the excess weight problem—if he did not start to row. Hearing this he started to row, after a short time many dark clouds started to gather in the sky and the wind started to blow and the waves become agitated. He could see that the cowherd-girls along with Radharani were looking frightened and to ally their fears, he started to rock the boat. At that point Radharani became so frightened, thinking she might fall into the water, that she put her arms around the boatman. As soon as she did this, she realized that the boatman was in fact her beloved Shyamasundara (Krsna). At that time the clouds cleared and the wind and waves become calm and the moon came out. When the cowherd girls saw this and also Srimati Radharani embracing the boatman, they inquired from Her what the meaning of this was. In answer to them she pulled Krsna’s flute out from under His covering cloth..

Krsna informed them that He had performed this pastime just so that He could get the darsana of Srimati Radharani, thereafter they spent many hours boating from island to island in the Manasi Ganga. This pastime is known as noka-vihar and it is described in Jiva Goswami’s Gopala-Champu as well as many other literature.

Previously Manasi Ganga had been a large lake but in proportion to the shrinking of Govardhana Hill, Manasi Ganga has also reduced in size.

I offer my humble obeisances unto the lake called Manasi Ganga. This sacred lake is enjoying eternally the transcendental touch of Radha and Krsna, who are floating in a beautiful boat on its waters. Out of joy the Manasi Ganga is tossing to and fro the white Govardhana pebbles on the shore. May this sacred Manasi Ganga always protect us.

HARIDEVA TEMPLE This temple is just a three minute walk from the southern bank of Manasi Ganga. Lord Harideva is the presiding deity of the western petal of the lotus of Vraja-Dhama and He is the lifter of Govardhana Hill.

Srila Rupa Goswami described in his Dana-keli-kaumudini that Radha and her girlfriends would come and take darsana of Harideva every day.

The mantra for offering our obeisances to Harideva is; --Karod dritan agendra yagopanamraksakayatesaptabda rupinetubyamhari-devayatunamah

Once Sri Radhika and Her beloved girlfriends (sakhis) were sitting on the bank of Harideva Kund waiting for their Lord, Sri Krsna. At that time the Gopi’s feelings intense

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separation from Krsna, started to call out His name over and over, “ Harideva, Harideva, Harideva.” Their mood of separation become deeper and until it reached such intensity that it appeared that they were about to give up their very life.

At that time Krsna appeared there in His seven years old form, holding Govardhana on one hand and His flute in his other. When Radhika and Her friends saw that beautiful forms of Krsna, Their ecstacy knew no bounds and they performed all kinds of service to that deity of Krsna to their hearts content. After the appearance of Harideva they would come daily to worship him.

Srila Rupa Goswami has written a wonderful prayer in praise of Govardhana Nath Harideva.

V I SE S A T A H K A S C I T “Someone Special “ by Rupa Goswami”“ jham jham iti varsati stamita cakra-vikridaya

vimusta ravi-mandale ghana-ghatavir akhandale raraksa dharani-dhroddhrti-patuh kutumbani yahsa darayatu darunam vrajapurandaras te daram “

“ May the Lord of Vrindavana, Sri Krsna, who protected his relatives from the devastating rain of Indra’s cruel clouds that eclipsed the sun completely, by expertly lifting the best of mountains (Govardhana), protect us all fear.” 1

“maha-hetu vadair vidirnendra-yagamgiri-brahmanopasti vidirna-ragamsapady eka-yukti-krtabhir avargampuro datta govardhana ksma-bhrd arghyam”

“ Krsna stopped the worship of Indra with great logical arguments, and at once engaged all the Govardhana brahmanas in offering service to Govardhana Hill.” 2

“priya samsinibhir dalottamsinibhirVirajat patabhih kumari-ghatabhistavadbhih kumarair api sphara-taraihsaha vyakirantam prasunair dharan tam “

“After the cowherd-girls of Vraja, dressed in the best of silk, went along with the cowherd-boys and they showered Govardhana with flowers, saying, “Oh Govardhana! Kindly be satisfied with us, and please fulfill all our desires.” 3

“giri-sthula dehena bhuktopaharam vara-sreni santositavhira daramsad uttunga-srngavalivad vacailamkramat priyamanam parikramya sailam”

“After Krsna, in the form of Govardhana, had eaten all the food-offerings (annakuta), and had affectionately granted them all kinds of benedictions, the Brijabasis gradually began to circumambulate Govardhana Hill with its high peaks and big boulders.” 4

“ makha-dhvamsa samrambhatah svarga nathesamantat kilarabdha gostha-pramathe

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muhur varsati channa dik cakrabalesadambholi nirghosam ambhadajale “

Indra the king of heaven, began to destroy the sacrificial area of Govardhana by sending heavy rains. The clouds he sent covered the horizon and showered torrents of rain incessantly.”5

“muhar vrsti-khinnam paritrasa-bhinnamvrajesa-pradhanam tatim ballabhanamvilokyapta-sitam gavalim ca bhitamkrpabhih samunnam suhrt-preman unnam “

“Being petitioned by His pitiful cows, who were afraid and afflicted by cold, and seeing the terrified cowherd men and women, headed by king Nanda, Krsna’s heart became softened with love and compassion for them” 6

“ tatah savya-hastena hastindra-khelamsamuddhrtya govardhanam savahelam adabhram tam abhram liham saila rajammuda vibhratam vihramaj jantu-bhajam “

“Then Krsna casually lifted Govardhana, like a playful lordly elephant. The king of mountain--- as big as He was ---joyfully lifted by Him to provide shelter for all the inhabitants of Vraja. in this way, Govardhana’s peaks touches the sky” 7

“pravistasi matah katham soka bhare paribhrajamane sute mayyudareabhuvan bhavanto vinastopasarga na citte vidhatta bharamam bandhuvarga”

“O Mother !” Krsna said to Yasoda, “why are you lamenting? I, your son, have lifted Govardhana Hill!O friends! Don’t be worried or confused! I have solved the calamity! 8

“hata tavaditir vidheya na bhitihkrteyam visala maya saila-salahtad asyam praharsad avajnata-varsavihasyamaresam kurudhvam pravesam”

“Do not fear the heavy rains! Look! I have arranged for your residence under this huge mountain. Please enter and make a fool of the king of heaven (Indra)” 9

“iti svairam asvasitair gopa vrndaihparananda sandipita-syaravindaihgirer gatam asadye harmyopamanamcirenati-hrstaih paristuyamanam “

“Being thus personally consoled, the cowherd man lightened up in paramount bliss, like lotus flowers going under the hill, and attaining swift shelter there, they praised Krsna in great joy.”

Lords Chaitanya’s visit to Harideva has been described in Chaitanya Charitamrita as follows: “Mad with ecstatic love, the Lord came to the village known as Govardhana. It was there that He saw the Deity Harideva and offered His obeisances to Him. Harideva is an incarnation of Narayana, and His residence is on the western petal of the lotus of

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Mathura. Mad with ecstatic love, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu began to dance before the Harideva Deity. Hearing of the Lord’s wonderful activities, all the people came to see Him. The people were astonished when they saw Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s ecstatic love and personal beauty. The priests who served the Harideva Deity offered the Lord a good reception.”(Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya Lila, 18: 17-20)

The temple of Harideva is very beautiful. It was built by Raja Bhagavandas, the father of Raja Man Singh, who constructed Radha-Govindaji temple in Vrindavana and the ghats of Manasi Ganga in their present form. Harideva Temple was erected during the reign of Akbar by king Bhagavandas in the sixteenth century. It is made of red sandstone from Bharatpur and the foundations are of local stone. Although the building is under protection there has been nothing done to really protect the temple which has thus fallen into disrepair and become a home for pigeons.

The original deity was moved when Aurangzeb decided to impose his tyranny on Braja. It is now worshipped in Rajadhani, a town near Kanpur. A large number of original deities of Vraja Dhama have apparently gone to various places outside of Vraja. But it must be understood that deities such as Govindaji, Radha Madana Mohan, Kesava and Harideva are eternally present in Braja.

For the benefit of the aspiring devotees, Lord Krsna has taken these forms to look after the devotees’ advancement to perfection; and although these deities apparently appear and disappear from time to time or even go somewhere outside their original abode, this must be understood as being part of the divine pastimes of Lord Krsna.

Lord Krsna may choose to go somewhere to bless the conditioned souls; that is His causeless mercy, but simultaneously we must understand that Lord Krsna eternally resides in Vrindavana and never takes a step out of His Dhama.

Great devotees such as Vrajanabha; Rupa Goswami or Sanatana Goswami have not only reveled the importance of particular deities by establishing their worship but also they have reveled the eternal residing places of those deities where they are worshipped eternally by Srimati Radharani and all the intimate associates of Lord Krsna. Thus we should understand that regardless of whether the Lord is visible to our mundane eyes is not, He is ever willing to accept our service and if it appears that the presiding deity has gone somewhere else and another deity has been established, He is to be accepted as prati-bhuha (non different), Lord Krsna is capable of expanding Himself into unlimited forms. The functional deities such as Govinda and Harideva certainly expand themselves for the purpose of blessing the conditioned souls, but still their eternal residence in Braja has a special sweetness of its own; after all-home is where the heart is.

The benefit gained from circumambulating Govardhana Hill is beyond calculation. “To the west of Mathura at a distance of two yojanas (16 miles) is Govardhana, the topmost holy place. Anyone who performs its parikrama will never have to take birth in this world. This I promise. “ (Varaha Purana)

Actually the real benefit of coming to Govardhana and performing his parikrama is to be able to engage in Sri Sri Radha Krsna’s divine service directly. Radha-Krsna are still visible to everyone on the form of Govardhana Hill. And anyone who has Govardhana vision even for a moment will develop a loving mood in the footsteps of the Vraja gopis.

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While engaged in Govardhana’s parikrama, we have the perfect opportunity to completely absorb all our senses in Krsna’s service, our mind in meditating on the beauty of Govardhana, our words in describing the glories of Govardhana, our hands in offering Tulsi leaves and other offerings to Govardhana, our eyes in seeing Govardhana, our sense of touch in feeling the dust blowing on our body and in touching Govardhana, our tongue in chanting the holy Name and glories of Govardhana, our sense of smell in smelling the fragrance of Govardhana, our leg in walking around Govardhana, our head in bowing down before Govardhana, and all our desires in serving Govardhana.

By the divine will of Lord Krsna, the whole of Vraja Dhama is slowly becoming unmanifest, but Sri Yamuna (river) is steel visible and eternally singing the glories of Radha-Krsna and anyone who bathes in her transcendental waters will become purified of all sinful activities and the desire to perform loving service to Radha-Krsna will sprout in the heart.

The dust of Vraja is available for everyone to roll in and thus get the divine mercy of Lord Balarama (Who has manifested as the abode of Lord) who is the original spiritual master and is ever willing to engaged us in the loving service of Radha-Krsna and Sri Sri Radha-Krsna are manifest as Govardhana Hill to accept our attempts to serve Them.

So, following in the footstep of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda Mahaprabhu the six Goswamis—Sri Rupa, Sanatana, Bhatta Raghunath, Sri Jiva, Gopal Bhatta, and Raghunath Das and all of the great vaisnava acaryas, we will perform the parikrama of Govardhana Hill.

First we will offer our obeisances to Govardhana with the following Mantra:-“Govardhano jayati shailakula-adhirajo

yo gopika-bhirudito haridasa varyahkrsnana shakramakha-bhanga krita-archito yah

saptaha-masya kara padma tale pyavatsitsaptaha-meva-chuta hasta pankaje

bhringaya-manam phala-mula kandraihsansevya-manam hari-matmavrindkai

goverdhana-drim-shirasa namani”

Next we will pray to Hanuman who protects the devotee from offenses while performing Govardhana parikrama (which is non different to worshiping the lotus feet of Radha-Krsna (pada-sevana) with this Mantra;

“Yatha ramasya yatrayamsiddhis tvam me pratisthitah

tatha paribhrame me dyabhavan siddhiprado bhava”

Now we will chant the Govardhana parikrama mantra and start our parikrama.“namo vrindavanam kayatubhyam goloka maulinepurna-brahma tapa-trayanamo govardhanaya ca”

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B R A H M A-K U N D A This Brahma Kunda is located on the southern bank of Manasi Ganga. “Lord Varaha said; “O pious one, on Govardhana is a lake of the name Brahma Kunda which is beautifully existing and beautified by wonderful trees, flowers and creepers. There are four kundas surrounding that holy auspicious lake. On the eastern side is Indra tirtha to the south is Yamuna tirtha, on its western side Varuna tirtha and to the north is Kuvera tirtha. I am eternally enjoying according to My own desire in the middle of that Brahma Kunda” (Adi Varaha Purana)

“Just see Brahma Kunda whose glories are unlimited. The four tirthas on its four side are singing its wonderful glory.” (Bhakti-Ratnakara)

After Indra, the king of demigods, had bathed Lord Krsna, all of the demigods, sages, holy rivers and tirthas headed by Lord Brahma came and offered their prayers, after which they bathed Lord Krsna, and thus created one hundred and eight kundas around Govardhana Hill. This Brahma Kunda is where the water was collected after Lords Brahma had bathed Lord Krsna and on its four sides were the kundas created by Indra (east), Yamaraja (south), Varuna (west), Kuvera (north).Unfortunately these four kundas have disappeared along with a good percentage of rest of the one hundred and eight kundas.

Lord Brahma is the grandfather of every one in this universe; and the founder of the Brahma-Madyava-Gaudya sampradaya (disciplic succession).

In his prayers to Govinda (Lord Krsna) he has described Lord Krsna’s abode, bodily features and His transcendental opulence:

“I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor, who is tending the cows, yelding all desire, in abodes built with spiritual gems, surrounded by millions of purpose trees and always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of Laksmis or gopis.”

“I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is adept in playing on his flute, with blooming eyes like lotus petals, with head decked with peacock’s feather, with the figure of beauty tinged with the hue of blue clouds, and His unique loveliness charming millions of cupids.”

“I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord around whose neck is swinging a garland of flowers, beautified with the moon-locket, whose hands are adorned with the flute and jeweled ornaments, who always revels in pastimes of love, whose graceful threefold-bending form of Syamasundara is eternally manifest.” (Sri Brahma Samhita, 29- 30 -31)

“If someone says that he knows everything about Krsna’s opulence, let him think that way. However, as far as I am concerned, with by body and mind I consider it in this way.”

“ My Lord Your opulence is like an unlimited ocean of nectar, and it is verbally and mentally impossible for me to realize even a drop of ocean.”

“There are people who say, “ I know everything about Krsna, let them think that way. As far a I am do not wish to speak very much about this matter. O my Lord, let say this much.

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As far as your opulences are concerned, they are all beyond the reach of my mind, body and words.”

Let the glories of Lord Krsna be! who could be aware of all of them? His abode, Vrindavana, has many wonderful opulences. Just try to see them all!” (C.C. Madhya 21: 25: 26: 27: 28: )

Brahma has concluded that the perfection of life is to take birth in Vraja and worship the residents:

“O almighty Lord, how greatly fortunate are the cows and ladies of Vrindavana, the nectar of whose breast-milk you have happily drunk to your full satisfaction, taking the form of their calves and children. All the Vedic sacrifices performed from time immemorial up to the present day have not given You as much satisfaction.”(31)

“How greatly fortunate are Nanda Maharaja, the cowherd men and all the other inhabitants of Vraja -Bhumi! There is no limit to their good fortune, because the Absolute Truth, the source of transcendental bliss, the eternal supreme Brahman, has become their friends.”(32)

“Yet even though the extent of the good fortune of these residents of Vrindavana is inconceivable, we eleven presiding deities of the various senses, headed by Lord Siva, are also most fortunate, because the senses of these devotees of Vrindavana are the cups through which we repeatedly drink the nectarean, intoxicating beverage of the honey of Your lotus feet.”(33 )

“My greatest possible good fortune would be to take any birth whatever in this forest of Gokula, and have my head bathed by the dust falling from the lotus feet of any of its residents. Their entire life and soul is the Supreme personality of Godhead, Mukunda, the dust of whose lotus feet is still being searched for in the Vedic mantras.”(34) (S.B. 10-14 31, 32, 33, 34)

The bathing mantra for Brahma Kunda is:brahma-adi nirmitas tirthasudha krsna abhisechana

nama kaivalya nathaydevanam mukti karaka

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu both visited and spent some time on the bank of Brahma Kunda.

There was a rich brahmana living here in Govardhana town, who was great devotee of Lord Balarama. He would chant the name of Balarama day and night, always begging Him to engaged him in the service of the lotus feet of Radha-Krsna. That brahmana would wander around Govardhana, always crying out the Lord’s Name in great anxiety. One day that pious brahmana had a dream in which he was told, very soon he would have the darsana of Lord Balarama.

Lord Nityananda who is non-different to Lord Balarama, at that time was wandering through the twelve forests of Vraja: and in order to fulfill the desires of his devotee and to

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have darsana of Govardhana Hill, Nityananda came and stayed for a few days in a secluded place on the bank of Brahma Kunda.

From a distant place that brahmana saw Lord Nityananda and he wondered where this avadhuta was coming from. Seeing the Lord’s effulgence he could understand that the Lord was not an ordinary person. Bringing yogurt, milk, cheese, butter etc. the brahmana came before Nityananda and offering obeisances and said, “O Avadhuta, please accept these gifts and I pray that you please show your mercy to me so I may have darsana of Rohini-Nandana (Balarama)

Hearing these words, Lord Nityananda smiled and accepted the offerings made by the brahmana. The brahmana then received remnants from the Lord and returned to his own place, where he honored the mahaprasada in great love. Due to feelings of great ecstasy, the brahmana was unable to return to meet Nityananda. When the evening arrived, sleep came to the brahmana, and in a dream Nityananda gave darsana to the fortunate brahmana. Seeing Nityananda, the brahmana was very pleased. All of a sudden Nityananda revealed His form as Baladeva and the brahmana fell at the feet of the Lord.

That wonderful form of Lord Baladeva enchants the whole world. After blessing the brahmana, the Lord disappeared. Then, on the Lord’s disappearance the brahmana’s sleep broke. He became restless and started to returned to where he had met Nityananda Prabhu. At that moment he heard a voice telling him to be patient and wait until the morning. Considering that his desire was at last fulfilled, he thought to himself, now I have achieved my Lord Balarama, I will not let Him go. I will fall at His feet and surrender everything to Him. When the night is over, I will have a goldsmith make many beautiful ornaments to offer to the Lord.” As he thought in this way, he again fell asleep.

In the brahmana’s dream Nityananda appeared to him. The Lord was decorated with wonderful ornaments and the best of the brahmanas were offering many prayers. As before, upon the disappearance of the Lord, the brahmana’s sleeps broke. As soon as the morning came the brahmana came before Nityananda Prabhu and spoke about the previous night’s dream. The Lord smiled slightly and holding the brahmana’s hand , instructed him in all truths. After having heard the essence of the sastras from the original compiler of the Vedas, the brahmana inquired from the Lord, who had made such nice golden ornaments for him Nityananda smiled and told the brahmana that he himself had offered the ornaments to him, why had he forgotten so quickly? Nityananda requested the brahmana to make a gold necklace with a locket and place a Govardhana sila inside. After presenting that Govardhana sila to Nityananda, Nityananda felt unlimited bliss and hung that Govardhana sila around His neck. In this way Nityananda Prabhu set the example how to received a Govardhana sila.

This synopsis of Lord Nityananda’s mercy is taken from the fifth Wave of Bhakti Ratnakara. To attain the mercy of Radha-Krsna in this Kali-yuga one must first get the blessings of Lord Balarama in the form of Nityananda Prabhu: “Let me offer my obeisances to Lord Sri Nityananda, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose opulence is wonderful and unlimited. By His will even a fool can understand His identity.” (C.C. Adi-5. 1)

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“ That original Lord Krsna appeared in Navadvipa as Lord Chaitanya, and Balarama appeared with His as Lord Nityananda.” (C.C. Adi-5.6)

“ May Sri Nityananda Rama be the object of my constant remembrance. Sankarsana, Sesa Naga and the Vishnus, who lie on the Karana Ocean, Garbha Ocean and the ocean of milk, are His plenary portions and the portions of His plenary portions.” (C.C. Adi-5. 7.)

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu rested here on the bank of Brahma Kunda before performing parikrama of Govardhana Hill. Lord Chaitanya first bathed in Manasi Ganga, and then after taking darsana of Harideva started Govardhana parikrama, thus practically setting the example how Govardhana’s parikrama should be performed.

Any one who gives charity in the area between Brahma Kunda, and Manasi Ganga will receive thousand fold return and shall very quickly attain Radha-Krsna’s lotus feet.

MANASI DEVIThis temple is located on the bank of Brahma Kunda. Manasi Devi is the presiding deity of Manasi Ganga and one of the four goddesses of Vraja dhama; Vrinda Devi, now in Kamyavana, Yogamaya Devi in Vrindavana, and Pataleshwari Devi in Mathura being the other three personalities. By approaching one of these transcendental personalities one will be allocated an eternal service to Lord Krsna in Vraja Dhama.

Just by having the darsana of Manasi Devi, the reaction to more sins than one has ever committed or can ever dream of committing, will be destroyed. To a sincere devotee, Manasi Devi will very quickly reveal the glories of Giri Govardhana.

According to the Vayu Purana and Vraja Bhakti Vilas, there was a Manasa Devi deity established here by the demigods. Today it is not sure where that deity is, thus some persons worship Manasi Devi here and others Manasa Devi, the sister of Sesa Naga.

Srila Jiva Goswami, examining the nature of Krsna’s abode, refers to the Skanda Purana, which states; “The abodes of Godhead in the material world, such as Dvaraka, Mathura, and Goloka, are facsimiles representing the abodes of Godhead in the kingdom of God, Vaikuntha Dhama. From the authoritative evidence cited by Jiva Goswami we may conclude that Krsna Loka is the supreme in the spiritual sky, which is far beyond the material cosmos. For the enjoyment of transcendental variety, the pastimes of Krsna there have three divisions, and these pastimes are performed in the three abodes-Dvaraka, Mathura and Gokula. When Krsna descends to this universe, He enjoys the pastimes in the places of the same name. These places on earth are non-different from those original abodes, for they are facsimiles of those original holy places in the transcendental world. They are as good as Sri Krsna Himself and are equally worshipable. Lord Chaitanya declared that Lord Krsna, who presents Himself as the son of the king of Vraja, and Vrindavana Dhama is equally worshipable.

“That abode is manifested within the material world by the will of Lord Krsna. It is identical to that original Gokula; they are not two different bodies “(19)

“ The land is touch-stone (cintamani), and the forests abound with desire trees. Material eyes see it as an ordinary place.”(20)

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“But with the eyes of love of Godhead one can see its real identity as the place where Lord Krsna performs His pastimes with cowherd boys and girls.(21 )

LAKSMI-NARAYANA TEMPLE “Lord Narayana, we offer our respectful obeisances unto you. Kindly be merciful to us. Give the association of Krsna and thus vanquish our lamentation.” (C.C. Adi-17, 288)

I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who manifested Himself personally as Krsna and the different avatars in the world in the forms of Rama, Nrsimha, Vamana, etc, as his subjective portion. (Brahma-Samhita, 39)

The deities of Laksmi -Narayana (Vada Mathurai) are worshipped by the followers of the Sri Sampradaya (Ramanuja-sampradaya or disciplic succession following Sri-Ji) The original deities have disappeared and the present deities have been worshipped here for the last two hundred years. These deities are considered to be the utsava (festival) deities of Govardhana Hill.

The mantra for offering our obeisances is;laksmi narayana yaivagovardhana sukhaya te namaste gopavrnda anampari purna vrajotsava

The Alwars (twelve acaryas of the Sri sampradaya, who appeared before Ramanuja), have listed some one hundred and eight deities known as divya desems, which they have advised all vaisnavas to visit, the deity of Laksmi-Narayana temple being one of the most important. Lord Krsna has very mercifully manifested this form of Laksmi-Narayana in Govardhana to attract those devotees who wish to serve Him in the mood of awe and reverence in Vaikuntha towards His unlimited sweet pastimes of Vraja-rindavana (according to the authority of Alwars, the deities here are Krsna-Satyabhama). (Srila Rupa Goswami has stated in his Lalita-Madhava that Srimati Radharani expanded as Satyabhama in Dvaraka

KRSNA VEDI (Dana Gati)This Krsna Vedi is located on top of Govardhana Hill, where the Mathura road crosses Govardhana Hill. As it is on Govardhana, we will offer our obeisances from the foot of Govardhana. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has given the following instructions in this conception:

“You should remain in Vrindavana for only a short time and then return here as soon as possible. Also do not climb Govardhana Hill to see the Gopala Deity.”

In his Amrtapravaha-bhasya, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura advises that one avoid remaining in Vrindavana for a very long time. As the saying goes, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” If one stays in Vrindavana for many days, he may fail to maintain proper respect for its inhabitants. Therefore those who have not attained the stage of spontaneous love for Krsna should not live in Vrindavana very long. It is better for them to make short visits. One should avoid climbing Govardhana Hill to see the Gopala Deity. Since Govardhana Hill itself is identical with Gopala, one should not step on the hill or touch it with his feet. One may see Gopala when He goes elsewhere. (C.C. Antya 13-39 and pur)

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5000 years ago Govardhana Hill was about 2 miles high. At present at its highest point it is about 80 feet high, due to the curse of Pulastya Muni, it is sinking by the measurement of one mustard seed every day.

One day Lord Krsna, the chief of amorous heroes, became eager to enjoy tax pastimes. Blocking the path, he forbade Srimati Radharani to pass, proclaiming himself to be a tax collector appointed by the king of love, (cupid) demanding that she pay a tax for the milk products she was carrying. I sing the glories of that Sri Krsna-Vedi, where Krsna eternally enjoys these pastimes.

At this place there was narrow path and Krsna would come here along with his friends and stops the gopis and demand tax (dana). Due to the covering of Yogamaya (Krsna’s internal bewildering potency), the gopies would forget that they had been taxed before at this same spot.

Srila Rupa Goswami in the book, dana keli kaumudi has described the following pastime:-“Radha, Lalita, and their other girl-friends (sakhis) were on their way to Govinda kund on the side of Govardhana Hill. On their heads they were carrying golden pots filled with ghee, milk, yogurt, etc. for a fire yajna (sacrifice). They had been advised by Purnamasi to attend. When they reached this Krsna-Vedi, which is very small and rugged path, Krsna, along with Subal, Madhumangala and other friends, stopped them and demanded tax from them for using the path. After a long and funny argument, Purnamasi arrived and asked Krsna to let Radha and her friends go. Purnamasi also requested from Krsna two boons. One was that He would always keep Radha and her girl-friends (sakhis) close to Him, and the other one was that anyone who gives up material activities and resides on the bank of Radha Kunda, always remembering Radha and Krsna’s transcendental pastimes, would very quickly attain His lotus feet. Krsna smiled in agreement to these two requests.

All glories to Radha’s love for Krsna, the enemy of the demon Mura. Although it is all-pervading, it tends to increase at every moment. Although it is all important, it is devoid of pride. And although if is pure, it is always beset with duplicity “ (Dana-Keli Kaumudi 2)

This spot today is known by the name Dana-Gati. The main road which crosses Govardhana at this point, was carried over by a paved causeway, so Govardhana would not have to be dug up or cut.

There are four pathways (ghati) through Govardhana which the gopis would use, of the name Danghati (Krsna Vedi), Syamaghati, Govindaghati and Premaghati.

“When Krsna suddenly disappeared from the company of the gopis, they began to search for Him in every place. Not finding Him anywhere, they become afraid, and were almost mad after Him. They were simply thinking of the pastimes of Krsna in great love and affection. Being absorbed in thoughts of Him, they experienced loss of memory, and with dampened eyes they began to see every pastimes of Krsna, His beautiful talks with them, His embracing, kissing and other activities. Being so attracted to Krsna, they began to imitate His dancing His walking and smiling, as if they themselves were Krsna. Due to Krsna’s absence, they all become crazy: each one of them began to tell the others that she was Krsna Himself. Soon they all began to assemble together and chant Krsna’s name very loudly, and they moved from one part of the forest to another searching for Him. Actually,

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Krsna is all pervasive: He is in the sky, and He is in the forest: He is within the heart, and He always everywhere.

A further advanced stage of this absorption in Krsna is also explained in the same chapter:-“After searching for Krsna here and there, when the gopis became fatigued, they began to talk like mad woman. They could only satisfy themselves by imitating the different pastimes of Krsna. One of them imitated the demon, Putana, and one of them imitated Krsna, and sucked her breast. One Gopi imitated a hand-driven cart, another gopi lay down beneath the cart and began to through up her legs, touching the wheels of the cart, as Krsna did to kill the demon Sakatasura. They imitated child Krsna, lying down on the ground, and one gopi became the demon Trnavarta and carried the small child Krsna by force into the sky; and one gopi began to imitate Krsna while He was attempting to walk, ringing His ankle bells. Two gopi imitated Krsna and Balarama, and many others imitated thir cowherd boy friends.One gopi assumed the form of Bakasura, and another forced her to fall down as the demon Bakasura did when he was killed; similarly, another gopi defeated Vatsasura. Just as Krsna used to call His cows by their different names, so the gopis imitated Him, calling the cows by the respective names. One of gopi began to play on a flute, and another praised her the way Krsna’s boy-friends praised Him while He played on His flute. One of the gopis took another gopi on her shoulders, just as Krsna used to take His boy-friends. Absorbed in thoughts of Krsna, the gopi who was carrying her friend began to boast that she was Krsna herself. All of you just see my movement!”

One of the gopis raised her hand with her covering garments and said, “ Now don’t be afraid of torrents of rain and severe hurricanes. I’ll save you!” In this way she imitated the lifting of Govardhana Hill. One gopi forcibly put her feet on the head of another gopi and said, “You rascal Kaliya! I shall punish you severely. You must leave this place. I have descended on this earth to punish all kinds of miscreants! “ Another gopi told her friends, “Just see! The flames of the forest fire are coming to devour us. Please close your eyes, and I shall immediately save you from this imminent danger.”

If we wish to have darsan of Radha and Krsna, and all of Their pastime places, in their full and original form, then Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu recommended that we follow in the footsteps of the residents of Vraja Dhama and learn how to become absorbed in the pastimes of Radha and Krsna 24 hours a day. Surely, when all of us together, sincerely chant the holy names of Krsna and engage in ecstatically discussing His pastimes, then Govardhana will become so pleased seeing so many devotees glorifying and remembering Sri Sri Radha and Krsna, he will forget his mood of separation from Krsna and thus enter into the divine mood of union and again we will see Govardhana fully happy with creepers growing all over and manifesting his fullest possible glorious form.

Once Srila Raghunath Das Goswami was residing on the banks of Radha Kunda, he was seen by all the devotees to be totally absorbed in the mood of separation from Radha and Krsna. After having read Srila Rupa Goswami’s Lalita Madhava. When the Vaisnavas saw Raghunath Das Goswami in that mood, they became very distressed at heart for he had given up eating and sleeping and was simply crying day and night. And became obvious to them that at any moment he was about to give up his body, and thus leave them all without his association. When this information was received by Srila Rupa Goswami in

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Vrindavana, he immediately went there to Radha Kunda and upon seeing the state of Srila Raghunatha Das Goswami, he requested him, “my dear Raghunatha, immediately Cast aside that book Lalita-Madhava and take this wonderful book ‘Dana-Keli Kaumudi.”

When Raghunatha Goswami read the pastime of Dana-Keli, he immediately entered into the mood of union with Krsna and his ecstacy knew no bounds. He started smiling and laughing, and again he started taking the small quantity of food he was accustomed to take and his body regained its strength. All the Vaisnavas became very joyful to see him in that happy shining mood.

So if we wish to see Vrindavan again, shining and glorious, with beautiful blooming flowers everywhere, clear water kundas with lotus growing in them, the Yamuna’s joyful waves flowing quickly, then we must attempt to become deeply absorbed in the pastimes of Radha and Krsna. And this will surely come to pass, and when Vrindavana once again is in this happy mood, it will surely attract the hearts of the conditioned souls from throughout the world.

DANY RAYA TEMPLEThis temple is known as Dani Raya Temple. It is built on the top of Govardhana Hill. At present there is no worship going on in this temple. Although originally Vajranabha, the great grandson of Lord Krsna, had established this temple here, because of the many tax pastimes which had taken place in this area. In more recent times the pujaris have shifted their worship to the middle of Dana-ghata (Krsna-Vedi) due to the many pilgrims passing through that way, their business is much more lucrative at that spot.

DAN NIVARTANA KUNDAThis kunda was known by the name Dan Nivartana Kunda; it had been a large kunda which stretched from here all the way up to back of Raman Reti Ashram, where there is an old well.

Since the time when Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati had started his Vraja Parikrama, the gaudiya Vaishnavas have recognized this spot as the location of Dan Nivartana Kunda.

After Raghunath Das Goswami had read Rupa Goswami’s Dana Keli Kaumudini he also wrote a book describing the tax-pastimes of Radha-Krsna of the name Dana Keli Cintamani. Raghunath Das Goswami prays at the end of his book; “A blind man had found this touch-stone (cintamani) of the tax pastimes of Radha-Krsna lying next to Govardhana Hill. That same blind man hopes that the beloved followers of Srila Rupa Goswami will have all their desires fulfilled by this cintamani stone.” (Text 174)

Once Kundalata asked her friend Sumukhi, “Where are Radha and Krsna enjoying their transcendental pastimes at this time?” Hearing Kundalata’s question about Radha-Krsna, Sumukhi felt very ecstatic and related the following pastime which Radha-Krsna were enjoying at that time.

Feeling great affection for his sons Krsna and Balarama, Vasudeva arranged for Bhaguri Muni to perform a fire sacrifice at Govinda Kunda for the welfare of his transcendental sons. Srimati Radharani was in the garden of the bank of Radha Kunda, when she heard from Suksmadhi, her parrot, about the fire sacrifice that was being performed at Govinda Kunda. Immediately she took her bath and dressed herself nicely and then taking her friends along with her, she set off for Govinda Kunda, carrying a golden pot of ghee on her

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head. When Krsna heard from His parrot that Srimati Radharani was proceeding along with her girl-friends to Govinda Kunda, He called his dearmost friends and arranged to block the path by which Radharani was coming. Krsna was dressed very opulently, befitting a very rich tax-collector, and he was holding His flute and buffalo horn. The many intimate friends accompanying him held stout sticks and demanded tax for the milk products they were carrying. A very erotic argument ensued between Radha and Krsna with their friends taking appropriate sides. Krsna challenged Radha and her friends calling them thieves, who regularly moved here and there, selling their milk products without paying tax, but “Today we have caught you and now you have to pay dearly!”

Radha said to Krsna: “Just stay away from me! If you dare to touch me, then the ghee which I am carrying for the sacrifice will become contaminated !”

A cuckoo sitting in a tree told Krsna, “Just speak nice words to this proud girl and take your tax !” Hearing these wards Krsna requested Radha to wait a few moment to allow His assistant to calculate the payment.

Krsna informed Radha that each one of her lovely girl-friends must give five handfuls of diamonds as payment for their milk products. Krsna also told Radha that she must pay an extra tax for all the beautiful parts of her body.

Radha became very angry with her dearmost friend Lalita, saying: “ Didn’t I tell you that we should not travel on this path which is contaminated by this great rascals?”

Radha then started to walk away, ignoring Krsna, but Krsna forcibly stooped her. Lalita then said to Radha, “If you want to get freed from the coils of this black snake Krsna, you must inform His mother, If she find out about this, He will very quickly crawl away and will hide.”

Krsna then advised Radha to hurry up and attend the fire sacrifice before it is over, and afterwards pay the tax. But he insisted that Lalita would have to remain here as a hostage to ensure her return.

When Lalita heard Krsna’s words she became very angry. She told Sudevi to quickly bring mother Yasoda, Chitradevi to bring Jatila and Vrindadevi should go and get the brahmanas from the fire sacrifice.

Krsna smiled when he heard Lalita’s words and asked Radha why she was treating him like a blade of grass? He had tried to take his tax in a polite way but now he was forced to plunder all of their jewelry, especially from the proud Lalita.

Radha challenged Krsna ‘Thousands of persons are passing this way every day. If, in fact, you are the king of Vraja, then why don’t you take your tax from them!?”

Krsna laughed and informed Radha that with great happiness He would realize the tax from the other travelers, but she and her friends had been avoiding Him and thus, when the emperor Cupid heard that she was traveling on this way, He immediately had sent Him with his companions.

Nandimukhi who had heard that Radha and Krsna were quarreling over the collection of tax, arrived on the scene to the joy and happiness of everyone.

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Krsna welcomed Nandimukhi and recounted the advents that had taken place. Nandimukhi smiled at Radharani, who was lost in an ocean of transcendental happiness. Then Nandimukhi spoke to Lord Krsna; “My dear tax-collector. I am truly amazed by the description of your tax pastimes. Now I understand the statement, having once seen these pastimes, nothing remains to be seen.

Nandimukhi then requested Krsna to release Radha and her friends, whose reputation of being very chaste and saintly would be ruined if He did not let them go immediately.

Nandimukhi then promised, “Tomorrow this girls will return to this grove on the bank of this Kunda and they will pay your tax in full. I will guarantee you this.

“Because these gopi-girls have promised to return (Nivartana), to this kunda on the side of Govardhana to pay the tax (dana), this place will become famous by the name Dana- Nivartana - Kunda.” (Dana-Keli-cintamani: 161- 162)

After Krsna had let them go, Radha and her friends went to Govinda Kunda and offered their milk preparations and then proceeded to Radha-Kunda, Lalita and Vishaka were very angry with the audacity Krsna had shown in stopping Radharani and demanding tax from her. So to get their revenge, they decided to go earlier than the time set by Nandimukhi, to meet with Krsna.

The next day Lalita, Vishaka and hundreds of their girlfriends hide themselves in the bushes and trees around Dana-Nivartana-Kunda. When Krsna arrived with a few of his most intimate friends, the gopi-girls pounced on them and gave them a good thrashing. They tied them to the trees and humiliated them in various ways, specially Krsna. After they had finished beating them, Lalita demanded that Krsna pay a tax to Radharani, she was the queen of Vrindavana and for many days his cows had been grazing in the Vrindavana forest and had trampled down everything.

With folded hand Krsna begged forgiveness for His having tried to tax them and admitted that He had no right to tax them. Lalita then forced Him to bow down at the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani and accept her as the queen of Vrindavana.

Sri Dana-Nivartana-Kunda Astakaby Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami

sva-dayita-giri-kacche gavya-danartham uccaihkapata-kalaha-kelim kurvator navya-yunoh

nija-jana-krita-darpaih phullator iksake sminsarasi bhavatu vaso dana-nivartane nah

“At the foot of their favorite hill, the youthful couple pretend to quarrel over Krsna’s attempt to collect a tax on Radha’s milk-products. The arrogant joking words to Their friends causes Radha-Krsna to blossom with pride. May that Dana-Nivartana Kunda kindly allow me to reside on her banks.”1

nibhrtam a jani yasmad dana-nirvrttir asminata idam abhidhanam prapa yet tat sabhayamrasa-vimukha-nigudhe tatra taj-jnaika-vedye

sarasi bhavatu vaso dana-nirvartane nah

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“Sri Krsna enjoyed the tax pastime in a secluded place on the bank of this lake, thus it become known as Dana-nivartana -kunda. The truth of this lake remains hidden to person averse to the mellows of pure devotional service. May that Dana-nivartana kunda kindly allow me to reside on her banks.”2

abhinava-madhu-gandhonmatta-rolamba-sangha-dhvani-lalita-saroja-vrata-saurabhya-site

nava-madhura-khagali-ksveli-sancara-kamresarasi bhavatu vaso dana-nirvartane nah

“It is cool and full of delightful fragrant lotuses and many beautiful birds, and vibrant with the humming of swarms of bees intoxicated by its sweet aroma. May that Dana-nivartana-kunda allow me to reside on her bank “3

hima-kusama-suvasa-sphara-paniya- purerasa-parilasad-ali-salinor navya-yunoh

atula-salila-khela-labdha-saubhagya-phullesarasi bhavatu vaso dana-nivartane nah

“ It is filled with cool water and fragrant flowers. It blossoms with good fortune attained from the peerless water pastime of the youthful couple and Their sweet friends. May that Dana-nivartana-kunda kindly allow me to reside on her banks “4

dara-viksaita-puspair vasetantar-dig-antahkhaga-madhupa-ninadair modita-prani-jatahparita-upari yasya ksmaruha bhanti-tasmin

sarasi bhavatu vaso dana-nivartane nah

“It fill all directions with the sweet fragrance of newly blossomed flowers. Everyone becomes pleased by the singing of the birds and bees. It is surrounded by groves of splendid trees. May that Dana-nivartana-kunda kindly allow me to reside on her banks.”5

nija-nija-nava-kunje gunji-rolamba-pujepranayi-nava-sakhibhih sampravesya priyau tau

nirupama-nava-rangs tanyate yatra tasminsarasi bhavatu vaso dana-nivartane nah

“ Accompanied by Their affectionate young friends, Radha-Krsna enter the nearby forest groves filled with newly blossoming flowers and humming bees and enjoy ever-fresh pastimes. May that Dana-nivartana-kunda allow me to reside on the bank of her.”6

sphatika-samam atuccham yasya paniyam acchamkhaga-na a-pasu-gobhih sampibantibhir uccaihnija-jana-guna-vrdddhir labhyate drag amusmin

sarasi bhavatu vaso dana nivartane nah“By deeply drinking its water, birds, animals, cows and humans at once attain all transcendental virtues. May that Dana-nivartana-kunda kindly allow me to reside on her banks.”7

surabhi-madhura-sitam yat-payah praty-aham tah

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sakhi-gana-parivito vyaharan payayan gahsvayam atha pibati sri-gopa-candro pi tasmin

sarasi bhavatu vaso dana-nivartane nah“Every day, as He converses with His friends, the moon of the gopas makes the surabhi cows drink its sweet, aromatic and cool water, and when they have finished, He Himself drinks. May that Dana-nivartana-kunda kindly allow me to reside on her banks.”8

pathari su-matir etad dana-nivartanakhyamprathita-mahima-kundasyastamkam yo yatatma

sa ca niyata-nivasam susthu samlabhya kalekalayati kila radha-krsnayor dana-lilam

“A self-controlled person who recites these eight verses glorifying Dana-nivartana-kunda will attain an eternal residence on her banks and directly witness the tax pastimes of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna.”9

ANNAKUTA-KSETRAAs we leave the Dana nivartana forest, we enter the annakuta ksetra. It was in this rarely attained place that Lord Krsna along with the cowherd men and women worshipped Govardhana Hill. The entire area which stretches out in front of us up to the village of Aniyora which is one and a half kilometers from here had been filled up with thousands of hills made of cooked preparation, samosa, kachori, puri, halava and all kinds of milk products. (thus the name annakuta-grain hill)

It is actually impossible to describe the unlimited preparations, which the cowherd men and their families offered on that occasion. The following description of Govardhana-puja is found in various scriptures.

Once Krsna had seen his father Nanda Maharaja along with the other cowherd men arranging to offer worship to Lord Indra (king of the demigods) for good rains. At that time Lord Krsna advised his father to stop the Indra-puja and instead worship Govardhana Hill, who was providing grass for the cows.

The supreme personality of Godhead, Krsna, therefore advised the cowherd men to stop the Indra-puja and being the Govardhana Puja in order to chastise Indra who was very much puffed up at being the supreme controller of the heavenly planets. The honest and simple cowherd men headed by Nanda Maharaja accepted Krsna’s proposal and executed in detail everything He advised. They performed Govardhana worship and circumambulation of the hill. (Following the inauguration of Govardhana Puja, people in Vrindavan still dress nicely and assemble near Govardhana hill to offer worship and circumambulate the hill; leading their cows all around). According to the instruction of Lord Krsna, Nanda Maharaja and the cowherd men called in learned brahmanas and began to worship Govardhana Hill by chanting Vedic hymns and offering prasadam. The inhabitants of Vrindavan assembled together, decorated their cows and gave them grass. Keeping the cows in front, they began to circumambulate Govardhana Hill. The gopis also dressed themselves very luxuriantly and sat in bull-driven carts, chanting the glories of Krsna’s pastimes. Assembled there to act as priest for Govardhana puja, brahmanas offered their blessings to the cowherd men and their wives, the gopis. When everything was complete, Krsna assumed a great transcendental form and declared to the inhabitants of

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Vrindavana that He was Himself Govardhana Hill in order to convince to devotees that Govardhana Hill and Krsna Himself are identical. Then Krsna began to eat all the food offered there. The identity of Krsna and Govardhana Hill is steel honored, and great devotees take rocks from Govardhana Hill and worship them exactly as they worship the Deity of Krsna in the temples. Devotees therefore collect small rocks or pebbles from Govardhana Hill and worship them at home, because this worship is as good as Deity worship. The form of Krsna who began to eat the offering was separately constituted; and Krsna Himself along with other inhabitants of Vrindavana began to offer obeisances to the Deity as well as Govardhana Hill. In offering obeisances to the huge form of Krsna Himself and Govardhana Hill, Krsna declared, “Just see how Govardhana Hill has assumed this huge from and is favoring us by accepting all the offering.” Krsna also declared at that meeting, “One who neglects the worship of Govardhana Puja, as I am personally conducting it, will not be happy. There are many snakes on Govardhana Hill; and persons neglecting the prescribed duty of Govardhana Puja will be bitten by these snakes. All people of Vrindavana near Govardhana must worship the hill, as prescribed by Me “ (Krshna book)

Srila Jiva Goswami in his Gopal Champu further described that when the huge form of Govardhana manifested, all the cowherd men and women along with Krsna offered their obeisances and then stood before Govardhana with folded hands. That great personality Govardhana speaking in a voice as deep as thunder said, “Just see, I will eat all the varieties of foodstuffs you have offered to me.” Having spoken thus, Govardhana started to eat the preparations and now and then he would drink water from the kundas around the hill and slowly all the kundas went dry. As Govardhana stretched out his hands to take more food, all the cowherd men ran back out of his way. In this way, Govardhana with his right hand ate all the preparations and with his left hand started licking his finger and thumb continuously calling out, Bring more, bring more, bring more! (thus the modern name for this place is Aniyora which means “bring more “) And so rather quickly he ate all the items and when he was finished there was not a single grain left. Thereafter the cowherd men brought water from a great distance for Govardhana to wash his hands and mouth. Wherever Govardhana spat water after washing his mouth, different types of crops immediately sprouted up. Next Govardhana started to uproot bamboo to clean his teeth with. When he had finished He was brought thousands of tambula (betel), which contained the best spices. At that time His shining face shone like the early morning sun. After, Govardhana had enjoyed chewing tambula, the cowherd men wished to offer aratika but they were bewildered as to what to use for ghee lamps. Krsna simply smiled and within his mind he thought of many large lamps, each one capable of holding thousands of wicks and just by His thinking they manifested. Thus the cowherd men were able to offer aratika to Govardhana, After the aratika was concluded everyone there and then disappeared.

In Garga- Samhita it is described how one should perform the Govardhana Puja. One should first clean the surface of the earth next to Govardhana Hill and then apply fresh cow-dung. Then with a pure mind, he should arrange all of the items for worshiping Govardhana. A learned brahmana should chant mantras from the sastras and glorification of Lord Krsna and offer water from the Ganga and from the Yamuna; one should start to bathe Govardhana with milk from a white cow. Next one should bathe Govardhana with panchamrita and then with Yamuna water. Then one should apply kesar followed by

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kasturi, kapoor and chandan. Incense should be offered and new cloth. Then a ghee lamp should be offered. Next one should perform parikrama.

Then one should offer Ganga water and Yamuna water in which leaves of Tulsi has been placed along with 64 preparations made from each and every type of grain. Next—one should offer puspanjali (flowers) and aratika followed by a fire sacrifice. After having concluded all of these activities, one should sit everyone down respectfully and feed them Govardhana prasada. One should also not neglect to feed sudras, chandalas and even the dogs, hogs and the monkeys. After having satisfied everyone, one should take prasada himself. If one is not able to visit Govardhana, then at any place one should collect together cow-dung and from this should make a large hill in the shape of Govardhana Hill, decorating it with leaves and flowers and offer worship in exactly the same way as previously described.

One who performed Govardhana worship in this way can never be pulled down into the materiel ocean and will attain the benefit of having worshipped all of the three krore (30 million) holy places spread across the seven islands. One who worships Govardhana Hill every year in this way, will attain an eternal residence next to Govardhana Hill.

In Gopal Champu it is described that after having finished worshiping Govardhana, the worship of the cows was performed by offering nice garments and feeding them lots of fresh grass and grains. Next a wonderful aratika was performed after which they joyfully circumambulated the cows.

Srila Jiva Goswami has pointed out that if one cannot worship many cows, he may simply offer worship to one cow in this way all of the cows will be satisfied; -- Just like pouring water on the root of a tree, all leaves are nourished. After satisfying the cows, a large fire sacrifice was performed which all of the demigod attended except Indra who was not feeling very happy. After performing parikrama of the fire they gave charity to the brahmanas. Next they circumambulated Govardhana. First there were the cows, then the brahmanas, the wives of brahmanas—and everyone followed according to their position and as they proceed around Govardhana, they sang the glories of Krsna. One half would sing the question and the other half would reply:

giri-pujeyam vihita kenaaraci sakra-padam abhayam yenaWho performed the worship of Govardhana Hill ?He who fearlessly usurped Indra’s position.

giri-pujeyam vihita kenaputanika sa nihata yenaWho performed the worship of Govardhana Hill ?He who killed Putana.

giri-pujeyam vihita kenatrinavarta-tanu-dalanam yenaWho performed the worship of Govardhana Hill ?He who crushed the Trinavarta demon.

giri-pujeyam vihita kenayamalar juna-tarum udakali yenaWho performed the worship of Govardhana Hill ?He who uprooted the yamalarjuna

trees.giri-pujeyam vihita kenavatsa-bakasura-hananam yenaWho performed the worship of Govardhana Hill ?He who destroyed Vatsasura and

Bakasura.

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giri-pujeyam vihita kenavyomaghasura-maranam yenaWho performed the worship of Govardhana Hill ?He who brought death to Vyomasura

and Aghasura.giri-pujeyam vihita kenakaliya-damanam kalitam yena

Who performed the worship of Govardhana Hill ?He who chastised the Kaliya serpent.giri-pujeyam vihita kenakhara-pralambaka samanam yena

Who performed the worship of Govardhana Hill ?He who surppresed the wicked Pralambasura.

giri-pujeyam vihita kenadava-yugmam paripitam yenaWho perfoemed the worship of Govardhana Hill ?He who swallowed two forest fires.giri-pujeyam vihita kenatrasyati kamsah satatam yena

Who performed the worship of Govardhana Hill ?He who Kamsa always fears.As they slowly proceeded, Krsna played His flute and upon hearing the wonderful sound all their fatigue would disappear. Even one happily completed Govardhana parikrama and then they took rest by the side of Govardhana that night.

Meanwhile Lord Indra became very angry, feeling that he had become insulted by the cowherd men and specifically Lord Krsna due to His having neglected his worship.

Ordered by king Indra, all the dangerous clouds appeared above Vrindavan and began to pour water incessantly, with all their strength and power. There was constant lightning and thunder, blowing of severe wind and incessant falling of rain. The rainfall seemed to fall like piercing sharp arrows. By pouring water as thick as pillars, without cessation, the clouds gradually filled all the lands in Vrindavan with water, and there was no visible distinction between higher and lower land. The situation was very dangerous, especially for the animals. The rainfall was accompanied by great winds, and every living creature in Vrindavana began to tremble from the severe cold. Unable to find any other source of deliverance, they all approached Govinda to take shelter at His lotus feet. The cows especially, being much aggrieved from the heavy rain. bowed down their heads, and taking their calves underneath their bodies, they approached the Supreme personality of Godhead to take shelter of His lotus feet. At that time all the inhabitants of Vrindavana began to pray to Lord Krsna, “Dear Krsna” they prayed, “you are all powerful, and You are very affectionate to Your devotees. Now please protect us who have been much harassed by angry Indra.”

Upon hearing their prayer, Krsna could also understand that Indra, being bereft of his sacrificial honor, was pouring down rain that was accompanied by heavy pieces of ice and strong winds although all this was out of season. Krsna understood that this was a deliberate exhibition of anger by Indra. He therefore concluded, “This demigod who thinks himself supreme has shown his great power, but I shall answer him according to My position, and I shall teach him that he is not autonomous in managing universal affairs. I am the supreme Lord over all, and I shall thus take away his false prestige which has risen from his power. The demigods are My devotees and therefore it is not possible for them to forget My supremacy, but somehow or other he has become puffed up with material power and thus is now maddened. I shall act in such a way to relive him of his false prestige. I shall give protection to My pure devotees in Vrindavana, who are at present completely at

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My mercy and whom I have taken completely under My protection. I will save them by mystic power.”

Thinking in this way, Lord Krsna immediately picked up Govardhana Hill with one hand, exactly as a child picks up a mushroom from ground. Thus He exhibited His transcendental pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill. Lord Krsna then began to address His devotees, ‘My dear brothers, My dear fathers, My dear inhabitants of Vrindavana, you can now safely enter under the umbrella of Govardhana Hill, which I have just lifted. Do not be afraid of the hill and think that it will fall from My hand. You have been too much afflicted from the heavy rain and strong wind; therefore I have lifted this hill, which will protect you exactly like a huge umbrella. I think this is a proper arrangement to relieve you from your immediate distress. Be happy along with your animals underneath this great umbrella.” Being assured by Lord Krsna, all the inhabitants of Vrindavan entered beneath the great hill and appeared to be safe along with their property and animals.

The inhabitants of Vrindavana and their animals remained there for one week without being disturbed by hunger, thirst or any other discomforts. They were simply astonished to see how Krsna was holding up the mountain with the little finger of His left hand. Seeing the extraordinary mystic power of Krsna, Indra, the king of heaven, was thunderstruck and baffled in his determination. He immediately called for all the clouds and asked them to desist. When the sky became completely cleared of all cloud and there was sunrise again, the strong winds stopped. At that time Krsna, the Supreme personality of Godhead, known now as the lifter of Govardhana Hill, said, “My dear cowherd men, now you can leave and take your wives, children, cows and valuables, because everything is ended. The inundation has gone down, along with the swelling waters of the river. “

All the men loaded their valuable on their carts and slowly left with their cows and other paraphernalia. After they had cleared out everything, Lord Krsna very slowly replaced Govardhana Hill exactly in the same position as it had been before. When everything was done, all the inhabitants of Vrindavana approached Krsna and embraced Him with great ecstasy. The gopis being naturally very affectionate to Krsna began to offer Him card mixed with their tears, and they poured incessant blessings upon Him. Mother Yasoda, mother Rohini, Nanda, and Balarama who is the strongest of the strong, embraced Krsna one after another and from spontaneous feelings of affection, blessed Him over and over again. In the heavens, different demigods from different planetary systems, such as Siddhaloka, Gandharvaloka, and Caranaloka, also began to show their complete satisfaction. They poured showers of flowers on the surface of the earth and sounded different conchshells. There was beating of drums, and being inspired by godly feelings, residents of Gandharvaloka began to play on their tambouras to please the Lord. After this incident, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, surrounded by His dear friends and animals, returned to His home. As usual, the gopis began to chant the glorious pastime of Lord Krsna with great feelings, for they were chanting from the heart. (Krsna book)

In the Ananda Vrindavana Campu of Kavi Kanpur it is described that when Krsna lifted Govardhana Hill, the cowherd men and women saw a large valley where previously Govardhana Hill had been. They could see that every facility was here for living; there were stock of grains plus grass and water for the cows, houses equipped with furniture and beds. In fact a large village was there and thus they all entered under the Hill. And as

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Krsna held up the Hill effortlessly far seven days by resting Him on the little finger of His left hand, they all enjoyed dancing and merrymaking and did not endure the slightest difficulty of any kind, while the torrential rains were falling on and around the mighty Govardhana Hill.

In Gopal Campu we find the following description; - Then Krsna lifted Govardhana Hill with the small finger of His left hand and called out, “ha”, over and over again, inviting the Vrajabasis to come and take shelter under the hill. Balarama with loving force brought all the cowherd men and women to Govardhana. At that time Krsna told His father not to be afraid for Govardhana was just enjoying his own pastime and out of his own causeless mercy he was sitting on top of His hand.When the cowherd men reached Govardhana they saw there was no water going in and neither was the mud damp. And when they saw their own Syamsundara gracefully and effortlessly holding Govardhana aloft, they felt great bliss and their natural feelings of affection flowed out of their mouths in the form of Krsna kirtana; -

Jaya-Radha-Madhava jaya kunja biharijaya gopi-jana-vallabha jaya giri-vara-dhari

jaya yasoda-nandana jaya braja-jana-ranjanajaya jamuna-tira-vana-cari

As they all rushed under the hill they saw to their amazement that there were beautiful steps made of gems, shining brilliantly. As they proceeded down the stairs, they saw that there were wonderful houses of pearls and other priceless gems. The ground was studded with billions of jewels. A fragrant cool breeze was blowing and there was every arrangement for comfort. Seeing the astonished look on the faces of the cowherd men Krsna become very happy. Sometimes he would place His right hand on the shoulder of a friend.

That place looked like a dazzling diamond house and Krsna was a blue jewel column in the middle, Govardhana was the roof and the rain which was falling all around a pearl necklace.

This Annakuta ksetra is most wonderful and anyone who sees this place will have all of his desires fulfilled. Any type of offering made to Govardhana in this area will be rewarded with unlimited spiritual benefits and who can describe the destination of that person who offers with love and devotion a tulsi leaf to Govardhana. Even the most sinful of living entities comes here and bows his head down and touches the dust of this Annakuta ksetra, he will attain Lord Krsna’s lotus feet.

Now as we proceed through this Anna-kuta ksetra we will pass a new village on our left of the name Bima Nagar and shortly afterwards on our right a nice kunda which has been constructed by the government for watering all the trees they have planted along the side of Govardhana. We come to the wonderful village of Aniyora which is where Gopal lives eternally.

“It is here that all the gopis and the gopas enjoyed wonderful pastimes with Sri Krsna. Therefore this place is also called Aniyora. The Anna-kuta ceremony was celebrated here. O Srinivasa, whoever sees this place has all his desire fulfilled.” (Bhakti-Ratnakara, 5th wave)

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Gopal (Krsna) has declared, “Sir, I am a cowherd boy, and I reside in this village. In my village (Aniyora)no one fasts. In this village a person can beg food from others and thus eat. Some people drink only milk, but if a person does not ask anyone for food, I supply him all his eatables.”

This Aniyora is vibrating with Krsna -consciousness. As we look around we can see that it is touching Govardhana Hill and everyone is calling out the name of Radhe-Shyama.

SANKARSANA KUND & BALARAM TEMPLE“Let me take shelter of the lotus feet of Balarama, whose beauty is enhanced by the earrings touching His cheeks. His face is decorated with tilaka made from kasturi (musk), and His broad chest is decorated with a garland of gunja (small conchshell). His complexion is as white as an autumn cloud. He wears garments of blue color, and His voice is very grave. His arms are very long, touching His thighs, and He has shown His great strength by killing the Pralamba demon. Let me take shelter of this chivalrous Balarama.” (Nectar of Devotion)

“That Sankarsana Kunda, which is protected by Balarama, immediately drives away all sinful reactions, even of those persons who have killed Brahmanas and committed other equally sinful acts, by simply bathing in this water once, one need not have any doubts in this regard”

Unfortunately due to neglect Sankarsana kund has become no more than a large buffalo hole. Although villagers can show large slabs of stone which are all that remain of the ghats of this Kunda, that was no so long ago, large and full of water. But still overcoming our material vision and seeing through the eyes of scripture, we must take a bath in what little water may be found, and thus attain the blessing of Balarama. When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu discovered Radha Kunda and Shyama Kunda, there was very little water, but still He took His bath. “He discovered Radha Kunda and Shyam Kunda in two paddy fields. There was only a little water, but He took His bath there.”(C. C.)

When Raghava Goswami took Srinivasa acharya and Narottama Dasa on parikrama, they set the example of bathing in all kundas, even though most of them were nothing more than a mud holes. We have to see or at least accept that every particle of the Dhama is totally transcendental (dust, stones, hills and water etc.) and that by rolling in the dust, bathing in the kundas and Yamuna, which Lord Krsna still to this day sports around, will not only purify us but shall definitely melt even the most rock hard heart, and instill divine love for Radha-Krsna.

The temple of Balarama (Sankarsana)is very close to his kunda. This deity of Balarama is one of the original deities installed by Vrajanabha at least 5000 years ago, and had been put into Sankarsana kunda during one of the many Mogul attacks on Aniyora. The present temple is about 200 years old and the deity is black and about 5 feet high. Next to Balarama on His right is a small deity of Krsna.

The truth is that Sri Vrindavana was created by Balarama for the pleasure to Lord Krsna, who is his younger brother. Balarama has so much love for Krsna that He expands Himself as His abode (Sri Vraja Vrindavana), as well as His paraphernalia such as His shoes, umbrella, clothes and residences. He also behaves with Krsna in different mood such as His friend, protector and servant. Lord Krsna is enjoying on Vrindavana as a cowherd boy,

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where He lives a rural life along with His most intimate devotees, and He never takes a step outside of Vraja Vrindavana. Balarama takes care to see that Krsna is not disturbed in any way. He expands Himself as Sankarsana to protect Goloka (Gokula) from intruders who are not in the mood of pure devotion untainted by jnana (empirical knowledge) and majestic ideas. (BRAHAMA-SAMHITA, Text-5)

He also expands as the Vaikuntha realm for those devotees who wish to serve the Lord in the mood of awe and reverence. And for those unfortunate personalities who wish to attempt to enjoy separately from Krsna, Balarama has created the material world. Balarama is ever anxious to engage the living entities in the service of Lord Krsna, thus He manifests as the paraphernalia with which one can perform Krsna’s service and He also gives the strength and inspiration. Due to Balarama’s divine mercy and great anxiety to engage all living entities in Krsna’s service, He expands as the ‘chaita’ guru (the Lord in the heart) internally, and the spiritual master externally to lift up the fallen living entities in the material world. Balarama is holding up and maintaining both material and spiritual realms. It is by Balarama’s mercy that we can perform Govardhana parikrama today, for He has manifested as the dust (earth) of Vraja Vrindavana, which is holding us up, this is another aspect of the importance of the dust of Vrindavana which is the cintamani building material of Goloka (Gokula). The dust of the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Krsna and all their eternal associates has been mixing together from time immemorial with the Vraja Raja (dust of Vraja), thus making it the most merciful aspect of Vraja Dhama.

As Kali-yuga progresses, Govardhana, Yamuna, and the rest of the lila-places of Vraja -Vrindavana will disappear, but the dust will remain for the devotees to come and roll in, and attain the mercy of Balarama (the eternal service of Radha-Krsna) In this Kali-yuga Krsna and Balarama have appeared as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu, so giving up all feelings of falls prestige one should call out “nityananda rama,nityanandarama,nityananda rama “, and roll in the dust of Vraja Vrindavana and then and then only will one be able to see Vraja as it is.

“Akrura immediately jumped down from the chariot, out of respect. He become overwhelmed with all the symptoms of ecstasy; he wept, and his body trembled out of extreme jubilation upon seeing the dust touched by the lotus feet of Lord Krsna, Akrura fell flat on his face and began to roll on the ground, “ Akrura’s journey to Vrindavana is exemplary, one who intends to visit Vrindavana should follow the ideal footstep of Akrura and always think of the pastimes and activities of the Lord. As soon as one reaches the boundary of Vrindavana he should immediately smear the dust of Vrindavana over his body, without thinking of his materiel position and prestige. (Krsna-book, Chapter-37)

GOPAL PRAKATA STALI SRINGAR STALI

This place is nestled right up against Govardhana, so please be very careful not to touch Govardhana with your feet. It was here that Madhavendra puri discovered Gopal.

When Krsna lifted Govardhana He gave shelter to the Vrajabasis from the devastating rain which Indra had sent. For seven days He stood holding Govardhana aloft with the little finger of His left hand and His right hand on His hip. A deity of Krsna standing in the same posture was established by Vrajanabha some five thousand years before. Although

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this and many other deities were established by Vrajanabha, it is understood that all these deities are eternally appearing and disappearing according to their desire.

It is stated in the Garga-Samhita, in Bharata-varsa (India), there are five Nathas (Lords); there is one in each of the four directions, namely, Badrinatha (north) Jagannatha (east) Ranganatha (south) Dvarkanatha (west), and one in the middle Sri Nathji (the Lord of Radha (Gopala)) One may be fortunate enough to take darsana of the four Nathas, but if one does not take darsana of Srinathji then no benefit is gained. But if one has taken darsana of Sri Nathji only, then he will attain the benefit of having taken darsana of all the Nathas. One will attain the supreme abode where he can serve Krsna’s lotus feet eternally.

When Radha and Krsna were enjoying Their spring rasa-dance, it was here that Krsna decorated Radha with so many nice ornaments. In Kali-yuga when Sri Nathji appears to have disappeared, He will manifest again through His dearmost devotee Madhavendra Puri.

The story of how Gopal (Sri Nathji) manifested through Madhavendra Puri was related to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu by Nityananda Prabhu.

Once, Sri Madhavendra Puri traveled to Vrindavan, where he came upon the hill known as Govardhana. Madhavendra Puri was almost mad in his ecstacy of love of Godhead, and he did not know whether it was day or night. Sometimes he stood up, and sometimes he fell to the ground. He could not discriminate whether he was in a proper place or not. After circumambulating the hill, Madhavendra Puri went to Govinda Kund and took his bath. He then sat beneath a tree to take his evening rest. While he was sitting beneath a tree, an unknown cowherd boy came with a pot of milk, placed it before Madhavendra Puri, and smiling, addressed him as follows: “Please drink the milk I have brought. Why don’t you beg some food to eat ? What kind of meditation are you undergoing?”

When he saw the beauty of that boy, Madhavendra Puri became very satisfied. Hearing his sweet words, he forgot all hunger and thirst.

Madhavendra Puri said, “Who are you? Where do you reside? And how did you know that I was fasting?”

The boy replied, “Sir, I am a cowherd boy, and I reside in this village. In my village, no one fasts. In this village a person can beg food from others and thus eat. Some people drink only milk, but if a person does not ask anyone for food, I supply him all his eatables. The women who came here to take water saw you, and they supplied me with this milk and sent me to you.”

The boy continued:” I must go very soon to milk the cows, but I shall return and take back this milk pot from you.”

Saying this, the boy left the place. Indeed, he suddenly could be seen no more, and Madhavendra Puri’s heart was filled with wonder. After drinking the milk, Madhavendra Puri washed the pot and put it aside. He looked toward the path, but the boy never returned. Madhavendra Puri could not sleep. He sat and chanted Hare Krsna Maha Mantra, and at the end of the night he dozed a little, and his external activities stopped. In a dream, Madhavendra Puri saw the very same boy. The boy came before him and, holding his hand, took him to a bush in jungle. The boy showed Madhavendra Puri the

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bush and said, “I reside in this bush, and because of this I suffer very much from severe cold, rain showers, winds and scorching heat. Please bring the people of the village and get them to take me out of this bush. Then have them situate me nicely on the top of the hill “

“Please construct a temple on the top that hill”, the boy continued, and installed me in that temple. After this, wash me with large quantities of cold water so that my body may be cleaned. For many days I have been observing you, I have been wondering, ‘ When will Madhavendra Puri come here to serve me?’

“I have accepted your service due to your ecstatic love for me. Thus I shall appear, and by my audience all fallen souls will delivered.”

“ My name is Gopala. I am the lifter of Govardhana Hill. I was installed by Vraja, and here I am the authority. When the Mohammedans attacked, the priest who was serving me hid me in this bush in the jungle. Then he ran away out of fear of attack. Since the priest went away, I have been staying in this bush. It is very good that you have came here. Now just remove me with care.”

After saying this, the boy disappeared. Then Madhavendra Puri woke up and began to consider his dream. He began to lament; “ I saw Lord Krsna directly, but I could not recognized Him! “ Thus he fell down on the ground in ecstatic love.

Madhavendra Puri cried for sometime, but then he fixed his mind on executing the order of Gopala. Thus he become tranquil. After taking his morning bath, Madhavendra Puri entered the village and assembled all the people. Then he spoke as follows; “he proprietor of this village, Govardhana-dhari, is lying in the bushes. Let us go there and rescue Him from that place. The bushes are very dense, and we will not be able to enter in the jungle. Therefore take choppers and spades to clear the way.”

After hearing this, all the people accompanied Madhavendra Puri with great pleasure. According to his directions, they cut down bushes, cleared a path and entered in the jungle.

When they saw the Deity covered with dirt and grass, they were all struck with wonder and pleasure. After they cleansed the body of the Deity, some of them said, “The Deity is very heavy. No one person can move Him”

Since the Deity was very heavy, Some of the stronger men assembled to carry Him to the top of the hill. Madhavendra Puri also went there. A big stone was made into a throne, and the Deity was installed upon it. Another big stone was placed behind the Deity for support. All the brahmana priest of the village gathered with nine water pots, and water from Govinda-Kunda lake was brought there and filtered.

When the deity was being installed, nine hundreds pots of water were brought from Govinda-Kunda. There were musical sounds of bugles and drums and the singings of women. During the festival at the installation ceremony, some people sang and some danced. All the milk, yogurt and butter in the village was brought to the festival. Various foods and sweetmeats, as well as other kinds of presentations, were brought there. I am unable to describe all these. The villagers brought a large quantity of Tulsi leaves, flowers, and various kinds of garments. Then Sri Madhavendra Puri personally began to abhiseka (bathing -ceremony) After all inauspicious things were driven away by the chanting of Mantras, the Deity’s bathing ceremony started. First the Deity was massaged with a large

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quantity of oil, so that His body become very glossy. After the first bathing, further bathing were conducted with panca-gavya and them with panchamrita. Then the maha-snana was performed with ghee and water, which had been brought in one hundred pots.

After the maha-snana was finished, the Deity was again massaged with scented oil and His body made glossy. Then the last bathing ceremony was performed with scented water kept in a conchshell.

After the body of the Deity was cleansed, He was dressed very nicely with new garments. The sandalwood pulp, Tulsi garlands, and other fragrant flowers garlands were placed upon the body of the Deity. After the bathing ceremony was finished, incense and lamps were burned and all kinds of food offered before the Deity. These foods includes yogurt, milk and as many sweetmeats as were received.

The Deity was first offered many varieties of food, then scented drink water in new pots, and then water for washing the mouth. Finally pan mixed with a variety of spices was offered.

After the last offering of tambula and pan, bhoga-aratika was performed. Finally everyone offered various prayers and then obeisances, falling flat before the Deity in full surrender.

As soon as the people of the village had understood that the Deity was going to be installed, they had brought their entire stocks of rice, dahl and wheat flour. They brought such large quantities that the entire surface of the top of the hill was filled. When the villagers brought their stock of rice, dahl and flour, the potters of the village brought all kinds of cooking pots, and in the cooking began.

Ten brahmanas cooked both dry and liquid vegetables. The vegetable preparations were made from various kinds of spinach, roots and fruits collected from the forest, and someone had made bada and badi by mashing dahl. In this way the brahmanas prepared all kinds of food.

Five to seven men prepared a huge quantity of chapatis, which were sufficiently covered with ghee, as were all the vegetables, rice and dahl. All the cooked rice was stacked on leaves, which were on new cloth spread over the ground. Around the stack of cooked rice were stacks of chapatis, and all the vegetables and liquid vegetable preparations were placed in different pots and put around them. Pots of yogurt, milk, buttermilk, and sikharini, sweet-rice, cream, and solid cream were placed alongside the vegetables. In this way the Annakuta ceremony was performed, and Madhavendra Puri Goswami personally offered every thing to Gopala.

Many water pots were filled with scented water for drinking, and Lord Sri Gopala, who had been hungry for many days, ate everything offered to him. Although Sri Gopala ate everything offered, still, by the touch of his transcendental hand, everything remained as before. How Gopala ate everything while the food remained the same was transcendentally perceived by Madhavendra Puri Goswami; nothing remains a secret to the devotees of the Lord.

The wonderful festival and installation of Sri Gopalaji was arranged in one day. Certainly all this was accomplished by the potency of Gopala. No one but a devotee can understand this.

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Madhavendra Puri offered water to Gopala for washing His mouth, and he gave Him betel nuts to chew. Then while arati was performed, all the people chanted, “Jaya Jaya!” (All glories to Gopala).

Arranging for the Lord’s rest, Sri Madhavendra Puri brought a new cot, and over this he spread a new bedspread and thus made the bed ready. A temporary temple was constructed by covering the bed all around with a straw mattress. Thus there was a bed and a straw mattress to cover it. After the Lord was laid down to rest on the bed, Madhavendra Puri gathered all the brahmanas who had prepared the prasada and said to them; “Now feed everyone sumptuously, from the children on up to the aged!” (C.C. Madhya 4: 21-98)

After Madhavendra Puri left Vraja, two pure brahmins from Bengal served Gopala and maintained the high standards which Madhavendra Puri had established in course of time. Raghunatha Das Goswami saw that there was a need of someone to perform Gopala’s service. After deep thought he handed the service over to the pure-hearted son of Vallabhacharya, Vittal. Unfortunately when Aurangzeb started to terrorize the Vraja area, Gopal by His divine desire decided to go to Nathadwara near to Udaipur in Rajasthan. This was in the year 1665 and up to the present day he is being worshipped in a very opulent way especially he is offered very large and rich bhoga (foodstuffs) and the prasada is readily available to everyone. It is understood that Gopal comes here to Govardhana every evening and His aratika is offered just on the other side of the hill in Jatipur, where we will pay visit in due course. Every evening in Nathadwara they close the temple after which they make no more offerings till the next morning, because Sri Nathji Gopala is understood to have gone to Govardhana.

G A U R I-T I R T HA GAURI KUNDa

These amazing place is the source of the most wondrous intimate pastimes of Radha-Krishna. Here also there is very little water in the kund and unfortunately, the deity of Gauri (Parvati ) is no longer present and no one has of yet established a new temple. But still, we can take the dust of this Gauri tirtha on our heads and request humbly to understand the divine secrets of this hidden place which even Lord Siva is unable to approach.

Srila Rupa Goswami in his Vidagdha madhava nataka (play) has given a few drops of the nectarine pastimes of this place.

Once Abhimanyu was thinking to go to Mathura when he met Purnamasi who inquired from him as to where he was going so early in the morning.

Abhimanyu, “I am coming to get your blessing.”Purnamasi, “For what?”Abhimanyu, ”For taking Vrishabhanu Nandini (Radha ) to Mathura.”Purnamasi, “Why?”Abhimanyu, “Because of Radha’s restlessness with Madhava.”

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The conversation continues with Purnamasi convincing Abhimanyu that he is listening to rumors which have no basis. The entire story is too long to repeat now, but we will try to give a synopsis. Hare Krishna.

After convincing Abhimanyu to return home, he accepts her request and asks Purnamasi to initiate Radha into the worship of Gauri. His mother Jatila had told him that Chandravali had been initiated into Gauri’s worship and thus her husband Govardhana Malla (so called husband) had become very rich. Purnamasi blessed him and assured him that his desire will be fulfilled.

After Abhimanyu leaves, Vrinda Devi approaches and informs Purnamasi that Krishna has requested her to make arrangements for Him to enjoy with Radha, Chandravali and Padma. When Purnamasi hears this, she becomes very happy, informing Vrinda Devi that it is quite right for today is Sravana Purnima (full moon ), also known as Saubhagya Purnima, a very special day for lovers to meet.

At that moment, Lalita and Vishaka arrived and they all together discuss how to make it possible for Krishna to enjoy with Radha, Chandravali and Padma on the same day at Gauri Kunda. Vishaka remembers that Chandravali is going to be sent to her husband’s house today, so it will be very easy to get her to take the long path. Purnamasi and Vishaka decide to go and get Radha to worship Gauri Devi.

While Chandravali and Padma are passing through Gauri tirtha, Krsna suddenly appears and blocks their path. They enjoy a funny argument and just as Krsna attempts to forcefully embrace Chandravali, her grandmother comes along, and after chastising Krsna very strongly, takes her grand daughter home.

Shortly after, Radha arrives with the intention of worshiping Gauri-Krsna, seeing Her coming Krsna blocks Her path. After a long arrogant argument, Radha chastises Krsna and goes into a garden to pick flowers for Gauri’s worship . Krsna immediately requests Vrinda Devi to arrange some women’s clothes and gold color. Vrinda Devi understanding His mind, tell Him that everything will be available in Gauri’s temple and quickly dresses up just like Gauri Devi. He then sends Vrinda Devi to call Radha to come and worship Gauri.

Meanwhile, Padma, who was convinced that Lalita had told Chandravali’s grandmother about their meeting with Krsna, had gone and Jatila (Radha’s mother in law ) that Radha was enjoying with Krsna in Gauri-tirtha. Jatila and Abhimanyu at once set of for Gauri tirtha.

Arriving there, Jatila says, “O Abhimanyu, just see! that king and queen of dancers must be here.”

Abhimanyu, “Mother, what you say is true, for today I saw Balarama the other cowherd boys returning without Krsna.”

Jatila, “O son, I can smell that two lovers have been enjoying here.”Abhimanyu, “Mother, today Purnamasi gave permission to take Radha to Mathura if I caught Her red handed. “

Jatila, “It is amazing. There is only one door out of our house which I was watching and still She has managed to leave.”

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Upon entering Gauri’s temple they saw Radharani preying with folded hands before Goddess Gauri who is actually Krsna dressed as her and standing in such a way that the real deity is hidden behind Him.

Gauri smiling says, “O Radha, do not make such a difficult request. “Radha smiling, O Goddess, please be merciful. “Abhimanyu, as he enters the flower temple, “O Radha, today we have caught You red handed!”Sri Krsna, to Himself, “O having recognized Abhimanyu’s voice Radha has fallen to the ground like a stick.”Jatila: O son, from whom is such a diving light emanating. “Abhimanyu, offering respects to Gauri: O Mother, from the famous Gauri Devi.”They see Radha offering obeisances in front of Goddess Gauri. Sri Krsna, to Himself, “Dressing up as Gauri has brought unlimited happiness to me . “Lalita and Vishaka, in great bliss, “O best of the cowherd men, you have advised us many times to perform Gauri Puja. Just see, Gauri is so happy with our worship that She has personally stepped out of her Deity form.”Abhimanyu, “What benediction is Radha trying to attain.”Gauri: “O brave Abhimanyu, for the removal of the great disaster which is sitting on your head.”Abhimanyu, fearfully: “O Goddess, what disaster.”Gauri: My dear Vrinda, I am hesitant whether to tell him or not, so you please tell him.”Vrinda Devi: “O Abhimanyu, the day after tomorrow King Kamsa is going to cut off your head and offer it to Lord Siva. “Jatila, Horrified, O Goddess, please be happy and bless us! Bless that my son may be freed from this. . . . . . Radha, standing up with folded hands: “Please bless us, Please bless us!”Gauri: “My dear Radha, the benediction which you are asking is not possible.”Radha: O Goddess of all the gopis, please be merciful to me for I cannot live without my swami”Gauri: “I do not take much interest in the prayers of sages and yogis, bur the rope of devotion with which you have bound me forces me to bless you. But on one condition, You must never leave Vraja and always render services to me.”

Abhimanyu: “O shelter of your devotees, O most merciful, I promise that I will never try to take Radha to Mathura (out of Vraja) and She will always engage in your service!”

Jatila: “O Radha you have saved us all!”Vrinda Devi, looking at Abhimanyu: “That man who wrongly accuses a chaste wife of infidelity will cut short his life span. Gauri Devi declares this. “

Gauri: “O most fortunate Abhimanyu, Radha is the source of your good fortune, so do not mistrust Her.”

Abhimanyu: “O Goddess, Subal sometimes dresses up like Radha and joke with my jealous envious mother.”

( Subal looks just like Radha and when he put on her clothes, no one can tell difference. )Lalita: “Abhimanyu, you are veryfortunate that you came at this time and saw the truth.”

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Abhimanyu: “Mother, let us go home and cancel the arrangements I made for going to Mathura.”

Lalita-Vishaka, smiling at Radha: O dear friend. “Purnamashi, arriving in a very happy mood: O beautiful golden complexioned

Goddess, coming before you makes me very happy.”Sri Krsna giving up his acting: “O gentle lady, all glories to you!”

Purnamasi: “O son of Yasoda, please accept my blessings hundreds times over. Today you have relieved me of fear of being separated from Radhika.”

Sri Krsna: “My dear Purnamasi, Radha’s great fear has been removed, the disturbance in your mind has been destroyed; the sakhis have attained great bliss. Now how may I serve you?”

Purnamasi, “O best friend of Gokula, personally I am fully happy, but still I have two requests. Please always enjoy in the kunjas of Vrindavana with Radha and any devotee whose ear a small drop of this nectarean pastimes enters, let him attain a loving affection to your lotus feet just like Radharani.”

Sri Krsna: (smiling ) “So be it. Let us go, it is time to milk the cows. My mother and father will be feeling great distress if I am late.”

Praying at the lotus feet of that golden form of Krsna ( Gauri ) and begging Him to remember His promise to Purnamasi, we will continue our parikrama.

SURABHI-VANThis Surabhi-Van is brilliantly glowing at the foot of Govardhana just next to Aniyora (right of parikrama path). It is full of cows (surabhi), kadamba, tamal trees and pilu trees and in its center is the unlimitedly glorious Govinda-kunda, where Surabhi (the mother of cows) and Indra, the king of the demigods, bathed Lord Krsna.

The mantra for offering obeisances to Surabhi-Van is;surabhi krita ramya ya vanaraji vibhusite

saugandya paripurna ya surabhi moda dayineakila-pada ramya ya namaste suka-rupine (Visnu-yamala )

N I P A-K U N D A Unfortunately this kund has just about dried up. Previously there were many kadamba trees on its banks and all of those trees anxious to serve Krsna, presented their leaves in the form of cups . Krsna enjoyed snacks on the bank of this kund along with His cowherd boyfriends and would utilize the cups of those trees to eat the various items sent by mother Yashoda.

Today there is one kadamba tree remaining and if one searches carefully he can see that some of its leaves are in the shape of cups, hoping that Krsna will come and use them. This last tree is steel present to bless us with the remembrance of Krsna’s pastimes.

Nipa means kadamba, thus this kunda’s name is Nipa-kunda. In the Garga Samhita this place is described as Drona-ksetra and anyone who bathes and offers their obeisances here

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with attain Goloka. There is a small well next to what is left of the kunda, where one can get the water of Nipa-kunda.

Another pastime which took place here at Nipa-kunda is described in Garga-Samhita as follows: Once Krsna suddenly appeared from amongst the kadamba trees on the bank of Nipa-kunda and blocked the path of the gopis, who where passing by carrying pots of milk products, and He demanded that they deliver all their milk products to Him as tax. The gopis started talking amongst themselves, “Oh, just see this son of Nanda Maharaja, at his home he is so innocent and well behaved and here in the forest he has become so coocky! Oh Krsna, just run off and play with your friends or else we are going to tell your mother and father about your misbehavior and we will also report you to king Kamsa. “Hearing these threats, Krsna just laughed and told them, “Do not try to frighten me with Kamsa’s name. I promise in the name of my cows that I will beat Kamsa to death and drag his dead-body here and throw it by the side of Govardhana.”

Hearing Krsna’s speaking in that way, the young gopis started to laugh and leaving their pots there on the ground they returned home. Krsna then called all His friends and talking the cup-shaped leaves from the trees, served yogurt, butter etc. to everyone. And one who comes here to Nipa-kunda and gives yogurt in charity and eats yogurt from the leave-cups will guarantee himself a place in Goloka.

RADHA-GOVINDA TEMPLEI worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor who is tending the cows, yelding all desire, in abodes built with spiritual gems, surrounded by millions of purpose trees, always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of Laksmis or gopis. ( B.S. 29 )

Radha- Govinda Temple is located in between Nipa-kunda and Govinda-kunda. Govinda is the presiding deity of Surabhi-van and was originally installed by Vrajanabha Goswami.

Govinda is about 3’ 6” and is playing the flute. Srimati Radhika is standing on His left side. Darsana from 7-00 to 11-00 and 16-00 to 21-00

The mantra to be chanted while offering obeisances to Radha-Govinda is :Om krim surabya upavana

adhipata ye govindava swadha (Shandilya-Samhita)

GOVINDA KUNDAThis Govinda Kunda is splendidly radiant due to the unlimited pastime which Radha and Krsna have performed on its banks and in its transcendental water, which is actually not water but the very essence of devotional perfection. What can be said of that person who sees Govinda kunda even from a great distance, immediately all of his past sinful reactions will run far away and loving sentiments towards Radha and Krsna will instantaneously arise within the heart.

This Govinda kunda is surrounded by beautiful wish-fulfilling desire-trees (kalpa-vrksa) and its banks are studded with billions of priceless cintamani (transcendental gems). All of the wealth of Vaikuntha, Ayodhya, and Dvaraka cannot purchase a single grain of the dust of this place, and who can describe the transcendental water contained within this kund.

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This water is the remnant of the bath-water of Lord Krsna, For it was at this place that Lord Krsna was coronated as King of the cows (Govinda ).

The mantra for bathing in Govinda-kunda is :-govinda snapa-nod bhuta tirtha-raja namo stuteabhiseka-jalaih-rabhyahkunda govinda sanjnakah

Now having taken our bath in this lake of nectar, we can sit down on the bank and try to appreciate the beauty of Govardhana with our eyes and with our ears try to relish a fraction of the pastimes which take place here in Govinda-kunda

It is described in the Ananda Vrindavana Champu that when Indra and Surabhi were preparing to perform abhishek of Krsna, all of the demigods, headed by Lord Brahma and Lord Siva, the munis and rishis lead by Narada Muni, all the wives of the great sages, headed by Arundhati, and the apsaras who were lead by Urvasi, all assembled to take part in that maha-abhishek (great bathing ceremony).

Govardhana provided the simhasana (lion-seat) for Krsna to sit on, made of his own silas; Varuna, the god of waters brought a beautiful umbrella, bedecked with pearls and diamonds, and personally held it over Krsna’s head . Vayu, the god of air, along with his servants, personally came with chamaras (yak fans)and fanned Krsna on all sides; Chandra, the moon god, took the form the mirror which shone just like the full moon; Lord Narayana’s conch, Panchajanya, appeared in many human like forms and blew conshells in every direction: Lord Narayana’s club, Kaumodaki, manifested as a dazzling diamond-studded column: Lord Narayana’s lotus flower appeared as many white umbrellas in every direction, and sudarshan chakra, the Lord’s disc weapon, manifested as an unlimited numbers of ghee-lamps .

The seven ocean, along with all the rivers, manasa-sarovar and all of the holy kundas and lakes, manifested celestial forms and carrying golden pots, containing their own water to bathe Lord Krsna. Bhoomi Devi (mother earth) personally came carrying seven pots made of gems and filled with seven types of precious stones as well as seven plates containing seven kinds of earth. All the medicines and herbs came before Krsna and surrendered to Him. The auspicious trees, headed by vat and pinal, came in personified forms and each offered five new tender leaves in containers made of vaidurya-mani (cat’s eye ).

The various forest goddesses came carrying pots full of coconut-juice and all kinds of other fruit-juices. The mountain god came with unlimited varieties of gems. The nine nidhis (the nine treasures of Kuvera), headed by Shanka, Padma, and Mahapadma came and the eight siddhis (the eight mystic perfections), lead by Anima, Mahima and Garima. The precious stones, cintamani etc. many kamadhenus (cows of plenty), all kinds of kalpa vriksas (wish fulfilling trees), all went to Surabhivan in personified forms and stood with folded hands before Krsna . Mount Sumeru offered a set of clothes made of gold and the Himalayas presented a wonderful gifts and Gandhamadan Mountain brought golden lotuses from Manasa Sarovara and strung them into a nice garland for Krsna. The Malaya hill brought the best of sandal wood and ground it into a paste for Krsna. Mount Kailasa came to Surabhivan with a wonderful priceless garland of jewels and seven great sages brought extraordinary lotuses from the water of Akash-Ganga. Unfortunately due to the

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presence of the moon in the form of a mirror, those lotuses would not open at that moment the sun god personally arrived to offer service to Krsna. Thus in the presence of the sun those lotuses opened. Agnideva, the god of fire, manifested beautiful incense containers in all directions, in which the most fragrant incense and wood were burning .

Garuda spread his golden wings over the top of Krsna like a canopy. Vasukhi, the king of snakes, along with many other snakes, transformed their hoods into decorated doorways and the jewel on their hoods into flags and banners. Sri sukta and other hymns for bathing the Lord, along with purusa sukta, the musical notes and vowels, appeared in divine forms. Surabhi (cow) came and gave the panchagavya (the five products of cow ). Lord Brahma brought panchamrita (a mixture of milk, curd, sugar, ghee and honey) prepared with his own hand . Airavata (elephant) brought the waters of the Akash-Ganga in his trunks and filled up unlimited numbers of diamonds pots. Auspicious sounds were heard from the sky and the best of flowers showered down from the heavenly garden Nandan Van. Tne Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Charanas and other denizens from the heavenly planets danced and sang. The five deities in charge of drama

(Mukh, Pratimukh, Garbh, Vimarsh and Nirvahan), the secondary Vadas Rupak and Uparapak, performed nice plays for Krsna. Many apsaras danced before Krsna and became totally infatuated by His beauty.

When all that persons had gathered before Krsna for the purpose of bathing Him, Lord Brahma approached Surabhi and said, O Surabhi, just see today is very auspicious in that we have the rare chance to serve Lord Krsna. So let us not delay any longer. Kindly approached the father of Ganesh (Lord Siva) and take His permission and start the bathing ceremony. Also take Arundhuti, Anasuya, Lopamodra, Parvati, Gayatri, Aditi, Saraswati and Swaha to assist in the bathing . After having received Lord Brahma’s order, all those chaste ladies approached Krsna. At that time Lord Brahma also went and stood close to Krsna with folded hands and requested him to sit on the simhasana. After Krsna had sat, Lord Brahma washed His feet and then offered madhuparka (a mixture of honey, curd, sugar and water), after which Surabhi, along with Arundhuti and the other chaste mothers of the universe, started to bathe Krsna with panchamrita, panchagavya and milk from Surabhi’s own udders. All those great persons who were witnessing that abhishek, perceived Krsna looking like a dark rain cloud being bathed by the moon’s gems. After having bathed Krsna, all those mothers with great motherly affection applied all kinds of fragrant powders and oils on Krsna’s body.

After they have finished, the four Kumaras and the seven rishis bathed Krsna with Ganga water. Then the seven oceans and all the rivers, kundas and sarovaras came forward and bathed Krsna with their own waters.

Then the universal mother (Arundhati etc. )massaged fragrant oil on Krsna’s body and after they had finished they took a large plate which had hundreds of holes in it (like a sieve)and held it above Krsna and with a conch-shell bathed Krsna. And their virgin daughters Cintamani, the kalpa-vriksas and the kamadhenus (all from the heavenly planets, not Goloka)came forward and started to dry Krsna’s body. Some dried His face, some His hair, some His body, His feet: in this way they dried Krsna’s body three times. After having removed His wet clothes and dried Him they dressed Krsna with fresh clothes and applied sandalwood paste, flower garlands, ornaments and they decorated His hair .

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Even though Krsna was worshipped in such a grand way by the demigods He was not particularly interested. Only due to their request did He tolerate their offerings. But in the absences of His cows, boyfriends and gopis He was not feeling any happiness. But to satisfy the demigods He put on a show of being satisfied. After Krsna had been bathed and dressed nicely, the demigods headed by Lord Brahma seated Krsna on a simhasana made of a very soft grass and then Lord Brahma personally washed Krsna’s lotus feet. Lord Brahma wanted to offer further worship to Krsna but He was hesitant because for any kind of worship to be complete, , one must chant the appropriate mantra. Understanding what Lord Brahma was thinking, Lord Siva approached Him and inquired why He was hesitating, “Just see, Gopala’s mantra has manifested personally here in the form of a beautiful young boy. “He was shining like many suns and on His body was written the name of Govinda.

When Brahma saw that wonderful boy, he became very happy. That mantra was capable of giving happiness to all. ( The Gopala Mantra “klim krsnaya govindaya gopijana ballabhaya svaha” one must received from Narada Muni or his bonafide representative). Next Brahmaji brought the paraphernalia for washing Krsna’s lotus feet and along with Narada Muni, the four Kumaras Dhruva and Prahlada, who are all capable of destroying the illusion of this realm of nuisance simply by their vision, Lord Brahma approached Krsna again and washed His lotus feet along with that Gopala mantra, Then he sat down in padma asana. At that time Brahma’s four faces, which are looking in the four direction, all turned to look upon the unlimited beauty of Krsna. At that moment the milk ocean brought many conch-shells. Kailasa mountain brought a bell made of crystal. Himalaya mountain brought a plate for putting flowers on. At the same time many beautiful forest goddesses brought incense, flowers and all the necessary paraphernalia and Aditya brought all kinds of wonderful succulent foodstuff; Sachi brought very nice pan and every thing was placed before Krsna and Lord Brahma started to worship Krsna and all the great sages, demigods and goddesses started to dance and sing the holly Names of Krsna:

After completing the arotika, Brahma placed a wonderful crown on Krsna, head and tilaka too. Then Lord Brahma declared that Krsna was actually the Indra (king ) of the demigods and all living entities.

The following description is taken from Gopala Champu by Srila Jiva Goswami;-While Surabhi, Indra and all the demigods were worshiping Krsna, the cowherd boys had run after the calves so that they could herd them together for taking them home. When they returned, the demigods had left. Scattered on the ground were chamaras, umbrellas, and other paraphernalia used for the worship of Krsna, which they immediately picked up and out of natural affection, started to fan Krsna and worship Krsna in different ways . The demigods, from a distance, heard the sweet singing and when they saw the way the cowherd boys were worshiping Krsna out of loving affection, they became ashamed of their attempt to worship Krsna.

Hearing all this commotion, Balarama came there. Upon seeing Krsna on that amazing simhasana being worshipped by the other boys, He became very happy and He sat down next to Him for a while simply looking at His beautiful face. On that day, Nanda Maharaja, accompanied by his servants and followed by all the other cowherd men and women, set out from Nandagram for the purpose of bathing his cows as well as to find out

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from where the cowherd boys had found all the chamaras, umbrellas, etc. . When they arrived in Surabhi-Van and saw Krsna, Balarama and all the cowherd boys, he became overwhelmed with paternal affection and within his mind he could understand everything . Still to satisfy, the curiosity, of all the other cowherd men and women, he inquired from the boys as to where these divine items had come from.

Sridama said, “We had run ahead to catch the calves so that we could herd them together . For this reason we do not know what happened . But when we returned, all of these wonderful items, umbrellas, chamaras, flags, and banners, coconuts, and all such things, were lying all around.”

Madhumangala then spoke up,” O Nanda Maharaja please listen, first one cow came and spoke some thing . Then, one man with thousand of eyes all over his body offered his obeisances to Krsna . And then, a large white elephant came again and again carrying water from the heavenly Ganga. There was also this person with four heads and another with five heads who went before Krsna and offered prayers. O Nanda Maharaja, all of these persons together with many others offered abhishek to Krsna (bathed Krsna)”.

As Nanda Maharaja and the other cowherd men were listening to the words of the children, suddenly a voice from the sky announced, “O Nanda Maharaja, in the same way that we coronated your son as the king of the cows and the senses, you should now coronate Krsna as the king of Vraja. “

NOTE---Srila Jiva Goswami points out in Gopala Champu that because all demigods are present in the body of cow, then Krsna becoming the king of the cows automatically meant that he had been accepted by the demigods as their Indra (king ).

After hearing that wonderful voice from the sky, all of the cowherd men and women worshipped Krsna and installed him as the king of Vraja (Govinda). After this, Mother Yashoda offered arotik to Krsna . ?Then they all together returned home .

Let us now take a round of this glorious Govinda- kund . You will see on the southern side just standing out slightly into the kunda is the sitting place of Madhavendra Puri. It was here that Gopala came and gave him a pot of milk (as previously described ).

Madhavendra Puri is described in the Gaura-ganoddesa dipika as being a kalpa-vriksa in Goloka:- “Madhavendra Puri was a incarnation of a kalpa-vriksa in Vraja. This tree bears as its fruits the mellows of servitude, friendship, paternal and conjugal love for Krsna,” (G-g-d, Text 22)

This unlimitedly merciful kalpa-vriksa is distributing love of Radha-Krsna to everyone and anyone who simply begs the same from him. Although in Goloka that tree is standing in one place, out of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s causeless mercy that kalpa-vriksa had taken the form of Madhavendra Puri and wondered all over distributing his fruits to everyone whether they wanted them or not.

“Thus the Lord brought the desire-tree of devotional service to this earth and became its grander. He sowed the seed and sprinkled upon it the water of His will.”

“ All glories to Sri Madhavendra Puri, the storehouse of all devotional service unto Krsna! He is a desire-tree of devotional service, and it in him that the seed of devotional service first fructified.” (Chaitanya-caritamrita, adi-lila 9, 9-10)

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If we sincerely beg Madhavendra Puri to allow us to fully relish the succulent juicy fruit of love for Radha-Krsna, which has already been distributed to every nook and corner of this Planet by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, then our desire will be fulfilled. So now we will enter this special kutir and surely when we bow our head down to touch the dust of this place, the mad witch of lusty desires in our heart will run to a distant corner out of shame, but kindly remember not to call her back again.

At this time disciples of Vallabhacharya are looking after this place. As their disciplic acarya, Vithala had remained here for a long time worshiping Sri Nathji (Gopala), whose worship had been entrusted by Raghunatha Dasa Goswami to him. We find the following description in Chaitanya-caritamrita;-

“Sri Vallabha Bhatta (Vallabhacharya ) had two sons. The elder, Gopinatha, was born in 1432 Sakabhada era (1510), and the Younger, Vithalanatha, was born in 1437(1515) and died in 1507(1585). Vithala had seven sons; Giridhari, Govinda, Balakrsna, Gokulesa, Raghunatha, Yadunatha and Ghanasyama. Vitahala completed many of his father unfinished books, including his commentary on Vedanta-sutra, the Subodhini commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam, Vidyan-Mandana and Nyasa-Desa-Vridavana. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu went to Vrindavana after the birth of Vithala.

It is stated in Bhakti-Ratnakara that Vithala worshipped a beautiful deity of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and tears were always pouring from his eyes (although this is vehemently rejected by the present day followers).

GOPALA TEMPLEThis beautiful deity is a self-manifested prati-bhuha of Gopal. His worship is under the supervision of the goswamis of the Govindaji temple of Jaipur. The mantra for offering obeisances is:-

nana-svada sukha-vistakrsna gopala rupinedadhi bhojana ramyayatrailokyesa namo stute

Just see the unlimited mercy of Gopala towards His devotees, when the Vrajabasis were harassed by the torrential rains of Indra. He raised Govardhana Hill to give them shelter and whenever a great devotee wanted to take darsana of His lotus feet, he would come down from on top of Govardhana by some trick or other. And now just to totally shower His mercy, He has expanded into two forms:-one here in front of us and the other in Nathadwara. In fact, since the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu it appears that the important deities of Vraja have taken on the same mood and have gone here and there to distribute their mercy.

INDRA TILAThis small hill is on the southern bank of Govinda-kunda. It was here that King Indra and mother Surabhi, along with all the demigods and great sages, bathed Lord Krsna and the waters from that maha-abhishek gathered in Govinda-kunda. One who has looked upon this place will not have to see the inside of another womb again.

We will just take a short walk along the side of Govardhana before again returning to the main parikrama path. We will come to a large Govardhana Sila (Julian sila ). If we just

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stop and look at this sila we will very clearly see Radha and Krsna sitting on a swing being pushed by their sakhis (girl-friends ). (If one is by himself it will be necessary to take the help from someone who knows how to find this sila. It also depends on the sunlight; morning hours are the best. ) After rolling in the dust at this place we can proceed a little further and takes darsan of Balarama sthali.

DOKA-DOUJI BALARAMA STALIThis small temple is situated on the top of Govardana and when we go round the other side of Govardhana we will be able to appreciate how narrow Govardhana is at this point. Govardhana has the shape of a peacock and this place is the beginning of His tail.

This deity of Balarama is in a crouching position and although Balarama’s body is white-colored like the full moon or milk ocean, this particular deity is black colored as are quite a few of the Balarama deities in Vraja. The story of this deity is as follows;-

Once when Lord Krsna was enjoying His spring rasa-lila at Parasoli near Chandra Sarovara. Lord Balarama happened to be wondering on top of Govardhana at this place . When from His high advantage position He saw Krsna enjoying His rasa-lila pastimes with the gopis he became totally absorbed in the amazing bodily movements of Krsna. In fact he became so absorbed in watching Krsna that his white body took on a blackish complexion just like Krsna’s. For this reason the deity here is black-colored and crouching down, looking towards Chandra Sarovara. This particular area of Govardhana is very dear to Lord Balarama. He enjoys many pastimes at this place along with the cowherd boys. Although Balarama is sitting on top of Govardhana we can offer our respectful obeisances from the foot of the hill and pray to Lord Balarama for His benediction of the vision of Krsna’s rasa dance activities. Lord Balarama in His various expansions and in all kind of ways is able to serve Lord Krsna, but he is unable to enter into the conjugal pastimes of Radha-Krsna. So for the purpose of tasting the mood of the manjaris (serving maids) of Radha-Krsna and taking an inferior position to Srimati Radharani, who always offers respect to Balarama as the elder brother of Lord Krsna, Lord Balarama took the form of Ananga Manjari, Radharani’s younger sister and thus fulfilled His desire to serve Krsna on all of His pastimes.

Just at the foot of Govardhana to the left of the small path which leads to Balarama’ temple we can take darsana of the impression of Balarama’s crown. After circumambulating this mukuta-sila we will read a small description of Balarama and His affection for Krsna;-

“My dear friend, please inform Krsna not to go to Kaliya’s lake today. Today is His birthday, and so I wish to go along with mother Yasoda to bathe Him. Tell Him He should not leave the house today.” This shows how Balaram Krsna’s elder brother, took care of Krsna with parental love, within the scope of fraternal affection. (Nectar of Devotion, Ch-41)

Krsna then spoke to His elder brother Balarama as follows;-My dear brother. You are superior to all of us, and Your Lotus feet are worshipped by the demigods. Just see how these trees, full with fruits, have bent down to worship Your lotus feet. It appears that they are trying to get out of the darkness of being obliged to accept the form of trees. Actually, the trees born in the land of Vrindavana are not ordinary living entities. Having

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held the impersonal point of view in their past lives, they are put into this stationary condition of life, but now they have opportunity of seeing You in Vrindavana, and they are praying for further advancement in spiritual life through Your personal association. Generally the trees are living entities in the modes of darkness. The impersonalist philosophers are in that darkness, but they eradicate it by taking full advantage of Your presence. I think the drones that are buzzing all around You must have been Your devotees in their past lives. They cannot leave Your company because no one can be a better, more affectionate master than You. You are the supreme and original Personality of Godhead, and the drones are just trying to spread Yours glories by chanting every moment. I think some of them must be great sages, devotees of Your Lordship, and they are disguising themselves in the form of drones because they are unable to give up your company even for a moment. My dear brother, You are the supreme worshipable Godhead. Just see how the peacocks in great ecstacy are dancing before You. The deer, whose behavior is just like the gopis, are welcoming You with the same affection. And the cuckoos who are residing in this forest are receiving You with great joy because they consider that Your appearance is so auspicious in their home . Even though they are trees and animals, these residents of Vrindavana are glorifying You. They are prepared to welcome You to their best capacity, as is the practice of great souls in receiving another great soul at home. As for the land, it is so pious and fortunate that the footprints of Your lotus fee are marking its body.

“It is quite natural for these Vrindavana inhabitants to thus receive a great personality like You. The herbs, creepers and plants are also so fortunate to touch Your lotus feet. And by Your touching the twigs with Your hands, these small plants are also made glorious. As for the hills and the rivers, they too are now glorious because You are glancing at them. Above all the damsels of Vraja, the gopis, attracted by Your beauty, are the most glorious, because You embrace with Your strong arms”. (Krsna book )

Balarama KavachaThis Balarama Kavacha (armor) will ensure one full protection against the onslaught of Maya. One should chant this mantra after having taken bath and worn clean cloth. This Kavacha had previously bee given to the Vraja Gopis by Garga Muni. It is being repeated here to Duryodhana.

goloka-dhama-adhipatihparesvarahparesu-mampatupavitrakirtanahbhu-mandalam-sarsa-pava-dvilaksateyan-murdhnimampatu-sa bhumi mandale(1)

O Master of Goloka who is always glorified by kirtan, kindly protect me from my enemies. O you who carries Bhumandala on His head like a mustard seed (Sesa), kindly protect me in Bhumandala.

sena-su-mam-raksa-tu-sir-paniryuddhe-sada raksa-tu mam halichdurgesu chavyan-musali sada-mamvanesu sankarsanaadi-devah(2 )

O Sir-Pani kindly protect me amongst the military forces. O Halich, kindly protect me in battle, O Musalidhara, kindly protect me in the fortress . O Sankarsana, kindly protect me in the forest.

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kalinda ja vega haro jalesunilambaro raksa tu mam asda gnauvayau ca ramo vatukhe balaschamaharnave anata vapu asda mam (3)

O controller of the Yamuna kindly protect me in the water. O Nilambar kindly protect me against fire. O Rama kindly protect me from the wind. O Balarama kindly protect me in the sky. O Anant Vapu kindly be my only protector in the ocean.

kamat sada raksa tu dhenukarinkrodhat sada mam devivida praharilobhat sada raksa tu balvalarirmohat sada mam kil magadharih (5)

O Dhenukari kindly protect me from lust. O Dvivida Prahari kindly protect me against anger. O Balvalari kindly protect me from greed. O Magadhari kindly protect me against illusion.

pratah sada raksa tu vrsni dhuryahprahne sada mam mathura purendrahmadhyam dine gopa sakhah prapatusvarat parahne vatu mam sadaiva (6)

O Vrsni Dhurya kindly protect me in the morning . O Mathura Purendra kindly protect me in the eight periods of the day. O Gopa Sakhah kindly protect me in the middle of the day. O Svarat kindly protect me in the afternoon.

sayam phanindro vatu mam sadaivaparatparo raksa tu mam pradosepurne nisithe ca duranata-viryahpratyusa kale vatu mam sadaiva (7)

O Phanindra, kindly protect me in the evening. O Paratpara, kindly protect me in the frist part of of night. O Duranta-virya, kindly protect me the middle of the night. O Balarama, kindly protect me in the last part of the night.

vidiksu mam raksa tu revati-patirdiksu pralambari radha yadu-dvahahurddhvam sada mam balabhadra arattatah samantad baladeva eva hi (8)

O Ravati-pati, kindly protect me from the four intermediate directions. O Parlambari, kindly protect me from the four directions. O Balabhadra, kindly protect me from above, O Baladeva, kindly protect me from below and on every side.

antah sada vyat purusottamobahir nagendra lilo vatu mam mahabalahsada antaratmaja vasam harih avayamprapatu purnah paramesvaro mahan (9)

O Pursottam kindly protect me from within. O Nagendra kindly protect me from outside. O Hari, you are the supreme Personality of Godhead please kindly be my only protector always.

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This Balarama kavacha drives away all fears of both the demigods and the demons and burns up all sinful reactions.

As we approach the tail end of Govardhana, we will arrive at Puncari town. Just before Puncari we will pass a few small temples. First we will see a deity of Govardhana lying on his back and then one of Ganapati, where we can stop for a moment and request this great devotee to kindly remove any obstacles from the path of our further progress around Govardhana. Both, due to physical tiredness and mental weakness, we must be very careful not to see the holy dhama as an ordinary place nor the residents as ordinary people. Whatever shortcoming we are seeing is due to the contamination in our own hearts. We can get free from this offensive position by the divine grace of great devotees like Ganapati.

“I adore the primeval Lord Govinda, whose lotus feet are always held by Ganesh upon the pair of tumuli protruding from his elephant head in order to obtain power for his function of destroying all the obstacles on the path of the three worlds.” (Sri Brahma-samhita, Verse 50)

APSARA VANAThis beautiful forest which is capable of fulfilling all desires simply by its vision is manifest at the very tail end of Govardhana and fortunately it has not been covered over as much as other places in Vraja, even with our present eyes we can still appreciate the beauty of this part of Krsna’s playground. The woods are here full of many trees, animals and the constant mellowing of peacocks. The dust of this forest will certainly cleanse all misunderstanding from our heart. The mantra for offering obeisances is ;-

Sendra apsara manoramyadeva vasa sukhaparadasamo ramya vanayaivasadananda svarupine (Shaskra yamala)

APSARA KUNDAThis kunda was created when the seven main apsaras came and bathed Lord Krsna . It is stated in the Visnu Dharmottare that twenty four avataras ( incarnations of God) eternally enjoy pastimes on the banks of this kund, namely;-Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana, Hari, Buddha, Pritu, Prahlada, Nrsimhadeva, Vyasadeva, Bhrigu, Dhanvantari,

Parasurama, Rama, Kapila, Dattatreya, Dhruva, Narada, Hamsa, Rsabhadeva, Hayagriva. These twenty-four personalities are enjoying inconceivable pastimes. Lord Krsna for the pleasure of His eternal associates, from time to time manifests one or the other of His expansions. On one occasion to bewilder His girlfriends (gopis), he manifested a twelve arms form and His close friend Subal took the form of Garuda ( Lord Vishnu’s giant eagle-carrier). On another occasion Krsna took the form of Varaha ( the boar-incarnation )and started to dig up the earth. And on yet another occasion while playing with His friends, Krsna took on the form and mood of Lord Ramachandra and His cowherd boyfriends adopted the mood and form of the monkey and bears, who assisted Lord Ramachandra in constructing a bridge across the ocean. This is not at all surprising as Lord Krsna is the fountainhead of all incarnations. Also when Sri Chaitanya

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Mahaprabhu displayed His pastimes for all to see in Navadvipa, He would also display the mood of His various incarnations in the company of His associates.

At this place Krsna is enjoying with His most intimate friends in the mood of His various incarnations. It is stated in Srimad Bhagavatam (1.3.26). Although it is very difficult to understand the mysteries of Krsna’s incarnations, it one comes and takes bath here in Apsara kund, he will very easily solve the mystery. It is further stated in the Varaha Purana that one who bathes in the water of Apsara kund will immediately attain the benefit on gets from performing hundreds of rajasuya-sacrifices and aswamedha-sacrifices.

The mantra to be chanted while taking bath in Apsara kunda is ;-apsara abela yodbhutakrsna indra snapano udbhavakalyana rupine tubhyamtirtha deva namo stu te (Shackre Yamala)

PUNCARI KUNDA NAVAL KUNDAJust next to Apsara kunda is Puncari kunda, which is the punch (tail) of Govardhana is in the shape of a peacock as it is described in the Garga-samhita as also in Visvanatha Chakravarti’s Vraja-riti-cintamani.

According to the statement of Visvanatha Chakravarti, Puncari-kunda is the tail, Manasi Ganga is the neck, Kusuma sarovara is the face, and Radha kunda-Shyam-kunda are the eyes of Govardhana. (Garga-samhita gives a different description ).

Radha and Krsna enjoy Their spring rasa-dance in this area, starting from Rasa-stali (near Chandra Sarovar). They wander through many of the small forest around Govardhana, sometimes dancing, sitting and chatting, drinking honey, playing hide and seek, massaging each other and dining together . Here on the bank of Puncari kunda and Apsara kunda, Radha Krsna and the gopis would engage in rasa-dancing. Once They were so absorbed in the ecstasy of Their union that They simply melted into the water of those two kundas. The gopis melted into the water of Apsara kunda, Who is very youthful and ever fresh (naval ) melted into Puncari kunda. Thus it is also known by the name Naval kunda. In fact, the whole of this Apsara-Vana is drenched with the ecstatic mood of union of Krsna and the gopis. One can see trees embracing each other and the animals living together very peacefully.

The question arises how is it possible that Krsna and the gopis melted into the kundas, and the answer lies in the secret that rasa (liquid love) spelt backwards is Sara (lake). Ra is one letter, as is another letter in Sanskrit ).

When love reaches its most intimate perfection it becomes fluid and in that state the lovers are able to mingle together in total union. Of course, this is only possible between Krsna (God) and His intimate devotees, the gopis. Thus in their ecstasy of union, the gopis and Krsna melted with this two kundas and thus these kundas have become filled with ecstatic love for Krsna and anyone who comes in contact with these waters will also develop pure love of Krsna. Not only this but because these transcendental waters are splashing against

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the banks, the whole of Apsara forest has become drenched with the topmost love of Krsna.

So anyone who comes to this forest will surely developed love of Krsna in the mood of the gopis.

NARASIMHA TEMPLEI offer my obeisances to Lord Nrsimha, who gives joy to Prahlada Maharaja and whose nails are like chisels on the stone-like chest of the demon Hiranyakasipu.

Just close to the bank of Puncari kunda is a small hill (Narasima tila), on the top of which there is a Nrsimha temple. Nrsimha Deva is present in Vraja to protect the devotees from the fear of losing Krsna. The devotees of Vraja cannot stand to be separated from Krsna even for a moment.

yugayitam nimesenacaksusa parvrsayitamsunyayitam jagat sarvamgovinda-virhena me

O Govinda! Feeling Your separation, I am consideration a moment to be like twelve years of more. Tears are flowing from my eyes like torrents of rain, and I am feeling all vaccant in the world in Your absence.

(Siksastaka )Separation from Krsna puts the devotee in such a state of transcendental fear and distress that they are about to give up their very existence. Lord Krsna is present in the form of Nrsimha to remove that fearful situation. One can have a wonderful darsana of Govardhana Hill from the top of this hill.

There is a temple of Apsara Bihari on the bank of Apsara kunda and also a small Siva temple, Apsara-Isvara. On the bank of Puncari kunda you will find the temple of Naval Bihari. One should offer his obeisances to all these deities and roll in the dust and surely even the most stone-hearted person will attain entrance into the service of Radha-Krsna’s lotus feet.

Unfortunately there is no temple of the presiding deity of Apsara-vana, but we can still offer our obeisances to Him with the following mantra;- “om glaum apsara-vana adhipa vamana ya namah”

Now we will follow the small path along the side of Apsara kunda and just as we pass Apsara kunda we will step into Sutala-van, but before the step of Sutala -van, which is drenched with the transcendental conjugal pastimes of Radha-Krsna, kindly think for a moment whether you are tired of the wheel of repeated birth and death, for if not, you should look this Sutala van which will captured your heart and instill love for Radha-Krsna. Thus you will never again be able to put yourself in illusion and enjoy the so-called pleasures of this world. If you are still following, you will see how enchanting the forest is. All the animals are living very peacefully and the trees are like none you ever have seen before. Just to our right there is a small broken kund( Sutala-Kund) and the temple next to it is Sri Nathji. It has been built in the last one hundred years.

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Now we will follow the path around the temple and we will find ourselves right next to Govardhana Hill, where we will take darsana of the cave of the name Mani-kandali, which is the seat of the most intimate conjugal pastimes.

MANI-KANDLIThis cave which is very dear to Krsna, because of the intimate pastimes He enjoys with Radha within, is beyond the description of moral beings. By the mercy of this cave one can certainly understand the inner secrets of Radha-Krsna’s conjugal pastimes.

At the present time the month of this divine cave is sealed. But we can certainly offer our obeisances here at the entrance and if your heart is so inclined, you can place some flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense of whatever you may feel would be useful for the service of Radha-Krsna’s enjoyments. If the offering is made in the right mood of pure devotion, then just maybe one of the maid-servant of Srimati Radharani might take our offering and use it in Her service.

We find the following reverence to this cave in Chaitanya Charitamrita (slokas )----- Antya-Lila, Chapter :14: 105 to 110 :

“The great devotee Raghava Goswami performed bhajana in this cave. Raghava Goswami is described in the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika as being one of the asta-sakhis of Srimati Radharani.

Sri Campakalata-sakhi, who is as dear to Radharani as her own life breath, appeared as Raghava Goswami, who wrote the book Krsna-bhati-ratna-prakasa and resided at Govardhana. “

Campakalata veils her activities in great secrecy. She is expert at the art of logical persuasion, and she is a skilled diplomat who knows how to thwart Srimati Radharani’s rivals. Campakalata is expert at collecting fruits, flowers and roots from the forest. Using only the skill of her hands she can artistically fashion things from clay.

Campakalata is an expert cook who knows all the literature describing the six flavors of gourmet cooking. She is so expert at making various kinds of candy that she has become famous by the name Mistahsta (sweet handed) (Radha-Krsna Ganoddesa dipika 170-72)

Raghava goswami is described as being always covered with the dust of Vraja and taking great pleasure in wandering throughout the forest of Vraja. Thus he set the perfect example of taking full shelter of the dust of Krsna’s lotus feet and always being fully absorbed in the pastimes of Radha-Krsna.

The system of circumambulating the area of Vraja is an important item in the practice of devotional service and thus we see that all the acaryas of the gaudiya-sampradaya have performed Vraja parikrama and following in the footsteps of Madhavendra Puri, Advaita Acharya, Nityananda Prabhu, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the six Goswamis (Sri Rupa, Sanatana etc. ) who all ecstatically performed Vraja parikrama. We should also try to undertake the transcendental parikrama of Vraja. It has become very easy for members of the International Society For Krsna Consciousness to fulfill this important item of devotional service due to the efforts of His Holiness Lokanatha Swami, who started a yearly parikrama in the month of Kartika. And other great personalities such as Dina bandhu Prabhu, Dhruva Maharaja Das, His Holiness Mahanidhi Swami, Pundarika

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Vidyanidhi Das, Kusakratha Dasa and Patita Pavan Das, who have all selflessly endeavored to disseminate the Glories of Vraja parikrama.

Srila Raghava Goswami was familiar with every inch of Vraja’s beautiful forests and he took great pleasure in guiding the Vaisnavas around Vraja. In his Bhakti-ratnakara, Narahari Chakravarti has described in detail the parikrama of Vraja, which Raghava Goswami took Srila Srinivasa acharya and Srila Narottama Das Thakura on.

I will just attempt to mention the names of the places which they visited on that tour, hopeful in the future some great Vaisnava will translate the full description.

The place Raghava Goswami visited are ;---Mathura (visram-ghata, kesava temple, bhuteshwara ): madhuvana, talvana, kumudvan, datiha, ayore, gaurai, sakta gram ( garuda-govinda ), gankesvara santanu gram bahulavana, mayur gram, daksina gram, ral, arica gram ( radhankunda ) mukharai, kusumsaravara, narada-kunda, ratna sinhasana, pali gram, abha gram, indra dhvaja vedi, rina mocana, sankarsana-kunda, parasauli ( candra sarovara ), gandharva kunda, paitha gram, gauri-tirtha, nip-kunda, aniyora (annakutha sthana ), govinda kunda, dan-nivartana-kunda, apsara kunda, surabhi kunda, rudra kunda, kadamba khandi, danghati, brahma kunda, cakra tirtha, son-karai, sakhi sthali, nim gram, petal gram, bheravli gram, nava gram ( kunjara ), surya kunda (moranakhya ) konai, bhadayar, maghera, ganthauli ( gulabad kunda ) rehaja, deva sirsa sthan, paramadana, situ kandra, kadamba kanana, indrauli, kamya-vana, ( vimal kundu plus 83 other kundas ), dhulauda, udha gram, atora gram, caturmukha ( ratna kunda ), barasana ( sankari-khora, dan vilasa ), cikasauli gram, pilu sarovara ( pilu khora ), prem sarovara, vivhala kunda, sanketa, nanda gram (pavan sarovara plus 55 other kundas ) gendukhora, kadamba-kanana, meheran, yavata, kokila vana, anjanaka, vijoari, paraso, sri-gram, kamai, karala, ludhoni, piyaso, sahara, sankhi ( rama-kunda ) chatravan, umaro gram (kishori kunda ), narisemari, syamari, kinnari, khadiravana, vakathara, nevochaka, bhadali, vaithana, nip-vana, carana-pahadi, naroyala, satosna, kamari-gram, vichora gram, tioyar, sringara vata, talapur, vasosi, paya gram, kotavan, dadhi gram, sesasayi, khani gram, vanacari, khararo, vjani, khelana vana ( ramaghat ), kacchavana, bhusana-vana, aksaya vata, bhandiravata ara gram., munjatavi, bhandari tapovana, gopighata chiravata, nandaghata, bhaya gram, vatsavana, unai, balahara parihama, sei, ecomuha, sapoli, jayeta, sehona, varoli, maghera, atasu, sakaroya, ( varahara ) harasali, surukhuru, bahadra vana, bhandira vana, chaheri, matgram, bilvavana, lohavana, mahavana, ramana ghata, yamalarjuna bhajana, sakarauli, ravala, akrnra tirtha, bhojana sthali, Vrindavana.

Raghava Goswami is always very merciful on the conditioned souls and is ever willing to take anyone who has the slightest desire, to see the forest of Vraja and thus remove the material dust covering the heart and cover them with the dust of Vraja.

“Raghava Goswami was always overwhelmed with the bliss of love of Krsna. Raghava’s devotional activities of pure devotional service ?”

“There were no bounds to his compassion for the fallen souls. He wrote Krsna-bhakti-ratna-prakasa and many other devotional books. “

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“Govardhana Hill was the be-all-and -end all of his life. He lived by Govardhana Hill and He was very learned in all the scriptures. “

madhye madhye vrajete gamana kore rangemadhe madhe rahe dasa gosvamira sange“Sometimes he would happily go on Vraja parikrama, sometimes he would associate

with Raghunatha Dasa goswami. “kabu kabu eka joge asi’yrndavanemahananda prabhu-ganera darsane“Whenever the personal associates of Lord Mahaprabhu came to Vrindavana, he

became filled with bliss to see them”. “He always sang songs glorifying the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya and Sri Sri Radha-

Krsna.”“He was gray with the dust of the holy dhama. He had no desire to eat. Who can

understand his intense renunciation ?”

Now we will wander back through Apsara-van and join the parikrama path again. On our right hand side we can take darsana of a new temple within which Krsna-Balarama are worshipped very nicely and on oru left hand is the small village of Puncari. You can see from here (parikrama path ) a small pond. Its name is Gokunda, but unfortunately it is totally neglected Krsna and Balarama stop here in the morning to let their cows drink. Sprinkling a little of its water on our heads we will continue. Just on the right hand side of the parikrama path we will take darsana of a dear friends of Krsna, Louta.

PUNCCHARI-KA-LOUTHAThe deity in this temple is Punchari-ka-Louta, who is one of Krsna’s close friends, of the name Louta and because he is close to Puncari he had become known by the Punchari-ka-Louta. When he saw that Akrura was taking Krsna and Balarama away to Matura he informed Krsna that, “I have prepared so many nice food stuffs for you, so when will you return? Krsna informed him that He would return for sure the after tomorrow. Hearing this Louta declared that he would not or drink anything until Krsna returned. After which he came and sat at this spot. And still to this day, he is waiting for Lord Krsna to return. Amazingly by Krsna’s grace Louta ever never become skinny. Punchari-ka-Louta is considered to be not different from Hanuman, who is the deity to be prayed to give us strength and determination while we are performing Parikrama of Govardhana, and make our endeavor successful. Thus everyone espeacially stops here to offer their respects in the course of their Parikrama. This deity is one of the most famous in Vraja Dhama, and when people come here, they sing the following small song.

Dhani toiyai Puncchari ke Lautha, Anna khai nahin Pani pivai, Are tau tutau parayau hai silauta, Dudha na chodai dahiv na choda, Are tu tau pi gayau chacha kathau ta. This deity of Louta is in a sitting position and is red colored, and just like we see in Hanuman temples people come and apply a reddish orange paste to the body of Louta. This temple is open from early morning to late night. So after having offered our

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obeisances here we will continue, and shortly we will arrive at the all merciful kadamba Vana.

SURABHI KUNDAThis kunda is just a short distance off to the right of the parikrama path. It is a large kunda situated in the middle of Kadamba Vana, but unfortunately, very run down.

This Surabhi Kunda is a transcendental gateway into the service of Radha-Krsna. By the mercy of Surabhi, who resides here, even the most sinful person who simply glance on this place, even by mistake, will most certainly attain loving devotion to Radha-Krsna. This Surabhi Kunda is a beacon of light in this Kali-yuga for the most heinous of offenders, even those foolish persons who offended the devotees of Radha-Krsna can find shelter here by the grace of Surabhi Devi.

On the first day of the bright half of Kartika, Lord Krsna, along with all of the residents of Vraja worshipped Govardhana Hill. On the second day, Krsna and Balarama observed (sisters worship their brothers), After which on the third day, king Indra exhibited His anger against the Vrajavasis by attempting to devastate the Vrindavana area. In response, Lord Krsna lifted Govardhana Hill for seven days until the ninth day. Thereafter, on the tenth day, the cowherd men enjoyed a large feast at which they discussed the qualities of wonderful Krsna. On the eleventh day (Ekadasi), King Indra begged forgiveness for his heinous offenses from Lord Krsna. This incident has been very nicely described by Srila Jiva Goswami in his book Gopal Campu, from which a synopsis follows.

After Indra had seen the exhibition of Lord Krsna’s mystic power of lifting Govardhana Hill, he became astonished and ordered his clouds to desist from their attempt to destroy Vraja. Bewildered, Indra returned to his place. He saw feeling so despondent that he was not talking with his wife, neither was he attending his court. When this news reached to the ears of Brihaspati, the guru of the demigods, he went and met Indra in private and addressed his as follows, “My dear Indra, you have offended the original personality of Godhead Lord Krsna and thus you will not be able to find any shelter to protect you against the reaction to your offense. In the same way the trees and the plants get there life force from the moon, so all living entities are maintained by Lord Krsna. Even though you have one thousand eyes, still you are not able to see things as they are”. Indra said, I was not thinking, thus I have committed such foolish acts. Please kindly direct me how I can get out of this dangerous position.” Brihaspati said, “Oh Indra, only Lord Brahma can advice what to do now. “With a very heavy mind and heart, Indra went to the abode of Lord Brahma and fell at his feet. Lord Brahma, seeing Indra lying before him, spoke as follows, “Oh King of the demigods, even though you hold such an important post, your intelligence has become covered and thus you have committed the greatest offense, vaisnava aparadha. I can do nothing to help you counteract the reaction, your only hope is to go and fall at the feet of Surabhi, the mother of all cows, and beg her to request Lord Krsna to pardon you. As Lord Krsna considers the cows more dear than His own life, perhaps if you take Surabhi along with you and beg His forgiveness, He may consider your case. King Indra immediately went and requested his aunt, Surabhi (Aditya the mother of the demigods and the Surabhi are sisters ) to came to Vraja. Lord Brahma arrived and also requested Surabhi to take Indra along with her and beg Lord Krsna to relieve Indra of his fearful situation.

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Thus on the Ekadasi day, Surabhi arrived at this place along with Indra. At that time, Lord Krsna was inspecting the area around Govardhana Hill to see what damage had been caused by the torrential rains sent by Indra. When Indra saw Lord Krsna, he immediately offered his obeisances, but Lord Krsna totally ignored him. At which point, Surabhi approached Lord Krsna and requested Him to forgive Indra’s gross offense which was committed due to ignorance of his real position. When Lord Krsna heard the requested of His pure devotee Surabhi, He smiled in agreement to her proposal. Thus we see that the devotee are even more merciful than Krsna Himself . As expressed in the following prayer;--

vancha-kalpa taru bhayas ca krpa-sindhubhya eva capatitanam pavanebhyo vaisnavebhyo namo namah

I offer my respectful obeisances unto all the vaisnava devotees of the Lord. They are just like desire trees who can fulfill the desires of everyone, and they are full of compassion for the fallen conditioned souls.

Surabhi came before Krsna and requested Him to become the Lord of the cows, Govinda, in the following prayers;-

The Surabhi offered her prayers as follows. “My dear Lord Krsna, You are the most powerful of all mystic yogis because you are the soul of the complete universe, and from you only all this cosmic manifestation has taken place. Therefore, although Indra tried his best to kill my descendent cows in Vrindavana, they remained under your shelter, and you have protected them sll so well. We do not know anyone else as the Supreme, nor do we go to any other god demigod for protection. Therefore, You are our Indra, You are the Supreme father of the whole cosmic manifestation, and You are the protector and elevator of all the cows, brahmins, demigods and other who are pure devotees of your Lordship. O Supersoul of the universe, let us bathe You our milk because You are our Indra. O Lord, You appear just to diminish the burden of impure activities on the earth. “(Krsna book)

INDRA KUNDAStanding with our back to Surabhi Kunda and Govardhana in front, If we go to the right one hundred yards close to the base of Govardhana, we will come to Indra Kunda, which unfortunately, has all but disappeared. In the rainy season, and that not every year, one can find some sign of this kunda.

When Indra fell at the feet of Krsna, tears follows from his many eyes and washed His lotus feet and thus formed a small kunda ( Indra kunda ). At that time, Indra offered prayers as follows;-

“My dear Lord,, “Indra said, “being puffed up by my false prestige, I thought that you had offended me by not allowing the cowherd men to perform the Indra-yajna, and I thought that You wanted to enjoy the offering that were arranged for sacrifice. I thought that in the name of a Govardhana sacrifice, You were taking my share of profit, and therefore I mistook Your position. Now by your grace I can understand that You are the Supreme Lord, personality of Godhead, and that You are transcendental to all the materiel qualities. Your transcendental position is visuddha-sattvam, which is above the platform of the material mode of goodness, and Your transcendental abode is beyond the disturbance

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of the material qualities. Your name, fame, form, quality, and pastimes are all beyond this material nature, they are never disturbed by the three material modes. Your abode is accessible only one who undergoes severe austerities and penances and who is completely freed from the onslaught of material qualities like the passion and ignorance. If someone thinks that when You come within this material world You accept the modes of material nature, he is mistaken. The webs of material qualities are never able to touch You, and You certainly do not accept them when You are present within this world. Your Lordship is never conditioned by the laws of material nature.

“My dear Lord, You are the original father of this cosmic manifestation. You are the supreme spiritual master of this cosmic world, and You are the original proprietor of everything. As eternal time, You are competent to chastise offenders. Within this material world there are many fools like myself who consider themselves of be the Supreme Lord or the all in all within the universe. You are so merciful that without punishing their offenses, You devise means so that their false prestige is subdued and they can know that You, and none else, are the Supreme personality of Godhead.

“My dear Lord, You are the supreme father, the supreme spiritual master and the supreme King. Therefore You have the right to chastise all living entities whenever there is any discrepancy in their behavior. The father, the spiritual master, and the supreme executive officer of the state are well wisher so their sons, their students and their citizens respectively. As such, the well wisher have the right to chastise their dependents. By Your own desire You appear auspiciously on the earth in Your eternal varieties of forms. You come to glorify the earthly planet and specifically to chastise persons who are falsely claiming to be God. In the material world there is regular competition between different types of living entities to become supreme leader of society, and after being frustrated in achieving the supreme positions of leadership, foolish personalities in this world, like me, but in due course of time, when they come to their senses, they surrender unto You and again engage themselves properly by rendering service unto You. And that is the purpose of Your chastising persons envious of You.

“My dear Lord, I committed a great offense unto Your lotus feet, being falsely proud of my material opulences, not knowing Your unlimited power. Therefore my Lord kindly excuse me, because I am fool number one. Kindly give me Your blessings so that I may not act so foolishly again. If You think, my Lord, that the offense is very great, and cannot be excused, then I appeal to You that I am Your eternal servant; Your appearance in this world is to give protection to Your eternal servants and to destroy the demons who maintain great military strength just to burden the very existence of the earth. As I am Your eternal servant, kindly excuse me.

“My dear Lord, You are the Supreme personality of Godhead. I offer my respectful obeisances unto You because You are the Supreme Person and the Supreme soul, You are the son of Vasudeva, and You are the Supreme Lord, Krsna, the master of all pure devotees. Please accept my prostrated obeisance. You are the personification of Supreme knowledge. You can appear anywhere according to Your desire in any one of Your eternal forms. You are the root of creation and the Supreme soul of all living entities. Due to my gross ignorance, I created great disturbance in Vrindavana by sending torrents of rain and heavy hail-storm. I acted out of severe anger caused by You stopping the sacrifice which

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was to be held to satisfy me. But my dear Lord, You are so kind to me that You have bestowed Your mercy upon me by destroying all my false pride. I therefore take shelter unto Your lotus feet. My dear Lord, You are not only the supreme controller, but also the spiritual master of all living entities. “

AIRAVATA KUNDARetracing our footsteps back past Surabhi Kunda, we come to Airavata Kunda. Airavata is Indra’s elephant carrier. He deposited the heavenly waters of Ganga here at this place for the purpose of bathing Lord Krsna. Anyone who bathes in this kunda will attain Radha-Krsna.

KADAMBAVANAAll of these kundas, Surabhi kunda Indra kunda and Airavata kunda are situated within Kadamba Vana. kadamba is a tree which used to grow profusely in the Vraja area but, unfortunately, over the last forty years, almost every kadamba tree has been cut down. The kadamba tree represents Srimati Radharani, whose body is golden colored just like the flowers of the kadamba tree. Thus the kadamba tree is very dear to Krsna just like tamal tree is very precious to Srimati Radharani. Why? Because it is the color of Krsna. The devotees becomes very happy when they see a kadamba tree growing next to a tamal tree. This forest is very dear tp Krsna because it reminds Him of Srimati Radharani. Radha and Krsna regularly meet and enjoy indescribably sweet pastimes. One who is fortunate enough to come and roll in the dust of this kadamba forest will certainly see those wonderful pastimes which Radha and Krsna are enjoying here eternally. Only a fool will doubt the potency of this forest.

The mantra for offering obeisances to Kadamba Vana is;-gopika-alhada-rupayakrsna-kridan-hetvekadamba-akhya-bana-yaivakrsnaya satatam namah

When a devotee visit such a wonderful transcendental place as this kadamba vana, which is surcharged with the mercy of the devotees, certainly his heart longs to reside for eternally at the lotus feet of Govardhana. Srila Raghunatha Das Goswami has expressed this sentiment in a very nice prayer as follows;-

Sri Govardhana Vasa Prarthana DasakamTen prayers for residences near Govardhana;-

nija-pati-bhujadanda-chatra-bhavam-prapadyaprati-hata-mada-dhrstoddanda devendra garvaatula-prthula-saila-sreni-bhupa-priyam menija-nikata-nivasam-dehi-govardhana-tvam (1)

O Govardhana, like an umbrella you rested upon the hand of your Lord Sri Krishna for seven days to curb the pride of the king of the demigods, Indra. O vast hill of large rocks so dear to me, kindly allow me to reside close to you.

pramada madana lilah kandare kandare teracayati-navayunor dvandvam asminnamadamiti-kila-kalanartham-largna-kastad dvayou menija-nakata-nivasam-dehi-govardhana-tvam (2)

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O Govardhana, the ever fresh youthful couple are displaying intoxicating amorous pastimes in every single one of your caves. O let me also witness those transcendental sports, kindly allow me to reside close to you.

anupama-manivedi ratna-sinhasanorviruhajhara-darasanu-droni-sanghesu-ranghaihsaha-bala-sakhibhih-sankhelayan-svapriyam manija-nikata-nivasam-dehi-govardhana-tvam (3)

O Govardhana, you are decorated with beautiful pavillions of pearls and jeweled thrones shaded by trees along with caves and valleys where Krsna always plays with Balarama and the cowherd boys. I also long to witness those transcendental games. Kindly allow me to reside close to you.

rasanidhi-navayunoh saksinim-danakelerdyuti-parimala-viddham-syama-vedim-prakasyarasika-vara-kulanam-modam-asphalayam-menija-nikata-nivasam-dehi-govardhana-tvam (4)

O Govardhana, you are the witness of the youthful two lovers’ tax-pastimes. You increase the joy of all the ecstatic devotees with your display of bluish pavilions, splendor and fragrance, Let me also see that joyful pastime and your beauty. Kindly allow me to reside close to you.

hari-dayitam-apurvam-radhika-kundam-atmapriya-sakham-iha-kanthe-narmana-lingya-guptahnava-yuva-vuga-khelas-tatra-pasyan-raho-menija-nikata-nivasam-dehi-govardhana-tvam (5)

O Govardhana, the lake ( Radha-kunda ) of Sri Krisna’s beloved Radha embraces you around the neck under the spell of divine love. The young couple are always secretly enjoying their in great joy. I also long to see Radha’s divine kunda. Kindly allow me to reside close to you.

stala-jala-tala-saspair-bhuruha-cchayaya-caprati-padam-anukalam-hanta-sanvardhayan-gahtri-jagati-nija-gotram-sarthakam-khypayan-menija-nikata-nivasam-dehi-govardhana-tvam (6)

O Govardhana, Your name, meaning sustainer of the cows, has become famous all over the three worlds, because you nourish the cows with your soil, water grass and shady trees. Kindly allow me to reside close to you.

sura-pati-krta-dirgha-drohato-gostha-raksamtavan-avag-rha-rupa-syantare-kurva-taivaaagha-baka-ripunoccair-dattamana-drutam-manija-nikata-nivasam-dehi-govardhana-tvam (7)

O Govardhana, the enemy of Agha and Baka has made you famous by using you an umbrella to protect the Brijabasis from the wrath of the king of the demigods. Kindly allow me to reside close to you.

giri-nrpa-heridasa-sreni-varyeti-namamrtam-idamuditam-sri-radhika-vaktrar-candrat

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vraja-nava-tilakatve-klapta, vedaih-sphutam-menija-nikata-nivasam-dehi-govardhana-tvam (8)

O Govardhana, you are the tilak on the forhead of Vraja-dhama and are described as the best of Lord Krsna’s servants by the nectarine words emanating from Sri Radhika’s own moon-like mouth. Kindly allow me to reside close to you.

nija-jana-yuta-radha-krsna-maitri-asaktahvraja-nara-pasu-paksi-vrata-saukhyai-kadataaganita-karuna-tvan-mam-urikrtya-tantamnija-nikata-nivasam-dehi-govardhana-tvam (9)

O Govardhana, you are moistened by fraternal love for Radha-Krsna and their associates, and are dedicated to giving joy to the people, animals and birds of Vraja. Please accept me out of your unlimited, causeless mercy and kindly allow me to reside close to you.

nirupadhi-karunena-sri-saci-nandanenatvayi-kapati-satho-pi, tvat-priyena-arpito-smiiti-khalu-mama-yogya-yogyatam-tam-agrhnannija-nikata-nivasam-dehi-govardhana-tvam (1)

O Govardhana, although I am crooked and deceitful, still Sri Chaitanya Mahaprobhu has delivered me unto you out of His unlimited mercy So please do not consider my qualifications and disqualifications and kindly allow me to reside close to you.

rasada-dasakam-asya-srila-govardhanasyaksiti-dhara-kula-bhartur-yah-prayatnad-adhitesa-sapadi-sukhade’ smin-vasam-asadyad-saksacchubhada-yugala-seva-ratnam-apnoti-turnam (11)

Whoever recites these ten verses praising the king of mountains, will attain a joyful residence near Govardhana hill and will swiftly attain the jewel of Radha and Krishna’s divine loving service.

Srila Raghunath Das Goswamiji ki jay;-After offering our obeisances to Surabhi Devi over and over again, and requesting her to intervene on our behalf and petition Govardhana to grant us an eternal residence close to Him, we will continue our parikrama. First, we will retrace our footsteps to Surabhi Kund. Then taking a right turn, we will return to the parikrama path and continue our ecstatic journey.

RUDRA (rudan) KUNDAWithin ten minutes, we will arrive at beautiful Rudra Kund on the right of the

parikrama path where Lord Siva shed tears (Rudan) of love of Radha-Krsna. Lord Siva’s position is unique in that he is non different to the supreme

personality of Godhead and yet different. The devotees worship him as the greatest devotee, vaisnavanam yatha sambhu. Lord Siva, ever anxious to render service to Lord Krsna, takes the position of guardian of Braja Dhama. For this purpose he takes resides in five places, namely Mathura; where He is known as Bhuteswar, Govardhana; as Cakaleswara, Nandagram; as Nandiswara, Kamyavana; as Kameswara, and in Vrindavana; as Gopeswara. Not only He is present in this five forms, but he can be found in every one of the three hundred and sixty five forests of Vraja. In fact, in his anxiety to witness all of Krsna’s pastimes, he is dwelling by every kunda, hillock, kunja and temple throughout the eighty-four krosa area of Braja.

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If one wishes to reside in any of the pastime places of Krsna, he must take permission of His devotee Lord Siva. To get Lord Siva’s blessings is very easy, just like all simple hearted devotees, he is fully satisfied with the remnants of Radha-Krsna. Where ever one may be, he can simply offer water of the kunda by which Lord Siva is residing, or prasada of the deity of Lord Krsna, or even the dust of the particular kunja or forest. Lord Siva has chosen to appear in his linga form in all of these places so that it will be very easy for the devotees to take his mercy. If one foolishly neglects to offer respects to Lord Siva when he visits these pastime places, simply thinking that he is just some demigod, he will be sadly disappointed in his endeavor to understand or reside in Braja Dhama. Lord Siva takes the position in the material world as the supervisor of the mode of ignorance. Thus, in that form, the vaisnavas (devotees ) do not worship him. But in Vraja, he is present in the position of a great devotee of Radha -Krsna. And at the same time, if one disturbs Lord Siva for material benedictions here in Vraja, one will certainly invoke his displeasure.

Lord Siva appeared as Advaita Acarya in the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya and was the person who requested Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to appear. Thus we can understand to some small degree the unique position of Lord Siva.

Radha-Krsna enjoy bathing in this kunda. Once, feeling separation from Krsna, the gopis sat down here and shed unlimited tears.

Now we will take some water from the kunda and go to Lords Siva Temple, which is situated very close by, and we will pour these transcendental waters over Him and pray that He may overlook our unlimited disqualification and allow us to attain a residence in Vraja.

Lord Siva is known as Bari Babu here. You will notice that Rudra Kunda is surrounded By nice ghats and just beyond them there is a body of water, previously, there had been one more kunda of the name Hariju kunda. These water are what is left of that kunda. Hariju is the name of one of Krsna’s dear friends.

JATI-PURAThis town is named after Madhavendra Puri. jati means sannyasa. Another name of this town is Gopal Pura, It was at this place that Madhavendra Puri worshipped Gopal ( Srinathji ) The question is often asked, if followers of the Gaudya Sampradaya are not allowed to walk on Govardhana Hill? Then how it is possible that Madhavendra Puri walked on the Hill? When Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to Vraja He saw that everything had fallen into disrepair and no longer were the local residents of the priest aware of the importance of Vraja. Even Radha Kunda, Shyama Kunda had all but disappeared. Thus to instruct every one that Govardhana and Krsna are non different, He did not step on Govardhana and we as followers of Caitanya Mahaprabhu must follow in His footsteps. Srila Madhavendra Puri for the pleasure of Govardhana stepped on Him. To follow his instructions, to serve Him in the form of Gopal and we don’t step on Govardhana who has instructed us in the form of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

SRINGA STALIAfter having our obeisances and taken the dust of this wish fulfilling place we can offer milk and Tulsi leaves to Govardhana. Here at Sringa Stali hundreds of kilos of milk are poured over Govardhana daily at this spot. Gopala (Srinathji) comes from Nathadwara

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every evening and stays here at night and then returns early morning and if you come here in the evening you can see Him standing right here.

We had previously visited this Sringa Stali when we were on the other side of the hill. Govardhana at this point. Thus Gopala manifested to Madhavendra Puri on the eastern side of Sringa Stali and was worshipped in the middle ( on top of Govardhana in the old temple in front of us )And now appears in the evening here on the western side.

“ May the left arm of Sri Krsna whose eyes are like the petals of a lotus flower always protect you, with His left arm He raised Govardhana Hill ad of it were toy. (C.C. Madhya-18-36)

Just in front of Sringa Stali is the samadhi of Vithala, the beloved devotee of Gopala and just behind Vithala’s samadhi is the samadhi of Vallabhacharya who is mentioned in Gaura Ganodesa Dipika. Vallabha Bhatta (Vallabhacharya) was previously the very soul of Vyasadeva, Sukadeva Goswami. Now after having offered our obeisances and taken the dust of the lotus feet of these two great devotees we will just go along the side of Govardhana to Danda-vati Sila, one who offers his obeisances here and circumambulate seven times will counteract all of his offenses committed during his parikrama. Now we will return to the parikrama path and turn right immediately on our left hand side we will be able to take darsana of Mara Kunda.

When Madhavendra Puri was worshipping Gopala, he would offer Annakuta every day. The grains for those numerous offerings where stored here where they would be husked and cleansed.

As we approached the edge of Jatipur on our left hand side just a short distance into the fields we will see Surya Kunda. This Kunda is always dry, thus it is also called Sukda Kunda by locals. It is mentioned in the Caitanya Mangal that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu stopped and took rest while performing parikrama at the Indra Kunda , Surya Kunda and Moksa Kunda.

VILASA VANA(Vialachu Kunda)

As we look around we can see that every thing is very run down still there is some water in the Kunda, and we can see on the southern bank next to the broken Ghata there is a broken stone seat. Radha and Krsna would sit there and enjoy sweet conversation.

Once Srimati Radharani had lost her anklet, thus in great anxiety she was searching this Vilasvana. While she was searching here Krsna suddenly appeared from the bushes and inquired if she was looking for His flute which He had lost. Radha told Him not to joke with her and to kindly help her to find out her anklet. When Krsna persisted to joke in various ways, Radha rebuked Him very strongly. And thus to pacify Radhika, Krsna started to dig with His hands into the sandy earth on the bank of this Vilachu Kunda and to Radha’s amazement unearthed all kinds of anklets, some where made of gold others silver and various priceless metals and gems. Then Krsna smilingly inquired from Radhika which one was Hers. Radha simply fell into Krsna’s loving embrace.

Anyone who visit this place and in a devotional mood takes his bath will also become overwhelmed by the divine mystic opulences of Lord Krsna, and thus will become drowned in the ocean of love for Radha Krsna.

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The Hari deva deity was hidden here during the mogul disturbances for sometime. Now making our way back to the parikrama path we will proceed. Srila Rupa Goswami has stated in his Mathura Mahatmya that each footstep taken in Vraja is equal to visiting all Holy places and all Vedic sacrifices.

On our left we will see an ashrama of the name Kalidhari just in front of (on the right of parikrama path) is a platform, previously there had been two trees here. Once when the gopis had been searching frantically for Krsna, they inquired from these trees, where is the son of Nanda Maharaja ji? One tree answered ‘Jhana’ (I know), the other answered Ajhana (I don’t know). Thus this place is known as Jnana-Ajahna. Krsna enjoys playing hide and seek here. This place is so dear to Krsna, that when the Srinathji temple on the top of the Govardhana was being built, Srinathji appeared in His pujari’s dream and told him that He wanted a window in the northern wall so that He could look out on this place.

CHAKRA-TIRTA This Chakra Tirtha is embedded in the bank of Manasi Ganga like a diamond. Just by seeing this place one becomes free from all sinful reactions. Lust and greed run far away and love for Radha Krsna flood the heart. This Chakra Tirtha was created by Sudarsana Chakra who had come to Vraja. When Indra was trying to devastate the entire Braja-area with torrential rains. While Krsna was holding Govardhana aloft, Sudarsana Chakra was generating heat equal to many suns and thus drank up all the flood waters. Although Sudarsana usually serves Krsna in His Visnu form as His personal weapon just for his purification. He came and rendered this service to the Vrajavasis. When had placed Govardhana back in its original place Sudarsana approached Him and requested for a small place in Vraja to reside, this spot on the northern bank of Manasi Ganga was given. Thus it is known as Chakra Tirtha.

The mantra for offering obeisances is; -chakra tirtha namastubhyamkrsna cakrena lanchitamsarva papa-cchide tasmai

krsna nirmala nirmitam (Vayu Purana)It was here in Chakra Tirtha that Radha Krsna enjoyed their first swinging pastimes. Lord Siva is residing in very nook and corner of Vraja to protect and serve Radha Krsna. Lord Siva has manifested five special forms which function as the main protecting deities of Vraja. Bhutesvara (In Mathura) Gopeswara (In Vrindavana), Nandeswara (in Nandagram), Kamesvara (in Kamyavana) and Chakleswara here in Chakra Tirtha. Lord Siva reside here along with Parvati, Kartikeya, Ganesh, and Nandi. Having given up Kailasa, the Vrajavasis enjoy coming here and enjoying wonderful festivities.

The mantra for offering obeisances is; -cakre-svaraya rudrayapancasya siva murtyavraja mandal raksayanamaste bhava bhurtaye (Rudrayamala)

Sanatana Goswami Bhajana kutir

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Srila Sanatana Goswami spent his last years performing bhajan here on the bank of Manasi Ganga. Just prior to taking up his residence here, he had been living in Vrindavana ( Dwadasa ditya Tila )After having given his deity Madana Mohana onto the care of Krsna Das brahmacari, he came here and engaged in the service of Govardhana. As a daily vow he would perform Govardhana parikrama. There are two parikrama routes of Govardhana; One large (24 miles) and one small (14 miles). We are in the process of performing the short parikrama. But Srila Sanatana Goswami would perform the large parikrama. Even at the advanced aged of 65 years he would also offer 1108 dandavats (prostrate obeisances) to Govardhana. As well as offering to any vaisnava he happened to meet, it was his habit to eat only what he got when begging at the houses of the Vraja-vasis. Who can fathom the activities of the great devotees of Sri Sri Radha Krsna?

Srila Sanatana Goswami wrote many books giving the rules and regulations for performing devotional service to Lord Krsna by the aspiring devotee. The following list of books were compiled by Sanatana Goswami;

Hari-bhakti-vilas, Brihad-Visnava-toshani-tika Dashama tipani (Commentary on the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagvatam)Lila-Stava. Brihed-Bhagavatamrita, Dashama-Charita.

He also toured Vraja extensively and rediscovered many of the lost pastime places of Radha Krsna as well as establishing the deity of Madana Mohana, who is to be prayed to in the initial stage of devotional service.

One day while Sanatana Goswami was moving along on the parikrama path, as he passed Kusuma Sarovar, Krsna suddenly appeared from the bushes and asked Sanatana why he was taking so much trouble at such an advanced age. Sanatana simply smiled and continued to walk. Krsna called out to him, “old man! You are too old for this. “ Sanatana explained to Him that he had taken a vow to do Govardhana parikrama daily. Krsna simply laughed in reply and promptly picked him up, put him on His shoulder and started off saying, “I will carry you!” Sanatana stopped Him telling Him that his vow was to walk around Govardhana Hill, and not to be carried. Krsna felt great happiness that his devotee was so determined to please Him by maintaining his devotional vows. But He also felt great concern for Sanatana’s body, for it had become very weak due to old age; and thus it was very difficult for him to maintain his physical vows. Out of great loving compassion Krsna at that time placed his foot on a Govardhana Sila and thus made an impression in that stone. Krsna requested Sanatana to take that sila and worship it with Tulasi leaves and water. He also told him that if he performed parikrama around that Sila seven times daily it would be the same as going around Govardhana Hill; thus his vow would be maintained.

For the rest of his life Sanatana Goswami worshipped that Sila here at Chakra-Tirtha. And after Sanatana Goswami had disappeared from the vision of the mortal beings, Srila Jiva Goswami took that Sila to Vrindavana where it is still kept and worshipped today in the Radha-Damodara temple. So everyone should take the wonderful opportunity to take his darsana as often as possible and when we became too old or weak to walk around Govardhana Hill, we can pray to Krsna to accept our endeavor and simply walk around that Sila seven times.

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From this story we can appreciate the loving competition which takes place between Krsna and His devotees:- to see who can serve whom. It is also to be noted that the Govardhana Sila presented to Sanatana was not kept by him in the mood of convenience, so that he could daily perform Govardhana parikrama, but was worshipped by him as being non different to Sri Sri Radha-Krsna. We are also well advised to try and take darsana of that Sila in the mood of taking darsana of Radha Krsna. And if we pray sincerely, we will factually see how Krsna has manifested in that form. It also becomes very clear that the worship of Govardhana Sila is meant for the topmost devotee.

Srila Raghunath Das Goswami was personally given Govardhana Sila to worship by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. And in this story we have heard how Lord Krsna gave Govardhana’s intimate service to Srila Sanatana Goswami.

One day Lord Shiva noticed that Srila Sanatana Goswami was preparing to leave his bhajan kutir for some other place. Lord Siva immediately took the form of an old brahman and approached to Sanatana Goswami. Lord Siva at that time was in great anxiety due to the fear of losing the association of a great devotee like Sanatana. Thus he inquired from Sanatana as to the reason why he was leaving. Upon hearing his inquiry, Sanatana informed him that the mosquitoes were a constant source of disturbance. Thus he was unable to live at this place any longer. When Lord Siva heard Sanatana’s reason for wishing to shift to another place, his anxiety disappeared immediately and he felt great bliss. He then requested Sanatana to remain at least for one more day and he immediately went and summoned the demigod in charge of mosquitoes and informed him that his mosquitoes are disturbing a great devotee of the Lord. Thus he should ordered all mosquitoes to immediately leave the area of Chakra Tirtha. After this incident Sanatana was able to perform his bhajana peacefully. Still to this day one hardly ever sees a mosquito here.

Then relationship between Sanatana and Lord Siva was very close and intimate. We will try to understand why, it was a habit of Sanatana to close to Lord Siva. As we see here his bhajan kutir is right next to Lord Siva’s temple. When he was living in Kamya Vana he lived next to Kameshwara and while in Nandagram he resided at the foot of the hill of Nandagram which is a form of Lord Siva. And in Vrindavan for some times he lived next to Gopeswara. And latter when he resided at Dwadasaditya tila in Vrindavana, he would daily after having performed Govardhana parikrama, go and take a darsana of Gopeswara (Lord Siva). Once while Sanatana Goswami was on his way to take darshana, Lord Siva appeared before him and requested him not to take so much trouble. When he saw Sanatana was determined to continue his daily routine, he there and then manifested an identical form to his Gopeswara form and told Sanatana that from now on he could worship him here. The deity of Lord Siva which manifested at that time in known as Bankhandi Mahadeva, because he manifested in the middle of the forest. We can have darsan oif that deity if we go to Loi Bazar, Vrindavana. Above the entrance of the temple is a relief of the Gajendra moksa pastime. Advaita Acharya when he visited Vrindavana stayed close to Dwadasaditya-tila. That place is known today as Advaita Vat. While residing there, Advaita Acharya discovered the deity of Madana Gopala (Madana Mohana )at the base of old Vat-tree. While he remained in Vrindavana he worshipped that deity. Later on when felt that it was to return to Navadvipa for the purpose of requesting and arranging for Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s appearance, he gave Madana Gopala

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into a care of his disciple Purusottama Chaube. Latter when Sanatana Goswami came to Vraja he received that same deity from Purusottama Chaube. Here again we can see the close connection between Lord Siva and Sanatana. It is described in the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika that Advaita Acharya and Lord Shiva are non-different.

It is also understood that in the same way as Nitya Prabhu is Balarama, he is also Ananga Manjari. Advaita acarya has the form of Vishaka Devi in order to take part in Krsna’s conjugal pastimes.

It is also stated in Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika that Sanatana Goswami is Rati Manjari (Text 182) is Krsna’s pastimes. Rati is the assistant of Vishaka devi.

In conclusion we can understand that the relationship between Lord Siva and Sanatana is very intimate and eternal. And the both appear in this world to give protection to the conditioned souls. Sanatana Goswami has specifically directed his teachings to the neophyte devotees who are in ignorance of the truth of the intimate pastimes of Radha-Krsna and Lord Shiva is ever willing to give shelter to those souls who are in the mode of ignorance and lead them ultimately to devotional service at the lotus feet of Radha- Krsna.

Srila Sanatana Goswami was born in 1488 and lived the life of a grhastha in the town Ramakeli for 27 years. It was in Ramakeli that he meet Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who ordered him to go to Vrindavana and write books describing devotional activities. After cutting himself free from the bonds holding him ro Ramakeli, he came to Vrindavana, where he spent 43 years. Sanatana Goswami was very popular throughout Vraja and all the Vrajabasis loved him as their father. Here in this Chakra Tirtha on the full moon day of Asadha in the year 1558, thousands of Vrajabasis along with all the leading Vaisnavas ( Rupa, Jiva, Raghunatha, Gopal Bhatta etc. ) came to offer their obeisances to the lotus feet of Sanatana Goswami. ( It has long been the custom to worship to the spiritual master on Asadha full moon which is the birth day of Srila Vyasadeva, who is the original spiritual master. This day is also known as Guru Purnima.

When they arrived they lovingly requested him to lead them around the parikrama to Manasi Ganga as he usually did on this day. When they saw that Sanatana simply sat there in his bhajana kutir in samadhi, a great cry of lamentation arose from that crowed. On that occasion they carried Sanatana’s body around Manasi Ganga and then took him to Vrindavana and placed him in a samadhi tomb just next to his beloved Madana Mohana’s temple. That full moon-day became known as Mudiya purnima and still to this day a large number of devotees gather on that day here and performed parikrama of Manasi Ganga.

The following song in praise of Sanatana Goswami is written by a disciple of Srinivasa Acharya, Srivallabha Dasa.

So After taking the dust from this place which is drenched with love of God and offering our obeisances, we will slowly proceed with our endeavor to satisfy Govardhana.

Coming out of Chakra Tirtha and proceeding to the left, immediately on our right hand side we will be able to take darsana of Krsna-Balarama and Nanda Maharaja. The name of this temple is Nanda Baba temple and it was here that Nanda Maharaja along with Krsna Balarama and all of the residents of Nandagram spent the night after the completion of Govardhana puja. The following bodily description is given of Nanda Maharaja in Radha-Krsna Ganoddesa-dipika.

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Nanda Maharaja delighted the residents of Vraja and he is worshipped in all the three worlds. He ha a protruding belly, his complexion is the color of sandalwood and he wears garments of a greenish color. His beard is long with white and gray hair and he is tall in structure. (Text 22, 23)

All glories to Nanda Maharaja who is the master of Vraja Dhama and who out of his complexion is ever willing to benedict the living entities with service to the lotus feet of his two transcendental sons Sri Sri Krsna Balarama.

Coming out of Nanda Maharaja’s temple and proceeding in the direction of the parikrama path, immediately on our left hand is a temple cum house which is the place where Saubari rishi had resided after getting married. Now meeting with the parikrama path we shall proceed to the right keeping Govardhana on our right hand side. Next we will be approaching the all merciful Sakhi-van which today is known by the name Sakhitra.

SAKHI-VANA Sakhi-sthaliHere just on the left hand side of the parikrama path we can see a very run down kunda, the name of which is Lila vedi kunda. This was created by the sixty-four sakhis (girls friends) of Chandravali and the following mantra is given for bathing here; -

krsna-lila samutpannalila-vati-kritaya tenamaste tirtha rajayasakhi-hellod-bhavaya-ca

Chandravali is described as a transcendental competitor of Srimati Radharani for the attention of Krsna. It was here that Chandravali at the house of her so called husband Govardhana Malla, who is a close friend of Abhimanyu. Chandravali’s sixty-four sakhis also resided with her. It is understood that out of all of the hundreds of thousands of gopi-girlfriends of, Krsna eight are most prominent, namely Radha, Chandravali, Lalita, Visakha, Padma, Bhadra, Saibya, and Syama. Of these two are more dear to Krsna, namely Radha and Chandravali. And of these two Radharani is the most dear to Krsna.

Chandravali is the daughter of Chandrabhanu who is the brother of Vrsabhanu. Srila Rupa Goswami has described in his Lalita-Madhava that Chandravali expands as Rukmini in the Dvaraka pastimes.

“I have heard from my father’s mouth that although the gopis headed by Chandravali and the queens headed by Rukmini are expansions of the same potency, nonetheless their forms are distinct. It is said that by the Yogamaya potency each gopi is identical with a specific queen, thus each queen and gopi is a single person in separate forms. It must be so. Latter perhaps I shall understand.” (Lalita-Madhava, 41)

As following of Rupa Goswami, who is Rupa Manjari, who is the assistant of Lalita sakhi, who is the dearmost friend of Srimati Radharani, we certainly support Radharani’s group in the eternal competition. But we pray to Chandravali that you kindly continue this transcendental competition which brings unlimited bliss to Srimati Radharani and all her followers.

The mantra of offering obeisances to Sakhi-van is ; -catu-sasthi-sakhinam capravasa-sukha-dayine

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sakhi-vana-namastubhyamsarvada krsna-vallabhaRolling in the dust of this forest we beg Srimati Chandravali to kindly benedict us

eternal loving attitude towards Sri Krsna.

Proceeding a little further we will see that the Silas of Govardhana are becoming smaller and in a little while as we get closer to Radha Kunda. We will not be able to see Govardhana as he has totally sunk under the ground. So we will sit here and as we gaze on the beauty of Govardhana, we will read a prayer which was composed by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur; -

SRI GOVARDHANA ASTAKAMkrsna -prasadana samasta-saila-samrajyam apnoti ca vairino’ pisakrasya yah prapa balim sa saksadsri govardhano me disatam abhistam (1)

May that Sri Govardhana, who has attained the title of Giriraj by Krsna’s grace, despite the fact that in front of everyone He enjoyed the offerings meant for Lord Indra and thus made Indra enemy, fulfill all my desires.

sva-prestha-hastambuja-sankumaryasukhanubhuter atibhumi vrttehmahendra-vajrahatim apy ajanamsri govardhao me disatam abhistam (2)

May that Sri Govardhana, who unaware of the lightning bolts thrown on Him by Indra, because of being touched by the gentle lotus hand of his beloved Sri krsna—fulfill all my desires.

yatraiva krsna vrsbhanu-putryadama, grhitum kalaham vitenesruteh sprha yatra mahaty atahsri govardhano me disatam abhistam (3)

May that Sri Govardhana, on whom Sri Krsna quarreled with the daughter of King Vrsabhanu, Sri Radha, over tax and close to whom pure hearted devotees are dwelling in eagerness to hear of this pastime—fulfill all my desires.

snatva sarah svasu smira-hastiyatraiva nipadi-paraga-dhulihalolayan khelari caru sasri govardhano me disatam bhistam( 4 )

May that Sri Govardhana, over whom an ecstatic wind plays, making the fragrant dust of kadamba tree and other flowers bathe in the beautiful lakes at its foot—fulfill all my desires.

kasturikabhih sayitam kim atratyuham prabhoh svasya muhur vitanavannaisargika-sviya-sila-sugandhairsri govardhano me disatam abhistam (5)

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May that Sri Govardhana, about whom pure devotees reside and argu in different ways again and again, as to where Sri Krsna’s musk scented resting place could be—fulfill my all desires.

vamsa-pratidhvany-anusara-vartmadidrksavo yatra harum harinyahyantyo labhante na hi vismitah sasri govardhano me disatam abhistam (6)

May that Sri Govardhana, on whom the does are standing gazing down the path in eagerness to see Sri Krsna, mistaking the rustling of the bamboo to be Sri Krsna’s flute and thus becoming stunned in ecstasy—fulfill my all desires.

yatraiva gangam anu navi radhamarohya madhye tu nimagna-naukahkrsna hi radhanugalo babhau sa sri govardhano me abhistam (7)

May that Sri Govardhana, on the middle of whose lake, Manasi Ganga, Sri Krsna makes His boat sink in order to be embraced by His frightened Radhika—fulfill my all desire.

vina bhavet kim hari-dasa-varya-padasrayam bhakti-ratah srayamiyam eva saprema ni jesayohsri Govardhano me disatam abhistam (8)

Without Govardhana’s grace, who can attain devotion to Sri Krsna? May that Sri Govardhana, who is the best of Sri Hari’s servants, bestow love for my master and mistress, Sri Radha and Krsna, on me—fulfill all my desires.

etat pathed yo hari-dasa-varyamahanubhavastakamardhra-cetahsri-radhika-madhavayoh padabjadasyam sa vinded acirena saksat (9)

Whoever recites these eight prayers to the best of Sri Hari’s servants, Sri Govardhana, in an affectionate mood, will swiftly attain the direct service of Sri Radha -Madhava’s lotus feet.

UDDHAVA KUNDAUddhava was sent to Vrindavana by Krsna to pacify the gopis after Krsna had apparently left Vraja. Krsna’s intention was to allow Uddhava to witness the topmost love which the gopis had for Him. Uddhava was the disciple of Brihaspati, the guru of the demigods and an eternal associates of Krsna. He possess a bodily form which was almost identical to Krsna’s. He was also Krsna’s personal adviser in all matters, but Krsna could understand that he had some pride in his own knowledge, thus the real intention for Krsna sending him to Vraja was to allow him to see the topmost love which the resident of Vraja had for Him. When Uddhava saw the supreme love in separation which the Vraja gopis had for Krsna he became to overwhelmed that he came to this place and prayed to Krsna that he may take birth as simply a creeper in Vraja and thus be able to attain the dust of the gopi’s lotus feet.

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“The gopis were so much attracted to Krsna that when they heard the vibration of His flute, they instantaneously left their families, children, honor and feminine bashfulness and ran towards the place where Krsna was standing. They did not consider whether they were passing over the road or through the jungles. Imperceptibly the dust of their lotus feet was bestowed on the smooth grass and herbs of Vrindavan. Not daring to place the dust of the gopi’s feet on his head Uddhava aspired to have a future birth in the position of a clump of grass of herb. He would then be able to have the dust of the gopi’s feet

( Krsna Book )Uddhava attained his desire by attaining the form of Gulmalata (a type of creeper) on the bank of Kusuma sarovara, which is actually opposite to Uddhava Kunda on the other side of Govardhana. We will visit there in due course.

Oh my dear Krsna your pastimes are supremely auspicious for mankind and are an intoxicating beverage for the ears. Tasting such pastimes, people forget their desires for other things. 44

My dear Lord, yo are the supreme soul, and thus you are most dear to us. We are your devotees, and how can we possible reject you or live without you even for a moment? Whether we are lying down, sitting, walking, standing, bathing, enjoying recreation, eating or doing anything else, we are constantly engaged in your service. 45

Simply by decorating ourselves with the garlands, fragrant oil, clothes and ornaments that you have already, enjoyed and by eating the remnants of your meals, we, your servants, will indeed conquer your illusory energy. 46

It is clear from this verse that Uddhava is not approaching Lord for the liberation from the illusory energy. As a personal, confidential associate of Lord Krsna, Uddhava was undoubtedly a completely liberated soul. He is praying to the Lord because he can not bear the thought of living without Krsna even for a moment. This feeling is called love of God. Uddhava is addressing the Lord as follows; “Even you are illusory energy tries to attract us, my Lord, we will very easily conquer her by our powerful weapons, which are the remnants of your food stuff, clothes, ornaments and so on. In other words, we will easily conquer over a maya by Krsna-prasadam and not by useless speculation and mental concoction. (purport) (Srimad Bhagavatam canto-11)

This beautiful Uddhava kunda, as you can see is still in good condition and very pleasing to the eyes. It is small and always has plenty of water. Anyone who take his bath here will attain the benediction of becoming more humble than a blade of grass and more tolerant than a tree.

Just on the right hand side as you approach the kunda there is a small temple in which there are beautiful Radha-Krsna Deities which were installed by Vrajanabha. So after we have happily taken our bath here and taken the secret dust of this place on our head we shall proceed.

Now we are entering the topmost place of Radha Kunda which stretches from here to Kunjara and includes Vasanti (Varsoti), Mukhra and Kusuma sarovara. It is said that even great devotees like Narada Muni and Sanka do not get the opportunity to go to Radha Kunda and take their bath. Actually Narada Muni is residing on the very edge of the kunjas (garden) of Radha Kunda, always offering his prayers to Srimati Radharani.

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This Radha Kunda area which consist of many kunjas is known many names; -Sri Ban Sri, Ksetra, Aristavan etc. and has as its very pinnacle Srimati Radhika’s kunda, which is non-different to Herself. Due to always being forced to remain separate from Sri Krsna, Srimati Radharani has taken the liquid form of the water of Her kunda, so that She may remain always in divine union with Krsna, who has taken the form of waters of Shyama Kunda which is connected to Radha Kunda.

Before visiting the pastime places of Radha-Kunda, I am impelled to pass on a few words of caution which have been received from our previous acaryas for our well-being.

Radha Kunda is the topmost place, even higher than the spiritual world Vaikuntha, what to speak of, Dvaraka, Mathura, and even the rest of the forest of Vraja dhama, are dwarfed in importance before Radha-kunda. The reason is that here Radha and Krsna are always enjoying Their most intimate affairs of conjugal bliss and ecstasy, and thus Radha kunda possesses the sweetest qualities.

Being the topmost intimate playground, of Radha-Krsna it is the most difficult to attain and understand. The scriptures and the acaryas describe that one should reside on the bank of Radha Kunda and bath in her waters three times a day, always meditating on the maidservants of Radha-Krsna and praying that I may attain the position of becoming the maidservant of those maidservants of Radha Krsna.

This topmost instruction can be followed by one who had gain complete control over his mind and senses and has given up all endeavors to be the controller and enjoy.

Unfortunately the living entities, ever controlled by his bewildered mind, always to jump ahead and consequently acts on a platform he is not yet established in.

Srimati Radharani in the ecstasy of unity with Sri Krsna has taken on the form of waters of Radha Kunda and in that ecstatic form She is willing to grant pure love of Krsna to anybody who approach Her in a pure consciousness, having given up all other desires, but for that unfortunate person who takes up residency on the bank of Radha Kunda and bath in Her waters permanently, his position is described as being the same as one who reside and bath in Naraka Kunda (hell). Although the improper desire imbedded in his heart will be fulfilled, Lord Krsna will send him far away to enjoy the fruit of the improper desires and due to unnecessary disturbing Srimati Radharani in Her most intimate abode, it may be many lifetimes before one again gets the oportunity to come to Radha-Kunda.

The method and qualification for approaching Radha-Kunda has described by Srila Rupa Goswami in his Sri Upadesamrta (The Nectar of Instruction) in eleven slokas as follows; -

TEXT ONE

A sober person who can tolerate the urge to speak, the mind’s demands, the actions of anger and the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals is qualified to make disciples all over the world.

TEXT TWO

One’s devotional service is spoiled when he becomes too entangled in the following six activities; -(1)eating more than necessary or collecting more funds than required. (2)

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overendeavoring for the mundane things that are very difficult to obtain. (3)taking unnecessarily about mundane subject matters. (4) practicing the spiritual rules and regulations only for the sake of following them and not for the sake of spiritual advancement, or rejecting the rules and regulations of the scriptures and working independently or whimsically (5)associating with worldly-minded persons who are not interested in Krsna-consciousness, and(6)being greedy for mundane achievements.

TEXT THREE

There are six principles favorable to the execution of pure devotional service; (1) being enthusiastic, (2) endeavoring with confidence, (3)being patient, (4)acting according to regulative principles(such as sravanam kirtanam visnoh smaranam-hearing, chanting and remembering Krsna), (5) abandoning the association of nondevotees, and (6)following in the footstep of the previous acaryas. These six principles undoubtedly assure the complete success of pure devotional service.

TEXT FOUR

Offering gift in charity, accepting charitable gift, revealing one’s mind in confidence, inquiring confidentially, accepting prasada and offering prasada are the six symptoms of love shared by one devotee and another.

TEXT FIVE

One should mentally honor the devotee who chants the holy name of Lord Krsna, one should offer humble obeisances to the devotee who has undergone spiritual initiation(diksa)and is engaged in worshipping the Deity and one should associate with and faithfully serve that pure devotee who is advanced in undeviated devotional service and whose heart is completely devoid of the propensity to criticize others.

TEXT SIX

Being situated in his original Krsna conscious position, a pure devotee does not identify with the body. Such a devotee should not be seen from a materialistic point of view. Indeed, one should overlook a devotee’s having a body born in low family, a body with a bad complexion, a deformed body, or a diseased or infirm body. According to ordinary vision, such imperfection may seem prominent in the body of a pure devotee cannot be polluted. It is exactly like the waters of the Ganges, which sometimes during the rainy season are full of bubbles, foam and mud. The Ganga water do not become polluted. Those who are advanced in spiritual understanding will bathe in the Ganga without considering the condition of the water.

TEXT SEVEN

The holy name, character, pastimes and activities of Krsna are all transcendentally sweet like sugar candy. Although the tongue of one afflicted by the jaundice of avidya (ignorance)cannot taste anything sweet, it is wonderful that simply by carefully chanting these names everyday, a natural relish awakens within his tongue, and his disease is gradually destroyed at the root.

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TEXT EIGHT

The essence of all advice in that one should utilize one’s full-time-twenty-four hours a day—in nicely chanting and remembering the Lord’s divine name, transcendental form, qualities and eternal pastimes; thereby gradually engaging one’s tongue and mind. In this way one should reside in Vraja(Goloka Vrindavana dhama)and serve Krsna under the guidance of devotees. One should follow in the footsteps of the Lord’s beloved devotees, who are deeply attached to His devotional service.

TEXT NINE

The holy place known as Mathura is spiritually superior to Vaikuntha, the transcendental world, because the Lord appeared there. Superior to Mathura Puri is the transcendental forest of Vrindavana because of Krsna’s rasa-lila pastimes. And superior to the forest of Vrindavana is Govardhana Hill, for it was raised by the divine hand of Lord Krsna and was the site of His various loving pastimes. And above all, the superexcellent Sri Radha-Kunda stands supreme, for it is overflooded with the ambrosial nectarean prema of the Lord Gokula, Sri Krsna. Where then, is that intelligent person who is unwilling to serve this divine Radha-Kunda, which is situated at the foot of Govardhana Hill?

TEXT TEN

In the shastra it is said that of all types of fruitive workers he is most advanced in knowledge of the higher values of life is favored by the Supreme Lord Hari. Out of many such people who are advance in knowledge(jnanis), one who is practically liberated by virtue of his knowledge may take to devotional service. He is superior to the others. However, one who has actually attain prema, pure love of Krsna, is superior to him. The gopis are exalted above all the advance devotees because they are always totally dependent upon Sri Krsna, the transcendental cowherd boy. Among the gopis, Srimati Radharani is the most dear to Krsna. Her Kunda(lake) is as profoundly dear to Lord Krsna as this most beloved of the gopis, who then, will not reside at Radha Kunda and in a spiritual body surcharged with ecstatic devotional feelings(aprakrta-bhava), render loving service to the divine couple Sri Sri Radha-Govinda. who performed this astakaliya-lila, Their eternal eight-fold daily pastimes. Indeed, those who execute devotional service on the banks of Radha-kunda are the most fortunate people in the universe.

TEXT ELEVEN

Of the many objects of favored delight and of all the lovable damsels of Vrajabhumi, Srimati Radharani is certainly the most treasured object of Krsna’s love. And, in every respect, Her divine kunda is described by great sages as similarly dear to Him. Undoubtedly Radha-kunda is very rarely attained even by the great devotees; therefore it is even more difficult for ordinary devotees to attain. If one simply bathes once within those holy waters. Ones pure love of Krsna is fully aroused.

Thus following the instructions of Srila Rupa Goswami one should again complete control his mind and senses, learn how to associate with the devotees of Radha-Krsna, and how never to criticize the devotees; relish the chanting of the holy names and activities of Radha-Krsna. Thus all the impurities in the heart will be destroyed.

It is not that one should not approach Radha-Krsna before one has attain perfection, In fact Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the six Goswamis and their followers down to our spiritual master, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, have all

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encouraged and insisted upon the principle of approaching the lotus feet of Radha -Kunda, so that we may attain the divine mercy of Srimati Radharani. And neither should we approach Radha-kunda in the mood of awe and reverence, but in a mood of surrender by offering our obeisances at the bank of Radha-kunda, praying for the time when we may become qualified to enter onto the service of the Divine Couple, Radha-Krsna in these very groves (kunjas)on the banks of Radha-Kunda.

The conclusion is that to live on the bank of the Radha-kunda and to bathe there daily constitute the highest perfection of devotional service. It a difficult position to attain, even for a great sage and devotees like Narada. Thus there is no limit to the glory of Radha-kunda. By serving Radha-kunda, one can get opportunity to become an assistant of Srimati Radharani under the eternal guidance of the gopis. ‘ ( Nectar of Instruction, 11, pt )

Offering our obeisances over and over again and taking the dust of Radha-Kunda on our head we will cautiously proceed to wander through the groves of Radha-kunda, In a few minutes we will cross over Yamuna canal. After sprinkling a few drops of her waters, we will continue alittle a head and take Darshan of the magnanimous Siva Khari.

S I V A K H A R ISIVA PUSHKARANI

We can see on the right-hand side of the parikrama path a body of water which can increase and decrease with the rains, and here just between the pathway and the kunda is a very small temple of Lord Siva known by the name Rameswara. Lord Siva had taken His residence to guard Radha -kunda so first we will pray for his mercy that we may be allowed to proceed into the inner realm of Radha-kunda.

Once a female jackal stopped by this kunda to drink water at which she was stopped by some young children. When they saw that jackal, they came with stick to beat her. That jackal to save her life, ran and hide in a nearby fox-hole. Those children, thinking to catch that jackal, built a fire at the entrance of the hole. By divine coincidence at that time, Srimati Radharani was returning to her home along with her girls friends after having enjoyed her afternoon pastimes in and around Radha kunda. When distressful crying of that female jackal entered Her ears She requested one of Her girls friends to go to and see what was wrong telling her and” No one should be in distress in my favorite place. “When Radharani’s sakhi saw what was happening she chased off those children and then brought that most fortunate jackal before Srimati Radharani’s lotus feet. That jackal fell down before Srimati Radharani crying. Radharani petted her and blessed Her with her eternal service, this story is found in the Vrindavana Mahatmya. This beautiful Siva Khari is capable of bestowing that most intimate service to Srimati Radharani to anyone who faithfully bathes in it’s waters. There is no certainly no one more unfortunate than that person who looks on this place and thinks to himself that” Oh this place is so dirty and the water is contaminated. “Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati has recommended that we beat our wicked mind one hundred times with a stick and one hundred times with a shoe so that it won’t misguide us into this foolish type of thinking and thus deprive us of the topmost benefit.

MALYAHARI KUNDA

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Just in front of us is the Radha-kunja Bihari temple, which was established by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada. But before taking darsana we would just wander along the small path to our left. In a short while we would arrive at what is left of Malyahari-kunda. Today as you can see it has reduced to a small pond with a single brick ghat and just to our right is the Malyahari well whose waters are very sweet. Anyone who is fortunate enough to come on contact with the waters of this kunda or well will have attained the rarest jewel, for the waters here are liquid prema (love ) in the mood of the Vraja gopis.

After picking flowers in Pushpa -van on the banks of Kusum-savovara, Radha and her girl-friends come here to string them into garlands. Supposedly it was for the sun-god but everyone knows as whom they are really meant for. This place is also known as mikta-kesara. The topmost devotees are begging Radha-Krsna for the opportunity to come to this mikta-kesara and roll in the dust. So let us try to appreciate our good fortune, for simply by the causeless mercy to the dearmost devotee or Srimati Radharani, His Divine Grace Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, even the most unqualified useless soul now have the opportunity to wander through these topmost garden pastimes places of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna.

It was here in Malyahari-kunda that a very wonderful pastime, which involved pearls and arguments between Krsna and the gopis, took place. This pastimes has been described by Raghunatha Das Goswami in his Mukta Charita. It has summarized below; --

Satyabhama inquired from Krsna” where did these beautiful pearls, which are studded in my bangles, come from ?”

In response to this, Krsna told the following story; -Once upon a time the cowherd girls had assembled close to Malyahari-kunda to celebrate Diwali. They were busy stringing peals to decorated their cows. The news of their activities was brought to me by my parrot Vichakshan. After hearing the parrot’s description, I immediately proceeded to Malyahari-kunda to request some pearls from the gopis to decorate my favorite cows Hasini and Harini. When I made, My request the gopis refused. Again and again I pleaded with them and at last Lalita sakhi said, “ All right, let me have a look through my box to see what nice pearls I can find for your cows. “After sorting through her box sometimes she found at the bottom a small broken pearl, which she pulled and declared, I have just found the perfect pearl for you to decorate Your cows with, I became very angry and exclaimed, I will grow my own pearls and then they will be bigger and more beautiful than yours. When the gopis heard this, they laughed at me. I ran off to find My mother and when I reached her I said, “Dear mother, please give me some pearls. “When My mother saw that I was so angry that foam was coming out from my mouth, she replied, ‘My dear child, I will certainly give you some pearls, but first you must eat some Kheer (sweet rice) I declared ‘, No, I am not going to eat or drink anything, until you give me some pearls so that I can grow My own pearls creepers. When mother Yasoda heard this she started to laugh. My dear child, You cannot grow a creeper from a pearl. “

‘No mother, you will see, I will grow beautiful pearl creepers and they will give wonderful pearls. ‘Mother Yashoda laughed and gave some pearls to Me to pacify me. I proceeded to the bank of the Yamuna (Jalharn ghat ), and dug a pearl of earth where I planted My pearls. Then I requested all the gopis to give me some milk to water the pearls. When they

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refused, I went to my mother to take milk from her. After watering My pearls, shoot appeared out of the ground. In excitement I ran to My mother and pulled her to the spot, My mother was truly amaze, but the gopis simply laughed. They said, ‘ They are simply thorn shoots!’ But on the forth day they grew to be beautiful creepers with wonderful multicolored pearls which emanated a beautiful aroma throughout the land of Vrindavana. I was so happy that along with My friends we started singing and dancing. We started to make jokes about the small pearls of gopis. The gopis were very much attracted by My beautiful pearls, but they knew that I would not give any pearls to them.

They started to discuss the matter amongst themselves, and decided that they should go and see Nandi Mukhi, the grandmother of Purnamasi. When they explained to Nandi Mukhi what had happened and asked hoe it was possible that I could grow pearls from the ground, she replied, ‘there is nothing amazing about this, after all this is Vraja Dham and the land is made of cintamani. She suggested to them that they also plant pearls in there houses and planted them. They decided they would water them not only with milk, but with butter and ghee also. Thus they would be able to get even more beautiful pearls than Krsna.

Chandravali and her group of friends having seen what was happening also collected all their pearls and planted them, but to their utter disappointment only thorn bushes grew. Upon seeing this My friend and I started making jokes about the gopis and just to make them envious I decorated all My cows, buffalo, goats and even monkeys with pearls necklaces. The gopis became thoroughly distressed and even more so at the thought of their elders discovering there were no pearls left in their houses. Afraid of being chastised by their elders, they decided to send Chandramukhi and Kanchanlata to Me with lot of gold to try to buy My pearls. I refused telling them that not even the Kaustubha jewel, which Lord Narayana wears on His chest, could cover the cost of the smallest fraction of one of My pearls; and anyway, those who want them must come personally.

All the gopis came, except Radharani who hid in a nearby grove so that she overhear everything. The gopis all requested Me to sell pearls to them. I took from my box a very small pearls which I handed to Visakha for Radharani, and told her that if she did not pay immediately, I would look her up in My private garden.

At the time who was acting as the mediator requested Me to be kind to them and agree on a fair price. I then agreed to his proposal and requested him to open the box of pearls and show them our pearls.

After this the gopis and Myself started arguing bout the price of the pearls. The argument went on and on with no settlement and it is said that still to this day the matter has not be settled. “

What more can be said about this transcendental haven which is drenched with the ambrosia of Radha-Krsna’s loving pastimes. You can simply bow down and beg for that day when we may be able to appreciate the smallest fragment of it’s glorious position. We can simply remember the lotus feets of Nityananda Prabhu and beg Him to kindly destroy the ignorance which again and again causes us to bathe in the muck of materialistic desires. Let us proceed constantly taking shelter of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His eternal associates.

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We are like a blind man wandering through a most beautiful flower garden and although we are trampling here and there, unaware on what we are trampling over, still it cannot be said that we are not in the flower garden. We must try to appreciate this garden’s wonderful beauty and aroma through the eyes of the sastras.

Now we will retrace our footstep back to the main parikrama path and turning left on to the parikrama path, immediately on our left hand side comes the Radha Kunja Bihari temple.

R AD H A K U N J A B I H A R IThese deities of Radha Kunja Bihari and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu were installed by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupada. As you can see the parikrama path runs along the side of this temple but still it has become the habit of everyone to include this temple in their parikrama. Now we will take darsana and our prostrate obeisances to the Pushpa samadhi of Srila Gaura Kishore Das Babaji Maharaja, which is just next to Radha Kunja Bihari’s temple. Srila Gaura Kishore Das Babaji Maharaja spent several years wandering here and there through groves of Vraja Dhama, before eventually going to reside in Sri Dham Mayapur, at which place Srila Bhakti Siddhanta received initiation from him. As the grate grandfather is always very affectionate towards to his grandchildren, we can fell very confident that he will certainly benedict us with the topmost standard of devotional renunciation which he eternally exhibits.

namo gaura-kisorayasaksad-vairagya-murtayevipralambha-rasambhode padambujaya te namah

I offer my respectful obeisances unto Gaura Kisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja (the spiritual master of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati ), who is renunciation personified. He is always merged in a feeling of separation and intense love of Krsna.

The mantras for offering obeisances to Radharani and Radha kunda are; -tapta-kanchana-gaurangi-radhe vrndavaneswarivrsabhanu-sute devi pranamami hari-priya

sri-vrnda-vipinam suramyamapitacchri-mana sa govardhanahsa rasa-sthali-kapyalamrasa-mayaih knita-vadanya sthalaih

yasya-pyansa-lavena narhatimanak samyam mukunda asya tatpranebhyo-apyadhikam priyevadayitam tat-kunda meva asraye

After having offered our obeisances over and over again at the lotus feet of Radha-kunda and sprinkled Her waters on our head, we can sit down just here next to Her and while we look over Her tranquil waters, we can try with our ears to taste the description of Her appearance. As you all most probably know Radha kunda and Shyam kunda manifested here, for us all to take darshan, after a quarrel between Radha and Krsna over Krsna’s having killed the demon Aristasura. But before we recount that pastime, we can just hear a

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description from the Adi-Purana, how Radha-kunda manifested of the first time on Goloka.

Once Radha and Krsna were sitting on a beautiful seat in the yoga-pitha (Radha kunda yoga-pitha, not Vrindavana yoga-pitha, will visit that place soon ), being fanned by Their dearmost girlfriends (sakhis), when suddenly Krsna began feeling such intense love for Radha that He actually took on the mood and form of Radharani. In that mood He started calling out the name of Krsna again and again and ran off into the bushes (on the bank where Shyama-kunda is now situated), Srila Raghunatha Das Goswami has explained in his commentary on the Hare Krsna Mahamantra that when Radharani is feeling intense love in separation from Krsna, She wanders here and there like a mad person, intensely calling out the name of Krsna.

When Krsna run off in that way, Radharani immediately entered into the mood of Krsna, thus taking on His bodily form and emotions. When Her sakhis saw this amazing transformation, they tried to pacify Her in various ways and when they were unsuccessful some of the sakhis went to find Krsna, who was in the mood of Radharani, intensely searching for Himself. Some or other those sakhis managed to pacify Krsna and when He understood from them the real situation, He wanted to immediately to Radha. At that moment a voice from the sky told Him to simply chant the Navakshara mantra of Radharani and she would immediately come to Him. After Krsna had chanted Her mantra Radha was drawn to that garden. When Radha, who was in the form of Krsna arrived before Krsna, She just looked there at the ground out of shyness. Krsna then spoke the following wards to Radha, ‘O dearmost Radha, I am your eternal servant, whatever punishment your wish to give me, please do. I have caused your great pain, my dear Radha I have also suffered unlimitedly due to your separation. The tears which had flowed from your eyes due to separation have formed two small kundas. The kunda which was formed from your tears will be known as Radha-kunda and the kunda which came into existence due to My tears will be known as Shyama kunda. After having heard Krsna’s words, Radha gave up her distress and the sakhis became drowned in an ocean of bliss. Thereafter Radha and Krsna took Their baths in these kundas and when Radha dipped into the waters of Her kunda (Radha kunda )to the surprise and amazement of Her sakhis, She again attained Her normal form and when Krsna dipped into His kunda, He also attained His original form.

Radha and Krsna are here in the mood of eternal union. But simultaneously due to the fear of separation, the mood of separation is also present here. Thus this Radha kunda is considered the topmost place. Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti has confirmed in his Vraja-riri-cintamani that the waters of Radha kunda and Shyam kunda are non different to Radha Krsna.

When Radha and Krsna see these two kundas, They believe They are one with Them. They directly see each other in the form of these kundas. The wise have stated that one who approaches these two kundas, directly approaches Radha Krsna. ( 32 )

Longing to meet but forced to remain separate, Radha and Krsna had assumed the forms of Radha-kunda and Shyama-kunda. In this way They became immersed in the nectar of eternal union. ( 33 )

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I think that when Radha saw Krsna, She melted out of ecstasy and thus took on the liquid form of the waters of Radha-kunda, and when Krsna saw Radha He also melted in ecstasy and became the waters to Shyama-kunda. For this reason these two kundas bear the name and qualities of Radha and Krsna. ( 34 )

Out of great kindness to the living beings, so that they would have the chance to taste the sweetness of their conjugal pastimes, Radha and Krsna have become these two kundas. Feeling unlimited bliss, the devotees remain on the banks, absorbed in remembrance of Radha-Krsna. (35 )

We will just read a short description of how Radha-kunda looks in Her unmanifested form, which can be observed by the great devotees whose eyes are tinged by the salve of love.

Radha kunda is the topmost place of Radha and Krsna’s pastimes in Vraja Dhama. It is described in the Govinda-lilamrita and the vraja-riti-cintamani by Krsna Das Kaviraja Goswami and Visvanatha Chakravarti respectively.

Radha and Shyama Kunda are studded with rubies, pearls, emeralds and many other valuable jewels and surrounded by beautiful gardens. To the south east of Radha kunda is situated Shyama Kunda, which is rectangular shaped. At the meeting place of the two there is a beautiful suspension bridge. This is known as the Radha Kunda Yoga Pith. Surrounding Radha kunda and Shyama kunda are the gardens (kunjas ) of the asta-sakhis of Radharani and the priya sakhas of Syamasundara ( see chart )On the northern side of Radha kunda is situated the Kunja of Lalita sakhi known as Lalitananda which is the largest of the Kunjas. It is of the shape of an 8 petals lotus.

Surrounding of it are eight small groves (In the shape of petals) belonging to the eight assistants of Lalita sakhi. Ratna, Prabha, Ratikala, Subhadra, Bhadrarekhika, Sumukhi, Dhanistha, Kalahasmi, Kalapini.

This kunda expands and contracts according to time and circumstances and all the seasons in their personified forms are present to look after this grove. There is a platform in the middle known as Ananga rangambuja, which is one of the shape of a thousand petal lotus. Lalita’s Kunja is the colour of lighting. To the north east of Radha Kunda is the kunja known as Visakhananda kunja, belonging to Visakha Devi. It is known for its beautiful flower gardens. The entire grove is surrounded by thick trees and it is the colour fully clouds. it is surrounded by the eight groves of the assistants of Visakha Devi. . Madhavi. Malati, Chandralekha, Kunjari, Harini, Chapala, Surabhi, Subhananda. One who visit this grove will be able to constantly remember Radha and Krsna.

To east of the Radha Kunda there is a Kunja known as Chitrananda kunja, which belongs to Chitra sakhi.. It is full of many beautiful pictures, the courtyards and pavilions within this Kunja are made of emeralds and there are many animals present here. It is multicoloured surrounding the kunja are the Kunjas of the eight assistants of Chitra Devi, Rasalika, Tilakini, Sauraseni, Sugandhika, Ramani, Kamangari, Nagari, Nagabenika.

To the south east of the Radha Kunda stands the kunja of Indulekha sakhi known as Indulekha kunja. All of the trees, flowers, animals and birds within this garden are completely white. Radha and Krsna specifically visit this kunja on the full moon night. If an unqualifite man visit this place he will not be able to see Radha and Krsna’s pastimes. This kunja is sorrounded by the eight kunjas of assistants of Indulekha sakhi.

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Tungabhadra, Rasottunga, Rangavati, Susangata, Chitralekha, Vicitrangi, Modini, Madanalasa.

To south of Radha Kunda is the beautiful kunja of Campakalata sakhi. In the same way as Indulekha’s kunja is entirely white, so this kunja is golden yellow. When Radharani comes here, She applies yellow paste to Her body and dresses Herself completely yellow. Thus She becomes invisible and even Krsna is unable to see Her. Sometimes Krsna assume His Gauranga forms and quietly overhears the conversations between Radha and Her girl friends.

One day Padma sakhi saw Radha and Krsna sitting together in this kunja and went to call Jatila, the mother in law of Radharani, but when they arrived here, they were unable to see anyone.

Campakalata has constructed a kitchen here and there is a golden table where Radha and Krsna dine frequently. Campakalata arranges their dinner together with Vrinda devi, who is an expert cook. This kunja is also known as Hem kunja and it is surrounded by the kunjas of the eight assistants of Campakalata devi. Kurangaksi, Sucharita, Mandali, Manikundala, Chandralatika, Chandrika, Kundakaksati, Sumandira. To the south west of Radha Kunda there is the kunja of Sri Ranga devi sakhi known as Rangananda kunja. This is the favorite kunja of Srimati Radharani. The entire kunja is of a dark colour, full of dark creepers and tamala trees. It ever Mukhara ( Radharani’s grandmother of anyone else arries unexpectedly, they only see Radharani. So they simply offer blessings to Radha and leave. This kunja is also known by the name of Neelani kunja. It is surrounded by the kunjas of the eight assistants of Rangadevi sakhi. Kalakanthi, Sashikala, Kamla, Madhura, Indra, Kandarpasundari, Kamalatika, Premamanjari. To the west of Radha Kunad lies the kunja of Tungadevi sakhi of the name Tungavidyananda kunja, also known as Aruna kunja. All the flower pavilions, swings and everything else is of a red colour and is sorrounded by the eight assistants of Tungavidya. Manjumedha, Sumadhura, Sumadhya, Madhureksana, Tanumadhya, Madhusyanda, Gunachuda, Varangada.

To the north west of Radha Kunda is situated of the kunja of Sudevi sakhi known as Sudevi ananda kunja. Radha and Krsna enjoy playing hide and seek in this garden. Everything here is green coloured and floors are bedecked with green pearls. This is sorrounded by the eight groves of the assistants of Sudevi. Kaveri, Charukavara, Sukeshi, Manju-keshika, Harahira, Mahahiri, Harakanthi, Manohara.

In the center of Radha Kunda is situated a kunja belonging to the younger sister of Radharani known as Ananga Manjari. In this kunja is a very beautiful temple of the name Salvela Mandir. It is of a very unusual design constructed with moon stones and rubies. Just below the water there are many beautiful figures of swans, flowers and bees made of gems, which look as they are alive. The entire temple looks like a sixteen petaled lotus. The temple is connected to the northern bank of Radha Kunda by a beautiful bridge.

The following description is of the Kunja’s is of the kunja’s surrounding Shyama Kunda. To the north west side of Shyama Kunda is the kunda of Subala sakha known as Subalananda kunja. Radharani (and Sudevi)looks upon this kunja withe great love and treats it as her own. Within this kunja is a very holy shrine which has the power to purify even the most wicked. Radha and the other sakhis bathe daily at the Manasa pavana

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Ghat(at 12-00 midday) which is within this kunja. One who comes in contact with this kunda attain the same benefit as contact with Krsna’s lotus feet. One who drinks the water containing here attain the same benefit as one who drinks the caranamrta (water)from Krsna’s lotus feet. This kunja is as dear to Radharani as Krsna is.

On the northern bank of the Shyama kunda is situated the kunja of Madhumangala. This kunja is known as Madhumangalandanda kunja, Lalita sakhi looks upon this kunja as her own. It is greatly love by Radharani and it is full of many artistic design of various colours. Radha and Krsna enjoy joking and laughing in this kunja.

On the north eastern side of Shyama kunda is the kunja of Ujjawala sakha which is known as Ujjawalanada kunja. Visakha devi has adopted this kunja.

On the east is the kunja of Arjuna sakha known as Arjunananda kunja, which has been adopted by Chitra Devi. On the south eastern side is the kunja known as Gandharvananda kunja of Gandharva sakha. This kunja is under the care of Indulekha.

On the south side of Syama kunda there is a kund known as Vidagdhananda kunja of sakha Vidagdha. This kunja also known as Haritmanimaya, Radha and Krsna enjoy endless pastimes here, it is under the care of Champaklata.

On south west side of Shyama kunda there is situated the kunja of Kokeela sakha known as Kokeelananda kunja. This kunja is adopted by Rangadevi.

On the western side Sananda’s kunja is situated, known as Sanandananda kunja, which is under the care of Tungavidya.

On the eastern bank of Shyama kunda and in the western bank of Radha kunda there are beautiful ghats with swimming place for man and animals. There are also beautiful water booths for drinking purposes. There are nice broad paths running along the top of these ghats. All these kunjas and groves were created by Srimati Vrinda Devi.

This description of Radha Kunda in Her eternal original form will become visible to one when he attains pure love for Radha and Krsna. The original forms of Radha and Krsna is covered by yogamaya and is known as Nitya-Lila-Bhumi. The entire Vrajadhama is hidden from the unqualified. Although we are unable to see Vraja as it is, the nitya-lilas ( the eternal pastimes ) are going on according schedule. That set program is known as the asta-kaliya-lila (eightfold eternal pastimes of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna in Vraja). By Radha Krsna’s causeless mercy, Radha kunda has been manifested for everyone to see, and according to the digree one has surrendered to guru and Krsna to that degree he will be able to see Vraja as it is.

Now after begging for the permission and blessings of Srimati Radharani, we will attempt to take darsana of the various temples and pastimes places on the banks of Radha-kunda and Shyam-kunda. It will not be possible at this time to see everything in detail. As our main purpose today is to complete Govardhana parikrama, of which Radha kunda and Shyam kunda are the most important part.

Now we will first take the blessings of Kundeshwar Mahadeva, whose temple is just next to Radha-kunda. After offering our obeisances, we can proceed. On our left hand side, just inside the small lane is the Radha-Krsna temple. Radha-Krsna are the presiding deities of Radha-Kunda.

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RADHA-KRSNA TEMPLEThese are the presiding deities of Radha-Kunda. They were rediscovered by Srila Raghunatha Das Goswami, when he excavated Radha-Kunda He handed these deities over to the local Brijawasis Brahmis to worship. And still to day they are being worshipped by their ancestors. The following sloka can be found in the Adi Varaha Purana.

snavta kunda yuge bhaktyadrastva kunde svaram sivamradha krsnau ca sam-pujyavindet sarvepsitam narah (Adi Varaha Purana)

In the courtyard of the temple, there are two trees entwined together. Radha and Krsna manifested as these two trees eternally embracing each other. When the Neem tree and Vat tree grow together they are worshipped as Laksmi Narayana. In this case the original Laksmi Narayana, Sri Sri Radha-Krsna are worshipped in this form. Now we can just sit under the all merciful shade to Radha-Krsna, in the form of these trees and read the story of how Krsna killed the Aristasura demon.

One demon named Aristasura entered the village like a great bull with a gigantic body and horns, digging up the earth with his hoofs. When the demon entered Vrindavana, it appeared that the whole Vrindavana’s land trunbled, as if there were an earthquake. He roared fiercely, and after digging up the earth on the riverside, he entered the village proper. The fearful roaring, of the bull was so piercing that some of the pregnant cows and women had miscarriages. Its body as big stout and strong that a cloud hovered over his body just as clouds hover over the mountains. Aristasura entered in the Vrindavana with such a fearful appearance that just on seeing that great demon, all the men and women were afflicted with great fear, and the cows and other animals fled the village.

The situation became very terrible, and all the inhabitants of Vrindavana began to cry, “Krsna! Krsna! please save us. “Krsna also saw that the cows were running away, and He immediately replied, “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid. “He then appeared before Aristasura and said, ‘You are the lowest of living entities. Why are you frightening the inhabitants of Gokula? What will you gain by this action? If you have come to challenge My authority, then I and prepared to fight with you’. In this way Krsna challenge the demon, and the demon became very angry by the words of Krsna. Krsna stood before bull, resting His hand on the shoulder of a friend. The bull began to proceed towards Krsna in anger. Digging then earth with hoofs, Aristasura lifted his tail, and it appeared that clouds were hovering about the tail. His eyes were reddish and moving in anger. Pointing his horn at Krsna, he began to charge Him, just like the thunderbolt of Indra. But Krsna immediately caught his horns and tossed him away, just as a gigantic elephant repels a small inimical elephant. Although the demon appeared to by very tired and although he was perspiring, he too courage and got up. Again he charged Krsna with great force and anger. While rushing towards Krsna, he breathed very heavily Krsna again caught his horns and immediately threw him on the ground, breaking his horns. Krsna then began to kick his body, just as one squeeze a wet cloth on then ground. Being this kicked by Krsna, Aristasura rolled over and began to move his legs violently. Bleeding and passing stool and urine, his eyes starting from their sockets, he passed to the kingdom of death.

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The demigods in the celestial planets began to shower flowers on Krsna for His wonderful achievements. Krsna was already life and soul of the inhabitants of Vrindavana and after killing this demon in the shape of a bull, He become the cynosure of all eyes. With Balarama He triumphantly entered Vrindavana village, and the inhabitants glorified Him and Balarama with great jubilation. When a person performs some wonderful feat, his kinsmen and relatives and friends naturally fell jubilant. (Krsna book)

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti has given the following purport. The innocent gopis said, ‘Ah Krsna, don’t touch us now, O killer of a bull alas! even though Aristasura was a terrible demon, still he was a male cow, so You will have to undergo atonement, just as Lord Indra did after killing Vritasura. But how can You purify Yourself without going to the trouble of visiting every single holy places in the three worlds?

Krsna replied, ‘Why should I have to wander throughout the entire universe? I will at once bring all the countless pilgrimage places here and take My bath in them. Just watch?’

With this Lord Mukunda struck His hell on the ground. Then He said, ‘This is the water of the Bhagavati River, coming from the Patala region. And now. O holy places, all of you please come here! When the supreme Lord had spoken these words, all the holy places went there and appeared before Him. Krsna then addressed the gopis as follows.

See all the holy places!But the gopis replied, ‘We don’t see them as You describe. ‘Then those holy places, joining their palms in supplication spoke up; -‘I am salt ocean’‘I am the ocean of milk’‘I am the Amarda-dirghika’‘I am the river Sona’‘I am the Sindhu’‘I am the Tamraparni’‘I am the holy place of Puskara’‘I am the river Sarasvati’

‘And we are the Godavari, Yamuna and Reva rivers and the confluence of rivers at Prayaga. Just see our waters’

After purifying Himself by bathing, Lord Hari became quite arrogant and said, ‘I have produced a pond containing all the various holy places where as you gopis must never have executed any religious duties on this earth for the pleasure of Lord Brahma. ‘Then Srimati Radharani addressed Her girlfriends as follows; -

‘I must create an even more beautiful pond. So lets get to work!’ Having heard these words the gopis saw that Aristasura’s hooves had dug a shallow ditch just west of Sri Krsna’s kunda.

At the nearby spot, all the gopis began digging up lumps of soft mud with their hands, (Jiva Goswami has revealed that the gopis used their bangles to dig) and in this way a divine pond manifested in the short span of an hour. Krsna was astonished to see the lake they produced.

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He said, ‘Go ahead, lotus eyed one. You and Your companions should fill this pond with water from Mine. ‘

But Radharani replied, ‘No, no, no, no! This is impossible since the water of Your pond is contaminated by Your terrible sin of killing a bull.‘

‘I will have my countless gopis companion bring the pure water of the Manasi-Ganga here in billions of pots. In this way I will fill this lake with my own water and thus make its renown unequaled in the entire world.

Lord Krsna then gestured to a heavenly personality who was an intimate associate of all the holy places. Suddenly that person rose up of Krsna’s pond and bowed down before the daughter of Sri Vrsabhanu. Then with palm joined and tears pouring from this eyes, he began praying to Her with devotion.

“O Goddess, even Lord Brahma himself, the knower of all scriptures, cannot understand Your glories nor can Lord Siva or Laksmi. Only Krsna, the Supreme foal of all human endeavor, can understand then, and thus He feels obliged to personally make sure that You can wash away Your perspiration when You are fatigued. “

He is always anointing Your lotus feet with nectarean and yavaka (a reddish past) and decorating them with ankle bells, and He rejoices and feels most fortunate simple by satisfying the tips of the toes of Your lotus feet. On His order we have immediately come hare to live in this most excellent pond, which He created by one stoke of His heel. But only if You now fell satisfied with us and bestow upon us Your merciful glance will the tree of our desire bear fruit. “

Hearing this prayer spoken by the representative of the full assembly of holy places, Sri Radha was pleased and said, ‘So kindly tell Me your desire”

Then they told Her plainly, ‘Our lives would be successful if we could come to Your pond. That is the benediction we desire.‘

Glancing at Her beloved from the corner of Her eyes, the daughter of Vrsabhanu replied with a smile, ‘Please come, ‘Her gopis all agreed with Her decision and became immersed in the ocean of happiness. Indeed the beauty of all creatures both mobile and stationary, was enhanced.

Thus gaining the grace of Srimati Radharani, the holy rivers and lakes in Sri Krishna kunda forcibly broke through its boundary walls and swiftly filled Radha kunda with their waters.

Lord Hari then said, My dear Radha, may this pond of Yours become more world -renown than Mine. I will always come here to take bath and to enjoy My water pastimes. Indeed this lake is as dear to Me as You are. ‘Radha replied, ‘I will come to bathe in Your lake as well, even though You may kill hundreds of Aristasura demons here. In the future, anyone who has intense devotion for this lake, which is the spot where You chastised Aristasura, and who baths and resides here is sure to be very dear to Me. ‘

Thus in this way Lord Killed the demon Aristasura and at the same time caused His most sacret pastimes place of Radha Kunda to manifest for all to take shelter. The killing of the Aristasura demon represents destroying the negligent attitude towards devotional service

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and the attraction towards the side benefits of devotional service such as mystic powers, knowledge and name and fame. So we can take the opportunity here today to pray to Krsna to come and destroy the Aristasura within us.

So taking the dust of this place on our head, we can beg this supreme kalpa-vrksa tree to fulfill all our truly spiritual desires and kindly ignore our unlimited materialistic aspiration.

“The splendid tree in Vraja-dhama are perfectly spiritual in nature and full of potencies. They are just like the incarnations of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Just as the conditional souls misunderstand the spiritual nature of the Supreme Lord’s incarnations, in the same way they misunderstand the glory of these transcendental trees in Vraja.” (Vraja-riti-cintamani)

Now as we come out of the lane leading to Radha-Krsna temple, immediately in front of us on the bank of Radha kunda is Jhulan Sthali.

JHULAN STALIIt is here where Radha and Krsna, along with their sakhis, enjoy Their swing pastimes. Even today, those who are qualified can see that wonderful pastimes. It is during the midday period from 10-34 to 15-22 that Radha and Krsna enjoy Their various pastimes on the banks of Radha -Kunda.

A most amazing swing has been designed by Vrinda-devi, on which Radha and Krsna along with their sakhis and manjaris can swing simultaneously. That swing the shape of a sixteen petaled lotus. Radha and Krsna sit in the center surrounded by the asta-sakhis Lalita, Visakha, Citra-devi, etc. and Their asta-manjari Rupa, Rati, Rasa, etc. when they are all seated on that swing, being pushed by their other girlfriends, those girlfriends witness an amazing event. It appears to them that Radha and Krsna are facing each and everyone of Their sakhis and manjaris simultaneously.

Today, unfortunately the original tree which had been planted here by Vrajanath to mark this place, has but dried up. We can only see a small stub of its trunk. Just in front is another tree which had been taken from the root of that original tree. Although there is not much to be seen here in the way of any significant structure in glorification of this important place. At least by the grace of the previous Vaisnavas we can at least understand where Radha and Krsna’s swing pastimes takes place.

Now continuing around Radha-kunda we will pass the Gopal temple which was constructed by the king of Manipur. On our left, and just a little ahead, we will turn left into a small lane. Here on our left hand side we will find the Radha -Shyamasundara temple. In the year 1670 due to the atrocities performed by the Moguls during the region of Aurangzeb, it proved necessary to move most of the original deities of Vrindavana to Jaipur., where they could be protected by the Rajput. All those deities were transported in bullock carts and their first stopping place was here at Radha -kunda. For this reason the prati-bhuha forms of the original deities of Vrindavana are found in Radha-Kunda. Syamananda Prabhu’s sitting place and Pushpa samadhi is also here.

Now we go back into the lane turning to the left and proceed to the end of the lane, on our left hand side we will find Radha-Damodar temple. The deities there were worshipped by Srila Jiva Goswami. Just in front we will find the place where Srinivasa acharya had

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stayed. Srinivasa acharya was born in 1517. He originally was known as Srinivasa and was later awarded the title Acharya by Srila Jiva Goswami. Srinivasa Acharya is especially remembered of being part of the first group to travel out of Vrindavana with the literature of the Goswamis and distribute them profusely. He also established the frist Gaur Purnima festival ( Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s appearance day celebrations )

Srinivasa was a incarnation of Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s ecstasy. It is said that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu broke open the storehouse of love of God (Krsna ), and the goswamis put that nectar into the containers of the various literature which they complied. It was Srinivasa Acharya who distributed widely those containers which were overflowing with love for Radha and Krsna.

Now praying for his mercy in the shape of giving us intelligence as to how we can distribute widely that love of Godhead to every town and village, we will continue to swim in the ocean of nectar of Govardhana parikrama.

Now retracing our footsteps back along the lane to the parikrama path, we will turn left and almost immediately on our right we will enter in the Radha-Gopinatha temple.

GOPINATHA TEMPLEsriman rasa rasarambhi vamsi vata-tale sihitahkarsan venu- svanair gopir gopinathah sriye stu nah

Srila Gopinatha who originated the transcendental mellow of the rasa-dance, stands on the shore in Vamsivata attracts the attention of the cowherd damsels with the sound of His celebrated flute. May they all confer upon us their benediction.

These Radha Gopinatha deities were installed after Jahnava -devi had received darsan of Gopinatha standing under a tamal tree on the bank of Radha Kunda. We can see here in this temple that Gopinatha is standing in the center and on His right had side is Srimati Radharani and on His loft hand side is the younger sister of Srimati Radharani, Ananga Manjari.

This is unique to Radha-Gopinatha temples. Whenever Krsna is in the form of Gopinatha, the Ananga manjari deity is to be placed on the alter also and because she wishes to keep Radha and on Her right hand side, out of respect she is placed on Krsna’s left and Srimati Radharani submitting to the desire of her young sister stands on Krsna’s right hand side. It is the custom that when one is performing parikrama to offering obeisances, one keeps the personality of place on his right hand side of respect.

To be able to approach Radha-Gopinatha (Lord of the gopis ) one must attain the mercy of Ananga Manjari, who in the ultimate conclusions non-different to Lord Balarama. Lord Balarama, when He desired to render service to Krsna in His conjugal pastimes, took in the form of Ananga Manjari to full fill that desire. But we should not make the mistake of worshipping Ananga Manjari as Balarama or Balarama as Ananga Manjari, for this is rasabhasa (the incompatible mixing of various moods ). When Balarama desired the opportunity to engaged in the conjugal pastimes of Radha-Krsna, He expanded as Ananga Manjari, who was the manifestation of His desire. Unlike in the material realm, where ones name, form and desires are different from one. shelf. But sometimes the desire is seen to be incompatible to one’s mood. Thus to fulfill that desires, a new form is expanded. Thus we

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will read about many personalities having many different forms in order to fulfill their desires to serve Krsna in various moods and although philosophically we can understand that ones personalities has many different dorms, we should not disturb that personality’s mood by mixing up the worship of his of her various forms.

For instance, Visakha devi and Yamuna devi are non different, but still one should not worship Visakha-devi as Yamuna -devi or Yamuna devi as Visakha devi, for that is rasabhasa.

As to the reason why Ananga manjari was placed next to Gopinatha after Jahnava-devi had Gopinatha’s darsana, we can refer to the story of Jahnava devi’s disappearance.

After Jahnava devi had toured the forest of Vraja for the second time she attended the evening arati of Gopinatha (in Vrindavana) along with all the senior vaisnava of Vrindavana. While they were waiting for the darsana of Gopinatha, suddenly Gopinatha’s curtain opened and Gopinatha Himself grabbed Jahnava devi by the hand and took into the deity room. Then again the curtain closed. In due course of time, when the assembled Vaisnavas opened the curtain, they saw only Radha-Gopinatha standing on the alter and no trace of Jahnava devi. Later under the direction of Srila Jiva Goswami the deity of Ananga Manjari was also installed next to Gopinatha. The reason for this is that Jahnava devi, who is consort of Nityananda Prabhu (who is non different from Balarama) is described in Gaura-Ganadesa-Dipika as being Ananga Manjari in Krsna’s pastimes.

Here also Ananga manjari has been placed next to Gopinatha. Now after having offer our obeisances, we can just step through the small door on the right hand side of the deity room which leads on the bank of Radha kunda. Immediately outside of the door we will see a small platform jetting out into Radha kunda. At this place underneath this tamal tree, Jahnava devi had darsana of Gopinatha. This spot is known as Jahnava -betak (Jahnava’s sitting place). This is where Jahnava devi stayed here when she came to Radha kunda.

And as we passed around the small shrine and the tamal tree in circumambulation we will see on the rear side some small steps going down to the Radha kunda. This is known as Jahnava ghat. The platform which we are on, marks the place where the bridge connects the northern bank of Radha kunda with the island-kunja of Ananga Manjari as previously described in the description of Radha kunda in Her original form.

The birthday of Sri Jahnava Mata, the shakti of Nityananda, is celebrated on the 8th day of the bright moon in the month of Vaishakha.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, in his Kayana Kalpataru has prayed as follows at the lotus feet of Sri Jahnava Mata; -

“Having fallen into this ocean of misery, my life is a bewilderment, and I do not know how to reach its shore, nor even where to search for it. All my efforts (karma) are useless, all my knowledge (jnana) is useless, as are mysticism (yoga), austerity, religious penance, and mundane piety. None of these process have any power to rescue me. I am weak helpless. I don’t know how to swim across the ocean of ignorance. Who will deliver me from this dangerous predicament? Within this dangerous ocean of material existence I see the crocodiles of sense gratification—what a terrible sight! Within this ocean, I am tossed about by the turbulent weaves which is constantly boil and churn like a ship without a rudder. The impulses and urges that I have acquired from my previous birth are like a

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wind that blows the ship in all directions. My mind is unsteady. This ship has no captain, no direction.. I weep in despair, seeing that I cannot cross this ocean of misery. O Jahnva devi! Today, by the power of your divine qualities, be merciful to this servant of you. Dispell this illusion which torments me and relieve me of the anguish of material existence. Let me take shelter at your lotus feet, for in this way I shall certainly cross over the ocean of birth and death. You are Nityananda-Shakti-the divine energy of Nityananda Himself. You are the guru of Krsna bhakti. Be merciful to me and grant me the shade of Your holy lotus feet, which are like a wish fulfilling tree. You have delivered countless abominable sinners. Please deliver me in the same way. Today, this lowly sinner falls at your holy feet, praying for your mercy.”

After having taken the dust from this merciful place, we can feel assured of attaining the blessing of Jahnava devi, Who is so merciful that she does not consider in the slightest way the qualification of the recipients but simply sprinkles love of Godhead on every one.

Now passing along the bank of Radha kunda we will return into Gopinatha temple by the door at he back of the temple.

As we enter we will hear the chanting of the Mahamantra which is going on twenty four hours a day. As we look past the chanting party who are seated in the kirtan hall, we will see a dome-shaped structure about twelve feet high. This is the samadhi of the all merciful Srila Raghunath Das Goswami, who had the example for future generations of Vaisnavas on how to live in Radha kunda. We visit his place of bhajana (worship). But for now, after having offered our prostrate obeisances and passed around his samadhi shrine at least three times, we can listen to the sweet chanting of the Mahamantra; -

Srila Raghunath Das Goswami has expressed his sentiments for Radha kunda in the following prayer; -

SRI RADHAKUNDASTAKAEight Prayers Glorifying Radha-kundaBy Das goswami

vrsabha danuja nasan narma dharmokti rangairnikhila nija sakhibhir yat sva hastena purnamprakatitam api vrndaranya rajna pramodaistad ati surabhi radhakundam evasrayo me

May very fragrant Radhakunda, which, prodded by the gopis’ many joking words after Vrsabhasura’s death, the king of Vrndavana forest happily built and filled with His own hand, be my shelter.

vraja bhavi mura satroh preyasinam nikamairasulabham api turnam prema kalpa drumam tamjanayati hrdi bhumau snatur uccair priyam yattad ati surabhi radhakundam evasrayo me

May very dear and fragrant Radha-kunda, which for one who bathes in it immediately creates in the land of the heart a desire tree of pure love rare even among the gopi beloveds of Lord Krsna in Vraja, be my shelter.

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agha ripur api yatnad atra devyah prasada prasara krta kataksa prapti kamah prakamamanusarati yad uccaih snana sevanubandhaistad ati surabhi radhakundam evasrayo me

May very dear and fragrant Radha-kunda, where, yearning to attain the merciful sidelong glance of His queen, Lord Krsna, diligently follows Her bathing attendants, be my shelter.

vraja bhuvana sudhamsoh prema bhumir nikamamvraja madhura kisori mauli ratna priyevaparicitam api namna yac ca tenaiva tasyas tad ati surabhi radhakundam evasrayo me

May very fragrant Radha-kunda, which is named after a girl who is a realm of love for He who is the moon of Vraja, a girl who is like the most precious jewel in the crown of the sweet girls of Vraja, be my shelter.

api jana iha kascid yasya seva prasadaihpranaya sura lata syat tasya gosthendra sunohsapadi kila mad isa dasya puspa prasasyatad ati surabhi radhakundam evasrayo me

The mercy obtained by serving Radha-kunda makes the celestial vine of pure love for the prince of Vraja, which is famous for bearing the flowers of service to my queen, sprout. May that very fragrant Radhakunda be my shelter.

tata madhura nikunjah klpta namana uccairnija parijana vargaih samvibhaj yasritas taihmadhukara ruta ramya yasya rajanti kamyastad ati surabhi radhakundam evasrayo me

May very fragrant Radha-kunda, on the shores of which are many splendid and charming forest groves filled with the sweet sounds of bumblebees and each named after one of Sri Radha’s friends, be my shelter.

tata bhuvi vara vedyam yasya narmati hrdyammadhura madhura vartam gostha candrasya bhangyaprathayati mitha isa prana sakhyalibhih satad ati surabhi radhakundam evasrayo me

May very fragrant Radha-kunda, on the shore of which, in a pleasant courtyard Queen Radha and Her friends sweetly joke with Lord Krsna, the moon of Vraja, be my shelter.

anudinam ati rangaih prema mattali sanghairvara sarasija gandhair hari vari prapurneviharata iha yasmin dam pati tau pramattautad ati surabhi radhakundam evasrayo me

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May very fragrant Radha-kunda, where the passionate divine couple daily plays with Their passionate friends in the charming lotus scented water, be my shelter.

avikalam ati devyas caru kundastakam yahparipathati tadiyollasi dasyarpitatmaaciram iha sarire darsayaty eva tasmaimadhu ripur ati modaih slisyamanam priyam tam

To one who is completely dedicated to Queen Radha’s service and who happily reads these eight beautiful verses describing Her lake, even in this present body Lord Krsna shows His beloved as He happily embraces Her.

Now let us continue; stepping out the parikrama path and moving to our right we will pass the Radharamana temple on our left hand side. The presiding deities of this temple are Radharamana. Although Radharamana was not moved from Vrindavana but hidden there in Nidhivan, devotees have established a Radharamana temple here. In this same temple are the deities of Revati-Balarama.

As we come out from the temple of our right hand side is Lord Shiva’s temple. Lord Shiva is protecting the northern side of Radha-kunda at this place. For the followers of Rupa Goswami, the northern side of Radha-kunda holds a special significance ad it is Lalita sakhi’s grove (Kunja).

Now we will continue, immediately we will see on our right hand side a round platform with some steps next to it. We will turn to the right here and just beyond the platform on our left hand side is an entrance which leads into Radha-Govinda temple.

RADHA GOVINDA TEMPLEdivyad-vrndaranya-kalpa-drumadhahsrimad-ratnagara-simhasna-sthausrimad-radha-srila-govinda-devaupresthahbhih-sevyamanau-smarmami

In a temple of jewels in Vrindavana, underneath a desire tree, Sri Sri Radha-Govinda, served by Their most confidential associates, sit upon an effulgent throne. I offer my humble obeisances unto Them.

There are the prati-bhuha deities of Rupa Goswami’s Radha-Govinda. According some opinions, Radha-Kunda Yoga Pitha is located here for this reason. Radha-Govinda temple was made here. The Yoga Pitha is the meeting place where Radha and Krsna sit together, surrounded by Their loving sakhis, who render various kinds of services. According to another opinion, Radha kunda Yoga pitha is situated at the meeting place of the two kundas where Radha-kunda’s waters mingle with the waters of Shyama-kunda.

In conclusion it appears that both opinions are correct. At the place where the two kundas meet is certainly a yoga-pitha. At the same time it is described in Krsna-Bhavanamrita etc., that Radha and Krsna daily meet together here and sit on a beautiful throne. Srila Rupa Goswami has given a description of the yoga pitha in his Vaisnava Puja Vidhi (this is a synopsis ).

First one should meditate on his guru, his guru’s guru and the parampara. Next on the twelve forests of Vraja and then on a beautiful garden on the bank of the Yamuna, wherein

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Radha and Krsna are seated on a dazzling gem-studded throne under a kalpa -vrksa tree in the center of a lotus made of the most incredible gems. Then after having mentally worshiped Radha and Krsna, one should worship the asta-sakhis, who are standing on the eight innermost petals of that lotus. First Lalita sakhi, who is in the north, then Visakha sakhi in the northeast, Chitra sakhi is east, Champaklata is south-east, Tungabhadra is south, Indulekha is south-west, Rangadevi is west and Sudevi north-west.

Sometimes we find slightly different descriptions of the yoga-pitha. One reason for this is that some acaryas have described the sakhis position on the lotus in relation to Radha- Krsna. Thus Lalita would be to the east of Radha Krsna ( one’s front side is considered the east and right side the south, regardless of which way one is facing ), although according to the compass she would be in the north, Even we find some descriptions wherein first Lalita is mentioned and then Tungavidya, who is opposite her on the lotus and then Indulekha, who is the left of Tungavidya. In this way next will be Visakha, who is opposite to Indulekha and then Chitra, who is to the left of Visakha and so on. Thus we can see that all the acaryas are in agreement ; only their angle of vision is different.

The mantras for worshipping the sakhis are;--- sri lalitayai namah, sri visakhayai; sri citrayai namah; etc. And the mantra for the worshipping the manjaris (who standing on the next eight petals of the lotus of the yoga-pitha) are sri rupa manjari namah; sri rati manjarayai namah; sri guna manjarayai namh; etc. (the eight manjaris are Srimati Rupa manjari; Rati manjari; Guna manjari; Rasa manjari; Manjulali manjari; Vilasa manjari; Kasturi manjari; Lavanga manjari; Protecting the four gates to this kunja are Gopalkanya (east), Srutikanya (south), Munikanya (west), Devakanya (north). The mantras for worshipping these Devis are gopalkanyayai namah, srutikanyayai namah etc. Although this descriptions is different from that of many of the modern pandits, I must follow in the footsteps of Srila Rupa Goswami.

After praying to Radha-Govinda, for that day when we may witness that wonderful pastimes of Radha and Krsna meeting together. We can go into the outer compound of the temple, where we can have the amazing vision of Govardhana’s tongue. Govardhana’s tongue is available to everyone to worship, with a little water from Radha kunda and Tulsi leaves. If one worship Govardhana here in this way, he will certainly receive the full blessing of Govardhana. The only qualification necessary to worship Govardhana’s tongue is the desire to do so.

Srila Raghunath Das Goswami had seen the necessity for an alternative source of water so that people would not have to use the water of Radha kunda and Shyam kunda for various washing purposes. Thud hr decided to make a well. After the worker had dug down they struck rock. When they attempted to dig through that rock, blood started spurting out. When the worker saw that, they immediately ran to Raghunath Das Goswami and reported that matter to him. When Raghunath Das Goswami heard from them in detail what had happened, he requested to stop their work for he feared that some great offense had been committed. That night while Raghunath rested, Govardhana appeared to him and informed him that today His tongue had been struck, so they should kindly remove it from that place and place it somewhere where it can be worshiped with Tulsi and the water of Radha-kunda.

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Anyone who performed parikrama of this Shila seven times is considered to have gone around Govardhana.

We can now proceed; passing down the small alleyway and taking our first lefts we will next arrive at the footstep of Krsnadasa Kaviraja’s bhajan kutir.

KRSHNA DASA KAVIRAJA GOSWAMI’S BHAJANA KUTHIRIt was here that Krsna Das Kaviraj complied Chaitanya-caritamrta. Krsna Das Kaviraja has himself described how he was personally sent to Vraja by Nityananda Prabhu.

“That night Lord Nityananda appeared to me in a dream because of my good quality in chastising my brother. In the village of Jhamatapura, which is near to Naihari, Lord Nityananda appeared to me in a dream. I fell at His feet, offering my obeisances, and He then placed His own lotus feet upon my head.

‘Arise !getup !He told me again and again. Upon rising, I was greatly astonished to see His beauty. He had a blackish glossy complexion, and His tall, strong heroic stature made Him seem like cupid himself.

He had beautifully formed hands, arms, and legs and eyes like lotus flowers. He wore a silk cloth, with a silk turban on His head.

He wore golden earrings on His ears and golden armlets and bangles. He wore tinkling anklets on His feet and a garland of flowers around his neck.

His body was anointed with sandalwood pulp. And He was nicely decorated with tilaka. His movement surpassed those of a maddened elephant.

His face was more beautiful than millions upon millions of moons and His teeth were like pomegranate seeds because of His chewing betel. His body moved to and fro, right and left, for He was absorbed in ecstasy, He canted Krsna, Krsna ! in a deep voice.

His red stick moving in His hand, He seemed like a maddened lion. All around the four sides of His feet were bumblebees.

His devotees, dressed like cowherd boys surrounded His feet like so many bees and also chanted ‘Krsna, Krsna’ absorbed in ecstatic love.

Some of them played horns and flutes and others danced and sung. Some of them offered betel nuts and others waved camara fan about Him.

Thus I saw such opulence in Lord Nityananda Svarupa. His wonderful form. qualities and pastimes are all transcendental.

I was overwhelmed with transcendental ecstasy, not knowing anything else. Then Lord Nityananda smiled and spoke to me as follows.

‘O my dear Krsnadasa, do not be afraid, Go to Vrindavana, for there you will attain all things. ‘ After saying this, He directed me towards Vrindavana by waving His hand. Then He disappeared with His associates.

I fainted and fell to the ground, my dream broke, and when I regained consciousness I saw that the morning had come;

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I thought about what I had seen and heard and concluded that the Lord had ordered me to proceed to Vrindavana at once.

That very second I started for Vrindavana and by His mercy I reached there in great happiness. All glory, all glory to Lord Nityananda, Balaram, by whose mercy I have attained shelter in the transcendental abode of Vrindavana.

All glory, all glory to the merciful Lord Nityananda, by whose mercy I have attained shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Rupa and Sri Sanatana.

By His mercy I have attained the shelter of the great personality Sri Raghunath Dasa Goswami, and by His mercy I have found the refuge of Sri Svarupa Damodara’ (Caitanya-Caritamrta, Adi-lila, 5, 180 to 202 )

Krsna Dasa was born in Jhamatapura (Vardhamana dist in West Bengal )near Sararna railway station. The years of his appearance is not recorded, He loved for many years here on the bank of Shyama-kunda and he wrote many important books of which, Govinda Lilamrita, Sri Saranga Rangada (a commentary on Krsna karnamritam) were the more important but his compilation of the pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Chaitanya Charitamrita is considered the cream of his compilation. Within Caitanya-Charitamrita he has described the difficulties he underwent.

“I infer that, ‘I have written’ is a false understanding, for my body is like a wooden doll. I am old and troubled by invalidity. I am almost blind and deaf, my hands tremble and my mind and intelligence are unsteady. I am infected by so many disease that I can neither properly walk nor properly sit. Indeed, I am always exhausted by five kinds of disease. I may die at any time of the day or night.

I have previously given an account of my inhabilities. Please hear the reason why I nevertheless still write.

I am writing this book by the mercy of the lotus feet of Sri Govindadeva, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Lord Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acarya, other devotees and the readers of this book, as well as Svarupa Damodara Goswami, Sri Rupa Goswami, Sri Sanatana Goswami, Sri Raghunatha Das Goswami, who is my spiritual master, and Sri Jiva Goswami, I have also been specifically favored by another Supreme Personality.

Sri Madana -Mohana Deity has given the order that is making me write. Although this should not be disclosed. I disclose it because I am unable to remain silent. Therefore, my dear readers, please do not consider me too proud and be angry at me.

It is because I have offered my prayers unto the lotus feet of all of you that whatever I have written about Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has been possible. “ ( Caitanya-Caritamrta, Antya-lila, ch 20, 92 to 101 )

Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami was the spiritual master (diksa-guru ) of Krsnadasa and the Six Goswami were his instructing spiritual masters ( siksa -guru ).

“The instructing spiritual masters are Rupa Goswami, Sri Sanatana Goswami, Sri Bhatta Raghunatha, Sri Jiva Goswami, Sri Gopal Bhatta Goswami and Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami. These six are my instructing spiritual masters, and therefore I offer millions of respectful obeisances unto their lotus feet. “

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PURPORT:-By accepting the six Goswami as his instructing spiritual masters, the author specifically makes it clear that one should not be recognized as a gaudiya Vaisnava if he is not obedient to them. (Caitanya-Charitamrita, Adi-lila, ch. 1, 36 to 37)

When Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti come to Vraja, he first stayed have in Krsnadasa Kaviraja’s bhajana kutir and studied the Goswamis literature under a disciple of Krsnadasa of the mane of Mukunda. ( Mukunda Das wrote a commentary on Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu of the name ‘Artharatnalpa-dipika’). After having bottled up large quantities of Krsna-prema (Love of Krsna ), in the shape of the various literature he complied and illuminated commentaries on many of Rupa Goswami’s works. He influenced Baladeva to soundly established the philosophy of the Gaudiya -Vaisnava-Sampradaya.

After offering our obeisances over and over again and praying for that time when we will able to understand the literature of the six Goswamis. our eternal siksa-gurus, we can continue. Just next to Krsnadasa Kaviraja’s bhajan kutir, on our left, is the Gadadhara-Caitanya temple.

GAURA-GADHADARA TEMPLEAt this place the dear disciples of Haridas Pandit, Sri Laksmipriya and Sacidevi, (Ganga mata) had performed their bhajana. They were both known for their great austerities in devotional service. They would daily circumambulate Govardhana Hill and live by begging from the houses for the Vrajavasis.

We find the following description of Haridas Pandit on the Caitanya-caritamrita;-“Ananta Acarya was a disciple of Gadadhara Pandita, his body was always absorbed in love of Godhead, he was magnanimous and advanced in all respects.

Ananta acarya was a reservoir of all good qualities . None can estimate how great he was. Pandita Haridasa was his beloved disciple. Pandit Haridasa had great faith on Lord Caitanya and Nityananda, Therefore he took great satisfaction in knowing about Their pastimes and qualities. He always accepted the good qualities of Vaisnavas and never found fault in them. He engaged his heart and soul only to satisfy the Vaisnavas. He always heard the reading of Sri Caitanya-mangala, and all the other Vaisnavas used to hear it by his grace.” (Caitanya-caritamrita Adi 8-59 to-63)

Sri Laksmipriya was the maternal aunt of Sacidevi. She would chant Krsna’s name three-hundred-thousand times daily and worshiped Gadadhara-Caitanya. She was highly respected by all the Vaisnavas. Her descendants are still maintaining the worship. Sacidevi had been a queen of a province in what i s now known as West-Bengal. When she realized that there was pleasure in worldly life, she renounced everything and traveled to Jagannath Puri where Lord Jagannath told her to go to Vrindavana. In Vrindavana she met Haridas Pandit who was totally surrender to Gadadhara Pandit (Who is non-different to Radharani) Haridasa, in order to test the sincerity of Sacidevi, told her it is not possible for a lady, what to speak of a queen, to live in Vrindavana as a simple devotee begging from door to door, always absorbed in chanting Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare HareHare Rama Hare Rame Rama Rama Hare Hare.----better to go home. Saci became even more determined . After having renounced all of her opulences she took on the dress of a mendicant . When Haridas saw Saci’s determination he blessed her and told

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her to fearlessly wander throughout Vraja. Following her guru’s instructions, Saci would constantly chant Hare Krsna, begging a little food from the houses of the Vrajavasis and sleeping at night on the bank of Yamuna. All the Vaisnavas in Vrindavana became very pleased and amazed to see her sever austerities.

Haridasa at that time requested Saci to go and live on the bank of Radha-kunda. One day , after Sacidevi had been living for a few years at Radha kunda, she was instructed to proceed to Jagannatha Puri and preach the teachings of Lord Caitanya. In Jagannath Puri she received the name Ganga-mata.

Sri-Gaura-Govinda-AratiBeholding the wondrous arati of my Lords Gaura and Gadadhara, I enter into the ecstasy of Their Vrindavana lila. It is simple indescribable. Underneath a desire tree, the ever youthful couple Radha and Krsna are seated on a jeweled throne surrounded by all the gopis. Srimati Radharani and Lord Govindaji, decorated with many jewels and pearls inlaid with gold, both shine and because of this each and every part of Their transcendental forms became splendrous. The charming luster of the meeting of that transcendental couple is the brightness of all the worlds and is compared to a garland of lightning contacting a dark blue rain cloud. The concert produced by the sounding of the conchshell, bells, kartals and mrdangas in the kirtana is supremely sweet and relishable to hear. All the cowherd damsels of Vrindavana, headed by Visakha devi, sing the glories of divine couple Radha and Krsna, and all the priya-narma-sakhis fan their Lord Ships with camara fans. Ananga Manjari anoints Them with fragrant sandalwood paste and Rupa Manjari places a beautiful garland of malati flowers around their necks. Holding a five-wick camphor lamp, beautiful Lalita performs the arati ceremony of Radha and Krsna. Laksmi , Bhumi, and the personified Vedas roll on the ground in ecstasy. Crying in great happiness, they all sings of the fortunate position of the damsels of Braja-Bhumi. Thakur Bhaktivinoda, residing in Surabhi kunja in the land of Godrumadvipa, relishes the joy of divine love at the sight of this beautiful arati. (Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur)

RAGHUNATHA DASA GOSWAMI’S BHAJANAKUTHIRRaghunatha Das Goswami is a disciple of Yadunandana Acarya, who is very gentle and extremely dear to Vasudeva datta, a resident of Kanchana Palli. Because of Raghunath Dasa’s transcendental qualities, he was more dear than life for all of us devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Since he has been favoured by the abundant mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, he is always pleasing. Vividly providing a superior example for the renounced order, this very dear follower of Swarup Damodara Goswami the ocean of renunciation. Who among the resident of Nilacala (Jagannatha Puri) does not know him very well ? Because he is very pleasing to all the devotees, Raghunatha Das Goswami easily become like the fertile earth of good fortune in which is was suitable for the seed of Lord Chaitanya to be sown. At the same time that the seed was sown, it grew into a matchless tree of the love of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and produced fruit.

He rendered confidential service to the Lord for sixteen years at Jagannatha Puri, and after the disappearance of both the Lord and Svarupa Damodara, he left Jagannatha Puri and went to Vrindavana. Srila Raghunatha Das Goswami intended to go to Vrindavana to see the lotus feet of Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami and then give up his life by jumping from Govardhana Hill. Thus Sri Raghunatha Das Goswami came to Vrindavana.

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visited Srila Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami and offered them hi obeisances. These two brothers, however, did not allow him to die. The accepted him as their third brother and kept him in their company. Because Raghunatha Dasa Goswami an assistant to Svarupa Damodara, he knew much about the external and internal features of the pastimes of Lord Caitanya. Thus the two brothers Rupa and Sanatana always used to hear to this from him. Raghunatha Das Goswami gradually gave up all food and drink but for a few drops of buttermilk. As a daily duty, he regularly offered one thousand obeisances to the Lord, chanted at least one hundred thousand holy names and offered obeisance to two thousands Vaisnavas. Day and night he rendered service within his mind to Radha-Krsna, and for three hours a day he discoursed about the character of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Sri Raghunatha Das Goswami too three times baths daily in the Radha-kunda lake. As soon as he found a vaisnava residing in Vrindavana, he would embrace him and give him all respects. He engaged himself in devotional service for more than twenty-two hours a day, nd for less than two hours he slept, although on some days that also was not possible. (Caitanya-caritamrita Adi-10-96-102)

After the departure from this world of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Raghunatha Dasa Goswami resided here on the bank of Radha-Shyama Kunda which at that time were measuring approximately 12 by 12 feet each. Raghunatha , seeing the necessity of enlarging the kundas for the sake of the large amount of pilgrims who would come there for bathing, started to consider in his mind how this would by possible.

At that same time , one rich man named Sampana had gone to Badrikasrama in the Himalaya for darsan. While he was there, Krsna appeared to him in a dream and told him to go to Braja and find Raghunatha Das Goswami , who was desirous of excavating Radha Kunda. Thereafter he came to Radha Kunda and fell at the feet of Raghunatha Das Goswami informing him his dream. Raghunatha Das Goswami had the work started immediately. First Radha kunda was completed, and then work was started on Shyama kunda.

Once Raghunatha Dasa was sitting at this spot absorbed in his bhajan when a tiger and a tigress came to drink water from Shyama kunda.

At that time Lord Krsna came there and stood at a little distance away in case the tigers disturbed Raghunatha Dasa. At the same time , Sanatana Goswami came and saw Raghunatha Dasa and the two tigers, and also Krsna, who was smiling at Sanatana. After the two tigers had finished drinking they left and Krsna also left. Then Sanatana approached Raghunatha Das and told him what had happened. Sanatana requested Raghunatha to make a small hut for living so that Krsna would not have to be bothered in this way by having to come to give protection to him. On another day, Raghunatha Das Goswami was sitting here in open, expose to midday sun. At that time , Srimati Radharani came here and stood behind Raghunath Das holding her covering cloth over his head. All of the swans, tortoises, deer, etc. came to the bank of Shyama Kunda to watch. Then Sanatana again came and saw Srimati Radharani standing in the noon sun. All of her clothes are wet due to perspiring. After sometime , Srimati Radharani smiled at Sanatana and then left. Then Sanatana went to Raghunatha and chastised him to causing this inconvenience to Srimati Radharani. After this incident Raghunath Dasa constructed a small cottage for his bhajan. Raghunath Das goswami wrote only three books;- (1)Dan-

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keli-Chintamani, which we have already mentioned; (2) Mukra Charitra;-the pearl story. (3) Stavavali;- a collection of prayers. Of which Mana Sikha is the most important.

Out of separation from Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami, after they had departed from this world, Raghunath Dasa had given up food and water. After sometime he was unable to walk due to weakness. The hearts of the Vaisnavas present there started to melt on seeing his rigid austerities.

Gopal Bhatta Goswami and Raghava Pandit went from Govardhana to Vrindavana to Srimati Jahnavi devi about Raghunatha Dasa’s condition. She informed them she would immediately go to Radha kunda to see him. On her way she passed through Bahulavan. She was stunned with love on seeing the beauty of the kunda there. Thereafter she arrived in Radha kunda to console Raghunatha Dasa. Raghunatha was staying on the bank of Shyama kunda by himself, slowly and continuously chanting holy name . Krsna Das Kaviraja Goswami went there before him and told him Srimati Jahnavi devi has come. Upon hearing that wonderful news his heart filled up with love and he came before her with tears in his eyes. Jahnava devi saw that Raghunatha Dasa’s body had become weak and skinny but was shinning like the sun, tears started to flow from her eyes and she was unable to stop them. Who can understand her heart ? Raghunatha das offered his obeisances to her. They discussed the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya for a long time. Whose heart would not melt on hearing of their meeting ? After this the resident of Radha-kunda came to see Srimati Jahnava devi. While she stayed in Radha-kunda each day she would cook for the devotees, all of the devotees were ecstatic after enjoying that prasad. Who can describe it’s flavor ? And who can understand the extraordinary pastimes of Srimati Jahnava devi ? All of these pastimes are described on the 5th wave of the Bhakti Ratnakara.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu bestowed his mercy upon Raghunatha Dasa by giving him a piece of stone from Govardhana Hill and a garland of gunja previously, when Sankarananda Saraswati had returned from Vrindavana, he had brought the piece of stone from Govardhana Hill and also the garland. He presented Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu these two items the gunja mala and the stone from Govardhana Hill. Upon receiving these two uncommon items Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was extremely happy. While chanting he would put he the garland around His neck. The Lord would put the stone to His heart or sometime to his eyes. Sometimes he would smell it with His nose and sometimes place it on His head. The stone from Govardhana Hill was always moist with tears from eyes. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would say, “This stone is directly the body of Lord Krsna”. For three years He kept the stone and the garland. Then, satisfied by the behavior of Raghunatha Das Goswami, the Lord delivered both of them to him. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu instructed Raghunatha Dasa, “This stone is transcendental form of Lord Krsna. Worship the stone with great eagerness. “Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu continued, “worship this stone in the mode of goodness like a like a perfect brahmana, for by such worship you will surely attain ecstatic love of Krsna without delay. For such worship one needs a jug of water and a few flowers from a Tulsi tree. This is worship in complete goodness when performed in complete purity. With faith and love you should offer 8 soft Tulsi flowers (manjaris) each with two Tulsi leaves, one on each side of the flower”. After thus advising him how to worship . Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu personally offered Raghunatha Dasa the Govardhana-Sila with His transcendental hands. As advised by the Lord, Raghunatha Dasa worshiped the Sila in great transcendental

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jubilation. Swarupa Damodara gave Raghunatha Dasa two clothes, each about six inches long, a wooden platform and a jug in which to keep the water. Thus Raghunatha Dasa began to worshipping the stone from Govardhana Hill, and as he worship he saw the supreme personality of Godhead, Krsna, the son of Nanda Maharaja, directly on the stone. Thinking of how he had received the Govardhana-Sila directly from the hand of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Raghunatha Dasa was always overflooded with ecstatic love. The amount of bliss that Raghunatha Dasa enjoyed simply by offering water and tulasi is impossible to achieve even if one worship the Deity with sixteen kinds of paraphernalia. After Raghunatha dasa had thus worshipped the Govardhana sila for sometime, Swarup Damodara spoke to him one day as follows. “Offer the Govardhana-Sila eight kaudis (one kaudi (small shell) was the smallest amount of money) worth the first class sweet-meats as khaja (a milk sweet which is made by cooking down the milk and taking the strips of cooked down milk and deep frying then) and sandesh, if you offer them with faith and love, they will be just like nectar. “

Who could list the unlimited transcendental attributes of Raghunatha Dasa? His strict regulative principles were exactly like lines of a stone. Raghunatha Dasa spent more than twenty-two hours out of every twenty-four chanting Hare Krsna Maha Mantra and remembering the lotus feet ofthe Lord. He ate and slept for less than an hour a half and on some days that also was impossible. Topics concerning his renunciation are wonderful. Throughout his life he never allowed his tongue sense gratification. He never touched anything to wear except a small torn cloth and a patch work wrapper. Thus he very rigidly executed the order of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Whatever he ate was only keep his body and soul together, and when he ate he would reproach himself thus ;”If one’s heart has been cleansed by perfect knowledge and one has understood Krsna, the Supreme Brahman, he then gains everything. Why should such a person act like a debauchee by trying very carefully to maintain his material body?” (Caitanya-caritamrita Antya 6, 309-314)

In the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika it is stated that Raghunatha Dasa Goswami was Rasa-Manjari in Krsna’s pastimes. Raghunatha Dasa specifically set the example of the standard of renunciation required of attain the intimate service of Radha-Krsna on the banks of Radha-kunda.

Although Raghunatha Dasa was from a very rich family and had a very beautiful wife, he renounced everything and ran off to serve the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Jagannatha Puri.

Raghunatha Dasa, our son, has opulences like Indra, the heavenly king, and his wife is as beautiful as an angle. Yet all this could not tie down his mind. How then could he keep this boy home by binding him with ropes? It is not possible even for one’s father to nullify the reactions of one’s past activities.

Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has fully bestowed His mercy on him. Who can keep home such a madman of Chaitanya Chandra?” (Caitanya-caritamrita Antya 6, 39-41)

Before Raghunatha dasa approached Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, he approached Nityannada Prabhu who fully bestowed His mercy on him by placing His feet on Raghunatha Dasa’s head.

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When Raghunatha Dasa arrived at Jagannath Puri, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu placed him under the care of Svarupa Damodara. Slowly he become more and more detached. Although at first he would receive his food from Govinda, Lord Chaitanya’s servant, after a few days Govinda said to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , “Raghunatha Dasa no longer takes prasada here. Now he stands at the Simha-dwara, where he begs some alms to eat.”

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu became very happy when he heard this news. In due course of time, Raghunatha Dasa’s renunciation reached the topmost limits.

“After some days, Raghunatha Dasa gave up standing near the Simha-dwara gate and instead began eating by begging alms from a booth for free distribution of food.

When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu heard this news from Govinda , He inquired from Svarupa Damodara, “Why does Raghunatha Dasa no longer stand at the Simha-dwara gate to beg alms ?

Svarupa Damodara replied, ‘Raghunatha Dasa felt unhappy standing at the Simha-dvara. Therefore he is now going at midday to beg alms from the charity booth. ‘

Hearing this news , Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said , He has done very well by no longer standing at the Simha-dwara gate. Such begging of alms resembles the behavior of a prostitute.

‘Here is a person coming near. He will give me something. This person give me something last night. Now another person is coming near. He may give me something. The person who just passed did not gave me anything, but another person will come, and he will give me something. ‘Thus a person in the renounced order gives up his neutrality and depends on the charity of this person or that. Thinking in this way, he adopts the occupation of a prostitute.

If one goes to the booth where free food is distributed and fill his belly with whatever he obtains, there is no chance of further unwanted talk, and one can very peacefully chant the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra.” (C.C. Antya-Lila 6, 281-286)

It was after this Caitanya Mahaprabhu gave Raghunatha Dasa the worship of Govardhana-Sila. When Raghunatha Dasa lived here in Radha-kunda he continued to set the perfect example of renunciation and reduced his eating to the amount of buttermilk that was contained on a small leaf cup.

Although Raghunatha Dasa was from a very rich family and could have very easily built himself a nice house In the name of his worshipable Deity (Radha-Giridhari), he wanted to set the perfect example of the standard of renunciation for residing in Radha-kunda. Thus he lived in a small hut.

Raghunatha dasa spent the first nineteen years of his life in family-life and then eight years at Jagannath Puri in the personal association of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and then last forty-nine years at Radha-kunda. The worship of his beloved deity Radha-Giridhari (Govardhana-Sila) was passed down through Vishnupriya Devi to Krsnapriya Thakurani to Visvanatha Cakravarti, after which Giridhari was worshipped along with Radha-Gokulananda at the Radha-Gokulananda Temple by the descendants of Visvanatha Cakravarti. In due course of time , Radha-Giridhari was moved to Bhavavat-nivasa in

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Raman-reti, Vrindavana, where He is still worshiped today. One can also have darsan of the prati-bhuha deity of Radha-Gokulananda temple.

After taking the dust from this place and again and again on our heads and praying to Raghunatha Dasa Goswami to bless us with the qualification to understand the glories of at least one grain of the dust of Radha-kunda , we will proceed.

MANASI PAWAN GHATThis Manas Pawan ghat is most dear to Srimati Radharani, who baths here at midday very day, along with her girlfriends. This inconceivable pastime of Radharani embracing Krsna in his liquid form of Shyama-kunda is beyond the description or conception of conditioned living being. We can simply bow down and touch our heads to the dust of this place which will totally cleanse our heart and thus make it a suitable residence for Radha and Krsna to come and reside.

While meditating on this amazing pastimes of Radharani cooling the burning fire of separation by coming in contact with the object of Her love. We can read a very nice prayer by Visvanatha Cakravarti;-

Immediately next to this Manas Pawan Ghat is Pancha Pandava Ghat. This ghat is named after the five Pandava brothers (Yudhisthira, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva) . While Raghunatha Dasa Goswami was in the process of enlarging Radha-kunda and Shyam kunda, he had ordered that a few trees be cut down to facilitate Shyama kunda, being made in the same shape as Radha kunda. The night before the tree-cutting work was to being, Yudhisthira Maharaja appeared to Raghunatha Dasa and requested him to desist from his program of cutting the trees on the bank of Shyama kunda. The reason being, he explained , was that he along with his four brothers residing in the forms of trees on the bank of Shyama kunda. For this reason we see Shyama kunda is of an irregular shape . For not only here on this ghat but also around entire kunda there are several trees growing who are understood to be various great personalities who have taken on the body of a tree so that they can simply stand on the bank of Shyama kunda, meditating on the eternal pastimes of Sri Sri Radha- Krsna in this topmost of places, while they drink the waters of Shyama-kunda through their roots.

Now if we just look to our left we will see a neem-tree growing on the ghat and also another neem-tree is growing in the place between Raghunatha Dasa Goswami’s bhajan kuthir and the ghat. These are the only trees which can be identified of the five which the Pandavas are residing in, So overcoming our false prestige we should bow down before, embrace and offer prayers to these trees and all others trees residing on the bank of Radha kunda and Shyama kunda for they are ever waiting to distribute their fruits in the form of love of God to anyone who wishes to take.

Now let us turn our attention to the pilu-tree which almost blocks the passage way to Manas Pawan Ghat. This glorious personality in the form of this tree had once revealed to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti that previously he had been a brahmana in the city of Kasi (Varanasi), and due to his intense desire to attain Radha-Krsna, he had taken birth here on the bank of Shyama kunda as this pilu-tree. Visvanatha Cakravarti would enjoy discussing Radha-Krsna’s pastimes with this great personality. We can also beg to kindly splash a small drop of the unlimited ocean of Radha-Krsna’s pastimes on our head. It slowly

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becomes more and more obvious that the banks of Radha-kunda and Shyama-kunda are packed full of great Vaisnava personalities in all kinds of bodily forms. for one does not take birth in Radha-kunda by mistake. So let us once again take the dust on our head and pray to all the assembled vaisnava that they please glance upon us favorably and kindly ignore our foolish offenses which are simply born of ignorance.

As this is the topmost place in Vraja, we can also understand that the dust here (Vraja-raja) is also the topmost. So we can pray with the following mantra of Vraja-raja for the opportunity be able to render some service.

vandenanda-vraja-strinampada-renumabhikasnasahyasamhari-kathod-gitampunatibhuvanatrayam

SRI KRSNA KUNDASTAKAEight Prayers Glorifying Syama-kunda,

by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur

tim tapas cakara tirtha-laksam aksayam purasuprasidati sma krsna eva sad varam yatahyatra vasam apa sadhu tat samasta-durlabhetatra krsna-kunda eva samsthitih stutastu nah

What austerities did the hundreds of thousands of eternal holy places perform to please Krsna and obtain from Him the benediction to live at Krsna-kunda, the rarest holy place? Let us glorify residence at Krsna-kunda.

yady arista-danavo pi danado maha-nidherasmad-adi-durmatibhya ity aho vasiyateyo mrti-cchalena yatra muktim adbhutam vyadhattatra krsna-kunda eva samsthitih stutastu nah

If even the Arista demon was able to enter Krsna-kunda, then crooked hearted persons such as us may also be able to live there. Let us glorify residence at Krsna-kunda which, on the pretext of death, grants a wonderful form of liberation.

go-vadhassya niskrtis triloka-tirtha-kotibhiradhayety avadi tena ta harih samahvayatyatra parsni-ghata-je mamaj ja ca svayam mudatatra krsna-kunda eva samsthitih stutastu nah

When Radha said, “To atone for killing a cow (Aristasura) You must visit millions of holy places in the three worlds,” Krsna called all the holy places and then happily bathed in the lake that sprang from His heel. Let us glorify residence at Krsnaªkunda.

kvapi papa-nasa eva karma-bandha-bandhanadbrahma-saukhyam eva visnuloka-vasita kvacitprema-ratnam atyayatnam eva yatra labhyate

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tatra krsna-kunda eva samsthitih stutastu nah

At some holy places one becomes free from all sins, at others one becomes free from the bondage of karma, at others one attains Brahman happiness, and at others one attains residence in Visnuloka. Let us glorify residence at Krsna-kunda, where without any effort one attains the jewel of pure love for Krsna.

phulla-madhavi-rasala-nipa-kunja-mandalebhrnga-koka-kokiladi-kakali yad ancatiasta-yamikavitarka-koti-bheda-saurabhamtatra krsna-kunda eva samsthitih stutastu nah

Krsna-kunda is surrounded by groves of mango, kadamba and other trees with many madhavis and other vines. There is the music of cakravakas, cuckoos, and bees. At night there are millions of inconceivable sweet fragrances. Let us glorify residence at Krsna-kunda.

dola-keli-citra-rasa-nrtya-giti-vadanairnihnava-prasuna-yuddha-sidhu-pana-kautukaihyatra khelatah kisora-sekharau sahalibhistatra krsna-kunda eva samsthitih stutastu nah

With gopi friends the two crowns of youth enjoyed many pastimes there. They rode on a swing, danced wonderful rasa-dances, sang, played instrumental music, and talked. In a secluded place They eagerly drank the nectar of a flower-battle. Let us glorify residence at Krsna-kunda.

divya-ratnna-nirmitavatara-sara-sausthavaischatrika viraji caru kuttima-prabha-bharaihsarva-loka-locanati-dhanyata yato bhavettatra krsna-kunda eva samsthitih stutastu nah

With the beauty of its glistening jewel shores and the splendour of its canopies and mosaic pavements it brings auspiciousness to all eyes. Let us glorify residence at Krsna-kunda.

mathuram vikunthato pi janma-dhama durlabhamvasakananam tato pi panina dhrto girihsri-hares tato pi yat param saro ti-pavanamtatra krsna-kunda eva samsthitih stutastu nah

The district of Mathura, Krsna’s birthplace, is more sacred and difficult to attain than Vaikuntha. The forest where He lived is more sacred still, and the hill lifted by His hand is more sacred than that. More sacred than that is Lord Hari’s very purifying lake nearby. Let us glorify residence at Krsna-kunda.

krsna-kunda-tira-vasa-sadhakam pathed idamyo stakam dhiyam nimajya keli-kunja-rajitohradhika-girindradharinoh padambu jesu saprema-dasyam eva sighram apnuyad anamayam

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May he who reads these eight verses, which convince one to reside at the shore of Krsna-kunda, and who also plunges his mind in the lotus flowers of Sri Sri Radha-giridhari’s feet, quickly attain sincere love for Them.

With the following mantras we can offer our obeisances to Shyama-kunda. dustari-vadhesvayamsama-bhavatkrsnananghri-padmaadidamsphitamyanmakarandavistritirivaristakhyamistamserahsopanaihpari-ranjitam priyatayasri-radhayakaritaihpremalinga-divapriya-saraidamtannitya-nityambhaje

We will take the small lane along the side of Raghunatha Goswami’s Bhajan Kutir and within two minutes we will arrive at the place where the ashes of Raghunatha Dasa, Raghunatha Bhatta, and Krsna Dasa Kaviraja are entombed.

TEEN GOSWAMI SAMADHIFalling on the ground and taking the dust of this place on our heads, we can fell totally confident that Radha-Krsna will in the very near future bless us with Their divine service. If one is fortunate enough to come to contact with a pure devotee of Krsna, then all his endeavors on the path of self realization will immediately bear fruit. What to speak of being fortunate enough to be able ot come into the presence of three of the most intimate associates of Radha-Krsna, who are always engaged in Their most confidential service as manjari-serving maids. The intimate servants of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu known as the Goswamis of Vrindavana , namely Rupa Goswami (Rupa manjari), Sanatana goswami (Rati manjari), Raghunath Bhatta Goswami (Raga manjari), Jiva Goswami (Vilas manjari), Raghunatha Dasa Goswami (Rasa manjari), Gopal Bhatta Goswami (Guna manjari), Lokanatha Goswami (Manjulali Manjari), Krsna Dasa Kaviraja Goswami (Kasturi Manjari). Each of the manjaris have nick names thus we sometimes read different listings, Lokanatha is also known as Lila manjari etc. are in fact the eight manjaris of Radha-Krsna’s Vrindavana pastimes and act as the serving maids of the asta-sakhis (Lalita, Vishaka etc.) and engage in the intimate service of Radha-Krsna in Their Nikunja pastimes on the bowers of Vraja) into which even the dearmost friends of Srimati Radharani, the asta-sakhis, cannot enter. By the mercy of these eight persons one can attain a similar relationship with Radha-Krsna if one so desires (the manjaris are the most intimate maid servants of Radha-Krsna and the representative of the asta-sakhis, thus they can also bestow any other type of relationship with Radha-Krsna or Their expanded forms of Laksmi-Narayana etc. the living entity may desire.)

When Radha-Krsna appeared as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of freely distribute Love of God, the asta-manjaris appeared as the Goswamis of Vrindavana to reveal the most intimate conjugal service to Radha-Krsna through the various literature they compiled.

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These three Goswamis entered into samadhi on the same lunar day (twelfth day of the bright half on Asvinia,) but in different years. Raghunatha Dasa in 1582, Raghunatha Bhatta in 1579, and the year of Krsnadasa Kaviraja is not recorded.

If we look into the shrine we will see three small square marble platforms. The one on our left marks Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami’s samadhi, the center one, Krsna dasa Kaviraja Goswami’s samadhi, and the one our right Raghunatha Dasa Goswami’s samadhi.

For sometimes during the late fifteen hundreds and most of the sixteen hundred, it became necessary to suspend the system of entombing the body of a great saint, due to fear of the Moguls desecrating the shrine. Thus here in Radha-kunda the bodies of the great devotees were burnt on the bank of Sivakhari. The ashes of these three Goswamis were entombed here. On the order of Srila Jiva Goswami some of the ashes of Raghunatha Dasa Goswami were entombed on the bank of Radha-kunda in the Gopinatha temple and some of the ashes of Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami were entombed in a garden in Vrindavana . Raghunatha Bhatta was born in 1505. He remained at home for twenty years, at Jagannatha Puri for one year and in Vraja for forty-five years. His father was the great devotee Tapan Mishra. After having begged for the mercy of these great Goswamis, we can circumambulate their samadhis after which we will just walk a few paces along the path where we shall find the Bhajan kutir of Srila Gopal Bhatta Goswami.

BHAJAN KUTIR OF GOPAL BHATTASrila Gopal Bhatta Goswami was the son of Venkata Bhatta, a priest of the Sri Rangam Temple (in south India) . Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stayed at the house of Venkata Bhatta during the rainy season of 1511 during which time Gopal Bhatta had the chance to render some service to Lord Chaitanya. Even though Gopal Bhatta was only eight years old he could understand that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Lord Chaitanya bestowed His full mercy on Gopal Bhatta and instructed him to serve his mother and father who were both pure devotees and when they gave their permission he should go to Vrindavana . In 1553 Gopal Bhatta arrived in Vraja where he took shelter of Rupa and Sanatana Goswami. After having toured all the forests of Vraja he took up his residence here on the bank of Radha-kunda. When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu received the news of Gopal Bhatta’s arrival in Vraja, He sent some of His personal clothes (a lion cloth and a Kantha) which Gopal Bhatta was very happy to receive and they are still worshiped in the Radha-ramana Temple in Vrindavana today.

Gopal Bhatta Goswami entered into samadhi in the year 1578 on the fifth day of the lunar month of Asvina in Vrindavana . His samadhi shrine is in the compound of the Radha-ramana Temple. We find very little about the life of Gopal Bhatta, as he had requested Krsna Dasa Kaviraja not to mentioned him. Gopal Bhatta wrote Sat-Kriya-Saradipika, Hari Bhakti-Vilasa and a commentary on Krsna-karnamrta.

He had many disciples who were headed by Srinivasa Acharya and Gopinatha Pujari. His own spiritual master was the great poet Prabhodananda Saraswati who is Tungavidya-sakhi in Radha-Krsna’s pastimes.

Retracing our footsteps to the parikrama path with Sukhada-kunja. Living there, I will pray for that time when I will get the service of Him and His associates.

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And in revelation—I am a resident of Svananda-Sukhada-kunja and a maidservant of the lotus feet of Radha-Madhava.

It is a fact the six Goswamis are manjaris in Radha-Krsna’s Vraja pastimes and all of the acharyas in the line coming down from Srila Rupa Goswami are also manjaris. Although when they manifest in the material realm, they preach the glories of Lord Krsna’s various incarnations and energies as well as destroy the misconceptions of the mayavadis. Their main aim is to engaged the living being in the service of Radha-Krsna.

They certainly become happy when they see the conditioned soul engaged in the loving service of the Lord of Vaikuntha, Narayana, or Lord Krsna’s princely form in Dwaraka , but when they see that the living entity has become attached to the son of Nanda Maharaja in Vraja Vrindavana , then they fell great bliss, but even so if one develops an attachment for the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani in the mood of the manjari serving maids, then the acharyas feel that they have been able to give the topmost treasure.

Srila Bhaktivinoda described the mood and importance of serving Radharani in the following songs of Gita-mala.

SRI RADHA-ASTAKA1. If the desire for the worship of Radharani does not come about, then worship of

Krsna is simply useless. 2. Just as one never perceives the sun without the sunlight. So I do not care to regard

Madhava without Radha. 3. One who worships Krsna alone is imperfect in his knowledge, and one who

disrespects Srimati Radharani is simply conceited and proud. 4. You should never associated with such a person of you at all desire the delightful

and amorous pastimes of Vraja to appear within your heart. 5. If one consider oneself to be a maidservant of Srimati Radharani, then such a

person very quickly meets Sri Krsna , the Lord of Gokula. 6. Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, Narada Muni, the personified Vedas and Laksmi-devi

honor and worship the dust of Radharani’s lotus feet. 7. The Vedic scriptures declare that Uma, Rama, Satya, Saci, Chandra and Rukmini

are all expansion of Srimati Radharani. 8. Bhaktivinoda, whose only wealth is the service of Srimati Radharani, humbly begs

to be situated at Her lotus feet.

SIDDHI-LALASABy Bhaktivinode Thakur

1. For serving the lotus feet of Sri Radha, the daughter of Vrsaghanu, I will become a maidservant of one of the gopis in Vraja. I will always strive to bring about the happiness of Sri Radha.

2. Within my heart I will know that Radha’s pleasure is the mane of Krsna continuously vibrating on our tongue--- Hare Krsna!

As we enter into this eternal home at Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura we should not think that we are entering another’s house but the home of our own great-grandfather, who is ever willing to take us in and engaged us in the service of the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamasundara. So giving up all false prestige, kindly roll in the dust of this place and feel

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the witch of selfish desires flee far away out of shame. And now as we rise up we can chant Jai Sacinandana Gaura Hari, Jai Sacinandana Gaura Hari, and drown ourselves in the ocean of bliss.

Srila Bhaktivinoda has written, “My small cottage is shining within that most enchanting garden called Svananda--, Krsna’s source of joy. Therefore, I will never desire to abandon Her lotus feet for His solitary company.

VRAJA-SVANANDA-SUKHADA-KUNJA1. I lay my life at the lotus feet of Krsna, the holder of the flute and the stealer of the

hearts of all living entity through all worlds. He stands with His beloved Radha upon the Yogapitha in a kadamba tree grove within Vrindavana , and they are surrounded by the eight main sakhis headed by Lalita.

2. According to the directions of the confidential gopis, I render service to the Divine Couple, I always consider, myself a dependent maid-servant of the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Govindadeva.

3. Sometimes, out of great mercy, the Lord holds my hand and speaks words to me. Radha and Krsna enjoy eating tambula and accept flower garlands in great delight.

4. By some deception They sometimes disappear from my sight. Not seeing the Divine Couple of Vraja, my heart burns in agony.

5. Whatever Radha and Krsna may be, I am certainly a maid-servant of Their lotus feet. I consider the ecstasies of meeting Them and the agonies of separation from Them to be the same.

6. In life or at death, whether They choose to protect me or kill me, Radha and Krsna remain my life and soul. May They always be happy.

7. Bhaktivinoda knows nothing beyond this. Falling down at the lotus of the sakhis whom he serves, and always remaining among the associates of Srimati Radharani, Bhaktivinoda prays for the lotus feet of the Divine Couple of Vraja.

Srila Bhaktivinoda had this house constructed in the beginning of this century. He constructed a second house in the corresponding kunja in Navadwipa’s Godruma-dwipa. (All of the forest and kunjas of Vraja can be found in Navadwipa.)

In 1933 Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati renovated the house. He would come here during the month of Kartika along with many devotees, In this room to the left of the main hall is the puspa samadhi of Srila Bhaktivinoda and here in the adjoining room is the puspa samadhi of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. In this next room we find several personal articles of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta; his wooden shoes, walking stick as well as a bed, chair and table. Now we can take the rarely attained opportunity of placing Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s shoes on our head and know for certain that by the grace of the dust of his lotus feet we will get the service of the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani.

Coming out of Srila Bhaktivinoda’s house we should remember to allow only our body to leave and within, we the soul, should reside here eternally, always engaging as assistants to the assistants of the girlfriends (sakhis) of Srimati Radharani in the eternal Nikunja pastimes of Radha-Shyamasundara.

Now if we follow this same path to the edge of the town area, we will see there two bodies of water. The one on the left hand side of the road is Balaram-kunda and on the right

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Vrishabhanu-kunda (Bhannu-khari) , where at the time of Govardhana puja Vrishabhanu Maharaja’s (Radhika’s father) camp was situated. It is stated in the Mathura Khanda of Varaha Purana, that anyone who bathes here will attain the rare treasure of devotion to the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani.

Now returning to the parikrama path we will find Jagannatha’s temple. Jagannatha Swami Ki Jai!Baladeva Ki Jai! Subhadra Devi Ki Jai! The Ratha Yatra is observed here with great enthusiasm. Jagannatha Baladeva and Subhadra are taken around Radha-kunda on their cart.

kadacitkalindi-tata-vipina-sangitaka-ravomudabhiri-nari-vadana-kamalasvada-madhupahrama-sambhu-brahmamara-patiganesarcita-padojagannathahsvaminayana-patha-gamibhavatu me

“Sometimes in great happiness Lord Jagannatha, with His flute, makes a loud concert on the groves on the bank of the Yamuna. He is like a bumble-bee who tastes the beautiful lotus like faces of the cowherd damsels of Vraja, and His lotus feet are worshiped by great personalities such as Laksmi, Siva, Brahma, Indra and Ganesh. May that Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.”

We will now continue with our parikrama with the large lotus eyes of Lord Jagannatha watching us. Next we will arrive at the all-merciful Lalita-kunda which is the sure gateway into the eternal pastimes of Radha-Krsna.

LALITA-KUNDAWe can offer our obeisances to Lalita-Kunda with the following mantra;-

namopataka-vighana-aghnaulalita-mohanau-subhausnapaye-hamvimoksayakundaynira-manoharau (skanda purana)

We can see, Lalita’s Kunda is in bad repair. We can approach the small ghat through Lalita-Mohan temple. Previously, there had been two kundas, Lalita-kunda and Mohana-kunda. We can a body of water just beyond the boundary of Lalita-kunda to our right hand (when on ghat) which is what is left of Mohana-kunda and Asta-sakhi kunda. This Lalita-kunda and Mohana-kunda manifested before Shyam-kunda. Lalita had, along with Mohan (Krsna), called sixty-eight tirthas (holy places) to come and reside in her kunda and afford everyone the benefit of becoming free from the six type of hatya (murder), bhruna-hatya (abortion), krimi-hatya (killing of worm and insects), go-hatya (cow-slaughter), brahma-hatya (killings of brahman) svana-hatya, atma-hatya( suicide).

Of course this pastimes was in preparation for the appearance of Radha-kunda which took place when Krsna killed the Aristasura, He took a dip in Lalita-kunda to free Himself of the sin of go-hatya. The internal reason being that He wished to gate the association of Srimati Radharani and enjoy the pastimes of creating of Their kundas (Radha and Shyam kunda) . And to attain Radha’s association, He has to first please and get the help of Lalita Devi, who is the dearmost friend and guardian of Srimati Radharani. What to speak of living entity, even Lord Krsna has to approach Lalita Devi first and by her blessing He can have His desire fulfilled.

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When Krsna met Radha that night, She told Him that due to His having killed a bull, He would have to go to and bathe in all the holy places first to become purified. Krsna informed Radha that He had bathed in Lalita’s kunda which purified one of the sin of the six kinds of murder due to the presence of the major tirthas. Radha’s sakhis challenged Him that they did not see, feel or hear those tirthas enter Lalita’s kunda so how could they possibly accept. Then Krsna, in front of all of the them, called holy all holy places in person and had them introduce themselves before entering into His kunda, so that latter the gopi girls could not challenge Him. When Lalita saw all that fun, she took some of the waters of Radha-kunda and Shyam-kunda and poured them into her own kunda, after which the water of Shyama-kunda burst through the embankment to mingle with the water of Lalita-kunda in divine union.

Unfortunately the canal which connects Lalita kunda with Shyama kunda and Radha-kunda has recently been blocked off for some foolish material season.

In the same way Radha-kunda and Shyam-kunda are nondifferent to Radha-Krsna, so Lalita’s kunda in her liquid form. Lalita-kunda is all merciful and by coming in contact with her water, bowing down to offering prayers and remembering her, one will very quickly get the mercy of Radha-kunda and be able to get an eternal residence close to her.

Rupa manjari (Rupa Goswami) is the assistant and follower of Lalita-sakhi; thus all who consider themselves as Rupanuga bhaktas (followers of Rupa Goswami) are ultimately the servants of Lalita-devi and thus through the media of the parampara should always be longing to engage in the service of her lotus feet. When that day comes that we are able to please he , she will engage us in the intimate loving service of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna according to our heart’s desire.

Lalita-sakhi incarnated as Svarupa Damodara in the pastimes of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and acted as his personal secretary. In fact, no one could approach or present anything to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu without his sanction.

“Sri Svarupa Damodara was the personification of ecstatic love, fully cognizant of the transcendental mellows in relationship with Krsna. He directly represented Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as His second expansion. “

“If someone wrote a book or composed verses and songs and wanted to recite them before Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Swarup Damodara would first examine them and then correctly present them. Only then would Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu agree to listen,”

Lalita-sakhi and her assistants incarnate from time to time in the material realm to propagate the topmost mod of serving Radha-Krsna, namely to become a maidservant of Srimati Radharani.

The following description of Lalita-devi is found in Radha-Krsna-Ganoddesa-dipika. Of the eight sakhis, Lalita-devi is the foremost. She is a very dear friend to Radha-Krsna and she is 27 days older than Srimati Radharani.

Lalita is well known for her contradictory and hot-tempered nature. Her complexion is the color of gorocana and her garments are the color of peacock-feathers.

Her mother is Sara-devi and her father is Visoka. Her husband is Bhairava who is a close friend of Govardhana-gopa. (R K Ganoddesa-dipika; 79-80)

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Note- gorocana a bright yellow pigment-prepared form the urine of a cow, Govardhana-gopa is the husband of Chandravali.

We can read a purport by Rupa Goswami;-Sri Lalitastakam (Srila Rupa Goswami)

radha-mukunda pada sambhava gharma bindunirmanchanopakarani krta-deha laksamuttunga sauhrda vises vasat pragalbhamdevim gunaih sulalitam lalitam namami

She who is endowed with unlimited transcendental qualities manifests hundreds of thousands of forms in order to worship the perspiration that emanate from the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Mukunda and behaves boldly due to her intense love for Them. To that Lalita devi I offer my respectful obeisances(1)

raka sudha kirana mandala kanti dandivaktra sriyam cakita caru camuru netramradha prasadhana vidhana kala prasiddhamdevim gunaih sulalitam lalitam namami

She who is endowed with unlimited transcendental qualities put to shame the full moon with her beautiful shining face. Her charming eyes are those of a restless doe and she is famous for her expertise in dressing Srimati Radharani. To that Lalita devi I offer my respectful obeisances.(2)

lasyoll lasad bhujage satru patatra citrapattamsukabharana kanculi-kancitangimgorocana ruci vigarhana gaurimanamdevim gunaih sulalitam lalitam namami

She who is endowed with transcendental qualities wears a silk blouse, a picturesque dress, the color of a dancing peacock’s feathers and wonderful ornaments. Her golden complexion defeats the splendor of Gorocana. To that Lalita devi I offer my respectful obeisances. (3)

dhurte vrajandra tanaye tanu susthu vamyamma daksina bhava kalankini laghavayaradhe giram srnu hitam iti siksayantimdevim gunaih sulalitam lalitam namami

She who is with unlimited transcendental qualities teaches Radhika to be contrary towards Krsna. “ O, Radhika, please hear my words, for they, are for your own benefit. Do not be gentle and submissive to that rascal, the son of Nanda Maharaja (Krsna). To that Lalita devi I offer my respectful obeisances. (4)

radham abhi vrajapateh krtam atmajenakutam mang’ api vilokya vilohitaksimvog bhangibhis tam acirena vilajjayantimdevim gunaih sulalitam lalitam namami

She who is endowed with unlimited transcendental qualities becomes angry if she sees Nandanandana even slightly cheating Radhika and immediately embarrasses him with her clever words. To that Lalita devi I offer my respectful obeisances. (5)

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Let us again take the dust of this most merciful place on our head and as we glance over the water of Lalita-kunda we can fell assured in our heart that without her mercy we would not be standing here today and anyone who has attained her mercy will definitely gain entrance into Radharani’s service. It only depends on us now.

We will now take darshana of the Lalita-Mohana Deities. These are the presiding deities of this particular kunja. Unfortunately the original Deities have disappeared without trace. These prati-bhuha Deities are looked after by the followers of the Nimbarka-sampradaya. In the courtyard is the samadhi of one of their prominent acharya, Srinivasa acharya.

Now if we cross the parikrama path and follow the small path we will pass small samadhis of various Vaisnavas and finally arrive at Jiva Goswami’s Bhajana-kutir.

JIVA GOSWAMI BHAJAN KUTHIRJiva goswami was the son of Anupama and the nephew of Rupa and Sanatana. He was born in the village of Ramakeli in the year 1533 and entered into samadhi in 1618. We find the following statements in a Caitanya-Charitamrita purport of His Divine A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada;

“The Vaisnavas are by far the greatest philosophers in the world, and the greatest among them Srila Jiva Goswami Prabhupada. “(C. C-Adi Lila, 7-102)

Jiva Goswami composed four- hundred-thousand verses. His main philosophical work was his six sandarbhas. In Radha-Krsna’s pastimes he is Vilasa-Manjari. After the disappearance of Srila Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami, Srila Jiva Goswami became the acharya of all the Vaisnavas.

If you look inside the bhajana kutir you will see the impression of the foot-print of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. One cannot help but be surprised by the large size.

Srila Jiva Goswami Sucakasri-jivamorapremaratna-sageroheprabhukrpakaramore1muitapamarajanabadasadhakari manetuyagunagaibaratare2sri-sri sanatanaanupam sumadhyamaramapadedrrhajanramati3tanharatanaya jivasarvva-sastresu-panditaprakasilasri-rupasanhati4vairagyajanmilamanerajyachariseiksanechalila navadvipapuri5prabhu nityanandadakhichalachala kare ankhiparilacarane-jugedhari. 6mastake caranadiyaduibahupasariyauthaiyakarilenakole7premagadagadahayandainya-bhavaprakasiyakanditekanditekichubale8prabhunityananda namajaga-tareparitranasabajive anandkarila9mohenapatita janekripakailanijagune

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brahmaradurllabhadhanadila10mahapraghutomaraganediyachanadaobhumesighratumijahavrindavana11sri-mukneraajna payananandhaiyahaiyavraja-purekarilagamana. 12krsna-namasadamukhenetra-jalebahebukeeirupepathecalijaya13prabhu rupasanatanakarepabadarsanapranamamorarakhamahasaya. 14kabhukarujalapankabhucanacarvvanakate dinemathurapaila15dekhisobhamadhu-puripremeparighuri ghuridhiredhirevisrantipailamore16

Yamunatekailasnanakarikicchujalapanseiratretanhakailavasa, 17prataailavrindavanedekhirupasanataneprabhusabapurailaasa18sri gopala-campunamagranthakailaanupamvraja-nitya-lilarasapura19 sat-sandarbha adikaribahatesiddhantabhariparisunibhaktahailasura20ujjvalapremera tanurasanirmilajanubhavaalankrtasabaanga21 parite sri-bhgavatedhairayanadharecitrasatvikevyapitasabaanga. 22jugalabhajana saravilasai sadajanravrindavana-vihara-sadai23golokesamputakaritahatesepremadharisamvaranakarilagosai24muiati murhamatitomavinunahigatisr-jivajivanaprana-dhana25bahu janmapunya karidurllabhajanama dharipaiyschisri-jivacarana26sri-jivakaruna-sindhusparsitaraekbundupremaratnapabaralagiya27kaheraghunatha dasatuyaanugataasarakhamirepadachayadiya. 28

Oh my master Jiva Goswami, you are an ocean of loving affection. Kindly be merciful on me. 1

I am the most fallen, but I have some desire in my mind to sing your glories. Thus I am able to stay out of maya’s clutches.

O Srila Jiva Goswami, you are the son of Sri Rupa, Sri Sanatana and the graceful Anupama, who is always fixed at the lotus feet of Lord Rama. O Jiva, you know the

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meaning of all the scriptures and you have revealed the essence of the teachings of Sri Rupa. 3, 4

When renunciation rose in your mind, you immediately left everything and went to Navadwipa. 5

When you saw Lord Nityananda, your eyes filled with tears and you fall at Hid lotus feet. 6Lord Nityananda placed His lotus feet on your head and then raised you up and embraced you. 7

At that time your body shook in ecstasy. When you were in that condition, while crying you spoke (as follows) ;-8

The name of Nityananda Prabhu will save all the fallen souls from drowning in the material ocean and bring unlimited happiness to all living entities. 9

Upon this fallen sinful soul you have bestowed your causeless mercy which even Lord Brahma can not attain. 10

(Lord Nityananda replied;-)-Caitanya Mahaprabhu has given a very special place to your family. So immediately go to that Vrindavana . 11

When you heard those words from the mouth of Nityananda Prabhu you became very happy and left for Vrindavana . 12

With Krsna’s name continuously emanating from your mouth and tears flowing from eyes onto your chest, you traveled to Vrindavana . 13

Continuously calling out ; Oh Rupa. Oh Sanatana, when will I have your vision ! Kindly keep me alive till that time. 14

Sometimes drinking only water and on some days eating only chickpeas. after many days you arrived in Mathura. 15

Looking upon Mathura again and again with deep love you slowly went to Vishrama Ghat. 16

After taking bath in the Yamuna, and drinking water you spent the night on Yamuna’s bank. 17

In the morning when you awake, you went to Vrindavana . You saw Rupa and Sanatana and all your desires were fulfilled. 18

You wrote the shastra Sri-Gopala-Campu, which fully describes the nectarean pastimes of Vraja19

You also complied the Six-Sandarbhas along with many other books which fully describe the Gaudiya-Philosophy. Anyone who hears or reads these books will become a devotee. 20

Your body is always decorated with all the symptoms of ecstatic love. 21When you read Srimad Bhagavatam your mind loses all composure and your bocy glows ecstasy. 22

You are always absorbed in chanting the names of and worshipping Radha-Krsna in the groves of Vrindavana . 23

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You are always meditating on the eternal pastimes of Radha-Krsna in Goloka. 24Oh my Master Jiva Goswami, this foolish rascal cannot survive without you . You are my very life and soul. 25

After accumulating many pious results, I have taken this fortunate birth in which I have attained the service of the lotus feet of Jiva Goswami. 26

Having been touched by a drop of the ocean of your mercy, I have attained the jewel of devotion. 27

Raghunatha dasa is calling out, Oh Jiva Goswami, kindly give me the shade of your lotus feet. 28

Now if we just proceed to the bank of Shyama-kunda, we can offer our obeisances at the samadhi of Nandini Devi, who was the intimate maid-servant of Sitarani (the wife of Advaita acharya)

Continuing along the parikrama path on our right we can have darshana of the prati-bhuha deities of Lokanatha Goswami’s Sri Sri Radha-Vinoda (the original deities are in Jaipur near the Radha-Damodara temple) . Srila Lokanatha Goswami Ki Jai ! Radha Vinoda Ki Jai !

Next on our left we can touch our head to and if we are lucky drink some water from the well known as Gopkuwa, where Raghunatha Dasa discovered the tongue of Govardhana.

Before continuing we will just cross the path, and entering into the small lane a few steps, we will go through the gate on our left and take the dust of the place where Srila Madhavendra Puri rested when he came to Radha-kunda some years before Lord Chaitanya had visited. Srila Madhavendra Puri Ki Jai !

Keeping Gopkuwa on our right, we will proceed. As we are on Govardhana parikrama, it will not be possible to take darshana of all the small temples of Radha-kunda of which there are quite a few, both on the parikrama path and also in the other small lanes. We can simply take the dust of this topmost of places on our head and pray that we may be able to come again and again and wonder around chanting Radha-Krsna’s names and taking darshana of Their pastime places. Next we will take darshana of the prati-bhuha Deities of Jaya-Deva Goswami’s Radha-Madhava and now in the courtyard, we will offer our obeisances to Jayadeva Goswami’s puspa samadhi.

On our left hand side there is a small dirt path which runs out to Bankandeshwar Mahadeva temple. This deity of Lord Siva is protecting Radha-kunda from the eastern side. It is on the bank of Narayana Sarovara which was created by Vrajanabha ti mark the place, where once Krsna had manifested His four-armed form of Narayana, just to jest with the gopis.

Just beyond this Narayana Sarovara, at a distance of about one kilometer, is a kunda of the name Langamohan. When Raghunatha Das Goswami first came to Vraja-dhama, he originally took up his residence at Langamohan-kunda. Latter, being instructed by Sanatana Goswami, he moved to the bank of Shyama-kunda. It is a regular meeting place of Sri Radha-Krsna. It was there that Shankachuta had left Radha and the gopis after his attempt to kidnap them was spoiled by Krsna.

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Langamohan-kunda was previously full of Kadamba-trees, but unfortunately they have all been cut down. For some unknown reasons no grains will grow in the immediate vicinity, thus this place is neglected by the local farmers. Very few people visit Langamohan-kunda, as it is protected from outside disturbances. There are many such places in Vraja, where Krsna enjoys very secret pastimes. HARE KRSNA !

A little further along the parikrama path, on our right hand side, we will be able to take darshana of the all merciful Tamal Tala, which is capable of delivering the most fallen of the conditioned souls.

TAMAL-TALAnamo maha vedyanyaya krsna-prema- pradayatekrsnaya krsna-caitanya- namne-gaura-tvise namah

O most merciful incarnation ! Your are Krsna Himself, appearing as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Srimati Radharani, and you are widely distributing pure love of Krsna. We offer our respectful obeisances unto you.

O ocean of mercy , Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ! Let there be an awakening of Your auspicious mercy, which easily drive away all kinds of material lamentation. By Your transcendental bliss and covers all gross material pleasures. By Your auspicious mercy, quarrels and disagreements arising among different scriptures are vanquished. Your auspicious mercy causes the heart to jubilate by pouring forth transcendental mellows. Your mercy always stimulates devotional service, which is full of joy. You are always glorifying the conjugal love of God. May transcendental bliss be awakened within my heart by Your causeless mercy. “

(Madhya- Lila10, 111-112-119) When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu passed through Vrindavan, herds of grazing cows saw Him pass and immediately surrounding Him, began to moo very loudly. (194)

Seeing the herds approach Him, the Lord was stunned with very ecstatic love. The cows then began to lick His body in great affection. (195)

Becoming pacified, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu began to caress the cowsm and the cows, being unable to give up His company, went with Him. (196)

It was with great difficulty that the cowherd men were able to keep the cows back. Then when the Lord chanted, all deer heard His sweet voice and approached Him. (197)

When the does and bucks came and saw the Lord’s face. they began to lick His body. Not being at all afraid of Him they accompanied Him along with the path. (198)

Bumblebees and birds like the parrot and cuckoo all began to sing on the fifth note and the peacocks began to dance in front of the Lord. (199)

Upon seeing Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the trees and the creepers of Vrindavana became jubilant. Their twigs stood up, and they began to shed tears of ecstasy in the form of honey. (200)

The trees and creepers, overloaded with fruit and flowers, fell down at the lotus feet of the Lord and greeted Him with various presentations as if they were friends. (201)

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Thus all the moving and nonmoving living entities of Vrindavana became very jubilant to see the Lord. It was as if friends were made happy by seeing another friend. (202)

Seeing their affection, the Lord was moved by ecstatic love He began to sport with them exactly as a friend sports with another friend. Thus he voluntarily came under the control of His friends. (203)

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu began to embrace each and every tree and creeper, and they began ot offer their fruits and flowers as if in meditation. (204)

The Lord’s body was restless, and tears, trembling and jubilation were manifest. He said very loudly, “Chant Krsna ! Chant Krsna !(205)

All moving and nonmoving creatures then began to vibrate the transcendental sound of Hare Krsna, as if they were echoing the deep sound of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. (206)

The Lord they clasped the neck of the deer and began to cry. There were jubilation manifest in the bodies of the deer and tears were their eyes. (207)

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mind was absorbed in ecstatic love at Jagannatha Puri, but when He passed along the road on the way to Vrindavan that love increased a hundred times. (226)

The Lord’s ecstatic love increased a thousand times when He visited Mathura, but it increased a hundred times when He wandered in the forests of Vrindavana . (227)

When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was elsewhere, the very name of Vrindavana was sufficient to increase His ecstatic love. Now, when He was actually traveling the Vrindavana forest, His mind was absorbed in great love day and night. He ate and bathed simply out of habit. (228-229)

(Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya-Lila Ch-17) Tamal Tala is the place when Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sat after he had discovered Radha-kunda and Shyama-kunda. This place is also known as Lord Caitanya’s siting place and if we sit for a while, we can understand why Caitanya Mahaprabhu chose this spot, for one can gaze out across the waters of Shyama-kunda and Radha-kunda. Although today many buildings have been constructed, still it is possible to here peacefully and appreciate what it was like when Caitanya Mahaprabhu sat here.

At that time Radha-kunda and Shyam-kunda were just small ponds surrounded on all sides by Kadamba trees and Tamal trees and paddy fields. The great devotee in the form of this tamal tree which is standing here today is an offshoot of that tamal tree under which Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu sat absorbed in the mood of Srimati Radharani. The following description is found in Caitanya-caritamrta.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu danced in ecstasy, but when He arrived at Arigrama, His sense perception was awakened.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asked the local people, “where is Radha-kunda? No one could inform Him, and the brahmanas accompanying Him did not know either.

The Lord then understood the holy place called Radha-kunda was no longer visible. However, being the omniscient Supreme personality of Godhead, He discovered Radha-

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kunda and Shyama-kunda in two paddy fields. There was only a little water, but He took bath there.

When the people of the village saw Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu taking bath in those two ponds in the middle of the paddy fields, they were very astonished. The Lord then offered His prayers to Sri Radha-kunda.

“Of all the gopis, Radharani is the dearmost. Similarly, the lake known as Radha-kunda is very dear to Lord Krsna because it is very dear to Srimati Radharani. “

“Srimati Radharani is most dear to Lord Krsna, and Her lake known as Radha-kunda is also very dear to Him. Of all the gopis, Srimati Radharani is certainly the most beloved.

In that lake, Lord Krsna and Srimati Radharani used to port daily in the water and have a rasa dance on the bank .

“Indeed, Lord Krsna gives ecstatic love like that of Srimati Radharani to whoever bathes in that lake even once in his life.

The attraction of Radha-kunda is as sweet as that of Srimati Radharani. Similarly , the glories of the kunda(lake) are as glorious as Srimati Radharani.

“Because of its wonderful transcendental qualities , Radha-kunda is as dear to Krsna as Srimati Radharani. It was in that lake that the all-opulent Lord Sri Krsna performed His pastimes with Srimati Radharani with great pleasure and transcendental bliss. Whoever bathes just once in Radha-kunda attains Srimati Radharani’s loving attraction of Sri Krsna. Who within this world can describe the glories and sweetness of Sri Radha-Kunda?”

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu thus offered prayers to Radha-kunda. Overwhelmed by ecstatic love, He danced on the bank, remembering the pastimes Lord Krsna performed on the bank of Radha-kunda. (Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya-Lila 18-3-14)

Inside the small shrine we can see a replica of the footprints of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. So now we can circumambulate the shrine and the tamal tree. While doing so. we can chant the merciful names of Nitai Gauranga. Nitai Gauranga, Jaya Nitai Gauranga.

Now dragging ourselves away, we will go to the next ghat, where we will find the sitting place of Vallabhacharya. This ghat is known as Pasha-ghat.

It is at this place Radha and Krsna enjoy playing paha (similar to chess). On one occasion Krsna had waged His dear friend Madhumangala and when He lost Madhumangala, had to become the servant of Radharani. It was on this ghat that Vallabhacharya had stayed when he visited Radha-kunda.

Next we can take darshan of the Prati-bhuha Deities of Radha-Madan mohana. Jayatam suratav pangor mama manda-mater gati

mat-sarvasva-padambhojau radha-madana-mohanau. Glory to the all merciful Radha and Madana-Mohana. I am lame and ill advised, yet they are my directors, and Their lotus feet are everything to me.

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Taking the small path on our right we will arrive at the meeting place of Radha-kunda and Shyama-kunda, known as Ratna-Vedi. One who is fortunate enough to visit here will have all his desires fulfilled. The mantras for offering obeisances here is ;-

sakhinammandalayaivaradhadiabhyonamonamahsarvamangal-manglyavaradayanamonamah (varaha purana)

The area between Ratna-Vedi and the northern bank of Radha-kunda is known as Govinda-ghat. It was on this ghat that Sanatana Goswami had an amazing darshana.

Once when Sanatana Goswami came from Govardhana to Radha-kunda to meet Rupa Goswami, he saw a sloka Rupa had written, comparing Radharani’s ponytail to a black snake.

Upon reading that sloka Sanatana expressed his doubt about the comparison after which he came here to Govinda-ghat and saw some girls playing under a tree. Mistaking the ponytail of one of the girls to be a snake, the tried to warn her. At that time the girls started to laugh and then instantly disappeared , at which Sanatana fainted. When he regained his composure he went to Rupa Goswami and praised him for having given the right description.

The kunjas of Radha-kunda are flooded with the nectarine pastimes of Radha-Krsna and Their devotees. We can simply hope to taste a drop or two.

IMLI TALAOn the left hand side of the parikrama path, opposite the Sri Gaura Nitai temple (which observes the swing festival very nicely) . In the courtyard of Vraja Mohan temple we can find the remains of Imli Tala. Srila Rupa Goswami after having met Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, decided to leave home and take up the life of a renunciant and thus be free to worship Radha and Krsna in Vrindavana without any distractions.

sri-caitanya-mano-bhistam sthapitam yena bhu-talesvayam rupah kada mahyam dadati sva-padantikam

“When will Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada, who has established within this material world the mission to fulfill the desire of Lord Caitanya, give me shelter under his lotus feet?”

priya-swarupe dayite-swarupeprema-swarupe saha jabhirupeni janurupe prabhur eka-rupetatane rupe swa-vilasa-rupe

Indeed, Srila Rupa Goswami whose dear friend was Svarupa Damodara, was the exact replica of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and he was very, very dear to the Lord. Being the embodiment of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s ecstatic love, Rupa Goswami was very beautiful, He very carefully followed the principles enunciated by the Lord, and he was a competent person to explain properly the pastimes of Lord Krsna. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu expanded His mercy to Srila Rupa Goswami Just so he could render service by writing transcendental literature.

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“The brothers actually have no fixed residence. They reside beneath trees--- one night under one tree and the next under another. “

“Srila Rupa and Sanatana Goswami beg a little food from the houses of brahmanas. Giving up all kinds of material enjoyments, they only take some dry bread and fried chick-peas. “

“They carry only waterpots and they were torn quilts. They always chant the holy names of Lord Krsna and discuss His pastimes , In great jubilation they also dance. “

“They engage almost twenty-four hours daily in rendering service to the Lord. They unually sleep only a hour a half, and some days, when they continuously chant the Lord’s holy name, they do not sleep at all. “

“Some times they write transcendental literature about devotional service and sometimes they hear about Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and spend their time thinking about the Lord. “

(Caitanya-Caritamrta, Madhya-Lila, 19 : 127-132) When Rupa goswami came to Vraja, he wandered extensively visiting all the pastimes places of Radha and Krsna, staying at night under a tree and begging a little food from the house of the Vrajabasis.

Once Rupa Goswami was sitting under this tree and the following pastimes manifested before his eyes, Hanging from the trees was a very beautiful swing which was designed in such a wonderful way that the two persons who would occupy the seats would face each other. At that moment Radha and Krsna along with their most intimate girlfriends arrived when Krsna saw that wonderful swing. He immediately jumped onto it and tried to persuaded Srimati Radhika to join him. Radha refused to sit with Him because He would swing too high, and frightened Her. She told Him that after He had enjoyed swinging, then She along with one of Her friends would enjoy swinging. Krishna again and again requested Radhika to join Him on the swing promising Her that He would not swing too high. Radha’s girlfriends also started to request, that if you sit with Him they we will push you very gently, so He’ll no able to swing too high and thus frighten you.

After being petitioned by everyone, Radha finally agreed to sit with Krsna on the swing. She sat on the swing facing Krsna very timidly, because She knew that somehow of other this very tricky boy would manage to swing the swing very high.

At that time Her girlfriends started to push the swing very gently. And as the swing started to move and fro She started to enjoy the atmosphere of Radha-kunda. When Krsna saw that Radha had slowly become relaxed, He just very gently started moving His legs to cause the swing to swing a little higher and before anyone had realized it the swing was swinging so high that it was above all of their heads. Srimati Radharani became very frightened when She saw the swing was getting higher and higher, She started to demand that Krsna stop the swing immediately and let Her get down. Krsna simply laughed and caused the swing to go higher and higher and higher until eventually the swing was going as high as possible on one side and coming back and going as high on the other side. Srimati Radharani was so frightened that She screamed and jumped into Krsna’s arms holding onto Him very tightly. Krsna become very happy having had all His desires fulfilled. Due to His great happiness He caused the swing to even to go higher, and

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eventually the swing went so high that it completely went all the way round, 360 degrees. When all the girlfriends standing around saw this they were very surprised and they all started singing the glories of Radha and Krsna in great ecstasy.

When Rupa Goswami witnessed these wonderful pastimes he fell into an ecstatic swoon, after he had regained consciousness again he saw the swing, Radha and Krsna and all the gopis had gone and he also noticed the tree under which he was sitting had been twisted due to the swinging pastimes of Radha and Krsna.

There is no particular place marked out in Radha kunda where Rupa Goswami performed bhajan. But it is known that visited Radha kunda, many times, thus this Imli Tala is of paramount importance to the followers of Rupa Goswami as it is his only known bhajan and sitting place in Radha kunda.

Rupa Goswami is considered the head of the six Goswamis of Vrindavana and his eternal role in Radha and Krsna’s pastimes is as the foremost of Radharani’s manjaris, Sri Rupa Manjari. For this reason it is doubly most disturbing to the heart that this sacred tree has long been center of petty legal disputes which culminated in the warring parties building a wall practically through the middle of Imli Tala. This great devotee (Imli Tala) who has witnessed Radha and Krsna’s pastimes for so long here in Radha Kunda has no doubt decided to return to the unmanifest pastimes. Even as we write these words pieces of one of the two main trunks which has been chopped down are burning in someone’s chapati fire.

Offering our obeisances over and over again to this transcendental wish fulfilling tree and begging Radha and Krsna that Their transcendental abode will one day soon manifest before our eyes, we will carry on.

RADHA-GOPINATHHere on our left is the Radha-Gopinatha Temple. These are prati-bhuha Deities of Madhu Pandits Deities which are now in Jaipur. After having offered our obeisances we can go and offer our obeisances to Nityananda Prabhu’s sitting place (just in front of Deities) .

The mantras for offering obeisances to Nityananda Prabhu :-audaryena su-kamadhenu-divisad-vrksendu-cintamanivrndam brahma-sukham casundertaya kandarpa-vrndam prabhumvatsalyena su-matrdhenu-nicayam vispardhinam nandinamnityananda-maham namamisatatam premabdhi sanvardhinam

Lord Nityananda Prabhu in the mood of Balaram had desperately searched all over Vraja of His younger brother Krsna, calling out Kanhaiya! Kanhaiya! falling at the feet of the Vrajabasis, He would beg them to tell Him where His younger brother was; everyone had concluded that this avadhuta was totally mad. In Utter desperation Nityananda was sitting here with tears streaming from His eyes, calling out Kanhaiya! Kanhaiya! when a voice from the sky informed Him that His younger brother was in Navadwipa. Nityananda went to Navadwipa where He met Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Nandana Acharya’s house.

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After offering our humble obeisances and taking the dust on our head we will start to move away from the bank of Radha-kunda to complete our parikrama of Govardhana.

The following temples can be found on the parikrama path around Radha-kunda. There are many other temples in Radha-kunda which do not fall on the parikrama path. The parikarama of Radha-kunda is performed clockwise, starting from Kundesvara temple (after temple name (1)® indicated feft or right hand side of path).

TEMPLES AROUND RADHA-KUNDAKundeswara (l), Radha-Krsna (l) , Gopal (l) , Radha-Gopinath (l) , Radha-Ramana (l) , Vrajamohan ® , Jagannatha (l) , Bihari (l) , Sita-Rama (l) , Lalita-Mohan (l) , (next to Lalita-kunda) , Radha-Govinda (l) , Radha-Vinoda ® , Sitanath (l) , Radha-Madhava (l) , Asta-Sakhi ® , Gouranga ® , Laksmi-Narayana (l) , Radha-Madana-Mohana ® , Mahaprabhu ® , Radha-Govinda (l) , Vraja-Mohana (l) , Imli-Tala, Charana Temple ® , Radha-Gopinath (l) , Hanuman ® .

GHATS OF RADHA-KUNDA AND SHYAM-KUNDAThe following is a list of ghats on the banks of Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda, starting from northern bank and proceeding clockwise:-

RADHA—KUNDAJhanava gaht; Govinda ghat; Yugala-kunda-sangam ghat; Rasavari ghat;J hulana ghar;

SYAMA-KUNDAManasa Pavan ghat; Pancha Pandava ghat; Radha Vallabha ghat; Radha-Vinoda ghat; Nandini ghat; Jiva Goswami ghat; Radha Madhava ghat; Gaya ghat; Asta-sakhi ghat; Mahaprabhu Upavesana ghat; (Tamal Tala), Pasha ghat; Madan Mohan ghat; Yugala-kunda-sangam ghat.

As we pass through the small bazar, on out right hand side is the temple of the Prati-bhuha Deities of Radha-Gokulananda. These are the Deities of Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti. The puspa samadhis of Narottama Dasa and Lokanatha Goswami are just next to the temple. Unfortunately their condition has been allowed to deteriorate.

srimad-radha-vinodaikaseva-sampat-samanvitampadmanabhatmajam srimalallokanatha prabhum bhaje

I worship the lotus feet of Srila Lokanatha Prabhu, the son of Sri Padmanabha. He is a storehouse of single minded service to the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Vinoda.

Yah krsna-caitanya-krpaika-vittastata-prema hemabharanadhya-cittahnipatya bhumau satatam namamastam lokanatham prabhum asrayamah

Falling on the ground , we repeatedly bow down and takae shelter of Loknatha Goswami. His only wealth is the mercy of Lord Krsna Caitanya , and his heart is decorated with the golden ornaments of pure love.

sri-krsna-namamrta varsivaktracandra prabhu dhvasta tamo bharayagaurangadeva-anucaraya tasmai

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namo namah srila-narottamayaI offer my respectful obeisances to Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura, a sincere follower of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Emitting a shower of the nectar of holy Name. With its splendor the moon of his mouth destroys the darkness of ignorance.

What can be said of three great acharyas. Lokanatha Goswami set the example of perfect renunciation. He was the incarnation of Manjulali manjari.

Narottama Dasa through his song’s revealed the transcendental mellows of devotional services and he preached glories of chanting the holy name of Krsna throughout Eastern India. Visvanatha Cakravarti wrote many important books, giving the essence of devotional services and was the siksa-guru of the wonderful Baladeva Vidyabhusana.!

Shortly on our left side we will pass the road that runs to Vrindavana town. Just a short distance (sixty yards) from the corner is a muddy pool which is all that can be seen of Tamal-kunda which used to have a very beautiful forest of Tamal trees on its banks. Tamal-Krsna Ki Jai !

After crossing the Yamuna canal for the second time, immediately we will see the temple of Keli-Devi (Parvati) . This very small kunda next to the temple is Mayur-kunda. Once Indra, thinking to try to make Krsna lusty, sent many beautiful apsaras before Krsna. Krsna took the form of a beautiful peacock and started to dance in an amazing fashion thus totally bewildering those apsaras, Keeping Keli-Devi Mandir on our right, we can continue. This small village we are passing through is called Ramnagar. It came into existance in about 1980. Next on our right is Gwaliyar temple. The presiding Deities are Radha-Krsna and Gour-Nitai

Chanting the sweet name of Radha-Giridhari as we wander along, we will next approach Puspavan where Radha-Krsna enjoy unlimitedly sweet pastimes.

Jai Radha-Giridhari, Radha-Giridhari, Radhe !KUSUMA-SAROVARA

This Kusuma-sarovara is shining in the middle of Puspa-vana and anyone who is fortunate enough to bathe in and worship her sacred waters will attain the opportunity to see Radha-Krsna’s eternal eight-fold pastimes (Asta-kaliya-lila) . Kusuma-sarovara is known as Sumanah Lake.

Once while Radharani was picking flowers along with her friends, Krsna appeared on the scene and said, “Who is picking our flowers?” Radha said, “No one but me “. “ Who are you,” Krsna said. Radha, “Don’t you know me? “ Krsna; “If I knew you I would not ask.” Radha, “I don’t care if you don’t know who I am, why don’t you leave this place.”

Krsna: “ I am the gardener, where shall I go? “Radha: “ If you are a male bee, then go to the female bee “.

Krsna: “ You are the female bee”. Radha: “ You appear to be an honest man and an ascetic Yes you know the art of

stealing a youth’s heart. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself ?”Krsna : “My dear lady, Maharaja Kandarpa (Cupid) is the king of this forest; because he is pleased with me , he has delegated me all of his power. If you are so proud, I will confiscate all of your flowers. O pretty lady, I am a brahmacari and an ascetic. It appears to me that you have came here simply to try and entice me with your beauty. But do not

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think I am along here in the jungle forest. My sakhas are always close by. So, please don’t play any tricks with me and just behave like an honest person. Anyway your bodily actions speak louder than words. You are trying to capture the Maharaja’s property; every limb of your body is just like a thief. So don’t think that just because you are a lady you will be pardoned. I would be committing a great wrong if I pardoned you. When I take you before the Maharaja, you will be sentenced with various tortures and punishments. At that time all your vanity will vanish. Without permission you have picked the flowers and I have no authority to pardon you. You are thinking this is just an ordinary forest and king is not very powerful, because his kingdom is so small (only 32 square miles), but you will see because you have robbed this kingdom. You will be punished with the different parts of Your body have stolen different things; the palms of Your hand and the soles of Your feet have stolen the beauty of the petals of the lotus flowers: with Your gait You stole the baby elephants and swans; Your nails have stolen the mirrors; Your knees stolen golden balls; with Your hips You stole the golden banana trees the upper part of Your waist stole the golden alter; Your naval has stolen the lake of nectar; Your chest the bed of Cupid; Your fingers stole the flowers of Cupid, which are the source of his power; Your teeth have stolen the pearls necklace and Your eyes have stolen the deer and cakora bird. The veins of Your neck stole the conch and veins of Your stomach have stolen the gentle waves of the Yamuna. You have stolen so many things, how can the king pardon you? The beauty and greatness of our kingdom is unique in all the world. Today You have robbed everything including our prestige.”

Radha : O Krsna, You are very clever. You are the greatest thief, now You are acting like a saint and calling others thieves. What can be said of You! When You stole the clothes of the gopis, Your character was apparent. Those poor naked gopis were standing before You with folded hands and You were simply enjoying the fun. There is no better example of Your honesty, O Krsna, there are many girls of marriageable age and You are a young prince, but nobody is willing to give their daughter to You. There must be a good reason. It must be that You are not normal and girl would not like to marry an abnormal man. My dear Krsna, I fully understand that it is not our choice, but out of force You have become a brahmacari. O Krsna You are in the habit of playing your flute which has the power of attracting all the young girls. Shameful! How dare You call yourself a brahmacari. In fact, it is very wicked and sinful to call oneself a brahmacari and then tempt young girls. Now don’t come one step closer to me please ! It is surprising, considering that You have not planted a single tree in the whole forest, that You can claim ownership. The entire forest has been destroyed by Your cows trampling here and there. Our sakhi Vrinda devi has taken great trouble to keep this forest clean and tidy. Therefore we call it Vrindavana, and it was presented to me as a gift by Her. This forest has grown up around the banks of Radha-Kunda and it is my playground. There is a sign by the road which says ‘ladies only’.

We are simply here to pick flowers for worshiping the sun-god who are You to stop us, this place belongs to us. O brahmacari, males are strictly forbidden. How dare you set foot here! Off you go with Your cowherds friends, and look after the cows!”

There after Radharani threatened Krsna that she would call Lalita, whom she said was very powerful. At this point Vishaka intervened and catching the corner of Radharani’s cloth and tying it to Krsna’s, she informed it was time to move on to Radha Kunda.

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According to the authority of the Brahma-vaivarta-purana, Asta-vakra Muni gave up his body here on the bank of Kusuma sarovara in the presence of Radha-Krsna and entered into Their eternal pastimes. This small Siva-Linga under this tree on the western bank marks where Asta-vakra Muni gave up his body.

The present structure was erected by Jawahir Singh in the latter part of the eighteenth century, after his father’s death in 1764. The kunda is 460 feet square with running out 60 fee into the water. On the upper level are three tombs. The principle one in honor of Suraj Mall, is 57 feet square with nice paintings on the walls. The main tomb is flanked on either side by two smaller ones commemorating his two queens, Hansiya and Kishori. Unfortunately the place is not being maintained, Now we can take darshan of Uddhava.

UDDHAVA BAITAKFrom his birth Uddhava was a natural devotee of Lord Krsna, or a nitya-siddha, a liberated soul. From natural instinct he used to serve Lord Krsna, even in his childhood. He used to play with dolls in the form of Krsna, he would serve the dolls by dressing, feeding and worshipping them, and thus he was constantly absorbed in the play of transcendental realization. (Srimad Bhagavatam- 3. 2. 2)

His body is blackish like the color of the Yamuna River, and is similarly as cool. He is always decorated with flowers garlands first used by Lord Krsna, and he is dressed with yellow silk clothing. His tow arms are just like the bolts of a door, his eye are just like lotus flowers, and he is the most important devotee among all the associates.

Let us therefore offer our respectful obeisances unto Uddhava’s lotus feet. This Deity of Uddhava was installed by Vrajanabha 5,000 years ago. It is said that Uddhava resides in three places, namely; Badrikasrama, Dwaraka, and here on the side of Govardhana Hill. At this place he is living in the form of creepers known as Gulma lata; performing bhajana, praying for the dust of the feet of the feet of the associates of Lord Krsna. This desire was expressed by Uddhava as follows;- “Uddhava appreciated the exalted position of the gopis ad wished to fall down and take the dust of their feet on his head. Yet he did not dare to ask the gopis to offer the dust from their feet perhaps they would not be agreeable. He therefore desired to smeared with the dust of the gopis feet without their knowledge. He desired to become only an insignificant clump of grass or herbs in the land of Vrindavana . (Krsna-Book)

Vidura, who was the material uncle of Lord Krsna, was traveling to all the holy places. When he arrived there, he met Uddhava and inquired about the welfare of Lord Krsna and His relatives. Uddhava replied as follows;-

The personality of Godhead, Lord Krsna, being prayed to by Brahma to bring welfare to the earth, was begotten by Vasudeva in the womb of his wife Devaki in the prison of king of Bhoja. In His childhood the almighty Lord surrounded by cowherd boys and calves, and thus He traveled on the shore of the Yamuna river, through gardens densely covered with trees and filled with vibrations of chirping birds. When the Lord displayed His activities just suitable for childhood, He was visible only to the residents of Vrindavana . Sometimes He would cry and sometimes laugh, just like a child, and while so doing , He would appear like a lion cub.

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While herding the very beautiful bulls, the Lord, who was the reservoir of all opulence and fortune, used to blow His flute, and thus He enlivened His faithful followers, the cowherd boys.

The wizards, who were able to assume any form were engaged by the king of Bhoja, Kamsa to kill Krsna, but in the course of His pastimes , the Lord killed them as a child breaks dolls.

The inhabitants of Vrindavana were perplexed by great difficulties because a certain portion of the Yamuna was poisoned by the reptiles (Kaliya) . The Lord chastised the snake-king within the water and drove him away, and after coming out of the river, He caused the cows to drink the water and proved that the water was again in its natural states. The supreme Lord, Krsna, desired to utilized the opulent financial strength of Maharaja Nanda for worship of the cows, and also He wanted to give a lesson to Indra, the king og the demigods of heaven. Thus He advised His to perform worship of Go, or the pasturing land, and the cows, with the help of learned brahmanas.

O sober Vidura, king Indra, his honor having been insulted, poured water incessantly on Vrindavana , and thus the inhabitants of Vraja, the land of the cows, were greatly distressed. But the compassionately Lord Krsna saved them from danger with His pastimes umbrella, the Govardhana Hill. In the third season of the year , Lord enjoyed as the central beauty of the assembly of women by attracting them with His pleasing songs on an autumn night brightened by moonshine. “(Srimad Bhagavatam3rd canto)

After Lord Krsna had left from the vision of this mortal plane, His 16108 wives had been brought to Mathura by Vrajanabha, the great grandson of Sri Krsna. Lord Krsna’s wives desired to drown themselves in the Yamuna due to feelings of great separation, but when they arrived at the bank of the Yamuna, they saw that she was very happy. Thus they inquired from her as to why she was so joyful, Lord Krsna being her husband also. When the Yamuna heard this inquiry, she started to laugh. She told them that Lord Krsna’s dearmost companion was Srimati Radharani and that she herself was Her maidservant. She further informed her co-wives that when Akrura had came to Vrindavana and had taken Lord Krsna to Mathura, Radharani and her gopi friends so much experienced separation from Sri Krsna that they had given up eating, sleeping, and all movements and their life-airs had almost departed. At that time Lord Krsna had sent His most intimate servant and friend Uddhava to console them. With the help of Uddhava they were able to understand to how Lord Krsna was always present and they were able to cry on living. “ In the same way, if you take darsan of Uddhava and instruction from him, you will be able to see your Lord Krsna everywhere. “

Upon hearing this the queens of Lord Krsna inquired from Yamuna Maharani where they would be able to find Uddhava. She informed them that close to Govardhana Hill , in Puspa-vana is Kusuma sarovara and on the bank of that Kusuma sarovara Uddhava is living in the form of Gulma Lata.

There after the queens returned to Mathura and informed Maharaja Pariksit and Maharaja Vrajanabha, who immediately organized a procession of the residents of Mathura and started of for Kusuma sarovara, playing all kinds of musical instruments such as the veena, venu, jhanjha, and mrdanga, and chanting the holy name. When they

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arrived at the bank of Kusuma sarovara, they ecstatically engaged in kirtan. When all of a sudden they saw Uddhava appear from the Gulma Lata (the creepers growing on the side of the kunda) . He was wearing yellow clothes, vaijayati, and gunja mala. His body was the color of a rain-cloud and he was ecstatically calling out the names of Krsna. For some times they all engaged in Harinam kirtana together and thus they all merged in the ocean of ecstasy and forgot their distress of separation from Sri Krsna.

After enjoying kirtana for sometimes, they offered their respectful obeisances to Uddhava, and Maharaja Pariksit informed Uddhava of the distress of his mothers, the queens of Lord Krsna, and requested him to enlighten them, as well as the rest of the residents of Mathura, so as to mitigate the great feelings of separation from their Lord Sri Krsna.

Uddhava first spoke to Pariksit Maharaja and informed him of the greatness of Srimad Bhagavatam and how that, if one only heard even one sloka, one quarter of a sloka, or even one syllable. he could attain to the abode of Lord Krsna, He also informed Maharaja Pariksit that in the near future as per Lord Krsna’s desire , he would hear Srimad Bhagavatam from the great sage Sukadeva Goswami, and that great discourse which would take place on the bank of the Yamuna in the presence of many great sages, would be a source of great solace of the devotees of Lord Krsna in the forecoming age of Kali.

After this, Uddhava requested Maharaja Pariksit to return to his capital along with the citizens, assuring him that he would most surely attain to the lotus feet of Lord Krsna within his lifetime.

Maharaja Pariksit, respecting the desire of Uddhava , again and again and again offered his obeisances to the lotus feet of Uddhava and departed along with his citizens.

At that time Uddhava spoke Srimad Bhagavatam to the queens of Dwaraka as well as to Maharaja Vrajanabha. That discourse continued for a period of one month, at the end of which Lord Krsna personally appeared there. Lord Krsna requested Maharaja Vrajanabha to establish and mark each of the places within Vraja Dhama where He had enjoyed His pastimes. Lord Krsna’s queens at that time entered into their eternal pastimes with Sri Krsna. (The queens of Dwaraka are the reflection of the gopis of Vrindavana .)

One who visit this place and offer his respects to Uddhava as also one who reads Srimad Bhagavatam here, will be able to enter into Lord Krsna’s divine abode.

This small temple on our right as we leave Kusuma Sarovara marks the spot where Krsna enjoyed decorating Radharani’s hair. On the alter you can see a picture of that pastimes.

Now we will take dirt road running to the left and after having gone only two yards, we will arrive at Narada-vana.

NARADA-VANAThe mantra for offering obeisances to Narada-vana is :-

govardhana-mukha-asthayanarada-khyavanayacatapasam rasaye tubhyamnamah kaivalya-rupine (brihad narada purana)

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Narada Muni resides here, meditating on the astakaliya lila of Lord Krsna. In front of us there is a fairly large kunda known as Narada-kunda. Although ghats are only running along one side it is deep enough to take bath.

The mantra for chanting before bathing in Narada-kunda is ;-brahma-oka pradayaivavaikuntha-pada-dayinenamah narada-kundayatubhyam-papa-prasamtaye (brihad narada purana)

Now we can go into the temple and take darshana of Narada Muni. Once Narada Muni approached Lord Sadashiva and informed him submissively that be had been fortunate enough to have darshana of the Supreme Lord in all of His variegated forms. Even he had darshana of Lord Krsna as a child playing in the dust of Gokula, as well as herding the cows. But he very much desired to witness Radha and Krsna’s asta-kaliya pastimes (Krsna’s daily schedule divide into eight time-periods). Upon hearing this, Lord Shiva smiled and informed Narada Muni that he was not himself in a position to bless him with the vision of Radha and Krsna’s asta-kaliya pastimes. He gave him a mantra which he advised him to repeat while residing in the Vrindavana forest and to pray for the mercy of Vrinda-Devi, the presiding deity of that forest. (Vrindavana forest includes Nandagram, Govardhana, Radha-kunda and the present municipal town of Vrindavana) who was in a position to bestow entrance into the asta-kaliya-pastimes of Sri Radha and Krsna.

Narada Muni following the instructions of Lord Siva, came here to Vraja and first performed Vraja-parikrama after which he proceeded to Brahma-kunda in Vrindavana (next to Sri Rangaji temple) where he found Vrinda-Devi seated along with her assistants. When Vrinda-devi saw Narada Muni had arrived she immediately stood up and offered him a sitting place. At that time Narada inquired how he could attain darshana of Radha-Krsna’s asta-kaliya-lila. Vrinda-devi told him that even Lord Brahma and Lord Siva had no entrance into those most intimate pastimes. First one must develop a mood in the footsteps of the Vraja gopis at which time it would be possible. She further advised him to reside in Vraja and develop spontaneous love of Radha-Krsna.

Thereafter Narada Muni came to this place and performed austerities for a long period of time, until one day he saw Vrinda-devi, the goddess of Vrindavana , passing by, surrounded by her assistants. Going and falling her feet, he begged Vrinda -devi he may be allowed to witness of asta-kaliya-pastimes of Sri Radha and Krsna. Vrinda -devi informed him that in his present form it would not be possible. Thus she took him to the north-western ghat of Kusuma sarovara. After he had dipped into the water, he attained the form of a gopi of the name Naradi. Thus, by the grace of Vrinda -devi, he was able to have the darshana of Radha and Krsna’s asta-kaliya-pastimes.

Lord Krsna, seeing Narada there in the form of Naradi, requested him to stay in this place (Narada Kunda) , and write the Bhakti-sastras. Although Narada Muni had been cursed not to be able to stay in one place more than a few minutes, Lord Krsna told him that because Vraja Dhama was not part of the tree worlds, the curse did not apply here.

After this, Vrinda -devi took Narada Muni to the south-eastern ghat of Kusuma sarovara. After he had dipped into the water, he again attained his male form. Narada Muni complied Narada Bhakti-sastras at this place.

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Praying for that day when Lord Krsna points out a place on the side of Govardhana, and tells us to go there, we will continue our parikrama. After traveling along for ten minutes we will see a broad dirt track on our right, which runs over Govardhana. Taking this path (as this is the long neck area of peacock shaped Govardhana, the hill is very narrow here, we will of course not be proceeding far enough so that we step on Govardhana) we will almost immediately bear right along this small track through the thorn trees. So kindly be careful not to step on any Govardhana silas, for there are lots everywhere as well as thorns.

Within a few minutes we will arrive at the all-auspicious Syamavan within which had stood the Ratna-simhasan before Sankhachuda had carried it off with Radha sitting on it and left if at Lagamohan tirtha due to his fear of Krsna.

SYAMAVANThe forest is known as Shyamavan (Black forest) due to a pastime which we find described in Krsna-bhavanamrita of Visvanatha Cakravarti.

Once Krsna claimed that He had been given a mantra by Purnamasi and to prove its effects. He took Radha into a secret bower where He caused Her to take of Her clothes and cover Her body with black kajal and then dress in identical clothes as Himself. Next imitating Radha’s voice He called the sakhis headed by Lalita. When Lalita and her friends entered that bower they were surprised to see there two Krsna; one was sitting cross-lagged and the other was standing. The standing Krsna started speaking in Radha’s voice (in fact Krsna), telling them that rascal Krsna had by the power of His new mantra changed my body color and features and only my voice has stayed the same. When Lalita inquired how it had all happened, Radha told her She was too embarrassed to say anything in front of everyone. So She took her into a private bower where Krsna gave up His play-acting and started to forcefully enjoy with Lalita. After having enjoyed with Lalita, He requested her to send Visakha and He would tell her the secret also. In this way He slowly enjoyed with all of the sakhis and this forest became famous as Shyamavan.

As we reach the gate of the Ratna-simhasana compound , also known as Shyama-kutir, (ladies are not permitted entrance here) we can first go one or two steps into the trees where we will be fortunate enough to have darshana of the impression of Lord Krsna’s left lotus foot.

“Therefore, it is best for me to surrender unto His feet, which alone can deliver one from the miseries of repeated birth and death. Such surrender is all-auspicious and allows one to perceive all happiness. Even the sky cannot estimate the limits of its own expansion. So what can others do when the Lord Himself is unable to estimate His own limits?” (Srimad Bhagavatam 2. 6. 36)

And now having offered our respectful obeisances over and over again and taken the dust of Krsna’s lotus feet on our head, we can go and take darshana of Shyama-kutir. This small garden compound which is the seat of so many sweet pastimes had been allowed to deteriorate almost to the point of disappearing behind maya’s curtain, when a few sadhus took up the task of cleaning Radha-kunda and planting many trees and Tulsi plants. It had been on the bank of this kunda that Ratna-simhasana was shining before Sankasura had carried it off.

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Once one the full moon night of Falguna Radha was sitting here, surrounded by Her girl-friends. At that time Radharani’s grandmother, Mukhara, came here searching for Her. But when she saw Radha was sitting on the Ratna-simhasana, a diamond-studded throne. surrounded by Her friends, she hid herself in the garden so she could witness Their activities.

At that time a demon sent by Kamsa of the name Sankasura came here. The history of the Sankasura demon is narrated as follows in the Garga-samhita and Brahma-vaivarta Purana;-

“Once there was a demon of the name Sankasura, who by the grace of Kuvera, the treasurer of the demigods, had become very rich an very powerful, in fact, no one could stand before him in the battle. But once he heralded that the people were glorifying a king of the name Kamsa, who was said to be very strong and best of fighters with a club. The demigods, nor the demons could defeat him. When Sankasura heard this became very angry. Taking his club which was made of eight metals, he went before Kamsa and declared that, “I have heard that you are the best of fighters with the club, so, you must fight with me, and if you beat me I will become your servant, but if I beat you, you must become mine. “After hearing this Kamsa immediately took out his club and proceeded to the arena and started to fight. Each one of them had the strength of many elephants. They fought each other with great vigor, striking each others body again and again until finally both their clubs broke. At that time, they started to each other with their feet. The fighting went on in this way for 27 days, with none tiring. At that time Kamsa caught hold of Sankasura and flew with him through the sky to a height of 800 miles and then threw him down onto the earth. Immediately Sankasura got up and caught hold of Kamsa and took him 80000 miles into the sky and threw him down unto the earth. Kamsa immediately got up and started to strike Sankasura. In this way the fighting continued, when all of a sudden Garga Muni arrived at that place. They both immediately down on the ground to offer respects to him. He asked them why they were fighting with each other as their fighting could have no result, since nither could beat the other. He informed them they were both destined to fight with Lord Visnu and by fighting either they would die or He would die and by no one else’s hand could either of them be killed. After hearing this both Kamsa and Sankasura embraced each other. After that Kamsa invited Sankasura to live together with him at Mathura. “

Once on the full moon night, known as Gaura-Purnima, Sankasura was wandering in the forest when he came across Radha sitting on this Ratna-simhasana surrounded by Her girlfriends. This incident is described as follows in Srimad Bhagavatam, tenth Canto.

On a very pleasant night, both Krsna and His elder brother Balaram, who are inconceivably powerful, went into the forest of Vrindavana . They were accompanied by the damsels of Vrajabhumi. and they began to enjoy each others company. The young damsels of Vraja were nicely dressed and anointed with pulp of sandalwood and decorated with flowers. The moon was shining in the sky, surrounded by glittering stars. and the breeze was blowing, bearing the aroma of mallika flowers, and the bumblebees were mad after the aroma. Taking advantage of the pleasant atmosphere, both Krsna and Balaram began to sing very melodiously. The damsels became so absorbed in their rhythmical song

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that they almost forgot themselves; their hair loosened, their dressed slackened and their garlands began to fall to the ground.

At that time, while they were so much absorbed, almost in madness , a demon associate of Kuvera (treasurer of the heavenly planet) appeared on the scene. The demon’s name was Sankasura because on his head there was a valuable jewel resembling a conchshell. Just as the two sons of Kuvera were puffed up over their wealth and opulence and did not care for Narada Muni’s presence, this Sankasura was also puffed up over material opulences. He thought that Krsna and Balaram were two ordinary cowherd boys enjoying the company of many beautiful girls.

Generally, in the material world, a person with riches thinks that all beautiful women should be enjoyed by him. Sankasura also thought that, since he belonged to the rich community of Kuvera, he, not Krsna and Balaram, should enjoy the company of so many beautiful girls. He therefore decided to take charge of them. He appeared before Krsna and Balaram and the damsels of Vraja and began to lead the girls away to the north. He commended them as he were their proprietor and husband, despite the presence of Krsna and Balaram . Being forcibly taken away by Sankasura, the damsels of Vraja began to call the names of Krsna and Balaram for protection. The tow brothers immediately began to follow them, taking up big logs in Their hands. “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid,” They called to the gopis, “We are coming to chastise this demon.” Very quickly They reached Sankasura who left the company of the gopis and ran for fear of his life. But Krsna would not let him to go. He entrusted the gopis to Balaram and followed Sankasura wherever he fled. Krsna wanted to take the valuable jewel resembling a conchshell from the head of the demon. After following him a very short distance, Krsna caught him, struck his head with His fist and killed him, He then took the valuable jewel and returned. In the presence of all the damsels of Vraja, He presented the valuable jewel to His elder brother Balaram.

Garga-samhita states that after Krsna had killed Sankasura a bright effulgence was seen to come from Sankasura’s body into the body of Sridama. The reason for this phenomena is explained in the following description of a pastime that took place in the spiritual world taken from Garga-samhita and the Brahma-vaivarta Purana.

“Once Sri Radha was sitting alone waiting for Krsna to come, when information came to Her that Krsna was enjoying in a secluded place, along with Viraja. Upon hearing this, in an angry mood, Radharani immediately went to the place of Viraja. Sridama had been posted at the gate of Viraja’s place. When Sri Radha arrived there, Sridama prevented Her from entering. Radha demanded to see Viraja. When she came out to see Radharani, Radharani at once cursed her to become a river and also to descend into the material world. At that time Lord Krsna did not show Himself and Radharani returned to Her own place.

Thereafter Krsna went with Viraja and enjoyed with her in the forest. While enjoying with her, Viraja’s seven children disturbed with their fighting amongst themselves. For this Viraja became very angry at her children and cursed them to become bodies of water. She further cursed them that no one would drink their water and that they would never be able to meet each other. These seven sons manifested as the seven oceans surrounding the seven dwipas, namely salt water ocean, sugar cane ocean, wine ocean, ghee ocean, yogurt ocean,

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milk ocean, and fresh water ocean, They will remain in the form of these bodies of water until the final destruction of the universe, when again they will attain their original forms.

Thereafter Lord Krsna told Viraja that it was time for her to go into material world and that she should not fear as He would always be close to her. And that He would take her as His wife when He would advent on the earth.

She manifested as the Yamuna and when Krsna appeared in the earth, He took personified form of the river, known as Kalindi, as one of His wives . After blessing Viraja, Krsna took Sridama along with Him and went to visit Sri Radha. But Sri Radha refused to see Him, telling Him to go to His beloved Viraja, saying that He could become a forest on her bank and enjoy with her always. Hearing these words from Srimati Radharani, Krsna left that place. Krsna’s friend Sridama became very angry with Sri Radha and admonished Her not to become so angry at Krsna. At this Radharani become even more angry and asked him what he knew of the dealings between lovers. Then She cursed Sridama to become a raksasa. Upon hearing this curse , Sridama cursed Sri Radha to live for a hundred years in separation from Sri Krsna, so as she may learn never to become angry again. There upon Sri Krsna manifested there and requested Radha and Sridama to be peaceful. He informed them that all of these activities had gone on by His desire, so that he would be able to in the material universe to relieve the earth of her great burden and to please His devotees by displaying His pastimes. He told Sri Radha although he would be leaving Her in Vrindavana for a period of a hundred years while He displayed His pastimes in Mathura and Dwaraka, still once a month on the full-moon day, He would manifest in Vrindavana and enjoy sporting with Her and Her girlfriends unseen by other persons. And to Sridama He told; “You will become a powerful raksasa known as Sankasura whom no one will be able to defeat until you come and disturb Me while I am enjoying with Radha and the gopis. At that time, by My hand You will be killed and again attain your original form.

This pastimes which has been described took place in the majestic realm surrounding Vraja.

Sridama in majestic Goloka is an expansion of the original Sridama of Vraja and for this reason we see that when Sankasura came and disturbed Krsna’s rasa-dance, he was thus killed by Krsna and the life-air from his body entered into Sridama in his original form. (The Vraja Vrindavana manifested on this earth is non-different from the Vraja in Goloka.)

After this incident had finished and Lord Krsna had presented to His elder brother the jeweled conshells from the head of Sankasura, Krsna again returned here and sat with Sri Radha.

At that time Radharani’s grandmother, Mukhara and Purnamasi came to Krsna and showered Him with blessing for having rescued Sri Radharani. After they have left, Madhumangala came there and presented before them the jeweled conch which had been given to Balaram from the head of Sankasura. He told them that Balaram had sent this jeweled conch as a gift to be presented to Srimati Radharani. Upon hearing this Sri Krsna become unlimitedly happy and informed Radharani that this was the most valuable of all jewels, because it had worn on the head of His dear devotee and touched by the hand of

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His elder brother, Balaram. (This jewel is the Famous Shyamantaka). Thereafter Lalita sakhi took that jewel and tied it around the neck of Srimati Radharani.

GVAL-POKHARAJust here in front of sant-nivas ashram we can take this dirt track and on out left hand side we will find what remains of Gval-pokhara.

At this small pond (also known as Gopal-kunda) Krsna and the cowherd boys enjoys their lunch every day. In the eternal daily schedule of Krsna, He arrives here just before 10. 34

and after enjoying lunch with His friends, He finds some excuse to slip away with Madhumangala and then meets Srimati Radharani.

We can read a short description of Krsna enjoying lunch with His friends in the forest in Krsna book;

“Certainly let us sit down here to take our lunch.” They then let loose the calves to eat soft grass. Sitting down on the ground and keeping Krsna in the center, they began to open their different boxes brought from home. Lord Krsna was seated in the center of the circle, and all the boys kept their faces toward Him. They ate and constantly enjoyed seeing the Lord face to face. Krsna appeared to be the whorl of a lotus flower, and the boys surrounding Him appeared to be its different petals. The boys collected flowers, leaves of flowers and the barks of trees and placed them under their different boxes and thus they began to eat their lunch, keeping company with Krsna. While taking lunch, each boy began to manifest different kinds of relations with Krsna, and they enjoyed each other’s company with joking words. While thus enjoying lunch with His friends, Lord Krsna’s flute was pushed within the belt of His cloth, and His bugle and cane were pushed in on the left hand side of Hid cloth. He was holding a lump of foodstuff prepared with yogurt butter, rice and pieces of fruit salad in His palm, which could be seen through His petal-like finger joints.”

On one occasion when Madhumangala was returning from having acted as the priest of Radharani’s worship of the sun-god, the cowherd boys along with Balaram started to jest with him. First Balaram asked him what nice foodstuff are you carrying in your bundle ? One of the boys then stole his bundle and distributed the contents. Madhumangala become very angry when the boys saw his anger they started laughing and just to enjoy some more fun, one of the boys pulled out the backpleat of his dhoti, and another pulled his sikha. In that way they had great fun teasing him.

Madhumangala become especially angry with Balaram for telling the boys in the first place that he had foodstuffs. Madhumangala told the boys that he would curse them which only made them laugh at him after Madhumangala started marching off in the direction of the village, declaring he was going to complain to their mothers. Krsna ran after him and brought him back and while helping him to dress properly, told him that the boys were only joking with him. Now we can retrace our footsteps and after reaching the parikrama path we can proceed to the tax-gate and then if we proceed to the left, across the fields for two minutes, we will arrive on the bank of Yugal-kunda. . This entire area is known as Hari-Golaka-Tirth. For someday Nanda Maharaja had stayed here and one who sees this place will attain Goloka.

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Within this small road-side temple (right hand) . the ear of Govardhana is worshiped. According to one opinion this is Hari-Goloka-Tirtha, We can offer some Tulsi leaves and pray to Govardhana that we may get more opportunities to serve him.

PANCH-TIRTHA-KUNDAAs we enter the town of Govardhana, on our right hand side, set back from the parikrama path, we can see a structure similar to the one at Kusuma soravara. Just behind it we will find the beautiful Panch-Tirtha-Kunda. One who bathes here has all his desires fulfilled. Five holy places are residing in these waters, namely Narmada, Sarayu, Kanchi, Gomati, and Vetri. This place is also known as Hari-deva-kunda.

We have now completed our Govardhana parikrama. So we will go to Mukharavinda-sila temple on the bank of Manasi Ganga and beg that all of our millions of offenses are overlooked.

MUKHARAVINDA TEMPLEWithin this temple are two silas. If we look carefully at the one which is standing up we will see the outline of Krsna’s crown (Mukut-sila).

The second sila which is embedded in the ground is the mouth of Govardhana (Mukharavinda-sila). Although Govardhana can manifest his mouth, hands, ears and every direction and can accept whatever is offered to him at any place. Still based on the authority of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada we understand that Govardhana’s mouth is at this spot on the bank of Manasi Ganga (Govardhana has the shape of a peacock standing with its head tucked into its chest). It is here that we can make our offerings to Govardhana and feel confident that they will be accepted. But please do not forget to put Tulsi leaves on each and every offering. It is of utmost importance to finish our parikrama of Govardhana with an offering according to our means. At least we must offer a little water from Manasi-Ganga and Tulsi leaves while praying to Govardhana that our parikrama may have been pleasing to him and that he may grant us an eternal residence to him where we can engage in Radha-Krsna’s loving service in the footsteps of the six Goswamis.

For those who may wish to attain to perform the 24 miles Govardhana parikrama we will just give a very brief description of the places Sanatana Goswami visited on that parikrama (we will just mention the main places there are so many others). Starting from Manasi Ganga, where be would first take his bath and take darshana of Harideva, Brahma-kunda, Manasi-Devi and then Rina mochana-kunda, which is situated near the Govardhana power station. Unfortunately very rarely after heavy rains one may be lucky to find a small puddle. There had also been two other kundas of the name Gorochan and Dharmarochan which have totally been covered over. Close by, on the corner of the Mathura Sonk road is a body of water which is all that remains of Papamochan-kunda. Anyone who come on contact with its waters will have all his offenses destroyed, Now, containing along the Mathura road in the direction of Mathura, one passes next the Government bus-stand on the right hand side. After proceeding forward on our right hand side, one will see a small hill next to which one will see a little pond. This place is known as Indra-dhwaja-tila. It was at this place the cowherd men would normally worship Lord Indra. One who offers his respects here will never see the world of birth and death again. After proceeding approximately one kilometer, there will be a turning to the right (one

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should take the direction of the local residents), proceeding on that road for distance, one will arrive at the village named Jamanta. Previously a branch of the Yamuna had flowed close to Govardhana. If one digs in the earth here one can find sand that is like the sand on the banks of the Yamuna. This place is very dear to Sri Yamuna-Devi. One who visits there, will certainly get Yamuna Devi’s mercy.

Proceeding across the fields, after 1 ½ km. one reaches parasauli which today is known as Muhammed-Pura. It is at this place that Krsna enjoys His spring-rasa dance. On the occasion of the rasa-dance in Vrindavana , which we find described in the Srimad Bhagavatam. many gopis were present who were entering into Krsna’s pastimes for the first time. Such as the sages who had prayed to Lord Ramachandra in the Dandakaranya forest, as well as the apsaras, who approached Nara Narayana rishi in an attempt to allure them, but were in fact bewildered themselves and thus expressed their desire to enjoy conjugal pastimes with the Lord. These personalities as well as many others had their desires fulfilled on the full moon night of the sarat-season on Vrindavana . On the night, Srimati Radharani along with Her sakhis, as well as Chandravali along with her sakhis, and unlimited other groups of gopis also joined in that rasa-dance.

But Srimati Radharani did not find the usual satisfaction due to the fact that many new gopis of different moods were present, thus inhibiting Her in Her free expression of transcendental love towards Krsna. To satisfy Srimati Radharani, Her sakhis and the other eternal gopi-groups, headed by Chandravali, on the full moon of the spring season here in Parasauli underneath another Vamsivat on the bank of the same branch of the Yamuna, which flowed through Jamanta, Krsna called all of those gopis through the sound of His beloved flute. Here He enjoyed a wonderfully indescribable rasa-dance, in the course of which they danced, wandered together hand in hand, enjoyed loving conversation just as they did in Vrindavana .

Krsna disappeared from their sight, That rasa-dance arena is the same as the 24 mile parikrama of Govardhana. In other words, while Krsna was enjoying with the gopis, they wandered from kunj to kunj (garden) and thus eventually came back to Parasauli.

Just on the other side of the main road which runs by Parasauli is Chandra-Sarovara where Krsna rested along with the gopis after having enjoying His spring rasa-dance. The night on which day they enjoyed the rasa-dance was by Yogamaya’s arrangement extended for the period of a night of the demigods (Six months of our time).

Radha and Krsna came here daily during Their mid-day pastimes and enjoy rasa-dancing and honey-drinking. This place is very dear to Chandravali as Radha-kunda is to Radha, so is Chandra-Sarovara dear to Chandravali. One can take darsana of Chandravali temple, Rasa-Mandala, Surya Dasa’s bhajana kutir, Indra dundubhi, Duvela kunda and close by is Mohavana and Moha-kunda. From Chandra-Sarovara one will follow the main road in the direction of Sonk and very quickly one shall arrive at Potna, where one can take darshana of Catur-bhuja Narayana temple. It was here during the spring rasalila that Krsna hid in the bushes to observe the gopis mood of separation as described in the Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi-Lila, 17, 281, 292.

Just next to Catur-bhuja Narayana temple is Narayana Sarovara; on its eastern bank one will find Laxmi Koop, the kadamba tree under which Krsna had sat long ago fell down.

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One can inquire from the local residents if one wishes to see the remnants of that tree. Here in this village was where Krsna had entered under Govardhana Hill in order to life it up. Unfortunately there is no trace of that cave anymore.

Next one proceed to the village of Aniyora, from there on to Puncari (we have already visited these places) , from there taking the direction from local villagers and at a distance of about on and a half kilometers one will next reach Syamdak. Here again one can see several kadamba trees which have leaves which are shaped like cups. Krsna, along with His cowherd boyfriends would enjoy eating sweetmeats from these cups. One can also see gopa-sagar, gopi-sagar. where Krsna would enjoy with the gopis. Next one heads back in the direction of Govardhana, visiting Jatipur from where one proceeds on the main road towards Gantoli. Just before raching Gantoli, on the left hand side of the road, one will find Gulal-kunda. At this picturesque place Krsna would enjoy holi (throwing colors) along with the gopis. Very close to this kunda is the village of Gantoli, where the gopis had sneaked up behind Radha and Krsna while They were sitting togather and silently tied Their clothes together in a knot (ganth) . It was also here that Caitanya Mahaprabhu was able to take darshana of Sri Nathji (Gopal) .

Proceeding from this village on to the main road which will run towards Govardhana town, one will pass on his right hand side Vilachuvan. Half a kilometer before Govardhana on the left hand side ia broken kunda of the name Mainhadi. Radha had once washed her hands here and turned its waters yellow due to the henna colour of her hands. Next one will reach the village of Saunkhari which is known today as Sakarawa. It was here that Krsna had made a promise to the gopis that, “I know no one beyond Radha; I am interested in only Radhika. “One can have darshana of Giridhari Temple and also Sakra-kunda and Cwala-kunda.

Next after having visited Sakhi-sthali which is at a distance of one and a half mile, one can proceed to Nimgram where Nimbarkacharya had performed bhajana for a long period of time. Nimbarkacharya was the main acharya of the Kumara-Sampradaya (disciplic succession) . This sampradaya also become known as Nimbarka-sampradaya. Nimbarkacharya was a incarnation of Sudarsana-chakra and Sudevi sakhi had appeared in Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes as Kashmiri pandit. There is nice kunda and temple there looked after by the followers of Nimbarkacharya. Next one arrive at Patal gram, where Radharani, along with her sakhis would pick petal flowers, Today this village is known by the name padal. There is a Bankey Bihari temple at Petal-kunda.

Next comes Navagram which is also known as kunjera, for it makes the border of the kunjas (groves of Radha-kunda) . Here Radha and Krsna had enjoyed a wonderful pastimes of riding on an elephant which had been formed by the sakhis standing one on the others, making themselves into the shape of an elephant; four sakhis had become the four legs and one the tail, and the last of the elephant’s trunk. There ia a Balaram temple here and a small kunda. There is also a wonderful picture of that pastime. Next one reaches Surya-kunda where Radharani would come daily to worship the sun-god (Surya-deva) . Krsna manifested in the form of the sun-god to receive that worship and also disguised Himself as the pujari along with Madhumangala. Jagannatha Das Babaji had stayed here for quite some time. His Guri, Madhusudana Das Babaji’s samadhi is here. Once Radharani had appeared here to Madhusudana Das and told him that Her corwn

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had fallen into the kunda and if he was so kind to remove it and place it some-where to be worshiped . Still to this day one can have darshana of the Surya Narayana deity as well as Surya-kunda and Gopala-kunda.

Next come Konai because Krsna again and again inquired why Radha had not come (kyun nahin ayi) . This place has come to be known as Konai. There are two kunus here, Gwal-kunda andGo-kunda and also a very important Parvati-temple. Next come Bhadyai. This is the village of Bhadra-shakni. There is a very old temple of Bhadra-devi. The present name of this village is Badhal. Now comes Magavera, where the sakhis would look down the path to see of Krsna was coming. It is said that on a clear day one can see the banks of Radha-kunda from this village. (today is not possible, due to many buildings). One can have darshana of Krsna-kunda and Gwal-kunda.

Now one can proceed to Vasoli, where Vrsabhanu Maharaja had made camp after leaving the Mahavan. At the same time Nanda Maharaja had made in Chatikara. Nanda Maharaja’s camp atretched all teh way up to Raval which today is known as Raval, and Vrsabhanu Maharaja’s camp stretched from Vasoti up to Raval. Thus both camp awere right next to each other. One can find Vasant-kunda, Lalita-kunda and Raj-kadamba;-within this tree is the impression of Radharani’s crown. Krsna especially enjoys pastimes in the spring (Vasant) at this place. Today this place is known as Basonti. It is two kilometers from Radha-kunda on the main road. Now we will proceed to Mukhari. This is the village of Radharani’s maternal grandfather. One can take darshana of the Mukhara temple within which are the deities of Mukhara-devi, Kirtida-devi(Radharani’s mother) and Radharani. This temple is on the bank of Krsna-kunda. Close to this temple in a small compound are some bhajan-silas. These large stones Krsna would enjoy playing as musical instruments. The maternal grad father of Radharani is Indu Maharaja and Radharani’s maternal uncles are Bhadrakirti, Mahakirti, Kirtichandra, and Her maternal unts are Menaka-devi, Sasthi-devi, Gauru-devi, Dhatri-devi and Dhataki-devi. Her father’s name is Vrsabhanu and Her paternal grandfather’s name is Mahibhanu, Her paternal grandmother’s name is Sukhada-devi, Her paternal uncles are Ratnabhanu, Subhanu, and Bhanu, Her paternal aunt is Bhanumudra. Radharani’s elder brother is Sridama and Ananga manjari is Her younger sister.

Now one can proceed to Kusum-sarovara, Narada-kunda, Syama-kutir and Pailgram, which is the birth place of Palita-sakhi. From there one can proceed to Kilol-kunda which is also known as Kelavan. At this place there is a nice large kunda with bathing ghats on all four sides. Just next to the kunda is the temple of Kilol-Bihari. Srimati Radharani, along with her girlfriends enjoys watersports with Krsna at this place. In the forest surrounding the kunda, Krsna especially enjoys playing ball. Thus this place is also known as Kandukaksetra. This forest is located just off the main road, which runs from Govardhana town to Radha-kunda. It is about two hundred and fifty yards on the Govardhana bus-stand. From here one can proceed back t to Manasi Ganga and after taking darshana of the Mukat temple one can take his bath in Manasi Ganga.

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