Shri Venu Geet: Introduction (Lord Krishna Plays the Flute Song During Sharad Purnima)

The Song of Lord Krishna's Flute Play

The Venu Geet or Song of Lord Krishna's Flute Play is a compilation of 20 shlokas in the twenty-first chapter of the tenth canto in Shrimad Bhagwatam. Shri Manohar Baba's moving commentary on Venu Geet in 'Prem Rasamrit Dhara' helps us imbibe the essence of Krishna's message given by the song of His flute play.

Gopis Long to See Krishna When He Returns Home with the Cows

Herein Krishna is revealed as the Supreme Lover towards whom the enraptured village girls with whom He sported in his youth are passionately drawn. The gopis have known Krishna as a child and watched Him grow up and go with the other gopas to graze the soft-eyed cows that were the wealth of their small village. They have waited for Him to return in the evening at the hour of cowdust, playing the flute as he approached.

Krishna Celebrates Nature in Her Most Glorious State

The first five verses of Venu Geet glorify the autumnal month of Kartik. That supreme moment of Krishna's manifestation as human lover and divine incarnate is experienced through a celebration of nature in her most glorious state, in that magical time of the year which comes with Sharad Ritu, the autumnal season. That is when the skies are cleared of heavy black clouds, the waters flow clear and sweet, the air is luminous, and the whole of earth rejoices on being cleansed.

Krishna Breathes Music Into His Flute

In this enchanted season Krishna picks up His flute and breathes music into it. The magical sound fills the gopis with intoxication, peacocks dance, animal stand still entranced, the cows stop grazing. In this state of innocence all the elements of nature are perceived as living, sentient beings: the earth is blessed because Krishna has chosen to walk on her, the bamboo trees are proud that Krishna has chosen them for His music.All of them are filled with one bhava which pervades the atmosphere that of ecstatic devotion or shringara bhakti.

The Supreme Lover Krishna, Enters Vrindavana & the Gopis' Hearts

The gopis see Krishna entering the forest of Vrindavan accompanied by His friends wearing a peacock crown and golden garments, in verse 5 of the Venu Geet. He is adorned with flowers in His ears and a forest garland around His neck. Filling the holes of His flute with the nectar of His lips, His entrance is not only into the beautiful forest of Vrindavan, but into the hearts of the gopis.

Gopis Sing the Glories of Krishna's Flute

In the next 14 verses of Venu Geet, the gopis sing the glories of Krishna's flute.The flute in the hands of Krishna is more than a musical instrument. It is the breath of love and a call to eternity. It is the sound of the flute that attracts the cows and draws the gopis, the milkmaids of Vrindavan, out of their homes for a romantic dalliance with Krishna.

The Milkmaids are Jealous of Krishna's Flute

The gopis exclaim in verse 9 of Gopi Geet, “What act of great merit hath this flute performed in consequence of which it is drinking the nectar from the lips of Krishna without leaving the smallest particle for the gopis, the rightful enjoyers of it? What ! Is this more loved even than us, that night and day Krishna continues holding it?...Why did not the lord of Vraja make us flutes so that night and day we had remained with Hari Krishna.” As they stepped into youth, the gopis became intensely desirous of having Krishna's attentions for themselves alone.

Dark-Hued Krishna is Seen as the Object of Longing

When Shri Krishna plays the flute a second time, the enlightenment of the gopis is five-fold. Firstly it is absolute renunciation. When the gopis hear even a single note, they know no other loyalty but to find Krishna even when they know that hH is as capricious as the inconstant bee. Hearing the music, the gopis abruptly abandon husbands, children, calves, dinner on the stove to run to him. Heedless of their reputation, the adoration of the village women brings them into the dark forest. Krishna rebukes them and asks them to return to their duties back home.

Gopis Realize that Krishna is Human & Yet Divine

The second step is acquiring knowledge or sankhya. On an autumnal night when Krishna dances with them, He realizes that conceit and pride has affected the gopis' love for Him, and He vanishes.With Krishna's disappearance, the gopis experience a depth of despair that carves a new dimension in their love; the gopis learn that Krishna is very much in and of this world yet He is above it, He is human and yet divine.

Soon After, Krishna is Forced to Reappear Before the Gopis

Thirdly when Krishna reappears before the gopis and answers their questions on the different kind of love, He prepares the milkmaids for a love of selfless devotion. “ Your devotion for Me has increased now when you went through the agony of losing Me for a while.” Strangely enough, the gopis find themselves cleansed of their sensual desire for Krishna-as much as the hills and rivers and skies have been cleansed after the rain.

The Progression of the Gopis into Complete Absorption in the Joy of Krishna

Yoga or meditation is the fourth step of enlightenment; a delicately decisive moment in the progression of the gopis towards union with their Lord. No longer in search of satisfaction of their lust alone, stripped of pride and conceit, they urge one another into complete absorption in the joy of Krishna that does not require His human presence.

The Gopis' Devotion Transforms into Perfected Devotion

Finally the cowherdesses' bhakti transforms into parabhakti or perfected devotion. Aching with separation, they begin to know the Krishna that abides in their hearts when they sing His praise and dwells in their longing for Him. They have begun to know their friend not as a separate singular god-like body, but mystically visualize Him as the world around them. And they instinctively renounce the desire for liberation and enlightenment, as well.

Having Imbibed the Essence of His Flute Play, the Gopis Constantly Love Krishna

Having imbibed the essence of His flute play, the milkmaids love Krishna constantly, freely, without purpose. While milking cows, draining curds, washing clothes on riverbanks, they gather in clusters at night to sing the dark God's glories.

Chapter 50: Boboji Gains Entry Into The Eternal Nikuna– 4

A State of Utmost Sanctity And Childlike Behaviour

Revered Bobo In A Trance

Bobo's mind had completely turned inwards to the soul. Apparently she would not contribute to any task in particular.Least interested in taking meals, she had become very much like a child.

Vijay Bhaiya

Vijay would often get a chance to gather her fondness and parental affection by staying in her proximity for hours at a stretch.He would feed her a morsel of food with a spoon and cajole her to take medicines as well as milk . Thankfully she would listen to his loving insistence.

The Madhuri of Handsome Krishna

Bobo constantly relished the sweetness of handsome Krishna.Everything appeared dull compared to that infinite delight.Very rarely she would say something to anyone.Repeatedly she had to be brought from her trance like state to the temporal world and an effort had to be made for feeding her milk and liquids. At times she would willingly have a bite and many a time not even be conscious of swallowing.Often when the morsel was put in her mouth it would remain wide open.On persistent requests she would close her mouth and not open it sometimes. She had become indifferent to taste.

Despite her childlike mannerisms and naivety pointing inwards to her soul, the sequence of chanting the Lord's name and counting it on her fingers went on.

The Beauteous Forms of Shri Radha-Krishna

Her eyes were absorbed in relishing the beauteous forms of Radha-Krishna.Actually speaking her mind and disposition had become detached from all observances. Bobo would continue with japa out of practice.Acquiring the state of utmost sanctity she had utterly shrunk within herself.

Amavasya was on 3^rd February 1992 and the configuration of planets was fearsome.Well wishers who had come from Ambala had even consulted the doctor there.During this time span Dr.Nisha had arrived from Arunachal .Letters were constantly pouring in to inquire about Bobo's health. We got Shantanu and Poonam's letter from Jakarta (Indonesia) while Abay and Kalyani wrote from America. Basheshur Bhai from Chandigarh and Shri Shrish Bhaisaheb, Laxmi Bhaisaheb,Bahen Uma, Utma, Neelu, Manoj and many others corresponded.

At this end Bahen Indu wrote from Durgapur. Ever since childhood she had been trailing behind Bobo in school due to an unknown attraction. Everyone was moved by her uneasy, distraught and helpless feelings which were expressed. Anil, Mudit and others shifted here. Shri Lalit Bahenji and Chakrapaal Bhai Saheb would religiously come over every day and sometimes in the evening to ask about Bobo's health.

Shri Manohar Das ji, Venu Vinod Kunj

Shri Manohar Dasji,Shri Deviji, Manorma and others would stream in from Venu Vinod Kunj of Vrindavan. Meanwhile acquaintances of the colony and bahens of Baag Bundela as well as Barhi Kunj would incessantly pray for the recovery of Bobo.

All those who wished well did constant japa on Amavasya night. Bobo's physical agony aggravated but the night passed somehow.On seeing a bright morning everyone's worried and dejected faces hoped for the best.The days passed one by one as Bobo became mentally detached and turned inwards. She would not tell anyone a word and answer sparingly on being questioned.

Bobo (right) with Sushila Bahenji

On 6^th or 7^th February she wanted to say something when Sushila Bahenji asked (Vijay was also present) but kept quiet.Being assured that it would not be disclosed, she agreed to reveal the matter. Many a time she had easily borne ailments much more severe than this sickness and it seemed she would not go so soon.

“If the seva of Shri Thakurji is hindered due to ill health then this body will not last long,” this sentence of  Bobo's would jolt her followers at times.

Bobo Insisted That Dharam Bahenji Should Bid Her Farewell

Dharam Bahenji

Revered Usha Bahenjhi's physical ill health was becoming graver day by day. Bobo had particular affection for Dharam Bahenji who was greatly upset by her sickness. Shri Manohar Dasji had asked Bahenji to pray for Bobo's well being on the forbidding night of Amavasya and the crucial time had easily passed .Seeing Bobo's health deteriorate recently Dharamji was apprehensive. She began to do paath (recitation of a sacred text) again.This matter dates back to the first week of February 1992.

Towards the end of the second week Dharam Baheni was lying on her bed around two thirty – three at night. 

“Dharamji ! You must let me go as my task is over.The handsome Krishna is calling me. Let me leave,” she heard the voice of revered Bobo in that state of wakefulness.

Hearing this full sentence Dharam Bahenji was bewildered. She was scared of parting from Bobo and concerned about all her associates.

“No, no Bobo! What will come about your companions.At present they are engrossed in dedicated devotion. We will become orphans and get looted. I will not let you leave us,” responded Dharam Bahenji . 

With this utterance Dharam Bahenji was forlorn.

“You must not stop me,”Bobo appealed once more.

Handsome Lord Krishna

“You ought to let go of her. I am wanting to take her along. Her task is complete,”the solemn tone of handsome Krishna could be heard simultaneously.

“Who am I to stop her if you want to take her in your proximity?,” was Dharam Bahenji 's response.

” Well Bobo,'Goodbye-goodbye-goodbye,” reluctantly she gave in.

Wiping her streaming tears Dharam Bahenji stood up. 

“I merely kept hearing a sound but the conversation took place between dark-hued Krishna and Bobo for certain,” she had clarified later.

Shri Dharam Bahenji had got a clear indication of Bobo going into the proximity of Shyama-Shyam eight to ten days earlier but purposely narrated it on 21`st February, not wanting to make everyone depressed.

The cycle of destiny was in motion with the days passing by steadily.Not considering her pain to be a suffering, Bobo was bearing the agony happily.

The Vivid Perception of Shri Santoshji and Sarlaji

Revered Bobo's state of health had been grave since quite some time. On 14^th or 15^th February the bahens confirmed that Bobo was getting better and left.

Santosh Bahenji

Santosh Bahenji was preparing bhoga for her Thakurji when she saw Bobo rising upwards to a radiant mass of cosmic energy, the colour of the condensed sky.

Santosh Bahenji Saw Bobo Merging with Krishna

“Sarla! These women have affirmed that Ushaji is getting better but I can see her rising up to dissolve into the Absolute,” she said instantly, addressing Sarla Bahenji. 

Sarla Bahenji

“Yes! She is about to depart for certain,”soon after, Sarla Bahenji also affirmed

Roughly one and a half years after this incident Santosh Bahenji went to Venu Vinod Kunj to meet Shri Maharaj ji. 

 Shri Radha Baba of Gorakhpur

She had seen highly revered Radha Baba merge with God in the same manner. To hear that perception of hers Ghanshyam ji asked Bahenji and she instinctively narrated the entire event. Futhermore, she affirmed that the vision she had seen regarding the departure of Ushaji had been even more clear than this sight.

Chapter 48: Bobo's Ill Health (Bobo ji's Janam Utsav: 30th July, 2026)

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 2^nd 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 1^st 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

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Chapter 46: Journey to Mahavan-Gokul (Usha Bahenji's Janam Utsav: 30th July,2026)

 

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-`12^th 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