Saturday, July 10, 2010

Chapter 48: Bobo's Ill Health

The history of revered Bobo's poor health is very long. Ailing and weak with a very limited intake of food, Bobo attended to her daily tasks, the school's work, social obligations and arranged for satsangs along with writing books.But her spiritual awareness, dependence on Priya-Priyatam, working according to Their wishes and above all her strength of character was so powerful that she did not consider the worst of illnesses as ailments.

No One Could Make out That Bobo Was Ailing

She used to say her body was attacked by several fearsome diseases but her svami Krishna was making this physique carry on for His own self. On seeing her spiritedness no one could say she was ill when she had 104 fever. Doctors in Ambala had been astounded on seeing her alertness and this continued-even in Vrindavan when devotees ran on hearing she was ill.She would meet them so spontaneously that no one could figure out that she was ailing.


Beautiful Shingar of Thakurji, Bobo Embroidered the Finest of Motives

The reason was Bobo had implicit faith in Krishna's presence and power and was free from anxiety. The handsome god had given an assurance that she could recover whenever she wanted. Her eyesight was very weak and she could not read a large alphabet with ease-but did the most beautiful seva and shingar of Shri Thakurji, embroidering the finest of motives.

Once her father had insisted that she take rest when she was sick in Ambala but Thakurji had intervened, “Why do you unnecessarily stop her from narrating lilas.I am the one concerned about her well being.

Bhisham Pitamah

In the Mahabharata I was the one who bore the pain of Bhisham Pitamah's body pierced by arrows.”

Whenever the topic of wearing spectacles cropped up she would say, “My affairs are managed from above (Radha-Krishna) and if you tarnish them with the mundane I will be deprived of the dark god's grace and loving tenderness.” And this is precisely what happened.

In the 1990s she was affected by diabetes. Her father had this ailment and it was hereditary. Initially she was not in favour of following any diet or medication.Having unfailing reverence for prasad (food offered to an idol)she felt all treatments would become easily feasible.

Her mind was way above physical obligations as Bobo did not belong to this temporal world. She was never keen for a medical examination and did not allow a medical practitioner to touch her body. She knew of just one vaidh,the dark-hued Krishna who was the energy and soul of her life.

Shri Radha-Krishna Were Looking After Bobo

“This is for sure that Radha-Krishna are looking after me. If ever such a condition arises that everyone insists on taking me to the dispensary then do not do so because it is better to end my suffering in the proximity of Shri Thakurji,”  she would say at times when she was sick.

She did not adopt any particular recourse for diabetes apart from moderation in meals. Her diet was limited and followed by intense hard work soon after. A busy schedule for the entire day and merely half a roti (bread cake) and many a times even less.She would certainly take the tea offered to Thakurji and just a bit of fruits and milk.

Intermittent fever, fearsome ailments of the legs, malaria and unbearable pain in the head racked her frame during this decade but she was never dejected or lacking in initiative. Having faith in the compassionate grace of the dark god, she knew that making her suffer for sins of her previous lives, Krishna did not want anything to be left pending and thus the anguish passed by peacefully.

Whenever ailments confronted her they had a fearsome form and it is not as if she did not suffer. However she continued the dedicated seva of Radha-Krishna with absolute alertness in all her activities considering them to be the wish of Shyama-Shyam. The zenith of her tolerance was apparent on seeing such a firm resolve and perseverance.

Krishna Dallying in a Nikunja with Gopis

Wherein Bobo's body appeared frail, her lively sentiments absorbed in Braj, Vrindavan, the nikunjas, Vanshivat, banks of the Yamuna, caverns of Giri, enchanting Vrasbhanupur, Gahar Van, Sankhri Khor, Shri Nandgram, Lalitasar, Prem Sarovar, the festivities of birth celebrations, the spiritedness of spring, the merriment of Holi, the fragrant morns of summers, lazy joyful afternoons and dark evenings, made her relish the playful dalliances of Krishna.
 
Shri Thakurji Insists That Bobo Drinks Sweet Tea

Bobo's Yugal, her Radha-Krishna

We have said earlier that bhoga of tea was offered to Shri Thakurji on waking Him. Bobo would  drink the tea later in the form of prasad. When diabetes afflicted her some associates proposed that she have sugar less tea and she agreed gleefully. She had no addiction and if she did have an ardent longing it was for the handsome Krishna. Her personal life was sincere, transparent like glass and tender.

As she was about to sip the tea, the svarupa of the yugal (Radha-Krishna) served by her, got down from their sinhasan (pedestal) stood on the stool and affectionately insisted that she drink sweet tea. She was deeply moved by the display of their loving tenderness and the question of turning down the request did not arise.

Darshan of Shri Nathji

Shri Nathji Thakur

The svarupa of Shri Nathji Thakur has been splendidly residing in Braj.Many of His spirited characteristics are renowned the world over. One of the main attractions of going to Giriraj used to be darshan of Shri Nathj.Several times the programme of going to Nathdwara was made but postponed. The matter dates back to September 1985 when a plan to go to Shri Giriraj with some associates was fixed. A sudden visit to Chandra Sarovar was made on reaching there.They went to sight the bhajan site of Surdasji and the baithak of Mahaprabhuji.Shri Nathji was present in the form of a picture in those days.

Revered Bobo instantly remembered Shri Nathji, and saw Him standing in the same frivolous charming manner and enchanting her. Bending the neck slightly to tease Bobo He looked at her and smiled, which made her reach the heights of elation and ecstasy. Thereafter she had said that her resolve to go to Nathdwara and have darshan of Nathji had been fulfilled now.

Darshan of Shri Thakur Gokulnathji

Shri Gokulnathji Thakur

The matter is not very old and Vijay had come to Vrindavan.

One day while decking her sevya Thakurji Bobo instantly asked, “Will you come to Gokul.” 

Vijay Bhaiya replied in the affirmative but was wary,“Bobo! The shingar of Thakurji has yet to be completed.The time of aarti is roughly nine-thirty after raj bhog during summer. How will we ever reach on time?”

She repeated,”You just answer are you coming?” It seemed mysterious and he said yes.Amazingly shingar was done ahead of time today.Soon after Bobo and Vijay reached Mathura across the Yamuna where you get buses for Gokul.

“Darshan is about to close and aarti will be over by the time you get there,” everyone answered on inquiring. 
Vijay was indifferent but Bobo's insistence to go ahead was firm.

They arrived in Gokul by bus and arrived at the temple of Gokulnathji by rickshaw.Vaishnavas were returning after darshan. Gokulnathji, the living presence of the pushti margis service,is manifest for everyone.

As soon as the two of them reached there the sevakas drew the curtains and said,”Have darshan!” Behind the drawn curtain revered Bobo, Vijay, the pujari and Shri Gokulnathji along with His two sakhis were the only ones present.

When Vijay asked Bobo after coming out she disclosed that Gokulnathji had given an indication to come to Gokul in Vrindavan itself and when they reached the bus terminal He was visible in front-saying, “Don't be anxious, you will have darshan.”

He walked alongside in this manner to warmly welcome them. Soon after the bhandari or cook came and took them into the kitchen where they were given a leaf platter of prasad and a laddu from the raj bhog.(major noon offering of food to an idol).

Darshan in the Banke Bihari Form

Thakur Shri Banke Bihariji

The flirtatious and sportive form of Shri Banke Bihari has enraptured emotional bhaktas, which is reflected by masses thronging to catch a glimpse of Him. Once Bobo was standing on top in the verandah to the left and having darshan. Suddenly she saw Bihariji adulating her with a loving glance in His eternal dark-hued form of a youth, loaded with madhurya and ineffable beauty. Alongside He was alert so that no one else could watch this form of His. Revered Bobo was ecstatic on relishing this svarupa of Bihariji.

Darshan of Shri Radha Vallabhji

Shri Radha Vallabhji Thakur

The actual delight of holi-phaag is abundant in Braj when everyone is zealous. Once during holi Bobo went to have darshan of Shri Radha Vallabh Thakurji.She was standing in front when the priest sprinkled colour on her. She reflected if Krishna had drenched her in colour it would be rapturous. Instantly the capricious blue-hued god appeared and revealed, “I have had the colour thrown. "Thereafter Bobo stood absorbed for some time.


The Colour Fell on Bhaktas Standing Nearhjby

Surprisingly the pujari was showering colour in the temple but it fell on the other bhaktas standing nearby.

The decade of 1990s gradually withdrew and due to the onslaught of diseases it became feeble.As far as medication was concerned Bobo took no precaution except abstinence.The weakness increased but even so she religiously followed her regime of serving Shri Thakur and as an icon of loving tender​ness gave full respect to all beings.

Achievements and Predicaments in 1992

1992 began, embarrassed with bouts of physical illness, trying to keep its name from being defamed. Her ailing state worsened but Bobo forgot her plight while ardently longing for festivals and the divine play of Shri Thakurji. Asking her ill health to take a back seat she would appear absolutely healthy, alert and radiant in the festivities.​​ I am reminded of the competence of guru Ramdasji Maharaj.The way he entrusted his fever to a bedding of rags, Baba Maharaj became healthy and the bedding shivered with fever.Bobo had precisely the same power which she brought into use at times for attending to the needs of Thakurji and festivals.

Immersed in the Festival of Holi

Bobo along with Priya-Priyatam as well as sakhis took part in the merriment of spring,dressed in colourful clothes.Delighting in the festival of holi she was absorbed in the haze of gulal and the charge of colour from a pichkari.

Water sports of Radha-Krishna and their Sakhis

On summer afternoons Bobo was engrossed in Radha-Krishna playfully dallying in bucolic groves, and their water sports and romantic dalliances in the evening. Soon after she was steeped in Priya-Priyatam soaked in a deluge of the joyous rain.

The realm of love is strange wherein the beloved is happy in the joy of the Supreme Lover.Krishna knows of this sacrifice which is stripped of self interest and thus constantly rewards His devotees by impassioned assurances, delightful reminiscence and His closeness. The root of their lives, the dark god becomes the powerful support of His bhaktas' ardent longing for the dark-hued lover.

Lord Krishna's Janamashtami


Krishna Janamashtami

The days passed one by one and so did weeks and months. Seasons changed as was characteristic of nature.Showers of the rainy season filled everyone with enthused exultation and nature was bathed clean. The birth celebrations of the tender handsome Krishna, the wealth of His devotees, arrived.The day of 2nd Septemeber 1999 was just round the corner.Two days earlier Bobo had a stroke and while going to the Yamun she had an another attack on 1st September. Her speech slurred and face became slightly distorted but bowed before her steadfastness, tolerance and assiduousness.

The Yamuna, Vrindavan

She went walking to the banks of the Yamuna in such agony and returned without any support


“What has happened to me that all of you are insistent for attention. Just think can such an ailing person walk about in this fashion,” she would say.


 Shri Manohar Das ji (left) with Bobo

Meanwhile when she was returning from the Yamuna, Sushila Bahenji who had gone along with her told Shri Mahohar Dasji of Venu Vinog Kunj of Bobo's condition,sending Kanhaiya the rickshaw puller to get him.Bobo could not tolerate this and began returning alone from Seva Kunj.​She had walked a bit ahead when Manohardasji and Ghanshyam Dashji stopped her en route and forcefully made her sit in the rickshaw saying,”Respected Maharaji was ready to come but we stopped him somehow.”

In such a feeble condition she visited twelve sites for Thakurji's darshan. Undoubtedly she had the support of Priya-Priyatam because of which she was not anxious. The shingar of Shri Thakurji was also a bit disorderly on Janamshtami but making her behold His divine svarupa, Krishna did not let her sense it.Nothing of the temporal plane could impact revered Bobo,absorbed in the constant closeness of Shyama-Syam, and she seemed healthy in a few days time.

The festival of Janamashtami and Nandutsav passed happily and in apprehension. The lines below sum up what her heart felt:

Bhanu Nandini and Nand Kumar

Mere ek matra aadhaar|
Bhanunandini, Nand Kumar || 4.9.1991
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Chapter 47: Special Pilgrimage to Nandgram in 1990

As always Krishna Janamashtami was celebrated in Vrindavan. Soon after revered Bobo,Shri Thakurji, Sushila Bahenji along with Vijay and Omi came to Goverdhan. The bahens had insisted several times to visit Nandgaon or some other site in Braj known for Krishna's divine play and hence Bobo came to Giriraj for some days.

Shri Radha-Krishna Dallying in The Caverns of Giriraj

 The tinkling anklets of Priya-Priyatam dancing on the dark plus fair smooth boulders filled her with inspiration and delight. Krishna's exaction of tribute from the herdgirls of Braj as they go with their milk-curd to market and Krishna dallying with Radha in the caverns of Giriraj, tugged at her heartstrings.

The Spirited Antics of Krishna & His Sakhas

The dark god's spirited antics with His sakhas when He goes to graze cows... and deceiving them to fix a tryst with His beloved cowherdesses, teasing them and arranging for a dalliance, hinting at an amorous frolic in the night, along with His winsome manners, made Bobo ardently long for Krishna. Relishing His rasa she roamed and took part in His lila, absorbed in the sentiment of sweet romance.

Well! Rasa has been spilling over the peak of Giriraj, its dense groves mushrooming with durva grass, in seclusion amidst tree clusters and on the banks of its lakes.Krishna creates a furore with romantic dalliances and rasikas are forever charmed by the scene.


Krishna's Plays Flute on the Peaks of Giriraj

“Once leaping over the high peaks of Giriraj, the handsome Krishna stopped all of a sudden.Leaning against a tree He took out the flute from His waistband and playing it charmed everyone. Animals and birds of the forest stood still entranced.The trees and creeper swayed to express their delight. Probably all this happened in a second due to the secret rush of love in the dark god's eyes. And soon after a crowd of sakhis could be seen coming in front. The flute was played on a slightly higher scale now.Spotting Radharani amidst the sakhis, He was rapturous.

Dark-hued Krishna Meets the Enchanted Radha

Startled Priyaji looked up and saw Her heart's beloved, the impassioned dark god adulating Her bewilderment, relaxed gait and beaming face. Momentarily She was taken aback but Her gestures clearly revealed Her enchanted state to the Supreme Lover. And guess what! Krishna losing his patience, strode ahead speedily and met Priyaji amongst the herd of sakhis. Who can possibly describe the sweet forms of Priya-Priyatam resplendent among the sakhis and their amorous frolic.”

Revered Bobo saw the impassioned condition of this enraptured Yugal and her heart flowed in this sudden rush of love.

Bobo wanted to visit Chandra Sarovar.



The Chandra Sarovar

Addressing a friend she expressed her desire, “Sakhi, come let us go to the auspicious banks of the Chandra Sarovar and catch a glimpse of the handsome Shyam. I have heard that the Supreme Lover is there in the nikunja on its banks. Priyaji and other sakhis also happen to be there.” The two left with an ardent longing to take part in the new dalliance.


Bobo Saw Majestic Krishna's Ineffable Beauty

And they soon saw right ahead, “Krishna with a mukut (diadem) studded with precious stones and the end of a peacock tail adorning His forehead,with bracelets around His smooth wrists giving a passionate message with their sweet sound.A flute was tucked into His waistband. His ineffable beauty was adorned with all the possible ornaments and looked majestic. And He was creating an uproar on the banks with His wanton gait.

Supreme Lover Krishna Splashed Water & Charmed the Gopis

At times dark-hued Krishna jumped into the water, splashed water, and exchanging a sidelong glance with his beloveds, was fickle. He charmed the gopis by winsome manners and caressed their love lorn state.”

The whole scene captivates revered Bobo.

After relishing the playful dalliances of Giriraj, Bobo came to Vrasbhanpur as per her earlier schedule.

Shri Lalita Sakhi

Revered Bobo saw,“Priya-Priytam constantly joking with Lalidaytaji on her birth her. Granting closeness to their intimate Lalitaji who is her replication, Priyaji wished that Krishna flirted with her whereas Lalitaji was embarrassed.She was wearing a blue kanchuki (blouse) with a yellow saree. Priyaji made her wear blue-hued ornaments in her ears with both hands.

Savouring this scene, the dark god sang in joyous abandon.The god put a vendi (string of flowers) on her forehead and charmed Lalita sakhi who was drawn to them in shyness. Meanwhile Priyaji showering fond affection, steeped her in joy.Celebrating their sakhi's birth festivities the sacred Couple were delighted and thrilled.”

Bobo was engrossed in adoring these love escapades.

Sankhri Khor


The next day Bobo was merrily walking along the secluded site of Gahar Van. When she saw Sankhri Khor, the narrow lane proud of being loaded with reminiscences of daan-maan lilas (Krishna's exaction of tribute from the herdgirls of Braj as they go to sell milk-curd).Several times her foot gets stuck in her own lehenga (a voluminous skirt), on the pretext of stopping her.

Roaming joyfully Bobo's was taken aback and halted, leaning against a tree.Getting a message from above she was startled. On raising her eyes saw, “Playing a new role, the dark god planned to loot the maidens carrying milk-curd and crossing this path. It is here that the cowherdesses' ardent longing to adulate the dark god is fulfilled.


The Wind Played with Blue-hued Krishna's Locks

Well nature strut around flirtatiously as the cool breeze blew, making the trees and creepers sway.The blue-hued god was standing on a boulder right on top. The wind played with His fickle lock bringing it to His smooth forehead and tickles Him by flirting with His yellow sash. When He lifted the right hand to settle the sash His golden ring shone and attracted. The vanamala thrilled with passion absorbed the crazed maiden in rasa.” 

What ensued later is marked on this auspicious site, its trees plus creepers and forest birds.

Nandgaon

Along with her associates revered Bobo came to Nandgaon;the village which is sacred for the devotees of Krishna and worth serving. She had been visiting this place intermittently and residing here earlier but this time it was centred around a certain attraction.


Lord Krishna Was Brought up in Nandgaon

She sang about its glory, “ Sakhi! Blessed is this village of Nandji, where one can meet the Supreme Lover daily."
Nandgaon is the handsome god's own site where Nandraiji resided and it draws the Vaishnava world even as of today.

Yashoda Kunda

The beauty of Yashoda Kund, Panihari Kund,

Pavan Sarovar

Pavan Sarovar, Lalita Kund and so on is unprecedented. Seeming very much alive Puranmasi Gufa,

Shri Sanatanji and Shri Roop Goswami

the sites where Sanatanji and Shri Roop Goswami did worship, and

Aaseshwar Mahadev

Aaseshwar Mahadev are repeating their glorious history.

These places connected to the playful dalliances of the dark god are visible today because of belonging to Krishna's nitya parikar.(eternal circle). Priya-Priyatam sporting here are steeped in romantic dalliances and various spirited antics with their sakhas.On the basis of Bobo's voice, poems and hand-written letters we get a chance to peep into her divine mindset otherwise she was extremely secretive and remained aloof. 


Bobo Saw Krishna in the Dense Groves of Nandgaon

She saw, “Krishna,the colour of the condensed sky, in dense groves of the forest. Eyes full of intoxication, He seemed to be humming. Striking a high note at times, His roving eyes seeked someone. His turban was slightly tilted due to the whole days' fatigue and had peacock feathers tucked in. Decked with a bunch of tender forest flowers He captivates everyone while the flute tucked in his waistband, was proud of her good fortune. He flung up a ball with His lotus hands and his style of doing so stole everyone's heart.”

 And soon after Bobo loses her composure!

Ter Kadamba, where Krishna Would Call Out to His Cows

The next day along with her associates she went for darshan of 'Ter Kadamba' where handsome Shyam would call out to His cows by their individual names and the bhajan site of Shri Roop Goswamiji. While going with the others Bobo saw a dense nikunja which looked dark.Covered with creepers all over, its silence added to the seclusion. At times a parrot and mynah would break the monotony. The sweet sound of a peacock echoed till a great distance.Bejewelled lamps were placed at short intervals in this grove and glimmering in the pitch dark they looked enchanting.

The daughter of Vrishbhanu and the dark-hued son of Nanda were present in that grove with eyes intoxicated due to which their large eyes were slanting. Krishna's kundals (huge earrrings) got entangled with Radha's flower earings and so did their garlands. Bobo was adoring this scene.

Bobo Relishing the Dalliance of Shri Radha-Krishna

Becoming somewhat conscious of their impassioned state when Priya-Priyatam looked up they saw her relishing their dalliance. And what they did soon after has been sung by Bobo, “ Lovingly they beckoned her and who can say what they did later. Countless passionate overtures and terrifying rushes of love were showered, as all three of them reached the heights of elation and ecstasy."

Revered Bobo was residing in Nandgaon now. Admiring dense forests, creepers and chiriping sakhis decked in colourful finery walking on the isolated path amidst bent trees, she was absorbed. Today she saw an incident on the path right in front and was spellbound.

Bobo Saw Krishna Standing Beneath a Dense Tree

“She saw the handsome Krishna standing beneath a dense tree in the tribhang mudra (with bent legs, hips and neck),adjusting His yellow sash with one hand and holding a flute in the other, smiling flirtatiously at her. The mysterious laughter indicated His intoxication and His sidelong glance abducted her consciousness. The arrows of His glance pierced her heart.These arrows laced with poisonous nectar impassion us along with making us ardently long for the dark god.

His secret love is apparent in Krishna's dancing limbs and swinging gait. Looking at Bobo the dark god laughed yet again and striking a note, sang a melody.The terrifying rush of love surged forth inHhis song and Bobo was thrilled.

The Shrimad Bhagavad was organised in 1990. Therefore staying for some days in Nandgaon revered Bobo came to Vrindavan along with Shri Thakur.


Raas Purnima Was Celebrated in Barhi Kunj, Vrindavan

The festival of Raas Purnima was celebrated in 'Barhi Kunj' situated on banks of the Yamuna. Moonlight resting on its huge banks was startled on listening to the tinkling anklets of Priya-Priyatam and their intimate Braj gopis.Becoming vigilant it had a discussion with the shrubs and creepers. A slight breeze began to blow and this site steeped in enthused passion absorbed everyone in a particular bhava.

Revered Bobo Saw Shri Radha-Krishna Bathed in Moonlight

The moon shining in the distant sky could not compete with Krishna, the blue-hued moon, and stood far away in shame. In such a touching scene Bobo saw the intimacy of Priya-Priyatam bathed in the silver moonlight enjoying the imagined pleasures of an impassioned man and enraptured woman.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Chapter 46: Journey to Mahavan-Gokul

 
Gokul, Dense Forest Site of Krishna's Lila

Motivated by the Supreme Lover Bobo's mind was drawn several times to Gokul, the dense forest connected with the divine play of Lord Krishna. 


Yamuna Maharani

She once spent hours joyously absorbed in some bhava on banks of the Yamuna, to the left just before the village. 
 
 Shri Thakurani Ghat-Gokul

A look at the Shri Thakurani Ghat made her ecstatic and the sight of Shri Nand Ghat and Shri Vallabh Ghat tugged at her heartstrings.



Thakur GokulNathji

Meanwhile, the sweetness of Shri Gokulnathji steeped her in a blissful experience many a time.

Krishna Janamashtami was celebrated in 1989 with joyous abandon in Vrindavan. It was decided that they would go to Barsana via Giriraj for the birth celebrations of Radharani. Along with Thakurji, revered Bobo, Sushila Bahenji and Vijay reached Goverdhan.

Bobo Saw Priyatam Krishna & Priya Radha Sitting on Shri Giriraj

Bobo saw the beauteous forms of Priya-Priyatam posited on the dark-fair boulders of Shri Giriraj, overshadowing the dense nikunjas. Dark clouds had gathered and were rumbling . The parrot and mynah were busy raving about the romantic dalliance of Radha-Krishna. A peacock was strutting around enchanted by the condensed sky and dancing in ecstasy due to the dark god's closeness.

The clouds bent downwards to catch a glimpse of the Yugal and the drizzle soon transformed into a deluge. Drenched,Radha-Krishna arranged their dishevelled hair and were busy squeezing their clothes. Smiling, they adored each other's majestic limbs and enraptured everyone. As if sensing Their desire for a romantic dalliance, the rain weakened and a cool breeze blew. The terrifying rush of love escalated and seated on the peak of Giriraj the Supreme Lover along with His Beloved sent passionate messages to their beloved sakhis.

Every moment of Bobo was engrossed in the playful dalliance of Radha-Krishna. It is tough to ascertain when she joined in the lila with her divine body.

Well Bobo stayed for a couple of days in Giriraj as always, absorbed in the divine play of Priya-Priyatam. 

 
Devotees Outside Shriji Temple on Radhashtami

Then she came to Vrashbanupur to revel in the festivities of Priyaji's birth celebrations.The joyous abandon of panchami (fifth day of a lunar half month)of Bhadon (sixth month of the Indian lunar calendar,mid August to mid-September) in 1989 absorbed all the sakihs and Bobo in this joy.

Shri Chandravaliji

To present a gift to Chandravaliji on her birthday and grant the closeness of Krishna, Beloved Radha went to her along with the sakhis. Meanwhile the teasing paramour Krishna also reached to accept her secret love.


 Shri Lalita Sakhi's Birth Celebrations at Uncha Gaon

The very next day Shri Radha went to attend Her close sakhi Shri Lalita's birth celebrations. Remembering their love escapades with the handsome Shyam both of them were delighted. Always keen to give shape to His reminiscences, the dark god was busy listening to their spicy gossip.Hearing the sound of the blue-hued god both of them were startled and blushed. Everyone was ecstatic and the ensuing flow of rasa drenched all those who were present.


Shriji Temple, Barsana

At this end Vrashbhanupur was revelling in the joyous abandon of Kishori Shri Radha's birthday. Carrying novel gifts, excited Braj gopis and gopas thronged at the entrance of Vrashbhanu Bhavan. Crowds surging in the lanes and royal paths, singing melodies in different tones, were amazing! Hearing the laughter and voice of Priyaji everyone was thrilled.The whole of Braj contributed in reaching the heights of elation and ecstasy.

And as for the darling son of Nanda! The thrill of rapture...was reflected in His mischievous roving eyes, was contained in the tinkling of His prancing feet and pervaded the varied colours of his garments.Steeped in that rasa Bobo's joyous abandon spilled over from her verses and she sang about the glorious celebrations.


Bobo Was Absorbed in the Romantic Dalliance of Shri Radha-Krishna

Absorbed in the passionate playful dalliances of Priya-Priyatam Bobo was ecstatic.

The personas of saints are an ideal and herein I mean only those saints whose every moment revolves around Shri Radha-Krishna.Above all, the loving sacred couple who are a support and caress their dedicated devotion and dependence at every step. And rather there is nothing separate or detached there.

This mundane world represents a mirrored illusion, a temporal reflection of Golok Dham where the dark god forever dwells. Even on appearing different they are identical. In case we want to know about that eternal world,and Braj which displays Krishna's presence and power, we must seek the refuge of Priya-Priyatam, their intimate sakhis and great saints steeped in those bhavas with firm resolve.

Revered Bobo

How can we explain the persona of revered Bobo and her condition. How far was her reach, her closeness to Shri Radha-Krishna and intimacy with them? As far as we can gather from her hand-written compilations, sensitive perceptions put to verse and the sermons she gave, Bobo had a constant bond with Priya-Priyatam, taking part in their lilas with her divine body.

Simultaneously when we focus on her visible form, her loving tenderness, artistic disposition, unique mastery of poetry, we can affirm that such harmony is feasible only by a grand person like her where there is reverence, faith and feelings along with compounded intelligence.That is precisely the path to be adopted according to the shastras and the absolute refuge of god.

Well Bobo was busy revelling in the birth celebrations of Chandravaliji, Lalitaji and Kishori Radha in Vrashbhanupur.


Mahavan-Gokul

All of a sudden it was decided that they leave for Gokul. Everything was fixed and around 10th-`12th September they left for Gokul. An arrangement to put them up in a place just outside the great forest was made. Everyone was pleased with the secluded site a bit distant from the village, its natural beauty and enchanting terrain. 



Raskhan, a Great Devotee of Krishna

They recollected the supreme bhakta Raskhanji on seeing a row of tall trees, undulating slopes and bucolic groves in the distance.

Bobo was delighted and rumbling clouds added to the scene. Relishing the hide and seek of sunshine and shade, revered Bhaiya, Bobo,Sushila Bahenji, Dulari Bahenji, Sneh Bahenji, Uthma, Uma,Darshan, Vimla Kapur,Tripta, Urmil, Malka, Sumitra, Saroj, Santosh, Santosh Narang, Sudesh, Kaaki, Pushpa, Deepa, Venu, Nirmal, Mrs.Sangra, Nirmal's mother, Kamda, Santosh Mahajan, Baby, Omi, Basheshur, Nirmala, Vijay, Anil and others left for Gokul situated on banks of the Yamuna. Bobo saw the herd of sakhis amused by spirited antics of the enchanting Rasika at that very spot.

Krishna, the Prince of Gokul

“The prince of Gokul seated beneath a kadamba tree with both His feet spread out, holding a lotus in one hand and the flute in the other,was sitting at leisure. Dense clouds were gathering and the breeze tickled the trees plus creepers. With love lorn eyes and twisting the lotus in His hand,Krishna struck a note of some sweet love song. His tinkling anklets seem to be giving beat to the melody.

Sakhis Admiring Supreme Lover Krishna

At a distance other sakhis were admiring the passionate Supreme Lover, lost in His ineffable beauty. All of a sudden the dark god raised His eyes and laughed on seeing those sakhis.They were thrilled on hearing their names called out and speedily...came to Him on the pretext of calming their ardent longing. The dark god welcomed them with flowers and stood up as a mark of respect. And soon after everyone was absorbed in that rush of love.”

Revered Bobo adored this scene and her emotions was apparent in her intoxicated gait.Bobo along with her associates went to Gokul located on the banks of Shri Yamuna.And was moved by surging dark waves of the daughter of Kalind (the mountain on which the river Yamuna rises).

Vallabhacharyaji Maharaj

Roaming around the sites of Shri Vallabhacharyaji Maharaj delightedly, she had darshan of Gokulnath Shri Thakur whose splendid beauty is inexpressible.

Dauji Maharaj

The next day she went to have darshan of Dauji Maharaj offering flowers to express her reverence.


Brahmand Ghat

Then via Brahmand Ghat she sighted several sites renowned for Shri Krishna's playful dalliances as a child and returned.

Therein she also visited Raman Reti in Gokul

Raskhan Tila

and Raskhan Tila.She relished, the site steeped in Raskhan's love flowing towards the Lord.The undulating slopes, wild terrain, bucolic groves and the secluded site gives form to padas sung by the greatly fortunate Raskhan even today. Truly blessed is this Muslim poet saint, surpassing hundreds of Hindus.


Shri RadhaRani

The very next day she left for the village Raval, where Priyaji manifested. And was so impressed by this site full of nikunjas on banks of the Yamuna that she longed to stay on for a few days.

Residing for some days in Mahavan (Gokul) and sending everyone to their respective places, she came to Vrashbhanupur as was her routine. And began relishing the romantic dalliance of this passionate Yugal again. Going through Gahar Van she saw their amorous frolic and was spellbound.

“Today this teasing paramour Krishna thought of a new prank and draped a blue veil around Himself, putting one end on His shoulder.


Krishna Guised as a Sakhi

In the guise of a woman, Krishna stood amidst the sakhis.It seemed as if a capricious black bee hid amidst lotuses and the sakhis could not figure out even on being so sharp.In a short while Priyaji came clad in rosy pink clothes.She had been hiding there among the creepers and plotting with handsome Shyam so that no one could unveil their secret. But as soon as He entered, the sakhis, her replications, could gather what was on. All the gopis,Kishori Radha and handsome Krishna were absorbed in a romantic dalliance which ensued."

During that time span Bobo went to Uncha Gaon. Rows of green trees had a narrow track, the clear highlands of Unch Gaon peeped from a distance, with a mountain range at the other end. Bobo was constantly chatting with her friend Sushilaji when Shri Lalitaji's clever sweetness accosted them Suddenly Bobo lifted her eyes and saw:


Lalita Sakhi

“Clad in a green saree Lalitaji is seated in Her high balcony. Staring fixedly far away She seems lost in a reverie. Her right hand moves mechanically from top to bottom of her saree's edge. Sitting on the branch of a tree beforehand, the gaze of handsome Shyam falls on Her shimmering saree. The very next second He jumps and speedily reaches Her side in the next second. And soon after their amorous frolic reaches sakhis in the vicinity."

Relishing the madhurya of Vrashbhanupur and Unch Gaon, Bobo came to Nangaon.Savouring the divine play of Radha-Krishna was not due to any effort or dedicated devotion on her part Rather every fiber of her being was loaded with the sweet romance of Radha-Krishna and thus their playful dalliance was perpetually attainable for her.

If we say that she was obtainable for inferior beings like us with one of her bodies and with her spiritual form she relished and took part in the dalliance of Priya-Priyatam, it would not be an exaggeration.

Nandgram

Now she came to her village Nandgram and sighted the same sweet scene, “Affectedly the handsome Shyam stood on the roof of His bhavan and hummed a song. Kunwari Shri Radha along with her intimate sakhi Shri Lalita and Vishakha could be seen coming from Lalita Sarovar.


Shri Radha-Krishna & Sakhis

Instantly the dark god breathed into His flute and gave a message. Priyaji and Her sakhis understood. Astonished they looked at the flute player...Eyes met eyes-and hearts were ecstatic.The aanchals of their sarees slipped but had to be put in place. All three of them were taken aback and stood standstill. Soon after the dark god arrived there. And now the impassioned Radha-Krishna with their sakhis laughed and made merry with Lalitaji counting the heights of elation and ecstasy reached.”

And so absorbed in these bhavas, Bobo came back to the bucolic groves of the idyllic forest of Vrindavan