Tag Archive for: Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

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The Maha-mantra of Sri Radha

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

In the material world, both neophyte sadhakas and realized suddha-bhaktas chant the holy name. Dutiful beginners chant Hare Kṛṣṇa as a sadhana for purification, whereas adepts relish the sweetest nectar in the holy name. Chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa maha-mantra is the eternal activity of every soul. Therefore, it is good to cultivate attachment and affection for one’s eternal companion–Kṛṣṇa’s holy names.

Harinama sankirtana goes on in the spiritual world as well among Kṛṣṇa’s eternal associates. The scriptures narrate many pastimes of Kṛṣṇa and His devotees chanting the holy names.

“Kṛṣṇa said to Uddhava, ‘Mother Yasoda is always singing My names in a deep mood of separation. As she takes long slow breaths, the sound “Ha Kṛṣṇa! Ha Kṛṣṇa!” comes from her throat. Profuse perspiration soaks her weary body, and tears gush from her eyes, soaking her clothes, as she stares intently at the road to Mathura waiting for My return.’ ” (Uddhava-sandesh)

“A sakhi tells Kṛṣṇa, ‘O Kṛṣṇa! When You are out tending the cows in the pasture, Radharani spends Her day, longing to see You again. Fixing Her eyes on the path where You will return with the cows, She engages Her tongue in repeating the two syllables kṛṣ and ṇa. Radhika’s ears yearn to hear the sound of Your flute, and Her heart is fixed in the happiness of thinking of You.’ ” (Ujjvala-nilamani ch.15)

“Kṛṣṇa said, ‘Hey Kundavalli! When I accidentally said the word “Radha”, Candravali became tortured with pain, as if violently wounded at heart. However, in order to pacify My embarrassment and bewilderment, she doubled the smile on her lotus face and spoke words filled with sweetness.’ ” (Ujjvala-nilamani ch.14)

“Vrnda-devi said to Paurnamasi, ‘Radharani gave a farewell embrace to the budding jasmine creeper She had planted on the Yamuna’s shore. She placed the farewell gift of Her very beautiful diamond necklace in Lalita’s hand. Radhika then entered a kadamba grove filled with buzzing sounds of bees and fainted. But She was reawakened by Her priya-sakhis chanting the name of Hari.’ ” (Ujjvala-nilamani ch.15)

“The wonderful sacred mantra Kṛṣṇa chants is the name of His dearmost Radharani. Srimati Radharani’s maha-mantra is the name of Lord Kṛṣṇa.” (Radha-Kṛṣṇa Ganoddesa-dipika)

An excerpt from the book Art of Chanting

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Gayatri and Maha-mantra

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

kṛṣṇa-mantra haite habe saṁsāra-mocana,
kṛṣṇa-nāma haite pābe kṛṣṇera caraṇa

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, “The kṛṣṇa mantra (gopala mantra) gives one freedom from material existence. And kṛṣṇa nama (the Hare Kṛṣṇa maha-mantra) delivers one to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa.” (Caitanya Caritamrita Ādi 7.73)

In this verse, Lord Caitanya describes the effects of chanting the eighteen-syllable gopala mantra and the Hare Kṛṣṇa maha-mantra. Of the two mantras, Sri Jiva Gosvami emphasizes chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa maha-mantra in Bhakti Sandarbha 284: “Mantras are actually composed of the names of the Supreme Lord. Mantras are distinct from the name because they include the word “namah” [or svaha], and have special powers that are given by the rsis or the Lord Himself. The holy names of the Lord, however, in themselves, being independent, can bestow the higest goal of life, Kṛṣṇa-prema. Thus the names of Kṛṣṇa are more suitable than mantras.”

In Kṛṣṇa Samhita, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura describes the various mantras given to liberate one in the different yugas. In Satya, Treta and Dvapara yugas these mantras, called tāraka-brahma-nāma, addressed the Supreme Lord with feelings of awe and reverence invoking His divine power, majesty and protection (aisvarya-bhava). The tāraka-brahma-nāma for Kali-yuga is the Hare Kṛṣṇa maha-mantra, a selfless call for loving service.

In the Gaudiya conception, samsara-mocana, or liberation means to realize one’s svarupa. At this stage, the Brahma Gayatri and the gopala mantra retire, but chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa continues to deliver one to the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa (kṛṣṇa-carana), in the spiritual world. This is the final stage of spiritual evolution wherein one attains his vastu siddhi, (pure spiritual form), and engages in Kṛṣṇa’s eternal service.

Whether one is in Kṛṣṇaloka or the material world, chanting Kṛṣṇa’s holy name is the eternal function of the soul. In the material world, chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa is the primary activity for purification and spiritual elevation. Everything else is auxiliary or supportive of the main service of chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. Upon entering the spiritual world, however, chanting the holy name will be in the background, helping and energizing. Serving Radha-Govinda will be in the foreground, distinct and most important. For example, when the gopīs churn fresh yogurt for Kṛṣṇa’s butter, they simultaneously sing His glories while keeping time with their bangles and waistbells.

An excerpt from the book Art of Chanting

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First Meeting with Krishna

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

“Kṛṣṇa-nāma has been accepted by all to be an incarnation of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa on this earth. Although He appears like a word, Kṛṣṇa, still by His inconceivable power He is completely spiritual. The name is a special incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As Kṛṣṇa and His name are identical, Kṛṣṇa has descended to earth as nāma. Kṛṣṇa-nāma is our first introduction to Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, we first meet Kṛṣṇa in His name. With determination to reach Kṛṣṇa, we must first accept the name of Kṛṣṇa.” (Nama Bhajana)

“Nāma is also another incarnation of Kṛṣṇa. Nāma-rūpe kali-kāle kṛṣṇa-avatāra. Because name and Kṛṣṇa are not different. Abhinnatvād nāma-nāminoḥ. There is no difference. In the material world there is difference between the name and the substance. But in advaya-jñāna, the Absolute world, there is no such distinction. The name and the person are the same, identical.” (SPT 30/10/72)

How does Hare Kṛṣṇa japa purify the chanter? “Chanting gradually diminishes the propensity to sin, and simultaneously purifies the consciousness. At this juncture, a taste for chanting begins to manifest. The inclination to commit sinful acts vanishes, though a faint residue of previous sinful acts still lingers in the consciousness. The receding sinful reactions leave an odor of sinful habits. But the chanter’s contact with the name produces a purity of mind and strength of willpower that overcomes the clinging smell of sin.” (Hari-nama-cintamani)

An excerpt from the book Art of Chanting

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The Value of Cintamani Nama

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Kṛṣṇa’s holy name–full of mercy, full of compassion, full of affection, full of rasa and full of prema–is the rarest treasure in the world. Without hearing from sastra and saints, however, one can never understand the power, value and benefit of Sri Kṛṣṇa’s divine name, form, attributes, pastimes and holy abode (nama, rupa, guna, lila, dhama). Throughout the Vedas the transcendental glories of the holy name are recounted.

The following verse from the Padma Purana compares the holy name to a cintamani gem, a divine stone that can bestow one’s desired results. Such cintamani gems make up the transcendental land of Kṛṣṇaloka in the spiritual world. This verse clearly describes the transcendental identity of the holy name:

nāma cintāmaṇiḥ kṛṣṇaś, caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ
pūrṇaḥ śuddho nitya-mukto, ‘bhinnatvān nāma-nāminoḥ

The holy name of Kṛṣṇa is a transcendental wish-fulfilling gem (cintamani); it is the embodiment of all consciousness and sentiments; it is complete; it is pure; it is ever free because the name of Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa Himself are one and the same.

Srila Prabhupada gives a wonderful expanded translation of this verse:

“The holy name of Kṛṣṇa is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Kṛṣṇa Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Kṛṣṇa’s name is complete, and it is the form of all the transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Kṛṣṇa Himself. Since Kṛṣṇa’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with māyā. Kṛṣṇa’s name is always liberated and spiritual. It is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa Himself are identical.” (Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya 17.133 p.)

The following story from Vaisnava tradition illustrates the incomparable value of Kṛṣṇa’s holy name.

Once a disciple asked his guru for the topmost secret of bhajana. The guru replied, “The most confidential secret of bhajana is to always chant the maha-mantra–Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!”

After leaving his guru’s asrama, the disciple met some poor washermen who were chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa while scrubbing clothes beside the Yamuna. He then heard some little girls chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa while collecting cow dung. When the disciple hired a ricksaw, the skinny old driver chanted Hare Kṛṣṇa all the way back to the asrama.

Meeting his guru, the disciple expressed a doubt about the maha-mantra, “Gurudeva! What kind of secret have you given to me that is known to every dhobi, ricksaw-walla and little girl in India? Is this really the most confidential secret of bhajana?”

Instead of a long explanation, the guru handed the disciple a precious jewel and said, “Show this jewel to the dhobi, ricksaw-walla and little girls, and see if they appreciate its value.” The disciple then showed the priceless jewel to the illiterate washermen, but they could not detect the value of the jewel. They said they would gladly accept it, and use it for beating their dirty cloth. The disciple refused to give them the gem, saying, “You have to pay the proper price for it. A stone or piece of wood is sufficient for beating dirty cloth.”

Upon seeing the jewel, the ricksaw-walla said, “Since it is a little rough, I think it is just suitable for scraping off the dry skin from my feet.” “Are you crazy!” said the disciple as he walked on to show the village girls. Failing to recognize the true worth of the jewel, the girls said, “We could use the jewel to pack our cow dung.”

The disciple again met with his guru and said, “Gurudeva! Nobody wanted to pay the proper price for the jewel. Nor could anyone appreciate the great value of the gem.”

“Yes, in the same way,” said the guru, “most people cannot appreciate the value of the holy name. For this reason, they are indifferent to the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa. The Hare Kṛṣṇa maha-mantra is an open secret that is revealed only to the qualified.”

An excerpt from the book Art of Chanting

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Radharani’s Manjaris: Tattva & Lilas 025 “Reality of Manjari Meditations“

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

This series of posts will present facts (tattva)  regarding the identity, moods (gopi-bhava), intimacy and sevas of Srimati Radharani’s beautiful and talented handmaidens known as manjaris, kinkaris, or dasis.

Also, we will present many astonishing and wonderful lilas to highlight the manjaris most personal and confidential sevas to Srimati Radhika and Her dearest Priyatama Shyamasundara.

The information here is based on the commentaries of Advaitavamsa Acharya 108 Sri Ananda Gopala Goswami and 108 Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja taken from “Vilapa Kusumanjali” and “Radha Rasa Sudhanidhi” translated by Sri Advaita Dasji.

Seeing Swamini’s Eager Face

Ayi Madhuri Radha! How beautiful You are when Madhava looks at You while eating His breakfast! Just by a glance Shyam can understand Radharani’s blissful eagerness. Swamini’s face is marked with eagerness. The sadhaka manjari should also relish that blissful eagerness of Madhuri’s beautiful face.

Narottama Dasa Thakur prays,

“My eyes desire to see the golden form of Radhika and I am crying out of that desire!” (Prem Bhakti Candrika)

Reality of Manjari Meditations

In Radha Kunda, Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada was anxiously crying out of the pain of separation from Srimati Radharani. At the stage of bhava-bhakti, a sadhaka can see Radha-Krishna through the eyes in sphurtis, vivid visions. Before attaining bhava however, a fortunate sadhaka may “see” Radha-Krishna in meditation or dreams.

When sadhakas follow in the footsteps of acharyas like Sri Rupa Goswamipada, Sri Raghunatha Das Goswamipada, Sri Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswami, and Visvanatha Cakravartipada by praying to them, studying their books and trying to imbibe their moods, meditations and sevas, they too can relish the sweetness of Srimati’s face in their meditations.

As one repeatedly practices deep meditation on Radha Madhava’a asta-kaliya-lila one will feel that Radha-Krishna are very near. When one experiences this, one will think, “I am not practicing lila smarana, I am there!”

When one’s meditation ends one will feel great anxiety to directly meet Radha Govinda Yugal. The more one enjoys lila smarana, the more anxious one will become for more. As thirst and eagerness for direct darshan of Radha-Krishna increases, the sooner one will attain it.

Radha-Krishna Asta-kaliya-lila smarana bhajan will make a new life for a sadhaka.

Sri Radha will certainly respond to one’s humility, enthusiasm, and determination to practice bhajan in manjari svarupa.

Karunamayi Radha is a boundless ocean of compassion, endowed with a lovely nature.

Thus, Kishori will come close to you and accept your sevas. Radhika is a wish-fulfilling vine for devotees.

Manjari bhava sadhana ki jai!  Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Krishna Nectar Lila 67 -“Fragrance of Krishna’s Love”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

“Then Krishna, the destroyer of demons, smiled gently and spoke just according to the time and circumstance, ‘The young girls of Vrndavana are naturally proud. Why should they come here on the orders of Batu (nickname for Kusumasava or Madhumangala) who is simply a brahmana entertaining everyone with his jokes and silly behavior? Therefore, O best among the birds! In order to comfort your mistress, why don’t you fly to her. Hearing your pure, soft, and sweet request, that Bakula sakhi will accept your bakula garland.’

“Immediately that best of the birds flew to me and said, ‘O Bakula-mala! Do you recognize me? Why are you picking bakula flowers? Why not come see the prince of Vrndavana? I will give you the garland that Syamasundara has made Himself, so you need not toil so hard picking flowers.’

“I replied to that parrot, O best of the parrots! The scriptures are right when they say that one’s good and bad qualities depend on his association. It appears that associating with a person who is wanton by nature, dresses in yellow garments, and is intoxicated from drinking madira-rasa has bewildered your intelligence. Tell me, do you think that any chaste girl will accept a garland from someone who is not her husband?

“The parrot said, ‘Hey listen! He is the supreme person, not just an ordinary person. His lotus feet are very difficult to attain.’ (Inner meaning of parrot’s statements: ‘So why don’t you try to meet Krishna?’)

“I replied Are! Wait a minute! I can see He is just a man. Why are you calling Him the supreme person? Do not try to attract me to Krishna by your word jugglery.”

Bakula-mala continued speaking to Radhika, “The parrot told me that if I understood his words I should take the garland. Since the parrot defeated me, I could not take the dominant role. So I returned to Krishna who wears makara-kundala. Then the mild and sweet brahmana named Kusumasava talked to his dear friend the parrot.

“After their argument ended Kusumasava said, ‘This sakhi named Bakula-mala should take this bakula garland to the mistress of the parrot. Even Laksmi-devi, who has sweet-smelling hands, can rarely obtain such a garland. This bakula garland should be taken to Radhika, the eternal lover of Krishna. By doing this Bakula-sakhi will attain success in accomplishing her task. This Bakula sakhi, who is the personification of Krishna’s sweet love, is expert in this work.’

“At that moment Damodara slightly trembled as He raised His soft, lotus palm, moistened with perspiration. While looking in the opposite direction a sweet nectarean smile appeared on His face. Then He gently touched my hand as He gave me the garland. I returned to my mistress Syama-sakhi and presented this garland which embodies the fragrance of Krishna’s pure love for You. I told her all the details of my meeting with Krishna, and how this garland conveyed His heartfelt desire to meet You. And now my mistress has brought that garland to You.” 

Then Syama-sakhi adorned Radha’s neck with the bakula garland. Radhika felt the thrilling touch of Her beloved by contacting the garland made by Syamasundara’s hands. As a result, Radha’s body surged with ecstatic symptoms and Her cheeks swelled with delight.  Feeling the rising of love, Radhika’s eyes moistened with tears as She looked slightly downward out of shyness. A mild nectarean smile bathed Her gentle lips, which defeated the tenderness of fresh sprouts. Overwhelmed by insurmountable ecstasy, Radharani embraced Bakula-sakhi and fell unconscious.

Lalita-sakhi said, “Hey Syame! It is not only in name, but also in fame and quality that your sakhi Bakula-mala and this bakula garland are the same. Can’t you see that both these bakula-malas are fragrant and freshly youthful? They both enjoyed the touch of Krishna’s lotus hands and got to decorate the neck of our Swamini Radhika.”

Syama-sakhi replied, “You have spoken very sweetly.”

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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Krishna Nectar Lila 66 -“Bakula Sakhi & The Mala”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

“Padma said, ‘O bold one! You are correct. But Candravali got bitten the first time she saw that poisonous black snake named Krishna standing by the bank of the Yamuna. The poison of His love now sears her tender heart.’

“Kusumasava said, ‘The only remedy to counteract that poison is to stop thinking about that snake.’

“Padma said, ‘I am searching for the means to distract her mind.’

“Kusumasava said, ‘It is very difficult to find such a means. Due to its cowardly nature, a mind fearful of a snake can never give up its fear. Similarly, when one’s mind becomes completely attached to Krishna it cannot go anywhere else.’

“Padma replied, ‘Nothing is impossible for one who is full of anxiety. Where there is mind, there must be anxiety. When one loses his mind, however, naturally he gives up all his anxiety. When that anxiety disappears then it can no longer dominate him. Becoming enchanted by a beautiful object can also steal away the mind. Indeed, that anxiety is amazing!’

“Kusumasava said, ‘Go and look for that one who steals the mind (Manohara—Krishna)!’

“Padma said, ‘At present your bakula-mala is that manohara. But that bakula-mala should decorate the neck of Gauri (name for Durga or Candravali).’

“Syamasundara said, ‘Hey my friend Varsa! This sakhi seems to be very clever. She wants to decorate the neck of Gauri with My bakula-mala. But she is not allowing Me to finish the garland.’

“Kusumasava said, ‘O bold one! Your bakula garland is meant for our dear friends. Who else could be qualified to receive it? Therefore sakhi, why not just pick up the bakula flowers lying on the ground and take those with you?’

“Padma replied, ‘How can I even dare to do that? Why are you depriving me in this way? If the prince of Vrndavana is inclined, He will personally give us some flowers.’

“Krishna said to Kusumasava, ‘What she said is perfectly correct. So you should give her some flowers in order to satisfy her sakhi and to perform the worship of Gauri.’ Then Padma, feeling overwhelmed in joy, took some bakula flowers and left.”

Bakula-mala continued to narrate Krishna’s pastimes to Radhika, “Hey Radhe! I overheard Kusumasava say, ‘O my friend Krishna! If among the young sakhis like Padma and others, a sakhi of Radha’s party comes here she could mitigate the pain in your heart. Then Your bakula-mala will have meaning.’

“After hearing this I moved closer to them on the pretext of collecting fallen flowers. Yet I acted in such a way that they could not tell I was listening to them. Seeing me, Kusumasava said, ‘Hey sakhi! Who are you?’ Immediately after saying this, the parrot perched on his hand said, ‘Aho, look! Here is Bakula-mala, the associate of Syama-sakhi who is a friend of Radhika. She is picking up bakula flowers to make a garland.’

“Kusumasava said, ‘What need is there of a garland? When the shameless young girls of Gokula can create bakula flowers and agitate everyone just by their sidelong glances.’

“The parrot said, ‘Now that you have this garland of bakula flowers you should give it to Syama-sakhi’s maidservant who in turn will give it to my deserving mistress Radhika.’

“Kusumasava said,  ‘Syamasundara! Just see, my words are coming true.’ And the parrot replied, ‘A brahmana’s words are infallible. You should give this bakula garland to Bakula sakhi and she will give it to Radhika.’ 

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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Krishna Nectar Lila 65 -“Radha’s Doubt Dispelled part 2”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

“Then Krishna went for a walk with Madhumangala and entered a forest of bakula trees. Krishna appeared like an ocean of bliss meandering amongst the bakula trees, which were laden with blossoming flowers. Krishna and his friend Kusumasava sat down and strung a garland of delicate bakula flowers. That bakula garland glowed brightly and emitted an extremely sweet fragrance. Feeling very shy and afraid that someone might see me, I hid behind some forest creepers and watched Him for a long time.

“At that time I heard Kusumasava, who was holding the pet parrot of Radhika on his hand, describing to Krishna about how Radha looks at Him with loving eyes. He told Krishna that when He goes out behind the cows, Radhika stands in the watchtower of Her palace and gazes upon Him with great longing. During His birthday festival Radhika spent the whole time simply looking at Him. Radhika stared at Krishna with totally fixed attention the day He subdued Kaliya.

“Hey Radhe! Listen to the other sweet words that Kusumasava spoke. Although his speaking seemed irrelevant, he said, ‘O my dear friend! The garland that You made is very special and You should use it to win the heart of Radhika. May it swing around Her neck and enhance Her beauty.’ Krishna smiled while replying, ‘How will this ever happen? Your statements are as illusory as the will-o’-the wisp.’ Kusumasava reacted to cover up his statements. At first he did not respond but just stood there silently like a picture.

“Just then, Padma-sakhi arrived there like an untimely storm and stood next to Krishna. Carrying the passenger of intense anxiety, the chariot of my mind ran away. But since I was only a short distance away, I overheard everything that Kusumasava said to Padma. He said, ‘Are sakhi! What are you doing here? You appear like the crest-jewel of cunning persons. What brought you to this lonely forest grove? Abandoning all shyness, you stand fearlessly in front of my friend Syamasundara who always tastes varieties of rasas.’

“Then full of pretension, Padma put a proposal before Krishna saying, ‘Listen beautiful one! My name is Padma and I am an intimate friend of Candravali-sakhi. She sent me here to pick flowers for the worship of Mother Gauri (wife of Lord Siva), the pure one. The particular flowers required for her puja only available only in this grove of Yours. Hence, I have come here in order to pick these bakula flowers.’

“Kusumasava replied, ‘It is well known that Gauri (Candravali) is attached to worshiping Gauri-devi (Durga), who is pleased by faith and love. Why didn’t Candravali come herself to pick flowers for her puja?’ 

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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Krishna Nectar Lila 64 -“Radha’s Doubt Dispelled part 1”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

The minds of the young gopis of Vrndavana transformed due to their rising desire to enjoy intimately with Krishna. Many impediments prevented their meeting, but the chariots of the gopis’ minds always carried them to thoughts of Krishna. Because of their strong attraction for Krishna they could hardly think or act correctly. Cupid had seized control of their hearts and confounded their minds. They tried their best to hide their feelings, and by discussing among themselves they attempted to relieve the anxiety caused by the pangs of love.

One gopi named Candravali, anxious and overcome by intense love, spoke to her confidant Padma, whose elegance defeats the beauty of a lotus. “O golden-one! Listen my dear sakhi! My heart is totally attached to Syamasundara. My superiors are heavily criticizing me for this and my sister-in-law is poisoning others by speaking ill of me, but I cannot give up my attraction to Him.”

Padma replied, “O lotus-eyed one! You should know that the fresh love of the daughter of Vrsabhanu surpasses all of us. But as yet She has not met alone with Krishna. Before She consorts with Krishna, you should fulfill your heart’s desire by associating with Him first. Once Syamasundara enjoys with you, He will forget all about Her. Come now and I will make all arrangements for your love tryst. When Radha and Syama met that night beside the lake everyone understood the superexcellent position of Their confidential love. But my dear friend, you should know that Krishna’s love has no beginning and no end.” Thus Padma, who is expert in fulfilling the cherished desires of Candravali, encouraged her and made the necessary arrangements for her to meet Syamasundara.

Meanwhile, Radhika sat in a secluded place with Her dear sakhis Lalita and Visakha. The immeasurable weight of Her love for Krishna overpowered Her. While Radhika remained in a lonely place, Syama-sakhi, who is pure and faultless, and Bakula-mala sakhi arrived carrying a bakula garland.

Syama-sakhi said, “O darling of Vrsabhanu! You are the tilaka on the head of all the Vraja gopis and the crest-jewel of all beautiful girls. Who is more fortunate than You? Verily, among all living entities, You are the personification of love. What to speak of all living entities, You attract even the heart of Krishna, who is an ocean of wealth and good fortune. That night on the banks of the Yamuna after the Kaliya pastime convinced me that Krishna was madly in love with You.

“He pleased everyone and filled the gopis with rasa. His enticing form acted like an elephant goad pulling the hearts of the gopis hankering to taste His love. Like a cakora bird relishing the rays of the moon, He drank the nectar dripping from Your moon-like face with His sidelong glances. As far as I am concerned, You are certainly the only object of His love. Seeing Your mutual love my distress is now gone, and my heart is inundated with waves of bliss.”

Radhika replied, “O bold one! Why are you exaggerating so much? Hey sakhi! Where is that housewife in Gokula who has not accepted Kaliya-damana (Krishna) as her only object of love? Kumuda flowers open without the moon, but lilies need the moon’s tender touch to blossom into sweetness. Therefore You should know that Syamasundara is the only sweetheart for all the gorgeous girls in Vrndavana. He does not belong to any one sakhi!”

Syama-sakhi said, “Do not doubt my words and thereby inflict pain upon Yourself. Be satisfied with Your unique good fortune and be convinced that Syamasundara belongs only to You.”

Lalita said, “Syame! Are you speaking just to console Radha, or do you really mean what you say?”

Syama-sakhi replied, “O Lalite! Why don’t you ask my friend Bakula-mala?”

Lalita said, “O my dear sakhi Bakula-mala! Tell the truth. Do not say something just to please me.”

Bakula-mala said, “Hey Radhe! Radhe! This Bakula-mala herself will dispel Your doubts. Just hearing my words will give pleasure to Your ears. This morning that handsome boy passed by me on His way to tend the cows on Govardhana Hill, the source of happiness. For sometime Krishna played joyfully with His intimate companions. 

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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Krishna Nectar Lila 63 -“FIRE ON THE BANKS”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Suddenly some other gopis that had remained awake discussing Krishna’s pastimes cried loudly, “O look! Look! There is a great danger ahead!”

Hearing the commotion, the cows woke up and cautiously looked in all directions. The gopa leaders talked among themselves, “What is happening?” Those who were asleep awoke and shouted in alarm. Looking worriedly toward Krishna, the gopis said, “The nails of His feet are more worshipable than millions of our lives. Let there be no danger to Him!” Judging from their frightened glances, Krishna, the darling of Vrndavana, looked at them with love and assured them in a grave voice, “Fear not! Fear not!”

Speculating about the impending calamity, the people said, “Is Kaliya seeking revenge and racing along the path beside the lake? Or is it a large group of wild elephants charging madly due to intoxication from playing in a mountain pool?” Then someone announced in a loud voice mixed with pain, “Hey look! Come on, there is no way out! Surrounding us is a huge forest fire about to devour us. Fire! Fire!”

On hearing this, Vrajaraja Nanda became afraid, but remembering Gargamuni’s words he immediately approached his son and said, “O my dear son! Please save us! Save us! Just in front of us is an immense forest fire. You are the one and only Lord of Vrndavana. This terrible fire is burning down Your home of Vrndavana, and rushing toward us with tremendous speed. Only You can put out this fire. There can be no more auspiciousness unless it is extinguished.”

Seeing His mother, father, friends, and family members overwhelmed with distress, Madhava said, “Do not fear!” An ordinary forest fire cannot appear in the transcendental land of Vrndavana. However, Krishna, by His own sweet will, manifested a fire to enchant everyone with His amazing pastimes.

The forest fire burned all the dry trees in its path. The leaves on the trees produced a crackling sound as they burned. Frightened animals fled in all directions from the raging fire. Nanda saw the gigantic fire licking the sky with its flames.

While observing the forest fire, Krishna thought, “This devastating fire is killing many beasts and threatening the lives of My friends. I feel compassion for the trees whose leaves are burning to ashes. And it hurts Me to hear the terrified crying of the cows. The thick clouds of smoke have blinded the poor birds flying overhead. Maddened with fear, the deer are running hither and thither. Under these circumstances what shall I do?”

As one pacifies the desires of poverty-stricken persons as soon as they arise, Krishna extinguished the fire as soon as it appeared. It disappeared as quickly as an illusion, a magician’s trick, a flash of lightning, an object in a dream, or as the wealth of an unfortunate person.

Under the shower of Krishna’s merciful glance the trees, shrubs, and creepers returned to their previous state. Not a trace of the forest fire remained. Observing this, everyone said in amazement, “We talked just like madmen. Where is that fire?”

In the evening light, the son of the king of Vrndavana looked very elegant as He entered the town with His cowherd friends. Krishna, the glory of His family, is filled with boundless bliss and always absorbed in exciting pastimes. He is a nectar shower of mercy, and the essence of all good fortune who teaches the laws of love to His devotees.

The people of Vrndavana surrounded Krishna and took great pleasure in praising Him with the prayers of Gargacarya. Pangs of separation overcame the Vraja gopis while waiting for Krishna to return. Although they spent the night like women far from their homes, when they saw Krishna coming they again overflowed with love. 

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.