Tag Archive for: KrishnaPrema

Krishna Nectar Lila 47 – “A Bath of Tears”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
After waiting a moment (in his celestial time standard) Brahma returned to Vrndavana. He was totally astonished to see Krishna playing with the boys and calves just as before, even though a complete year had passed by earthly calculation. Greatly bewildered, Brahma thought, “Are these the same calves I stole? Or have some other calves appeared in their place? Actually it appears the calves that I stole are all illusory, and that these are the real calves.”
Brahma’s pride being crushed; he chastised himself for attempting to show off his paltry power before the unlimited potency of Lord Krishna, who mystifies the whole universe. Rather than bewildering the Lord, Brahma perplexed himself with his mystic force. This offensive act filled Lord Brahma with great remorse.
As Brahma gazed at the boys, he saw them as four-handed Visnu forms fully decorated with priceless ornaments, and holding the four symbols of the Lord (conch, lotus, club, disc). These forms embodied unlimited bliss and knowledge, and their combined effulgences surpassed the light of millions of suns and moons. Their bodily hairs stood erect in ecstasy, and the perspiration coming from their bodies resembled the globe-like universes rising from the pores of Lord Visnu.
All these Visnu forms of bluish hue wore yellow silken garments that glowed like lightning. They were bedecked with jeweled earrings, crowns, necklaces, armlets, and glittering golden bangles that jingled sweetly. Swarms of buzzing bees hovered above the fresh, tender tulasi garlands that hung to their thighs. The tiny tinkling bells suspended from their golden belts emitted delicate enticing sounds.
Then Brahma saw that space, the time factor, the three modes of material nature, the five elements, the seasons, the eight mystic perfections, the nine planets, the ten directions, the presiding deities of the senses, the fourteen Manus, and all the other aspects of material creation had been subjugated by the potency of the Lord. They had taken personal forms to worship the Lord. Those Visnu forms, whose transcendental bodies shone with beauty and opulence, blessed everyone with their compassionate sidelong glances.
One can perceive this truth only by the mercy of the Lord. Understanding Brahma’s bewilderment, Krishna at once removed the curtain of His Yogamaya. Then Brahma realized that Vasudeva is everything. And he immediately saw Vasudeva, the Absolute Truth, standing before him in Vrndavana as Krishna.
With a stick, flute, and buffalo horn tucked in the sash around His waist, and a lump of rice and yogurt in His hand, the Absolute Truth, Sri Krishna, was searching everywhere for the calves and His cowherd friends. The transcendental form of Krishna acts as a rasayana (life giving tonic) to all His friends.
After seeing this, Brahma hastily got down from his swan carrier and fell down before the Lord like a golden stick. He touched the lotus feet of Krishna with the tips of his four crowns, which appeared like the four golden peaks of Mt. Sumeru. The effulgence of the costly jewels on these crowns seemed to be running out to touch the lotus feet of the Lord.
The unlimited radiance of Krishna’s toe rings, however, neutralized that effulgence. Merely by the touch of Krishna’s splendid toenails, the effulgence of Brahma attained perfection. Offering his obeisances, Brahma bathed the feet of Krishna with his tears of joy.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 46 – “Balarama Baffled”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
Balarama, although happy to see the intense love shared between the cows and calves, felt doubtful about it since the calves had already grown up and stopped sucking milk from their mothers. He pondered, “Aha! How astonishing! My affection and that of all the Vrajavasis toward these boys and calves is increasing as never before. It perfectly resembles the love we all feel for Krishna, the Supersoul of every living entity.
This must be a display of the Lord’s inconceivable energy (acintya-sakti). Otherwise, how could I, the elder brother of that unborn Lord who wields the disc that destroys the illusory energy, become bewildered by some mystical display of maya? Therefore I will inquire from that crest-jewel of all mystics.”
Balarama continued, “Krishna, I am amazed! I have faith that You possess superior intelligence beyond My comprehension. Now I can see that You alone have manifested Yourself in the different forms of these calves and boys. They are none other than expansions of Your personal energy as four-armed Narayana forms. Please tell Me why You have done this?”
Honoring Balarama’s request, Yasodanandana satisfied Him by describing the pastime from beginning to end. No one can count the unlimited waves of Krishna’s blissful pastimes.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 45 – “Gau Vatsa Prema”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
As usual, the cowherd boys (now expansions of Krishna) danced gleefully to the captivating sound of Krishna’s flute. Their frolicking steps enriched Mother Earth with the quality of bliss. Whistling on their panpipes, they called their beloved calves and returned to Vrndavana. When they arrived home their mothers showered the same affection on them that they had previously shown to Krishna.
Overflowing with parental love, each mother felt unlimited joy upon seeing her son, who was none other than Krishna. Previously, the Vrajavasis had more affection for Krishna than for their own children. But now for one year they displayed ever-increasing affection toward their sons, the expanded forms of Krishna.
The cowherd boy expansions of Subala, Sridama, and others pleased their mothers with their usual activities of bathing, eating, and dressing. Unlike other days, however, on that day the boys did not describe the pastimes they had enjoyed with Krishna. The calves ran to their respective mothers who affectionately licked their bodies again and again merging in an unlimited ocean of bliss. Overwhelmed with parental love, the cows bellowed with deep loving voices and then slept with their calves.
When Krishna returned home, Nanda picked Him up, embraced Him, and placed Him on his lap. Nanda feared that his beard might scratch Krishna’s delicate face, which is softer than a lotus. Lifting up Krishna’s turban, Nanda Maharaja smelled His head and then affectionately kissed Him. Although enjoying the highest pleasure just by smelling his son’s head, Nanda cried when Krishna jumped off his lap to run to mother Yasoda, the perfect form of parental love. Yasoda lovingly fondled her son, massaged Him with fragrant oil, and bathed Him to remove the dust from grazing the calves. Then she dressed Krishna in fresh clothing and fed Him sumptuously. After satisfying her invincible son, who is the embodiment of eternity, Yasoda put Him to rest on a comfortable bed covered with a mattress as white as the foam of milk.
At sunrise the next day, Yasoda and the other mothers prepared their sons for going to the forest by carefully decorating them with different ornaments. After taking breakfast all the boys met Krishna in the courtyard of His house. Since He could not proceed to the forest without first pleasing His parents, Krishna allowed Nanda and Yasoda to caress Him to their heart’s content. Even then they insisted on accompanying Him to the edge of the forest. Collecting all His intimate friends and their calves, His own expansions, Krishna walked toward the forest.
Krishna took the cowherd boys and the calves to pasture near Govardhana Hill. When the cows that were already grazing on Govardhana Hill saw Krishna, they ran down the hill so fast that they appeared to be flying. Leaving their own calves and newborns behind, the cows displayed intense parental love toward Krishna and the calves accompanying Him. In reality, Krishna had expanded as all these calves.
Though trying, the cowherd men could not stop the cows with their sticks. Impelled by strong motherly affection, the cows mooed lovingly while smelling and licking these calves. They neither moved nor eat any grass. On the other hand, the boys could not restrain their calves. Neither the boys nor the cowherd men could separate the cows from those calves.
The cowherd men felt pain in their legs from running after the calves. Upon seeing their sons, however, the expanded forms of Krishna, they forgot all pains and immersed in an ocean of parental love. The cowherd men felt supremely blissful from embracing their tender sons, smelling their heads, and kissing them.
Placing them on their laps, they cried affectionately out of great joy and drenched their chests from the tears pouring from their eyes. Then with great difficulty and reluctance they gradually stopped embracing their sons and allowed them to return to Krishna.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 44 – “Abduction of the Sakhas”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
Due to his false ego, Brahma thought himself the supreme creator. But witnessing the awesome power of Krishna in killing Aghasura astounded him. He thought, “Krishna is the supreme controller of everything. Nevertheless, let me test His actual position.” As one becomes a laughing stock by trying to measure the ocean with a yardstick, or measuring the sky with a hand span, similarly, Brahma became a laughing stock by his foolish attempt to fathom the unlimited transcendental power of Krishna by purloining His calves.
Although similarities exist between Krishna and Brahma, or between a glowworm and the sun, the differences are vast. Both Brahma and Krishna have illusory energy, but Krishna alone enchants Brahma and the entire creation.
The gopas forgot all about the calves as they happily took prasada with Krishna. It appeared as if the gopas’ lips bathed in the radiance of their teeth as they joked and laughed. During this time Brahma stealthily stole their calves. After some time when the cowherd boys looked for the calves they could not find them. Feeling sad and helpless, they appealed to Krishna, who is greater than Lord Siva.
“O beloved friend! We cannot find any of our calves. It seems they have wandered far away being greedy to eat fresh grass. Let us enter the forest and search for them.” While listening, Krishna’s face looked more charming than a splendid full moon. Smiling compassionately, Krishna spoke to mitigate their fear, “My dear friends, do not stop eating. Just stay here. I shall personally find the calves and bring them to you.”
Krishna put down His food and went to collect the calves. He looked very attractive walking along with His flute, stick, and buffalo horn tucked in His dhoti. The wonderful effulgence of His body illuminated the entire forest. Although the area abounded with fresh grass, Krishna did not find hoof prints or any other sign of the calves even after searching in all directions.
Much to His surprise, when Krishna returned to the banks of the Yamuna He could not find any of His cowherd boyfriends. Though temporarily exhibiting a touch of bewilderment, Krishna displayed His omniscience by concluding that Brahma, the supreme creator of the material world, had succumbed to His illusory potency and stolen both the calves and His boyfriends. The all-knowing Lord then employed His spiritual energy to expand Himself into the exact forms of each one of the missing calves and boys. Krishna miraculously appeared with all of their attributes including their individual moods, mannerisms, dress, ornaments, and carrying sticks. Then playing His sweet flute Krishna gladly proceeded home to Vrndavana.
The Supreme Lord directly creates everything in this universe. He is the only cause and effect of all actions in this world. Nonetheless, the material world is full of Krishna’s variegated transcendental pastimes. Because the Supreme Lord is unique, wonderful, and inconceivable, the universe displays the same qualities.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 43 – ” Feasting with Friends”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
After saving the boys and calves from the mouth of Aghasura, death personified, Krishna, who is full of transcendental qualities, ordered His fortunate companions to gather the calves that had strayed away like meandering deer and follow Him back to Vrndavana. Krishna displayed intense love and affection toward His friends by tending calves and playing with them. To bestow His mercy upon the world Krishna performed many captivating pastimes in the mood of an ordinary boy.
The cowherd boys carried bundles of delicious food items, which their mothers had prepared in the morning, tied on sticks that rested on their shoulders. On the way home Krishna noticed an ideal spot for a forest picnic just beside the Yamuna. “Look, my friends,” said Krishna, “The birds are not flying here. It is a nice quiet place, pleasing to the eyes, and as comfortable as the lap of a mother. There are no footprints on the bank. Therefore it is a perfect picnic site. Let the calves graze nearby while we honor prasada.”
After hearing the statement of Krishna, who is the supreme transcendence and a marvelous person at the same time, the cowherd boys said, “You and I are the same. Since we feel hungry, You must also. So let us take prasada.” Krishna agreed, “Yes! What a splendid idea! Let us sit here and take prasada.”
A circle of tall green trees whose branches joined overhead to form a natural canopy shaded the picnic spot. The earth, as pure and white as powdered camphor, looked as though it had been washed with liquid silver. A gentle breeze, filled with droplets of water scented with the sweet smell of blossoming lotuses, cooled and refreshed the entire area. That peaceful wind felt soothing to the touch, and created a pleasing atmosphere along the bank of the Yamuna.
With His golden effulgence, attractive bluish complexion, and elegant yellow dress, Krishna looked like the whorl of a lotus surrounded by a thousand petals as He sat in the center, encircled by lines of cowherd boys. Krishna’s intimate friends sat nearest Him. They appeared like rays of the sun sitting in rows around the Lord. The innermost rays glowed with a reddish hue. As the rays moved further from the center they displayed a gradation of colors from orange to yellow, green, blue and violent. This rainbow-like display of colors looked attractive.
Although the boys sat at different distances from the Lord, they each felt that Krishna was looking directly at them when He glanced their way. This pastime confirms the words of the learned sages who claim that everywhere are the Lord’s eyes and faces as well as His arms and legs.
At that time Krishna said, “O My friends! Now please take all the foodstuffs off your carrying poles.” Their full tiffins emitted brilliant effulgences in all directions. The cowherd boys placed their prasada on flowers or leaves, on rocks, the bark of trees, or on their caddars.
Some held the prasada in the auspicious lines of their palms, and a few put it on their strongly built thighs. Other boys artistically arrayed their best prasada on leaf plates and affectionately offered it to Krishna.
As Krishna ate, He spoke sweet words that washed over His lips like a stream of nectar. Moving His hands in expressive mudras, Krishna took great pleasure entertaining the boys with witty words. They responded by telling funny jokes that filled Krishna with laughter. The blissful smiles on the lotus faces of the cowherd boys revealed the happiness of their hearts. Krishna’s warm personal dealings increased the affection felt by His boyfriends. The whole scene appeared breathtaking.
With a flute tucked tightly in His waist on the right side and a buffalo horn and cow-driving stick tucked on His left side, Krishna’s thin, perfectly shaped waist attracted the minds of everyone. Krishna ate some pickles with His right hand while holding a nice preparation of yogurt and rice in His left palm. With His hands moistened by these different foods Krishna looked magnificently beautiful.
Brahma, Siva, Indra and other denizens of heaven marveled at the extraordinary sight of Krishna eating with His friends in the forest.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 42 – “The Perfect Antidote”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
The cowherd boys appeared like they had just left the jaws of death. They felt completely relieved and happy to see the tender lotus face of the peaceful prince of Vraja, which looked more attractive than the rising sun. The transcendental deeds of the Lord completely eclipsed the glories of the sun. One after another the boys embraced Krishna while talking excitedly.
One boy said, “O Krishna! While we played that terrible demon devoured us, and knocked us out with a burning poison. How did You bring us back to life?” Krishna replied, “I am the perfect antidote to neutralize poison and also kill the poison giver. If a man smells this medicine, he will become joyful and relish it like the taste of honey. Even the dead will come back to life and enjoy sweet rasa if they smell this medicine.”
Krishna’s witty remarks increased the cowherd boys’ loving friendship for Him. Then the cowherd boys, the Lord’s eternal associates, enthusiastically embraced each other. Swelling with pride for his beloved friend, one boy said, “I told you before that Krishna would finish this demon, just as He had previously killed Bakasura.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 41 “Shiva & Dancing Skulls”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
Feeling like He had lost some precious jewels, Krishna cried piteously. He only thought how to kill the demon and save His devotees. Then Krishna, fully confident in His unlimited abilities, nonchalantly walked into the demon’s mouth. Seeing this, the demigods wailed in anguish, “Alas! Alas!” But Kamsa and other demoniac friends of Aghasura rejoiced by cheering, “Ha! Ha! Ha!” Upon hearing the distressed crying of the demigods, Krishna, the master of all mystic yogis, decided to finish the asura.
The heart of the snake shook in fear of his imminent destruction. Although adept in mystic illusions, the demon’s vast intelligence had now become bewildered by his false ego. He tried desperately to close his mouth but he could not. Because of Krishna’s superior mystic power, the snake lost all control over his movements and just sat with his mouth stuck open.
The snake felt Krishna to be a hot fiery spark burning his throat. A second later, Krishna expanded Himself within the throat of the snake until the demon’s body exploded like an over ripe green melon. Krishna’s transcendental body contains unlimited opulences of beauty and perfect action. His elegance rivals the rising moon and His compassion excels the comfort of soothing moonshine.
After killing that ugly demon Krishna revived His friends with the pleasant stream of nectar emanating from His beautiful transcendental form. Then He came out of the demon’s mouth with the cowherd boys and calves. As Krishna left the mouth of the demon, He appeared like the sun rising from behind a mountain. Wearing an attractive forest garland hanging to His knees, Krishna looked as gorgeous as a fresh blue rain cloud.
At that time everyone saw the spirit soul of the demon, more brilliant than hundreds of suns and moons, merge in the body of Krishna. Who can describe the merciful nature of the Lord? First the demon let Krishna enter his belly, and then Krishna allowed him to merge within His body.
Appreciating the wonderful glories of the Lord, Brahma, Siva, and other demigods offered prayers which sanctified the world as they echoed through the universe. Various drums such as bheris (kettledrums) and dundubhis, and other instruments reverberated in all directions. The wives of the Gandharvas and Vidyadharas sang joyously in high-pitched voices. As the wives of the Siddhas beat mrdangas, Urvasi and other heavenly nymphs danced ecstatically.
The best of the Kinnaras sang sweet melodies. Becoming deaf to all other vibrations, the celestial denizens submerged in the sound waves of that ocean of jubilation. Intoxicated with bliss, they showered flowers from Nanda-kanana on Krishna. What more can be said? The beat of Siva’s damru drum predominated everywhere.
In great euphoria, Lord Siva danced so wildly that he cracked the pot-like covering of the universe. As he danced, the crescent moon on his head poured a stream of nectar. When that nectar touched the skulls on Siva’s necklace, the skulls assumed bodies and danced joyfully with great skill. Astonished by this scene, the demigods exploded with uproarious laughter.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

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Just Living in Vrndavana Gives Prema

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Since one can practice bhakti anywhere, why does Srila Rupa Goswamipada stress physically living in Vrindavan, kuryad vasam vraje sada? (Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu 1.2.295)

Why, because Vraja Dhama has the inconceivable power to quickly manifest bhava bhakti within the heart of a non-offensive sadhaka residing there, duruha -adbhuta -virya -smin –shraddha- dure- panchake …bhava -janmane (Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu 1.2.238)

The word panchake above refers to the five most potent, result producing limbs of sadhana bhakti, namely nama- sankirtana, murti seva, sadhu- sanga, hearing Shrimad -Bhagavatam and living in Vrindavan. Not only will one attain bhava-bhakti by Vraja vasa but also Prema.

Mahaprabhu explains, “Of all sadhanas, these five limbs of bhakti are the best. Krishna prema will appear in the sadhaka by even a slight association (alpa -sanga) with them, sakala- sadhana -shreshtha -ei –pancha- anga, Krishna- prema– janmaya ei –panchera- alpa -sanga.” (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.22.128)

After reading this, the sadhakas living in Vrindavan may ask, “How is it then that I have not yet attained bhava, what to speak of Prema, even though I have lived in Vrindavan for 5, 10, 15 or 25 years?”

The answer is that there is a certain type of “how to” mood of residence in Vrindavan. Srila Narottama dasa Thakura describes it, “One should live in Vraja with anuraga which means a continuous mood of respect, love and loving attachment; while always desiring to be counted among Shrimati Radhika’s Sakhis and Manjaris, “vrajapure –anurage- vasa, sakhi- gana- gananate.” (Prema Bhakti Candrika 56).

If one does not have this mood, however, then he will invariably commit offences to the holy Dhama or the dhamavasis, and thus have to wait a long time to receive the promised bhava and prema. After one suffers for his aparadhas and deeply repents, then Shri Dhama will eventually forgive, and soon award bhava-bhakti to that sincere sadhaka.

Srila Sanatana Goswamipada reveals the matchless quality of Vraja vasa. While traveling on his spiritual odyssey, Gopa Kumara arrived in Dvaraka in the spiritual sky [not in Gujarat, India]. There he directly saw Krishna and interacted with Him in a very personal way. Nevertheless, Gopa Kumara still felt dissatisfied because there he could not find his coveted “Vraja bhava”.

Feeling compassion for him, Uddhava Mahashaya advised him to go to Gokula Vrindavan in the material world, saying, “When the saintly devotees see the empty forests, rivers, mountains and so on in earthly Vrindavan, they automatically get feelings of humility and love simultaneously. Overwhelmed, and their hearts intensely burning in separation, they loudly cry out “Alas! Alas!” as they search for their dearest Shri Krishna.” (Brihad Bhagavatamrita  2.5.242-243)

Upon arriving in this earthly Vraja, Gopa Kumara entered a similar emotional state which he describes here: “I came to Vraja and went to see the many places of Shri Krishna’s pastimes while singing my favorite names of Krishna. While loudly and sweetly singing about Krishna’s pastimes, I fixed my mind upon them. I attained such as state of ecstasy (bhava dasha), and became so emotional that it embarrasses me even to think of it. So how then can I describe this to anyone else?

“In this way, I passed many days and nights. However, I did not know whether my bhajana was bringing me immense joy or immense misery. Was I living in a forest fire or was I submerged in the cooling, sweet waters of Yamunaji? That I cannot say. Then one fine day while I was sitting in a Vraja nikunja doing my bhajana, I became immersed in an ocean of crying and fell unconscious.

“Suddenly dayalu- cuda- mani- Shyama appeared before me. With His cooling nectar hand, Shyama personally wiped the dust from my body. Then Madan Gopaladeva filled my nose with the most uncommon and enchanting fragrance of His divine body. I awoke from my swoon and stood up.

“Vraja Nagara Shyama artfully played a sweet tune on His murali, and before I even knew it, Shyama just disappeared in a kunja. Alas! Alas! I ran behind looking for Him. But Shyama had vanished and I collapsed on the ground!” (Brihad Bhagavatamrita 2.6.3-10)

Displaying a similar mood, Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswamipada prays in Stavavali: “When will I wander around Govardhana Hill, constantly crying out like a madman, ‘O Radhe! O Krishna!’ for my most beloved Priya Priyatama? Sometimes I will stumble and fall, and then get up again dancing, singing and crying. O when will the streams of my tears shower these transcendental playgrounds?”

By the mercy of Shri Guru and Shri Krishna, Raganugiya Sadhakas who live in Vraja practicing manjari-bhava-sadhana will someday also have a similar experience of seeing Krishna, then losing sight, and then seeing their playful Lord once again while participating in Shyama’s sport of hide and seek with His beloved Premika Bhaktas.

“O when, O when will that day be mine”, sei din kabe habe mor? Srila Narottama dasa Thakura prays, “When while absorbed in transcendental bliss in Vrajabhumi will I give up my body, and go to the joy-filled divine realm of Vrindavan, e- bhava- samsara- tyaji, parama-anande- maji, ara- kabe- brajabhume- jaba, sukhamaya- Vrindavan?” (Prarthana 26)

In his Goswami Astakam, Shrinivasa Acharya perfectly depicts the mood of the six Vrindavan -Goswamis, whom we are trying to follow in our present sadhaka forms (sadhaka- rupena): Greatly agitated and distressed—they wandered everywhere in Vrindavan crying out:

“O Radhe! O Vraja Devi! O Lalite! O Nandanandana! Where are You all now? Are You at Shri- Govardhanaji, or are You under the desire-trees on the bank of Yamunaji? Where are You?” (he- radhe- vraja- devike- ca- lalite, he- nanda- suno- kutah).”

To reside in Vrindavan means to experience this type of separation while performing one’s bhajana, which in essence is nothing more than crying…for mercy, for Prema, for seva and for the sweet Darshan of Radha- Govinda- Yugala. And this is exactly what Srila Narottama dasa Thakura means by saying one should live in Vraja with anuraga.

Without a doubt, the best example of living in Vraja with intense anuraga is seen in the lives and writings of Shri Rupa, Sanatana, and Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswamis. By always hearing/reading their anguished, heart-rending words of separation from Radha-Madhava, a fortunate sadhaka will continuously cry and cry until the waves in the river of his tears carry him along to the lotus feet of Priya Radha.

ONLY IN VRAJA

Regarding the uniqueness of living in Vraja Mandala, the Padma Purana (Patala-khanda) says, “Anyone who spends even one day in Mathura/Vrindavan will attain Hari-bhakti, aho- madhupuri- dhanya, vaikunthac- ca- gariyasi, dinam- ekam- nivasena, harau- bhaktih- prajayate.” (Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu 1.2.237) The Brahmanda Purana says, “One achieves the bliss experienced at the stage of Prema just by touching Mathura, parananda-mayi- siddhir- mathura-sparsha-matratah.” (Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu 1.2.212)

Of course, this will never ever happen just by living a day in Mumbai, Moscow, Manhattan or anywhere in this maya jagat! The word Mathura in Mathura-mandala means “to churn, spin or agitate”. And that’s exactly why residence here is so very special, because Vraja-Dhama has the power to agitate one’s mind with thoughts and feelings for Krishna, and make one forget everything else!

From my 29 years of continuous residence in Vrindavan, I can personally say, that unlike anywhere else in the world, Vrindavan has a distinctive other worldly atmosphere or ambience. There is some special enchantment in Vraja that practically every visitor feels upon coming here.

Devotion to God is imperceptibly floating in the air. It’s all-pervasive, touching every heart with a drop of joy. It’s the kind of happiness every heart hankers for. This is the taste of Krishna bhakti, and this Vrindavan is the land of Krishna’s love, waiting to embrace all who venture forth.

In Bhakti Ratnakara (chapter 5), Shri Raghava Goswami, a resident of Govardhana, became completely impatient and overwhelmed with bliss when he started narrating the glories and benefits of being in Vraja. He said, “One who bathes anywhere in Vraja Mandala, or sees the Holy Places there is freed from his sins.” (Padma Purana)

“Simply by touching the dust of Vraja, one can attain ecstatic love for Krishna.” (Brahmanda Purana) “Living in Vraja Mandala is possible only by the grace of Shri Krishna, for without it one can’t stay a second.” (Adi Purana)

Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja wonderfully describes the transcendental position of the Vrindavan situated right here right now:

“Beyond all spiritual abodes is the abode of Vraja-loka, or Shri Gokula, which is also called Shri Goloka, Shvetadvipa and Vrindavan. Like Shri Krishna’s transcendental body, Gokula is unlimited, supreme and all-pervading. Vraja-loka spreads above and below without any restriction. Although, by Krishna’s wish, it manifests in the mundane universes, it only has one basic form, and not two separate ones.

“The soil of Vrindavan consists of thought gems and the forests are full of wish-yielding trees. But one with material eyes, sees it as a mundane place. The true form of Vraja Dhama manifests to one with the eyes of love, as a divine land wherein Krishna IS playing with His beloved gopas and gopis.” (Caitanya Caritamrita 5.17-21)

One of best things about living in Vraja, and nowhere else in this universe, is that it enables one to see the pastimes of Radha Govinda Yugala. How is that? Shukadeva Goswami answers saying, “Shri Hari is very intimately connected with and ALWAYS PRESENT in Vrindavan, madhu-vanam- yatra, sannidhyam- nityada- hareh.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 4.8.42; and 10.1.28)

Since Shri- Krishna, Shri Radha and all the beautiful damsels of Vrajabhumi are still living here right now and eternally in Vrindavan, a raganuga- sadhaka who lives here doing bhajana will one fine day see this:

“O, Krishna is here, living eternally in Vrindavan! And I see that Kamadeva Shyama, with His blissful smiling face, is forever increasing the desires of the Vraja gopis, susmita- sri- mukhena- vraja- pura- vanitanam- vardhayan- kama- devam.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.90.48)

In the above verse of the Bhagavata, the first line says, “jayati- jana-nivaso- devaki-janma”, which means that “Krishna, the son of Devaki, eternally lives gloriously among the cowherds of Vrindavan.” Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada explains, “The word jayati is in the present case, meaning, “Krishna is victorious and eternally in this world—in Vrindavan, in His Holy Name, and in His Hari-katha.” (Sarartha Darshini tika)

In short, living always in Vrindavan, vraje vasa sada, means at the ultimate level to always meditate upon Radha-Krishna’s asta-kaliya-lilas while, ideally if one can, residing in a nitya-lila sthali like Radha Kunda, Govardhana, Varsana, Nandagoan, Yavata, or others.

In this regard, Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada says, “One must meditate upon Radha-Krishna along with Their Vraja lilas, and never meditate on Radha-Krishna without Their pastimes, sri- krishna- lila- sahitayor- evopasyatvam, na- lila- rahitayoh- lilayam.” (Raga Vartma Chandrika II.6)

If physical residence in Shridhama Vrindavan is impossible, however, then Shri Jiva Goswamipada advises that one can live elsewhere, but always remember Radha-Govinda’s eternal pastimes in Vrindavan. Physical + mental Vrindavan is best, but only mind in Vrindavan will also bring success in bhajana.

Although one may live outside Vrindavan, one should not be satisfied and complacent with that residence, and never become attached to it. Rather, one should intensely hanker for that auspicious day or the life when one can physically and mentally live in Vraja Dhama absorbed in Radha-Krishna Yugala bhajana

Srila Narottama dasa Thakura beautifully expresses these sentiments in his bhajana, hari- hari! kabe- habo- vrndavana- vasi:

“O Hari, Hari! When will I be able to live in Vrindavan, and see the beautiful radiant forms of Radha Govinda Yugala? When will I give up the happiness of sleeping in a wonderful, luxurious bed, and smear my body with the dust of Vraja, vraja dhuli? When will I give up the desire for tasty food, and live on begged food (madhukari) in Vraja?

“When will I wander around the forests of Vrindavan, and sometimes take rest on the cool, sandy banks of the Yamuna? When will I find relief from the scorching sunshine under the cooling shade of Vamshi- Vata? When will I sit in a kunja amidst the elevated Vaisnavas? O when will that day come, when I give up everything [and run to Vrindavan]?”

Sri Vrndavana dhama ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Glories of Vilapa Kusumanjali

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Without any shade of a doubt Vilapa Kusumanjali, “A Flower Bouquet of Lamentations”, is the most important and essential book for any serious sadhaka practicing raganuga-bhakti in manjari-bhava, craving to attain the nitya-seva of Srimati Radhika in the Vraja nikunjas.

Every word, every line and every verse is sheer nectar—full of hope, intimate sevas, tears of lamentation and practical guidance on how to meditate on Bhanunandini’s loving service while being “absorbed in chanting” the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, or while rapt in single-minded contemplation.

I beg those hankering for love divine in Swamini’s seva to daily read and remember, and to think and drink the sweet nectar within all the verses of Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswamipada’s chintamani grantha, Sri Vilapa Kusumanjali.

By this daily practice, flowers of beautiful intimate sevas at Srimati’s sweet lotus feet will blossom on the tree of your hearts! This is the SRI guarantee!!!

Srimati Tulasi Manjari ki jai! Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

,

Glories of Vilapa Kusumanjali

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Without any shade of a doubt Vilapa Kusumanjali, “A Flower Bouquet of Lamentations”, is the most important and essential book for any serious sadhaka practicing raganuga-bhakti in manjari-bhava, craving to attain the nitya-seva of Srimati Radhika in the Vraja nikunjas.

Every word, every line and every verse is sheer nectar—full of hope, intimate sevas, tears of lamentation and practical guidance on how to meditate on Bhanunandini’s loving service while being “absorbed in chanting” the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, or while rapt in single-minded contemplation.

I beg those hankering for love divine in Swamini’s seva to daily read and remember, and to think and drink the sweet nectar within all the verses of Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswamipada’s chintamani grantha, Sri Vilapa Kusumanjali.

By this daily practice, flowers of beautiful intimate sevas at Srimati’s sweet lotus feet will blossom on the tree of your hearts! This is the SRI guarantee!!!

Srimati Tulasi Manjari ki jai! Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!