Friday, September 17, 2010

51st & 52nd Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai:
sakhå kahi tumha niki upåi, karia daiva jau°hoi sahåi||
mamtra na yaha lachimana mana bhåvå, råma bacana suni ati dukha påvå||1||
nåtha daiva kara kavana bharoså,sosia simdhu karia mana roså||
kådara mana kahu° eka adhårå,daiva daiva ålasi pukårå||2||
sunata bihasi bole raghubirå,aisehi karaba dharahu mana dhirå|
asa kahi prabhu anujahi samujhåi,simdhu samipa gae raghuråi||3||
prathama pranåma kinha siru nåi,baithe puni tata darbha dasåi||
jabahi bibhisana prabhu pahi åe,påche°råvana duta pathåe||4||


Lakshmana Asks Lord Rama to Dry Up the Ocean

(Lord Rama said) “ Well friend, you have suggested a perfect solution.Let us follow this plan if the divine power helps us out. This suggestion was not much liked by Lakshmana who was deeply pained to hear the words of Lord Rama. (Lakshmana opined) “ Oh Lord !How can we trust fate!Become furious (indignant) and dry up the ocean.Fate is just a recourse adopted by a coward's mind (to give assurance). It is only the lazy who call out (have faith) to destiny.”

Hearing this, the Hero of the Raghus laughed and affirmed, “ Have patience, that is precisely what we will do!” Assuring His younger brother (Lakshmana) with these words,the Lord of the Raghus went close to the shore of sea.Right at the start, He bowed his head and greeted the ocean. Thereafter spreading kusa grass on the banks, He sat down. At the other end Ravana had sent spies to track Vibhishana as soon as he had ventured towards the Lord. 
 
Doha: 51
sakala carita tinha dekhe dhare° kapata kapi deha|
prabhu guna hrdaya° saråhahi saranågata para neha||51||
 

Lord Rama's Divine Play

Deceitfully disguising themselves as monkeys these spies saw all the divine plays of the Lord .Deep within their hearts they began to admire the Lord's virtues and the affection He had for those who sought refuge in Him. 
 
Chaupai:
pragata bakhånahi råma subhåu,ati saprema gå bisari duråu||
ripu ke duta kapinha taba jåne,sakala bå°dhi kapisa pahi åne||1||
kaha sugriva sunahu saba bånara, amga bhamga kari pathavahu nisicara||
suni sugriva bacana kapi dhåe,bå°dhi kataka cahu påsa phiråe||2||
bahu prakåra mårana kapi låge,dina pukårata tadapi na tyåge||
jo hamåra hara nåså kånå,tehi kosalådhisa kai ånå||3||
suni lachimana saba nikata bolåe, dayå lågi ha°si turata choRåe||
råvana kara dijahu yaha påti,lachimana bacana båcu kulaghåti||4||

Soon after, the spies began applauding Lord Rama's temperament evidently with intense love and forgot about their deception (disguise.)That is when the monkeys came to know that they were envoys of the enemy and binding the whole lot, got them to Sugriva.


The Monkeys Bind the Spies of Ravana

Sugriva ordered, “All of you monkeys, listen!Crippling the demons (breaking their limbs), send them back.” Hearing Sugriva's command, the monkeys ran. Binding the spies, they paraded them all around the army camp. The monkeys began beating them in various ways.The demons piteously cried for help,but still the monkeys did not spare them. (Thereupon the envoys called out)"The one who will slash our nose and ears has the swear of Lord Rama, the ruler of Kosala, (not to do so.)”

On hearing this, Lakshmana called everyone near him. He was very moved by pity because of which he laughed and had them released soon after.(And he told them) “ Hand over this letter in Ravana's hands (and say), “ Oh destroyer of our race!Read through the words (message) of Lakshmana.”

Doha: 52
kahehu mukhågara muRha sana mama samdesu udåra|
sitå dei milahu na ta åvå kålu tumhåra||52||



Lakshmana Asks Ravana to Hand over Sita to Lord Rama

Thereafter convey my generous (compassionate) message to the fool by word of mouth.' Hand over Devi Sita and meet Him (Lord Rama) or else assume that your kaal (the clutches of death) has arrived.'

Thursday, September 16, 2010

49th & 50th Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai:
sunu lamkesa sakala guna tore°, tåte° tumha atisaya priya more°|
råma bacana suni bånara juthå, sakala kahahi jaya krpå baruthå||1||
sunata bibhisanu prabhu kai båni,nahi aghåta sravanåmrta jåni||
pada ambuja gahi bårahi bårå,hrdaya° samåta na premu apårå||2||
sunahu deva sacaråcara svåmi,pranatapåla ura amtarajåmi||
ura kachu prathama båsanå rahi,prabhu pada priti sarita so bahi||3||
aba krpåla nija bhagati påvani,dehu sadå siva mana bhåvani||
evamastu kahi prabhu ranadhirå,mågå turata simdhu kara nirå||4||
jadapi sakhå tava icchå nåhi,° mora darasu amogha jaga måhi°||
asa kahi råma tilaka tehi sårå, sumana brsti nabha bhai apårå||5||



Vibhishana Holds Lord Rama's Lotus Feet Over & Over Again

Oh, king of Lanka!You have all the above mentioned virtues within you because of which you are extremely dear to Me. Hearing the words of Lord Rama all the factions of monkeys who had gathered exulted, “Glory be to Lord Rama, the trove of mercy!” Vibhishana eagerly heard the speech of Lord Rama and gauging that it was nectar to his ears, was not sated. He held onto the lotus feet of Lord Rama over and over again, having intense love for Him, which could not be contained in his heart.


Lord Shiva

(Vibhishana said) "Oh God!Ruler of the animate and inanimate universe. Oh protector of refugees and knower of what exists in everyone's hearts! Listen, I did have some passion nestled in my heart earlier which has been washed away by the river of love for the Lord's feet. As of now,oh compassionate Lord, grant me Your unalloyed religious devotion which is forever liked by Shiva's mind."

Affirming, “So shall it be!” Lord Rama, who was brave in battle, instantly asked for the waters of the sea. (And went on to say) “Oh friend!Although you have no desire but having my darshan (sight) in this world bears fruition (does not go unrewarded) without fail." Saying so, Lord Rama made the sectarian mark (of investiture) on his forehead. And showers of flowers rained down from the heavens in abundance.
 
Doha: 49
råvana krodha anala nija svåsa samira pracamda|
jarata bibhisanu råkheu dinheu råju akhamda||49(A)||
jo sampati siva råvanahi dinhi die° dasa måtha|
soi sampadå bibhisanahi sakuci dinhi raghunåtha||49(B)||


Ravana Prays to Lord Shiva

Hence Lord Rama saved Vibhishana from being burnt by the fire of Ravana's fury which was being enflamed by the wind of Vibhishana's breath (words) and gave him absolute sovereignty.Very hesitantly,Lord of the Raghus gave Vibhishana the same wealth which Lord Shiva had bestowed on Ravana when he had offered to sacrifice his ten heads to Him.

Chaupai:
asa prabhu chåRi bhajahi je ånå,te nara pasu binu pu°cha bisånå||
nija jana jåni tåhi apanåvå, prabhu subhåva kapi kula mana bhåvå||1||
puni sarbagya sarba ura båsi,sarbarupa saba rahita udåsi||
bole bacana niti pratipålaka, kårana manuja danuja kula ghålaka||2||
sunu kapisa lamkåpati birå, kehi bidhi taria jaladhi gambhirå||
samkula makara uraga jhasa jåti,ati agådha dustara saba bhå°ti||3|
kaha lamkesa sunahu raghunåyaka,koti simdhu sosaka tava såyaka||
jadyapi tadapi niti asi gåi, binaya karia sågara sana jåi||4||

Those who worship someone else after giving up such a supremely kind Lord,are beasts without a tail and horns. Lord Rama accepted Vibhishana as His own on knowing that he was his servitor. The Lord's disposition was very much liked by the race of monkeys.


The Mighty Ocean Swarming with Crocodiles, Snakes & Fishes

Thereafter the all knowing, Lord Rama who resides in the hearts of all, is manifest in all forms, though free and detached from all He had incarnated as a human for a specific reason (to shower his mercy on bhaktas) and as a destroyer of the demon race, spoke words strictly in accordance with political wisdom. “Oh, Sugriva, lord of the monkeys and Vibhishana, the ruler of Lanka! Listen, how should we cross this deep ocean? It is tough in every possible way to cross this extremely unfathomable ocean swarming with all species of crocodiles, snakes and fishes."


An Arrow of Lord Rama Can Dry up the Ocean

Vibhishana answered, “ Oh Lord of the Raghus!Although one arrow of yours can dry up (soak) millions of oceans, yet ethics demand that You should first pray to the deity of the ocean. (to give you passage).
 
Doha: 50
prabhu tumhåra kulagura jaladhi kahihi upåya bicåri|
binu prayåsa sågara tarihi sakala bhålu kapi dhåri||50||


Lord Rama's Army Can Easily Cross Over the Ocean

"Oh Lord!The deity ruling over the ocean is an old ancestor of Yours. He will contemplate and tell you the recourse to be taken. That is when the entire army comprising of bears and monkeys will cross over the ocean without much effort.

* It is said in the scriptures that the ocean's bed was dug by King Sagar, one of the greatest kings of Suryavansha in the Satya Yuga, who was an ancestor to King Dasharath and Lord Rama. Therefore Vibhishana also refers to the deity presiding over the ocean as a forefather of Rama.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

47th & 48th Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai:
taba lagi hrdaya° basata khala nånå,lobha moha macchara mada månå||
jaba lagi ura na basata raghunåthå,dhare° cåpa såyaka kati bhåthå||1||
mamatå taruna tami a°dhiåri, råga dvesa uluka sukhakåri||
taba lagi basati jiva mana måhi°, jaba lagi prabhu pratåpa rabi nåhi°||2||
aba mai kusala mite bhaya bhåre,dekhi råma pada kamala tumhåre||
tumha krpåla jå para anukulå,tåhi na byåpa tribidha bhava sulå||3||
mai nisicara ati adhama subhåu,subha åcaranu kinha nahi kåu||
jåsu rupa muni dhyåna na åvå,tehi prabhu harasi hrdaya° mohi låvå||4||



Lord Rama Dwells in our Heart & Dispels Vices

“Greed, infatuation, envy, intoxication, pride and several other vices can reside in our heart as long as the Lord of the Raghus does not dwell there, carrying a bow and arrow along with a quiver fastened at His waist. Attachment is just like a pitch dark night which imparts joy to the owls of love and hatred.It (the night of attachment) abides in the heart of a living being until the sun of Your glory does not rise there."


Lotus Feet of Lord Rama

"Having had darshan of your lotus feet, oh Lord Rama, I am fine now and my grave fears have vanished. Oh merciful One!The three kinds of worldly tortures (spiritual, occurring by chance and materialistic) do not have any effect on him who enjoys Your favour,Oh merciful Lord! I am the most wicked of demons and have never done any good deed. The One whose form can not come to the mind of even sages, being pleased that Lord has hugged me to his heart Himself.”
 
Doha:47
ahobhågya mama amita ati råma krpå sukha pumja|
dekheu° nayana biramci siva sebya jugala pada kamja||47||



Lord Shiva & Brahma, the Creator

“Oh Lord Rama, the repository of mercy and bliss! I am extremely fortunate to have seen the pair of lotus feet which are adulated by Brahma and Shiva as well.”
 
Chaupai:
sunahu sakhå nija kahau° subhåu,jåna bhusumdi sambhu girijåu||
jau° nara hoi caråcara drohi,åvai sabhaya sarana taki mohi||1||
taji mada moha kapata chala nånå,karau° sadya tehi sådhu samånå||
janani janaka bamdhu suta dårå,tanu dhanu bhavana suhrda parivårå||2||
saba kai mamatå tåga batori,mama pada manahi bå°dha bari dori||
samadarasi icchå kachu nåhi,° harasa soka bhaya nahi mana måhi°||3||
asa sajjana mama ura basa kaise°, lobh hrdaya° basai dhanu jaise° ||
tumha sårikhe samta priya more°, dharau°deha nahi åna nihore°||4||


Lord Shiva & Parvati, His Consort

(Lord Rama said) "Listen, my friend! I am going to reveal my nature which is known to Lord Shiva and Parvati as well as


Kak Bhushundi Singing the Glories of Lord Rama

Kak Bhushundi. Even if any man who has been absolutely hostile to the entire animate and inanimate world, is terrified and comes seeking my protection after discarding intoxication and infatuation,and such other deceitful acts, I speedily make him very much like a saint.



Lord Rama Incarnates for Saints

Gathering the threads of affection which bind a man to his mother, father,brother, son, wife, body, wealth, house, friends and family and twisting it into a string, when he attaches his mind to my feet through this act (makes me the centre point of all personal relationships in this mundane world); the one who is impartial, has no desire and whose mind is stripped of joy, grief and fear. Such a noble person dwells in My heart just as wealth abides in the heart of a greedy person. Only saints of your kind are dear to Me. I do not incarnate for the sake of obliging (being grateful to) anyone else.

Doha: 48
saguna upåsaka parahita nirata niti drRha nema|
te nara pråna samåna mama jinha ke° dvija pada prema||48||


A Devout Brahmin
Those who are devotees worshipping my virtuous (incarnate form), are busy working for the good of others, firmly follow ethics and conventional norms, and those who love the feet of brahmins, are dear to me like My own life.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

45th & 46th Dohas of Sunderkand

Chaupai:
sådara tehi åge° kari bånara,cale jahå° raghupati karunåkara||
durihi te dekhe dvau bhråtå,nayanånamda dåna ke dåtå||1||
bahuri råma chabidhåma biloki,raheu thatuki ekataka pala roki||
bhuja pralamba kamjåruna locana,syåmala gåta pranata bhaya mocana||2||
simgha kamdha åyata ura sohå,ånana amita madana mana mohå||
nayana nira pulakita ati gåtå,mana dhari dhira kahi mrdu båtå||3||
nåtha dasånana kara mai bhråtå,nisicara bamsa janama suratråtå||
sahaja påpapriya tåmasa dehå,jathå ulukahi tama para nehå||4||


Vibhishana Sees Lord Rama & Lakshmana

Respectfully positing Vibhishana in front, the monkeys proceeded again to where the all-compassionate Lord of the Raghus was.Vibhishana sighted the two brothers who were delightful to the eyes (giving happiness) from a distance.Soon after, he beheld Lord Rama, the abode of graceful beauty. Spellbound, he stopped blinking and gazed fixedly at the Lord.


Lord Rama, the Supreme Being

The Supreme Being had exceptionally long arms, eyes resembling the red lotus and he had a dark-hued body to destroy the fear of refugees. His shoulders were like a lion's and he had a broad chest which exuded great charm. He had a face which could infatuate countless Kamdevs (Cupid, god of love)

Seeing the svarupa of God, tears of love flooded Vibhishana's eyes and his body was ecstatic.Thereafter mustering courage, he spoke gentle words, “Oh Lord! I am the brother of the ten-headed Ravana.Oh protector of the gods, I have taken birth in the race of demons!I have a body characterised by the trait of tamas (malevolence and ignorance) and I have a natural liking for sins just as an owl is fond of darkness. "

Doha:45
sravana sujasu suni åyau°prabhu bhamjana bhava bhira|
tråhi tråhi årati harana sarana sukhada raghubira||45||

"I have come on hearing of your great renown with my own ears, that You my Lord are the annihilator of the fear of rebirth (cycle of birth and death) in this world.Save me, do save me! Oh Hero of the Raghus, who dispels the sorrows of the distressed and grants delight to those who take refuge in you!" (45)
 
Chaupai:
asa kahi karata damdavata dekhå,turata uthe prabhu harasa biseså||
dina bacana suni prabhu mana bhåvå,bhuja bisåla gahi hrdaya° lagåvå||1||
anuja sahita mili dhiga baithåri,bole bacana bhagata bhayahåri||
kahu lamkesa sahita parivårå,kusala kuthahara båsa tumhårå||2||
khala mamdali ° basahu dinu råti,sakhå dharama nibahai kehi bhå°ti||
mai jånau° tumhåri saba riti,ati naya nipuna na bhåva aniti||3||
baru bhala båsa naraka kara tåtå,dusta samga jani dei bidhåtå||
aba pada dekhi kusala raghuråyå, jau° tumha kinhi jåni jana dåyå||4||


Lord Rama & Lakshmana

When the Lord saw him prostrating after uttering these words, He got up joyously in an instant.The Lord was very pleased to hear the humble words of Vibhishana. Holding him with his long arms, He hugged him to his heart.Meeting him along with Lakshmana, his younger brother, and making him sit by his side,Lord Rama spoke words which dispel the fear of His devotees.

“Tell me, Oh Lankesh, if all is well with you and your family since you reside in such vicious surroundings. Day in and day out you live amidst factions of evil people. (In such a state) My friend how do you manage your religious obligations? I very well know of all your ways (virtuous conduct). You are extremely adept in ethics and do not approve of any injustice. Oh dear, it is far better to live in hell but may the Creator never give us company of the wicked!"


Vibhishana Falls At Lord Rama's Feet

(Vibhishana clarified) “ Oh Lord of the Raghus! I am fine now after having had darshan (seeing) of your feet. You have had mercy on me on knowing me to be your servant. "
 
Doha: 46
taba lagi kusala na jiva kahu° sapanehu° mana bisråma|
jaba lagi bhajata na råma kahu° soka dhåma taji kåma||46||


Lord Rama

"There can be no happiness for a living being and neither can his mind be at peace even in his dreams unless he renounces lust (sensual enjoyment) which is the abode of sorrow, and worships Lord Rama."

Shri Radhashtami: 15th September, 2010


Shri Radha Rani


Shri Radha descended in Barsana, a village situated between Goverdhan and Nandgaon in India, for the sake of Her devotees and Lord Krishna's pleasure, some 5000 years ago.Shri Radhashtami, the most revered occasion for the people of Barsana, its celebration begins with chanting of the leelas of Sri Radha with thousands of padas being sung in Her honour.


 Sriji Temple in Barsana

The festive occasion is observed 15 days after Janmashtami of Lord Krishna, on the sacred eighth day of the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar.Sri Radha was born in Barsana, a suburb of Mathura, as the daughter of Vrashabhanu and Kirti. A wave of rejoicing swept the place on Her incarnation.

Celebration:
Though Radhastami is on 15th September, 2010, this year, the kirtan will be held on Tuesday night of 14th September because the abhishek (ceremonial bathing of an idol) of Kishoriji is at 4 am, just before sunrise.During revered Bobo's time span everyone used to celebrate Radhashtami with joyous abandon in Barsana, including Manohar Bhaiya.They would do jaagran (keep awake and sing devotional songs) for the entire night and have darshan of Radha Rani's abhishek in the temple of Sriji, next morning.


Devotees Throng the Sriji Temple in Barsana

When a group of bhaktas merrily took the chaav (baskets loaded with sweets and fruits were taken to Sriji Temple for celebrating Radha Rani's birth), 


Revered Bobo & Sushila Bahenji


revered Bobo and Sushila Bahenji would be overjoyed.Bobo would enthusiastically show everyone from the window of the 'Peeli Kothi'(where they stayed while in Barsana) and exult, “Just look, the chaav is going!” Kishoriji was very dear to her, therefore Usha Bahenji always insisted, “Make it a practice of coming to Vrindavan on every Radhashtami and Holi.”



Radha Rani Ki Jai!

Shri Radha Rani
As Krishna is the source of all manifestations of God, Sri Radha His consort is the source of all shaktis or feminine manifestations of cosmic energy. She is thus the supreme deity in the Gaudiya tradition, for it is said that She controls Krishna with Her love and that perfect spiritual life is unattainable without Her grace.



Shri Lakshmi-Vishnu Incarnate as Shri Radha-Krishna

Radha is foremost of the gopis and is able to please Krishna with little more than a glance. Other interpretations reveal, just as Vishnu appeared in the incarnation of the human hero Krishna to save the earth, His consort Laxmi came with Him in the incarnation of Radha.



Jayadeva's Gita Govinda


In the divine lyrics of ‘Gita Govinda’ by Jayadeva, she is exalted as Krishna’s hladini shakti or blissful energy. In this position it is Radha who is the principal idol of devotion and the symbol of divine love. There is no greater symbol to denote the longing of the soul in its quest for the divine than the characterization of Sri Radha.




Shringara Bhakti

Shringara Bhakti whether of the Pushti Margis or the Gaudiyas is suffused with madhurya, the key to understanding and celebrating the love of Shri Radha-Krishna and in doing so get a glimpse of one’s own transcendental self. As madhurya translates into ananda comes the realization that everyone is ultimately a nayika searching for Krishna.

Sites in Braj Bhoomi Centred Around Radha Rani
 
Rawal:

Lord Krishna and Sri Radha are in essence a single entity who manifest as two distinct individuals for the sake of interpersonal romantic exchange.Braj’s highly revered Shri Usha Bahenji throws light on the pivotal concept of madhurya or sweet love, taking us to the very heart of the love of Radha and Krishna.

Shri Radha in Her Lalan (child) Form, Rawal

Rawal is the only place in the world where Shri Radha is worshipped in Her Lalan (child) form. 

 Raja Suchendra born as Vrashbhanu, the cowherd in Braj and his wife Kalavati born as Kirtida, the cowherdess, in Vrashbhanupur were blessed with Shri Radha as their daughter. The site of her manifestation is famed as Rawal with a temple on the banks of the Yamuna citing this miracle. Born at her grandparents’ house, she later came to Vrashbhanupur. 

 
Vrashbhanu Baba Spotted Shri Radha Lying in an Open Lotus


Baba Vrashbhanu came to Vrashbhanu Sarovar on ashtami of the Bhadra month and spotted a small girl atop a lotus flower, swimming in the pond and attracting his gaze. It is said she was Sri Radha Herself.

Shri Radha Kund and Shri Krishna Kund
Shri Radha and Krishna Kunds absolve all sins and bless us with the worship of Lord Krishna.Just as Shri Radhaji is the supreme beloved of Lord Krishna, the pond is extremely dear to her.

The Puranas authenticate their appearance.Actually these kunds arose from Gaulok where Lord Krishna and Shri Radha reside in its enchanting nikunjas amidst the loving service of their sakhis. All of a sudden overcome by Shri Radha Bhava, Krishna assumed that he was Radha.

Shri Krishna Kund:

  Shri Krishna Kund

 Shri Radha, the female Godhead, bathes here daily. The site is extremely dear to her; very much like she is the most beloved of Lord Krishna. To its north is Madhu Manglananda Kund which is shaped by Shri Lalitaji. To its north-east is Ujvala Nanda Kund belonging to Ujvala Sakha and adorned by Vishakaji.

Shri Radha Kund:

Shri Radha Kund, Barsana

Close to Krishna Kund, Shri Radhikaji inaugurated this kund by embracing Shri Krishna.By bathing in Shri Radha and Sri Krishna Kunds one is freed from the grave sins of killing Brahma, cows and men thus attaining the fruits of Rajsuya and Ashvamegha sacrifices.

Shri Radha-Krishna Temple:

 Deities of Shri Radha-Krishna


Bathing in the kunds, sighting Kundeshwar Bhagwan Shankar and worshipping Shri Radha-Krishna one fulfills all desires. Goswami Vithal Nathji handed over the service of the twin idols to Baba Gopaldas. Deities of Shri Radha-Krishna are resplendent in this temple.

Nauka Leela in Mansi Ganga


Nauka Leela


Lord Krishna and his beloved Sri Radha were keen for boating. Ferrying the boat in Mansi Ganga, the Lord rocked it purposely and Priyaji clung to him in fear. The incidence led to an unprecedented dalliance with the Lord captivated by his beloved Sri Radha. Sri Ganga, a witness to these amorous frolics, destroys all earthly shortcomings and blesses us with the worship of Lord Krishna.

Vrashbhanupur or  Barsana
Nature reflects the delights of Paradise onto the environs; with the peacocks dancing in ecstasy and birds singing passionately. The site is extremely dear to the Vaishnavas since it weaves the divine play, the mazes and mysteries of Shri Radha-Krishna romantic dalliances in its womb.


Baby Radha's Tinkling Anklets


Now doting mother Kirtida and Vrashbhanu Baba are delighted by Shri Radha’s prattle, the tinkling of her anklets, the sweet sound of her dangling earrings as she roams in their courtyard and now she is the Godhead in female form, with Nandnandan, her male counterpart, who rules her heart. Several times Shri Radha interacts with her sakhis and at times bursts out laughing. At times she waves the anchal of her saree and attracted by the glittering work on her lehenga is delighted.

The denizens of Braj dote on her and child Radha is radiant as she cuddles in the lap of her parents. Shri Krishna often ventures from Nandgaon to Vrashbhanupur, Kirtidaji fusses over him and soon enough both Shri Radha-Krishna are engrossed in love sports. Vrashbhanupur resonates with the innocent prattle of Shri Radha and on growing up she romantically dallies with the beloved son of Nanda in Gaharvan, Sankrikhor, Vilasgarh, Mangarh, Dangarh and other sites.

Shri Radha-Krishna Darshan


Shri Radha-Krishna


The love of Shri Radha-Krishna is renowned the world over. Shri Vrashbhanuji and Kirtidaji coupled with Nand Baba and Yashodaji always participate in this divine tale. Rasikas (persons moved by passionate religious devotion) have expressed Sri Radha-Krishna as one soul and two bodies with Shri Radha being compared to the moon beams and Shri Krishna to the moon.

Enraptured, the two of them meet daily. Sometimes Kishoriji ventures to Nandgaon and at times Shr Krishna arrives at Vrashbhanupur. Once innocently Shri Radha requested her beloved Shri Krishna to stay on with her at her father’s town which would make the place lovable. Unable to refuse, he gladly accepted her entreaty. The temple is resplendent with the idols of Shri Radha-Krishna. 


Gahvar Van

Gahvar Van


Gahvar Van as the name indicates is a dense forest. It is the idyllic landscape for the romantic escapades of Sri Radha-Krishna, the longing of the gopikas, and the unfolding of their madhurya or sweet love. Dearly loved by Sri Radha, a site where gopikas giggle with their tinkling anklets as they wander around the trees. Highly revered Ushaji Bahinji visited the place, expressing the ambience beautifully.


Sakhis Want to See Radha-Krishna Joyous in Love


Shri Hit Harivanshji Maharaj said that if Sri Radha is graceful in love’s fulfillment and dignified in love’s separation the sakhi is the love messenger. The sakhis’ sole concern is to see Shri Radha-Krishna united and joyous in love. Till date these divine dalliances are prevalent in Gahvar Van. Only the very fortunate of devotees are able to sight them.

Mayur Kuti:

Mayur Kuti


Located in the upper segment of Brahmachal Mount, the Mayur Kuti is an enchanting site. Belonging and longing are essential parts of madhurya rasa. Shri Radha-Krishna who are in essence a single entity can not even dream of separating for a moment. Even so at times Shri Radha is somewhat offended and Lord Krishna has a tough time placating Her.


Dark-hued Krishna Acquired the Form of a Peacock


He came up with a new gimmick and acquiring the form of a peacock danced ecstatically in front of her. She could not make out it was the Lord and forgot her pride. In glee she called out ‘Mor Mor’ which also means ‘Mera’ in the Braj dialect. Hearing this Shri Krishna came close to Her and assuming His original form, exulted that He was Hers forever.

Mangarh

 Maan Mandir, Mangarh

 Reaching the zenith of love is easily attainable for the innocent Braj Gopikas and Sri Radha, their swamini or devotional ideal, because of their selfless devotion. The gopikas can not possibly think of self gratification, eternally striving for the Lord’s joy but distraught at times by his disappearance.


Lord Krishna Appeasing a Sulking Radha Rani


Once Sri Radha sulked when Shri Krishna did not turn up even after an assurance that he would. He tried hard to appease her but in vain. The sakhis strived to placate her but it was of no use. Finally Shri Krishna in connivance with the sakhis, disguised as one of them came close to Sri Radha. Observing a new sakhi she was amused and began questioning her. The moment she knew that the sakhi was adept at singing she gave her a warm hug. The touch enlightened Sri Radha that it was the Lord himself and she cooled down.

Shri Radha Sarovar:

 Shri Radha Sarovar, Barsana


 Kishori Shri Radhika along with her sakhis used to frolic with water in this pond, resulting in its name. A fascinating place it gratifies all deities and grants moksha or salvation in all the three worlds.

Vilas Garh:


Vilas Garh, Barsana


Vilas Garh is a site of Shri Krishna’s romantic dalliance with the gopis. As Sri Radha and Lord Krishna’ sole purpose is to engage in a loving exchange the gopis, considered the kaya-vyuha (replications) of Shri Radha assist them in the love-play in these isolated nikunjas. Sri Radha feels that her love for Krishna can always expand to greater heights and therefore manifests herself as the many gopis of Braj.

Once all of a sudden, Shri Krishna with his beloved Sri Radha came to this isolated bower where the pathos of their longing and the pleasure of belonging converged. When the Braj cowherdesses came by they saw the duo’s dishevelled appearance, ruffled hair, loose necklaces, clothes out of place, musky spots on their bodies and faces awash with langour. Situated on Mount Vishnu the site recounts their passionate love.

Vrashbhanu Sarovar:


Vrashbhanu Sarovar


Expiating all sins, the site was created by Gopraj Vrashbhanu. His daughter Sri Radha and Shri Krishna dearly loved the place. Frolicking here, the two of them were often enchanted with each other as they sported in its waters. Situated in the east of Barsana is Vrashbhanu Sarovar.


 Radha Rani was Found Cradled in a Lotus Flower

 It is believed that when Vrashbhanu Baba in the month of Bhadra on the eighth day of Shuklapaksh came here; he spotted a small girl cradled in a lotus flower floating in this sarovar. Baba got her to the palace; she was Sri Radha, the Godhead in female form.

Chaksauli:

 Chitra Sakhi Darshan, Chaksauli Barsana

The gopikas expert at doing shringara, beautifully adorned Sri Radha for a dalliance with the Lord and brought her here. It is the village of Chitra Sakhi, adjacent to Sankri Khor.

Mayur Sarovar:


Mayur Sarovar


Showing the path to the three worlds the site blesses us with moksha or salvation. The dancing of peacocks is very dear to Shri Chitraji who ventures here daily. Flocks of peacocks inevitably swarm the place surrounding her as she plays with them at times. Loitering around, occasionally Sri-Radha Krishna arrive and are welcomed by the peacocks’ delighted cries. Forever dancing in ecstasy the birds go to Sri Radha and at times hover around Shri Krishna. Shri Chitraji is joyous on observing their madhurya.

Mukta Kund:
Shri Krishna and Sri Radha had an amusing argument once. Whereas Lord Krishna is the God of the entire universe, his most beloved Sri Radha is the embodiment of Shakti and the gratifier of his love. During this dispute Sri Radha sowed some pearls in a field and they blossomed. Both the lover and his beloved adorned themselves with these gems, an outward expression of their love-play which resulted in its name.

Sunehra Gram (Swaran Haar) and Kadamba Khandi:

Shri Vallabhacharyaji also ventured to the golden mountain and the ethereal Kadamba Khandi, a site of Raas abounding with swings and an expanse of water. This isolated place of Raas is surrounded by kadamba trees wherein its cool environs incapacitate the sweltering heat.


Kadamba Khandi


The trees form a sort of canopy beneath which Sri Radha-Krishna fix their tryst. The Ratan Kund is nearby. Sunehra Gram is the birthplace of both the sakhis, Sudevi and Rangdevi. Sudevi is adept at applying mahavar on Shri Radha’s feet and Rangdevi is skilled at decking Shri Radha’s hair with veni or a string of flowers.

Dabharo:
Love has a unique trait. The pathos of separation though very painful somehow enlightens the mind. Forgetting the self in belonging, sometimes leads to separation. Shri Krishna who daily undergoes the pathos of longing and the pleasure of belonging was ecstatic and turned dewy-eyed on spotting his beloved, Sri Radha, as he gave her a divine glance.

Anjnauk (Anjan Van):

Shri Radha Rani with  Parrot Vischan

What delights the Lord is unique, an eternal desire for a romantic dalliance. His love refuses to get into any saintly straitjacket. One day sitting in her chamber, Shri Radha was doing shringara. A parrot named Vichshan narrated the scenario to Shri Krishna. Suddenly an idea struck the Lord and taking out the flute from his waistband he began to play it melodiously. The sound of the flute which is the breath of their love; drew Shri Radha and her sakhis and they headed to this forest.

Making Shri Radha sit on the front boulder, He absorbed her ravishing beauty. Seeing her eyes not darkened enough, he applied collyrium and purposely smeared it right upto the eyebrows. Soon after with a mirror he went upto her and holding her hand, wiped it neatly to make up for his error. He repeated this incidence several times which led to an unprecedented dalliance. The sakhis planned to shower them with flowers and after plucking them savoured their romantic escapade. Renowned as Anjnauk (Anjan Van) it recounts those delightful endeavours.

Prem Sarovar:

 Prem Sarovar


 Whatever the Lord does pleases Shri Radha and he does whatever she fancies. Saying so, Shri Manmahaprabhu Hit Harivanshji has thrown light on the subject.This is the same Prem Sarovar where Shri Radha-Krishna and their kaya-vyuha gopikas have savoured several charming episodes of divinity. Beneath the canopy of fragrant kadamba trees they are engaged in talk, as they fix their tryst. During the rainy season this site comes to life with the merriment of swings and at times resounds with the sound of tinkling anklets.

Raas Mandal


Raas Mandala


I salute you hey Raas Mandala made for the Lord's pleasure! If there is one aspect to Shri Krishna’s enigmatic persona which distinguishes him from all other deities it is his leela. This divine play which is both real and illusionary makes him both human and divine at the same time. Delighting in play, he endears himself and brings delight to all his devotees.

Who can possibly describe the good fortune of Braj Bhoomi where every site has been touched by the feet of Shri Radha- Krishna and their group of sakhis, thereby making it even highly honoured for saints. Raas Mandala has a distinct significance since it weaves the lovable escapades of the Lord and his beloved.

Hindola Sthal


Hindola Sthal


The Jhoolna Utsav in Shravan enhances the beauty of Braj.Herein is an excerpt from revered Usha Bahinji’s experience from a Jhoolna incidence. Sri Radha arrived to swing at the Prem Sarovar where a dark-complexioned sakhi was already present. Sighting her, the sakhi was delighted and the two of them began conversing as they enjoyed the swings. Shri Radha asked the sakhis to swing her and this new friend. With the rocking of the swing the new sakhi’s anchal slipped and Sri Radha was stunned on sighting her body, it was none other than Lord Krishna himself. The environs of this site are bathed with such delightful memories.

Vihval Van


Vihval Van


The nature of love is strange. Sometimes overwhelming restlessness makes us experience the pathos of longing even on being close to one’s beloved. Once sitting in a garden of Vihval Kund, Shri Krishna was anxiously waiting for Sri Radha. A mynah began singing her glories which further aggravated his longing. When soft-hearted sakha Subal came to know of this scenario, he figured out a way for their divine rendezvous. Soon after, moving the creepers in front, Sri Radha arrived with her sakhis. The Lord was delighted but his yearning knew no bounds. Even on being so near to his beloved, he was unable to savour the proximity. This led to the place being named Vihval which means restless.