Posted by geeta kakkar on September 28, 2010 at 2:42pm
Story of Lord Krishna - SRIMAD BHAGAVATA by Krsna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
Wonderful Krsna
1. The cowherd men were astonished when they saw Krsna’s activities, such as lifting Govardhana Hill. Unable to understand His transcendental potency, they approached Nanda Maharaja and spoke as follows.
2. [The cowherd men said:] Since this boy performs such extraordinary activities, how could He warrant a birth among worldly men like us—a birth that for Him would seem contemptible?
3. How could this seven-year-old boy playfully hold up the great hill Govardhana with one hand, just as a mighty elephant holds up a lotus flower?
4. As a mere infant who had hardly yet opened His eyes, He drank the breast milk of the powerful demoness Putana and then sucked out her very life air as well, just as the force of time sucks out the youth of one’s body.
5. Once, when only three months old, little Krsna was crying and kicking up His feet as He lay beneath a huge cart. Then the cart fell and turned upside-down simply because it was struck by the tip of His toe.
6. At the age of one, while sitting peacefully He was taken up into the sky by the demon Trnavarta. But baby Krsna grabbed the demon’s neck, causing him great pain, and thus killed him.
7. Once, His mother tied Him with ropes to a mortar because she had caught Him stealing butter. Then, crawling on His hands, He dragged the mortar between a pair of arjuna trees and pulled them down.
8. Another time, when Krsna was tending the calves in the forest together with Balarama and the cowherd boys, the demon Bakasura came with the intention of killing Krsna. But Krsna seized this inimical demon by the mouth and tore him apart.
9. Desiring to kill Krsna, the demon Vatsa disguised himself as a calf and entered among Krsna’s calves. But Krsna killed the demon and, using his body, enjoyed the sport of knocking kapittha fruits down from the trees.
10. Together with Lord Balarama, Krsna killed the jackass demon and all his friends, thereby securing the safety of the Talavana forest, which abounded with fully ripened palm fruits.
11. After arranging for the mighty Lord Balarama to kill the terrible demon Pralamba, Krsna saved Vraja’s cowherd boys and their animals from a forest fire.
12. Krsna chastised the most poisonous serpent, Kaliya, and after humbling him He drove him forcibly from the lake of the Yamuna. In this way the Lord made the water of that river free of the snake’s powerful poison.
13. Dear Nanda, how is it that we and all the other residents of Vraja cannot give up our constant affection for your son? And how is it that He is so spontaneously attracted to us?
14. On the one hand this boy is only seven years old, and on the other we see that He has lifted the great hill Govardhana. Therefore, O King of Vraja, a doubt about your son arises within us.
15. Nanda Maharaja replied: O cowherd men, just hear my words and let all your doubts concerning my son be gone. Some time ago Garga Muni spoke to me as follows about this boy.
16. [Garga Muni had said:] Your son Krsna appears as an incarnation in every millennium. In the past He assumed three different colors—white, red and yellow—and now He has appeared in a blackish color.
17. For many reasons, this beautiful son of yours sometimes appeared previously as the son of Vasudeva. Therefore, those who are learned sometimes call this child Vasudeva.
18. For this son of yours there are many forms and names according to His transcendental qualities and activities. These are known to me, but people in general do not understand them.
19. To increase the transcendental bliss of the cowherd men of Gokula, this child will always act auspiciously for you. And by His grace only, you will surpass all difficulties.
20. Demons cannot harm the demigods, who always have Lord Visnu on their side. Similarly, any person or group attached to all-auspicious Krsna cannot be defeated by enemies.
21. Therefore, O Nanda Maharaja, this child of yours is as good as Narayana. In His transcendental qualities, opulence, name, fame and influence, He is exactly like Narayana. Thus you should not be astonished hy His activities.
22. [Nanda Maharaja continued:] After Garga Rsi spoke these words to me and returned home, I began to consider that Krsna, who keeps us free from trouble, is actually an expansion of Lord Narayana.
23. Having heard Nanda Maharaja relate the statements of Garga Muni, the residents of Vrndavana became enlivened. Their perplexity was gone, and they worshiped Nanda and Lord Krsna with great respect.
24. Indra became angry when his sacrifice was disrupted, and thus he caused rain and hail to fall on Gokula, accompanied by lightning and powerful winds, all of which brought great suffering to the cowherds, animals and women there. When Lord Krsna, who is by nature always compassionate, saw the condition of those who had only Him as their shelter, He smiled broadly and lifted Govardhana Hill with one hand, just as a small child picks up a mushroom to play with it. In this way He protected the cowherd community. May He, Govinda, the Lord of the cows and the destroyer of Indra’s false pride, be pleased with us.
Posted by geeta kakkar on September 27, 2010 at 2:13pm
Yugala-bhajana-nistha (Undivided service to the Divine Couple) by Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura
ana katha ana byatha nahi jena jana tatha tomara carana smrti-sajhe abirata abikala tuya guna kala-kala gai jena satera samajhe
Wherever there are discussions on mundane topics, pains and pleasures, may I restrain myself from going there. Let the rememberance of Your lotus feet decorate my heart. May I properly chant Your transcendental qualities unceasingly in the society of devotees.(1)
anya-brata anya-dana nahi karon bastu-jnana anya-seba anya-deba-puja ha ha krsna bali bali bedana ananda kari mane mora nahe jena duja
I will not give any importance to observing vows, giving in charity, serving materialistic people and worshipping demigods. Without any other thought, I will roam about in bliss, calling out “O Krsna, O Krsna!”(2)
jibane marane gati radha-krsna prana-pati dunhara piriti-rasa-sukhe jugala bhajana janra premananda bhase tara ei katha rahu mora buke
Sri Sri Radha-Krsna are the Lords of my life. They are my only goal in life or death. Those who worship the Divine Couple, enjoy transcendental mellows and float always in the ocean of love of God. Let this fact ever remain in my heart.(3)
jugala-carana-seba ei dhana more diba jugalete manera piriti jugala-kisora-rupa kama-rati gana-bhupa mane rahu o lila-kiriti
Please bestow upon me the treasure of service to Your lotus feet. Let Your divine forms and loving affairs be always manifest in my mind. Your beauty is far superior to that of Kamadeva and his wife Rati. Let Your superexcellent transcendental pastimes be ever present in my mind.(4)
dasanete trna dhari ha ha kisora-kisori caranabje nibedana kari braja-raja-kumara-syama brsabhanu kumari nama sri-radhika-nama manohari
O Divine Youthful Couple, O Syamasundara, the son of the King of Braja, O Radhika the beautiful enchanting daughter of King Brsabhanu, taking a straw in my mouth, I pray to Your lotus feet.(5)
kanaka-ketaki rai syama marakata kai darapa-darapa karu cura nata-bara-sikharini natinira siromani dunhu-gune dunhun-mana jhura
Sri Radhika resembles a golden pine flower, and Sri Syamasundara resembles a blue sapphire. Their beauty defeats the pride of all. Sri Radhika and Sri Syama are the topmost dancers and entrance one another by Their jewel-like qualities.(6)
srimukha sundara bara hema nila kantidhara bhava bhusana karu sobha nila pita-basadhara gauri syama manohara antarera bhave dunhu lobha
The enchanting faces of Syamasundara and Radhika are displaying Their ecstatic love. Their effulgent complexions are beautifully bluish and golden. They dress in yellow and deep blue garments and attract each other by Their innermoods of love.(7)
abharana manimaya prati ange abhinaya tachu paya dina narottama dasa nisi dina guna gana parama ananda pana mane mora ei abhilasa
Decorated with jewelled ornaments, Their limbs move with beautiful grace and drama. Narottama dasa prays, “With great jubilation, I will glorify Your transcendental qualities, day and night. This is my only desire.”(8)
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Posted by geeta kakkar on September 26, 2010 at 5:43pm
Sri Radhikastakam by Srila Krsnadas Kaviraja Gosvami
"May that Srimati Radhika--whose bodily complexion snatches away the pride of a golden lotus flower tinged with kunkuma, whose bodily fragrance reproaches the fame of a fragrant lotus sprinkled with saffron powder, and who fulfills all the desires of the prince of Vraja, Sri Krishna--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet.
"May that Srimati Radhika--whose dazzling, colorful silk sari defeats the splendour of coral, who is a garden of all varieties of blooming flowers which attract the maddened bumblebee Sri Krishna who comes to play amongst Her flowers, and who worships the sun-god in order to meet with Krishna eternally--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet.
"May that Srimati Radhika--whose softness defeats the fame of delicate budding flowers, whose body's coolness is worshipable for the moon, sandalwood-paste, the lotus, and camphor, and whose touch dispels the heat of Gopijanavallabha, Sri Krishna's amorous desires--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet.
"Although Lakshmi-devi is honored by all the worshipable damsels of the universe, the opulence of her great beauty and ever-fresh youthfulness is overshadowed by that of Srimati Radhika. Nor can Lakshmi-devi surpass Her by her natural loving and playful disposition. May that Srimati Radhika always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet.
"May that Srimati Radhika--who is expert in all the celestial arts of the rasa-lila, like dancing, singing and joking; who is adorned with supernatural prema, enchanting beauty, wonderful dresses and ornaments, and all divine virtues; and who is the topmost youthful maiden of Vraja--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet.
"May that Srimati Radhika--who by Her ever-fresh beauty, ever-fresh playfulness, and ever-fresh wealth of affection causes all the young maidens of Vraja, who are abound in love to Sri Krishna, to tremble in anxiety; and who is immersed in samadhi (meditation) upon Sri Krishna's beauty, attire, and playful pastimes--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet.
"May that Srimati Radhika--who in divine ecstasy manifests perspiration, hairs standing on end, trembling tears, and a choked voice; who is adorned with indignation, joy, and contrariness; and who wears splendid jewel-studded ornaments which delight Sri Krishna's eyes--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet.
"May that Srimati Radhika--who upon being separated from Sri Krishna for even half a moment becomes distressed by the ever-arising feelings of Her own lowliness and great restlessness, and who upon meeting Krishna through the intense efforts of one of Their messengers is relieved of all Her mental anguish--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet.
"Srimati Radhika, whose darshana (audience) is rarely attained even by Parvati-devi and other goddesses, who gives great pleasure to Her sakhis (confidential servants), who Herself becomes elated upon meeting with Sri Krishna, and who is Krishna's dearest lover, very quickly makes that person who prays to Her singing this astaka a recipient for the nectar of Her service."
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Posted by geeta kakkar on September 25, 2010 at 2:47pm
Sri Radhe-Krsna's playful pastimes (vihara) - Gahvaravana
One day, when Sri Krsna was out grazing the cows with His akhas, nearby in a field, green chickpea plants were growing. Upon seeing them, Sri Krsna together with His Sakhas broke off some plants. The woman taking care of the field came to know of this and ran to catch them, but Kanhaiya was too swift. Keeping the plants under His arm, He ran very fast through crooked paths and finally came to a stop in Gahvaravana, where He roasted the green chickpeas and ate them with His Sakhas. While they were laughing and enjoying eating roasted chickpeas, the cowherd woman arrived at that spot, but upon seeing the splendour of Krsna's beauty, she forgot the incident and her anger was pacified. Due to absorption in motherly love, she began shelling the peas and personally fed Kanhaiya.
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Posted by geeta kakkar on September 24, 2010 at 2:06pm
Story of Lord Krishna - SRIMAD BHAGAVATA by Krsna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
Lord Krsna Lifts Govardhana Hill
1. When Indra understood that his sacrifice had been put aside, he became furious with Nanda Maharaja and the other cowherd men, who were accepting Krsna as their Lord.
2. Angry Indra sent forth the clouds of universal destruction, known as samvartaka. Imagining himself the supreme controller, he spoke as follows.
3. [Indra said:] Just see how these cowherd men living in the forest have become so greatly intoxicated by their prosperity! They have surrendered to an ordinary human being, Krsna, and thus they have offended the gods.
4. [To the clouds of destruction King Indra said:] The prosperity of these people has made them mad with pride, and their arrogance is backed up by Krsna. Now go and remove their pride and bring their animals to destruction.
5. I will follow you to Vraja, riding on my elephant Airavata and taking with me the swift and powerful wind-gods to decimate the cowherd village of Nanda Maharaja.
6. On Indra’s order the clouds of universal destruction, released untimely from their bonds, went to the cowherd pastures of Nanda Maharaja. There they began to torment the inhabitants by powerfully pouring down torrents of rain upon them.
9. Propelled by the fearsome wind-gods, the clouds blazed with lightning bolts and roared with thunder as they hurled down hailstones.
8. As the clouds released torrents of rain as thick as massive columns, the earth was submerged in the flood, and high ground could no longer be distinguished from low.
9. The cows and other animals, shivering from the excessive rain and wind, and the cowherd men and ladies, pained by the cold, all approached Lord Govinda for shelter.
10. Trembling from the distress brought about by the severe rainfall, and trying to cover their heads and calves with their own bodies, the cows approached the lotus feet of the supreme Personality of Godhead.
11. [The cowherd men and women addressed the Lord:] Krsna, Krsna, O most fortunate one, please deliver the cows from the wrath of Indra! O Lord, You are so affectionate to Your devotees. Please save us also.
12. Seeing the inhabitants of His Gokula rendered practically unconscious by the onslaught of hail and blasting wind, the supreme Lord Hari understood that this was the work of angry Indra.
13. [Sri Krsna said to Himself:] Because We have stopped his sacrifice, Indra has caused this unusually fierce, unseasonable rain, together with terrible winds and hail.
14. By My mystic power I will completely counteract this disturbance caused by Indra. Demigods like Indra are proud of their opulence, and out of foolishness they falsely consider themselves the Lord of the universe. I will now destroy such ignorance.
15. Since the demigods are endowed with the mode of goodness, the false pride of considering oneself the Lord should certainly not affect them. When I break the false prestige of those bereft of goodness, My purpose is to bring them relief.
16. I must therefore protect the cowherd community by My transcendental potency, for I am their shelter, I am their master, and indeed they are My own family. After all, I have taken a vow to protect My devotees.
17. Having said this, Lord Krsna, who is Visnu Himself, picked up Govardhana Hill with one hand and held it aloft just as easily as a child holds up a mushroom.
18. The Lord then addressed the cowherd community: O Mother, O Father, O residents of Vraja, if you wish you may now come under this hill with your cows.
19. You should have no fear that this mountain will fall from My hand. And don’t be afraid of the wind and rain, for your deliverance from these afflictions has already been arranged.
20. Their minds thus pacified by Lord Krsna, they all entered beneath the hill, where they found ample room for themselves and all their cows, wagons, servants and priests, and for all other members of the community as well.
21. Lord Krsna, forgetting hunger and thirst and putting aside all considerations of personal pleasure, stood there holding up the hill for seven days as the people of Vraja gazed upon Him.
22. When Indra observed this exhibition of Lord Krsna’s mystic power, he became most astonished. Pulled down from his platform of false pride, and his intentions thwarted, he ordered his clouds to desist.
23. Seeing that the fierce wind and rain had now ceased, the sky had become clear of rainclouds, and the sun had risen, Lord Krsna, the lifter of Govardhana Hill, spoke to the cowherd community as follows.
24. [Lord Krsna said:] My dear cowherd men, please go out with your wives, children and possessions. Give up your fear. The wind and rain have stopped, and the rivers’ high waters have subsided.
25. After collecting their respective cows and loading their paraphernalia into their wagons, the cowherd men went out. The women, children and elderly persons gradually followed them.
26. While all living creatures looked on, the supreme Personality of Godhead put down the hill in its original place, just as it had stood before.
27. All the residents of Vrndavana were overwhelmed with ecstatic love, and they came forward and greeted sri Krsna according to their individual relationships with Him—some embracing Him, others bowing down to Him, and so forth. The cowherd women presented water mixed with yogurt and unbroken barleycorns as a token of honor, and they showered auspicious benedictions upon Him.
28. Mother Yasoda, mother Rohini, Nanda Maharaja and Balarama, the greatest of the strong, all embraced Krsna. Overwhelmed with affection, they offered Him their blessings.
29. In the heavens, all the demigods, including the siddhas, sadhyas, Gandharvas and Caranas, sang the praises of Lord Krsna and showered down flowers in great satisfaction.
30. The demigods in heaven resoundingly played their conchshells and kettledrums, and the best of the Gandharvas, led by Tumburu, began to sing.
31. Surrounded by His loving cowherd boyfriends and Lord Balarama, Krsna then went off to the place where He had been tending His cows. The cowherd girls returned to their homes, singing joyfully about the lifting of Govardhana Hill and other glorious deeds performed by Lord Krsna, who had so deeply touched their hearts.
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Posted by geeta kakkar on September 16, 2010 at 4:47pm
A Glimpse (Ek Jhanki)
Krsna is running forward. His earrings are swinging on his cheeks. He is wearing pitambara, a yellow cloth. Yasoda has decorated her small child very beautifully. Krsna looks backwards, and seeing Yasoda coming to catch Him, runs again. Yasoda is very full-bodied, and as she is running, her body is trembling. Whosoever sees this becomes enchanted.
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Posted by geeta kakkar on August 26, 2010 at 6:11pm
Sri Radhe-Krsna's playful pastimes (vihara) - Mayuri-kuti
Once, Srimati Radhika and Krsna came to this place together with the sakhis. Upon seeing them, the peacocks became overjoyed with ecstasy and began to dance. Clouds gathered in the sky, and a light shower of rain fell. Nature had decorated herself fully, as if she was a beautiful and charming young woman. Radha and Krsna could not check Their feelings. Taking the form of a peacock and peahen, They danced in an astonishing way along with the circle of peacocks and peahens. All the sakhis were astounded to see Their skilful dancing. They began to sing different kind of ragas, like malahar, which increased Radha and Krsna's pleasure.
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Posted by geeta kakkar on August 21, 2010 at 7:29pm
Story of Lord Krishna - SRIMAD BHAGAVATA by Krsna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
Worshiping Govardhana Hill
1. Once Lord Krsna saw the cowherd men busily arranging for a sacrifice to Indra. Being the omniscient Supersoul, the Supreme Lord Krsna already understood the situation, yet He still humbly inquired from the elders, headed by His father, Nanda Maharaja.
2. [Lord Krsna said:] My dear father, kindly explain to Me what this great endeavor of yours is all about. What is it meant to accomplish? If this is a ritual sacrifice, then for whose satisfaction is it intended and by what means is it going to be executed?
3. Please tell Me about it, O father. I have a great desire to know and am ready to hear in good faith. Certainly, no secrets are to be kept by saintly personalities, who see all others as equal to themselves, who have no conception of “mine” or “another’s” and who do not consider who is a friend, who is an enemy and who is neutral.
4. One who is neutral may be avoided like an enemy, but a friend should be considered like one’s own self. When people in this world perform activities, sometimes they understand what they are doing and sometimes they don’t. Those who know what they are doing achieve success in their work, whereas ignorant people do not.
5. Such being the case, this ritualistic endeavor of yours should be clearly explained to Me. Is it a ceremony based on scriptural injunction, or simply a custom of ordinary society?
6. Nanda Maharaja replied: The great Lord Indra is the controller of the rain. The clouds are his personal representatives, and they directly provide rainwater, which gives happiness and sustenance to all creatures.
7. Not only we, my dear son, but also many other men worship him, the lord and master of the raingiving clouds. We offer him grain and other paraphernalia of worship produced through his own discharge in the form of rain.
8. By accepting the remnants of sacrifices performed to Indra, people sustain their lives and accomplish the threefold aims of religiosity, economic development and sense gratification. Thus Lord Indra is the agent responsible for the fruitive success of industrious people.
9. This religious principle is based on sound tradition. Anyone who rejects it out of lust, enmity, fear or greed will certainly fail to achieve good fortune.
10. When Lord Kesava [Krsna] heard the statements of His father, Nanda, and other senior residents of Vraja, He addressed His father as follows, to arouse anger in Lord Indra.
11. Lord Krsna said: It is by the force of karma that a living entity takes birth, and it is by karma alone that he meets his destruction. His happiness, distress, fear and sense of security all arise as the effects of karma.
12. Living beings in this world are forced to experience the consequences of their own particular previous work. Since Lord Indra cannot in any way change the destiny of human beings, which is born of their own nature, why should people worship him?
13. Therefore one should seriously worship work itself. A person should remain in the position corresponding to his nature and should perform his own duty. Indeed, that by which we may live nicely is really our worshipable deity.
14. The causes of creation, maintenance and destruction are the three modes of nature—namely goodness, passion and ignorance. In particular, the mode of passion creates this universe and through sexual combination causes it to become full of variety.
15. Impelled by the material mode of passion, the clouds pour down their rain everywhere, and by this rain all creatures gain their sustenance. What has the great Indra to do with this arrangement?
16. My dear father, our home is not in the cities or towns or villages. Being forest dwellers, we always live in the forest and on the hills. Therefore may a sacrifice for the pleasure of the cows, the brahmanas and Govardhana Hill begin!
17. With all the paraphernalia collected for worshiping Indra, let this sacrifice be performed instead. Let many different kinds of food be cooked, from sweet rice to vegetable soups! Many kinds of fancy cakes, both baked and fried, should be prepared. And all the available milk products should be taken for this sacrifice.
18. The brahmanas who are learned in the Vedic mantras must properly invoke the sacrificial fires. Then you should feed the priests with nicely prepared food and reward them with cows and other gifts.
19. After giving the appropriate food to everyone else, including such fallen souls as dogs and dogeaters, you should give grass to the cows and then present your respectful offerings to Govardhana Hill.
20. After everyone has eaten to his satisfaction, you should all dress and decorate yourselves handsomely, smear your bodies with sandalwood paste and then circumambulate the cows, the brahmanas, the sacrificial fires and Govardhana Hill.
21. This is My idea, O father, and you may carry it out if it appeals to you. Such a sacrifice will be very dear to the cows, the brahmanas and Govardhana Hill, and also to Me.
22. Lord Krsna, who is Himself powerful time, desired to destroy the false pride of Lord Indra. When Nanda and the other senior men of Vrndavana heard Sri Krsna’s statement, they accepted His words as proper.
23. The cowherd community then did all that Madhusudana had suggested. They arranged for the brahmanas to recite the auspicious Vedic mantras, and using the paraphernalia that had been intended for Indra’s sacrifice, they presented offerings to Govardhana Hill and the brahmanas with reverential respect. They also gave grass to the cows. Then, placing the cows, bulls and calves in front of them, they circumambulated Govardhana.
24. As the beautifully ornamented cowherd ladies followed along, riding on wagons drawn by oxen, they sang the glories of Lord Krsna, and their songs mingled with the brahmanas’ chanting of benedictions.
26. Krsna then assumed an unprecedented, huge form to instill faith in the cowherd men. Declaring “I am Govardhana Mountain!” He ate the abundant offerings.
27. Together with the people of Vraja, the Lord bowed down to this form of Govardhana Hill, thus in effect offering obeisances to Himself. Then He said, “Just see how this hill has appeared in person and bestowed mercy upon us!
28. “This Govardhana Hill, assuming any form he wishes, will kill any residents of the forest who neglect him. Therefore let us pay our obeisances to him for the safety of ourselves and our cows.”
29. The members of the cowherd community, having thus been inspired by Lord Vasudeva to properly execute the sacrifice to Govardhana Hill, the cows and the brahmanas, returned with Lord Krsna to their village, Vraja.
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Posted by geeta kakkar on August 20, 2010 at 4:53pm
Sri Guru Mahima (Glories of the Spiritual Master) by Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura
sri-guru-carana-padma, kebala-bhakati-sadma bando mui sabadhana mate jahara prasade bhai, e bhava tariya jai krsna-prapti haya jaha hate
The lotus feet of the spiritual master are the abode of pure devotional service. I bow down to those lotus feet with great care and attention. My dear brother (my dear mind)! It is through the grace of the spiritual master that we cross over this material existence and obtain Krsna.(1)
guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete kariya aikya ar na kariha mane asa sri-guru-carane rati, ei se uttama-gati je prasade pure sarba asa
Make the teachings from the lotus mouth of the spiritual master one with your heart, and do not desire anything else. Attachment to the lotus feet of the spiritual master is the best means of spiritual advancement. By his mercy all desires for spiritual perfection are fulfilled.(2)
cakhu-dana dila jei, janme janme prabhu sei divya-jnana hrde prakasita prema-bhakti jaha haite, abidya binasa jate bede gaya jahara carita
He who has given me the gift of transcendental vision is my lord, birth after birth. By his mercy, divine knowledge is revealed within the heart, bestowing prema-bhakti and destroying ignorance. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.(3)
sri-guru karuna-sindhu, adhama janara bandhu lokanatha lokera jibana ha ha prabhu kara daya, deha mora pada-chaya ebe jasa ghusuk tribhuvana
O spiritual master, ocean of mercy and friend of the fallen souls, you are the teacher of everyone and the life of all people. O master! Be merciful unto me, and give me the shade of your lotus feet. May your glories now be proclaimed throughout the three worlds.(4)
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Posted by geeta kakkar on August 17, 2010 at 1:34pm
Sri Radhe-Krsna's playful pastimes (vihara) - Mana-garh
One day, Sri Krsna sent a message to Srimati Radhika through Subala, who is one of His sakhas, and through Vrinda-devi that They should meet at a certain time. Krsna was on His way when He suddenly met Padma, Candravali's friend (Candravali is in opposite party of Srimati Radhika). Padma described Srimati Candravali's state of seperation from Him and repeatedly requested Him to meet with her. Sri Krsna could not ignore her plea, and went to Candravali's kunja for what He intended to be a short time. However, He became so absorbed in sweet talks and playful pastimes with Candravali that He forgot everything else, and the time for the arranged meeting with Srimati Radhika elapsed. Meanwhile, one of Srimati Radhika's well-trained female parrots (saris) arrived on a tree in the same kunja. The parrot returned to Srimati Radhika and told Her all the details of Sri Krsna and Candravali's sweet conversations and playful pastimes. Radhika became deeply distressed and went into a mana that was very difficult to break. Within Her heart, She firmly resolved that She had no need for such an insolent Krsna; so when Sri Krsna finally arrived, long after the appointed meeting time, Srimatiji turned Her face away from Him.
Seeing Her unwavering mana, Sri Krsna tried to appease Her through all kinds of means and tricks, but Her mana would not break. Becoming hopeless and feeling sad, Krsna left that place. On the road He met Visakha ( Srimati Radharani's friend), who advised Him to disguise Himself as a new sakhi playing a vina. He went to Srimati Radhika together with Visakha, who introduced this new sakhi as Syama sakhi. Visakha profusely praised Syama Sakhi's ability to play the vina and sing, as well as all Her other skills. Srimati Radhika seated this new sakhi next to Her with great honour and respect. Upon hearing Her exceptional singing, She became filled with delight and embraced Her. Srimati Radhika recognized Her beloved merely by His touch and as soon as She had done so, Her mana was broken. Surrounded by Her friends, She now became absorbed in beautiful pastime with the beloved of Her life.
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Posted by geeta kakkar on August 14, 2010 at 4:30pm
Story of Lord Krishna - SRIMAD BHAGAVATA by Krsna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
The Brahmanas’ Wives Blessed
1. Once Lord Krsna, the son of Devaki, surrounded by His cowherd friends and accompanied by His elder brother, Balarama, went a good distance away from Vrndavana, herding the cows.
2. Then the sun’s heat became intense, Lord Krsna saw that the trees were acting as umbrellas by shading Him, and thus He spoke as follows to His boyfriends.
3. [Lord Krsna said:] O Stoka Krsna and Amsu, O Sridama, Subala and Arjuna, O Vrsabha, Ojasvi, Devaprastha and Varuthapa, just see these greatly fortunate trees, whose lives are completely dedicated to the benefit of others. Even while tolerating the wind, rain, heat and snow, they protect us from these elements.
4. Just see how these trees are maintaining every living entity! Their birth is successful. Their behavior is just like that of great personalities, for anyone who asks anything from a tree never goes away disappointed.
5. It is the duty of every living being to perform welfare activities for the benefit of others with his life, wealth, intelligence and words.
6. Thus moving among the trees, whose branches were bent low by their abundance of twigs, fruits, flowers and leaves, Lord Krsna came to the Yamuna River.
7. The cowherd boys let the cows drink the clear, cool and wholesome water of the Yamuna. The cowherd boys themselves also drank that sweet water to their full satisfaction.
8. Then, the cowherd boys began herding the animals in a leisurely way within a small forest along the Yamuna. But soon they became afflicted by hunger and, approaching Krsna and Balarama, spoke as follows.
9. The cowherd boys said: O Rama, Rama, mighty-armed one! O Krsna, chastiser of the wicked! We are being harassed by hunger, and You should do something about it.
10. Thus entreated by the cowherd boys, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the son of Devaki, replied as follows, desiring to please certain of His devotees who were brahmanas’ wives.
11. [Lord Krsna said:] Please go to the sacrificial arena where a group of brahmanas, learned in the Vedic injunctions, are now performing the Angirasa sacrifice to gain promotion to heaven.
12. When you go there, My dear cowherd boys, simply request some food. Declare to them the name of My elder brother, the Supreme Lord Balarama, and also My name, and explain that you have been sent by Us.
13. Thus instructed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cowherd boys went there and submitted their request. They stood before the brahmanas with palms joined in supplication and then fell flat on the ground to offer respect.
14. [The cowherd boys said:] O earthly gods, please hear us. We cowherd boys are executing the orders of Krsna, and we have been sent here by Balarama. We wish all good for you. Please acknowledge our arrival.
15. Lord Rama and Lord Acyuta are tending Their cows not far from here. They are hungry and want you to give Them some of your food. Therefore, O brahmanas, O best of the knowers of religion, if you have faith please give some food to Them.
16. The brahmanas heard the supplication from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, yet they refused to pay heed. Indeed, they were full of petty desires and entangled in elaborate rituals. Though presuming themselves advanced in Vedic learning, they were actually inexperienced fools.
17. Although the ingredients of sacrificial performance—the place, time, particular paraphernalia, mantras, rituals, priests, fires, demigods, performer, offering and the as yet unseen beneficial results— are all simply aspects of His opulences, the brahmanas saw Lord Krsna as an ordinary human because of their perverted intelligence. They failed to recognize that He is the Supreme Absolute Truth, the directly manifest Personality of Godhead, whom the material senses cannot ordinarily perceive. Thus bewildered by their false identification with the mortal body, they did not show Him proper respect.
18. When the brahmanas failed to reply even with a simple yes or no, the cowherd boys returned disappointed to Krsna and Rama and reported this to Them.
19. Hearing what had happened, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Lord of the universe, simply laughed. Then He again addressed the cowherd boys, showing them the way men act in this world.
20. [Lord Krsna said:] Tell the wives of the brahmanas that I have come here with Lord Sankarsana. They will certainly give you all the food you want, for they are most affectionate toward Me and, indeed, with their intelligence reside in Me alone.
21. The cowherd boys then went to the house where the brahmanas’ wives were staying. There the boys saw those chaste ladies sitting, nicely decorated with fine ornaments. Bowing down to the brahmana ladies, the boys addressed them in all humility.
22. [The cowherd boys said:] Obeisances unto you, O wives of the learned brahmanas. Kindly hear our words. We have been sent here by Lord Krsna, who is passing by not far from here.
23. He has come a long way with the cowherd boys and Lord Balarama, tending the cows. Now He is hungry, so some food should be given for Him and His companions.
24. The wives of the brahmanas were always eager to see Krsna, for their minds had been enchanted by descriptions of Him. Thus as soon as they heard that He had come, they became very excited.
25. Taking along in large vessels the four kinds of foods, full of fine tastes and aromas, all the ladies went forth to meet their beloved, just as rivers flow toward the sea.
26. Although their husbands, brothers, sons and other relatives tried to forbid them from going, their hope of seeing Krsna, cultivated by extensive hearing of His transcendental qualities, won out. Along the river Yamuna, within a garden decorated with buds of asoka trees, they caught sight of Him strolling along in the company of the cowherd boys and His elder brother, Balarama.
27. His complexion was dark blue and His garment golden. Wearing a peacock feather, colored minerals, sprigs of flower buds, and a garland of forest flowers and leaves, He was dressed just like a dramatic dancer. He rested one hand upon the shoulder of a friend and with the other twirled a lotus. Lilies graced His ears, His hair hung down over His cheeks, and His lotuslike face was smiling.
28. For a long time those brahmana ladies had heard about Krsna, their beloved, and His glories had become the constant ornaments of their ears. Indeed, their minds were always absorbed in Him. Through the apertures of their eyes they now forced Him to enter within their hearts, and then they embraced Him within for a long time. In this way they finally gave up the pain of separation from Him, just as sages give up the anxiety of false ego by embracing their innermost consciousness.
29. Lord Krsna, who witnesses the thoughts of all creatures, understood how those ladies had abandoned all worldly hopes and come there simply to see Him. Thus He addressed them as follows with a smile upon His face.
30. [Lord Krsna said:] Welcome, O most fortunate ladies. Please sit down and make yourselves comfortable. What can I do for you? That you have come here to see Me is most appropriate.
31. Certainly expert personalities, who can see their own true interest, render unmotivated and uninterrupted devotional service directly unto Me, for I am most dear to the soul.
32. It is only by contact with the self that one’s vital breath, intelligence, mind, friends, body, wife, children, wealth and so on are dear. Therefore what object can possibly be more dear than one’s own self?
33. You should thus return to the sacrificial arena, because your husbands, the learned brahmanas, are householders and need your assistance to finish their respective sacrifices.
34. Thus instructed, the wives of the brahmanas returned to the place of sacrifice. The brahmanas did not find any fault with their wives, and together with them they finished the sacrifice.
35. One of the ladies had been forcibly kept back by her husband. When she heard the others describe the Supreme Lord Krsna, she embraced Him within her heart and gave up her material body, the basis of bondage to material activity.
36. Govinda, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, fed the cowherd boys with that food of four varieties. Then the all-powerful Lord Himself partook of the preparations.
37. Thus the Supreme Lord, appearing like a human being to perform His pastimes, imitated the ways of human society. He enjoyed pleasing His cows, cowherd boyfriends and cowherd girlfriends with His beauty, words and actions.
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Posted by geeta kakkar on August 13, 2010 at 6:06pm
Obeisances to Lord Krishna (Excerpts from Sri Gopala-Tapani Upanishad)
Om namah. I offer my respectful obeisances to Sri Krishna, whose form is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss, who is the rescuer from distress, who is understood by Vedanta, who is the supreme spiritual master, and who is the witness in everyone's heart.
"Krishna means He who delivers from sin, Govinda means He who is famous on the earth, in the Vedas, and among the surabhi cows and Gopijanavallabha means He who enchants the gopis. All these names refer to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Meditating with all his heart on Lord Krsna, whose eyes are handsome lotus flowers, whose complexion is a monsoon cloud, whose garments are lightning, who has two arms, who is rich in transcendental knowledge, who wears a garland of forest flowers, who is the supreme controller, who is surrounded by gopas, gopis, and surabhi cows, who rests under a sura-druma tree, who is decorated with splendid ornaments, who stands in the middle of a red lotus flower, and who is served by breezes that have touched the Yamuna's waves, a person becomes free from repeated birth and death.
Lord Krishna is the worshipable, all-pervading supreme controller, and although He is one, He manifests in many forms. They who are intelligent worship Him as He stands on His altar.
It was Krishna who in the beginning instructed Brahma in Vedic knowledge and who disseminated Vedic knowledge in the past. They who desire liberation surrender to Him, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who grants transcendental knowledge to His devotees.
I continually glorified the Lord and meditated upon Him for millions of years, and at last I was able to understand the transcendental form of the Lord as Sri Krishna, in the dress of a cowherd boy. With devotion in my heart I bowed down before Him.
By worshipping Him, Shiva became free from illusion, and he attained the Lord.
Om namah. To Lord Govinda, who is the form of the universe, the creator. maintainer, and destroyer of the universe, the master of the universe, and the universe itself. I offer my respectful obeisances.
Obeisances to Lord Govinda, whose form is full of knowledge, whose form is full of supreme bliss, who is all-attractive, and who is the master of the gopis.
Obeisances to Him, His eyes lotus flowers. Obeisances to Him, garlanded with lotuses. Obeisances to Him, His navel a lotus. Obeisances to Him, the husband of the goddesses of fortune.
Posted by geeta kakkar on August 12, 2010 at 1:50pm
Sri Radhe-Krsna's playful pastimes (vihara) - Triveni kupa
Once, in the month of Magha(January - February), Lalita and other sakhis desired to bathe at Triveni, which is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati Rivers. Sri Krsna therefore created this well for them with the tip of His flute, right before their eyes. Merely by His remembering them, the holy waters from the confluence at Triveni appeared in the well, and the gopis could bathe. Sri Dauji and Lalita daily bathed in Triveni Kupa.
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Posted by geeta kakkar on August 10, 2010 at 11:56am
Story of Lord Krishna - SRIMAD BHAGAVATA by Krsna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
Krsna Steals the Garments of the Unmarried Gopis
1. During the first month of the winter season, the young unmarried girls of Gokula observed the vow of worshiping goddess Katyayani. For the entire month they ate only unspiced khichri.
2. After they had bathed in the water of the Yamuna just as the sun was rising, the gopis made an earthen deity of goddess Durga on the riverbank. Then they worshiped her with such aromatic substances as sandalwood pulp, along with other items both opulent and simple, including lamps, fruits, betel nuts, newly grown leaves, and fragrant garlands and incense.
3. Each of the young unmarried girls performed her worship while chanting the following mantra. “O goddess Katyayani, O great potency of the Lord, O possessor of great mystic power and mighty controller of all, please make the son of Nanda Maharaja my husband. I offer my obeisances unto you.”
4. Thus for an entire month the girls carried out their vow and properly worshiped the goddess Bhadrakali, fully absorbing their minds in Krsna and meditating upon the following thought: ”May the son of King Nanda become my husband.”
5. Each day they rose at dawn. Calling out to one another by name, they all held hands and loudly sang the glories of Krsna while going to the Kalindi to take their bath.
6. One day they came to the riverbank and, putting aside their clothing as they had done before, happily played in the water while singing the glories of Krsna.
7. Lord Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and master of all masters of mystic yoga, was aware of what the gopis were doing, and thus He went there surrounded by His young companions to award the gopis the perfection of their endeavor.
8. Taking the girls’ garments, He quickly climbed to the top of a kadamba tree. Then, as He laughed loudly and His companions also laughed, He addressed the girls jokingly.
9. [Lord Krsna said:] My dear girls, you may each come here as you wish and take back your garments. I’m telling you the truth and am not joking with you, since I see you’re fatigued from executing austere vows.
10. I have never before spoken a lie, and these boys know it. Therefore, O slender-waisted girls, please come forward, either one by one or all together, and pick out your clothes.
11. Seeing how Krsna was joking with them, the gopis became fully immersed in love for Him, and as they glanced at each other they began to laugh and joke among themselves, even in their embarrassment. But still they did not come out of the water.
12. As Sri Govinda spoke to the gopis in this way, His joking words completely captivated their minds. Submerged up to their necks in the cold water, they began to shiver. Thus they addressed Him as follows.
13. [The gopis said:] Dear Krsna, don’t be unfair! We know that You are the respectable son of Nanda and that You are honored by everyone in Vraja. You are also very dear to us. Please give us back our clothes. We are shivering in the cold water.
14. O Syamasundara, we are Your maidservants and must do whatever You say. But give us back our clothing. You know what the religious principles are, and if You don’t give us our clothes we will have to tell the king. Please!
15. The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: If you girls are actually My maidservants, and if you will really do what I say, then come here with your innocent smiles and let each girl pick out her clothes. If you don’t do what I say, I won’t give them back to you. And even if the king becomes angry, what can he do?
16. Then, shivering from the painful cold, all the young girls rose up out of the water, covering their pubic area with their hands.
17. When the Supreme Lord saw how the gopis were struck with embarrassment, He was satisfied by their pure loving affection. Putting their clothes on His shoulder, the Lord smiled and spoke to them with affection.
18. [Lord Krsna said:] You girls bathed naked while executing your vow, and that is certainly an offense against the demigods. To counteract your sin you should offer obeisances while placing your joined palms above your heads. Then you should take back your lower garments.
19. Thus the young girls of Vrndavana, considering what Lord Acyuta had told them, accepted that they had suffered a falldown from their vow by bathing naked in the river. But they still desired to successfully complete their vow, and since Lord Krsna is Himself the ultimate result of all pious activities, they offered their obeisances to Him to cleanse away all their sins.
20. Seeing them bow down like that, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the son of Devaki, gave them back their garments, feeling compassionate toward them and satisfied by their act.
21. Although the gopis had been thoroughly cheated, deprived of their modesty, ridiculed and made to act just like toy dolls, and although their clothing had been stolen, they did not feel at all inimical toward Sri Krsna. Rather, they were simply joyful to have this opportunity to associate with their beloved.
22. The gopis were addicted to associating with their beloved Krsna, and thus they became captivated by Him. Thus, even after putting their clothes on they did not move. They simply remained where they were, shyly glancing at Him.
23. The Supreme Lord understood the determination of the gopis in executing their strict vow. The Lord also knew that the girls desired to touch His lotus feet, and thus Lord Damodara, Krsna, spoke to them as follows.
24. [Lord Krsna said:] O saintly girls, I understand that your real motive in this austerity has been to worship Me. That intent of yours is approved of by Me, and indeed it must come to pass.
25. The desire of those who fix their minds on Me does not lead to material desire for sense gratification, just as barleycorns burned by the sun and then cooked can no longer grow into new sprouts.
26. Go now, girls, and return to Vraja. Your desire is fulfilled, for in My company you will enjoy the coming nights. After all, this was the purpose of your vow to worship goddess Katyayani, O purehearted ones.
27. Thus instructed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the young girls, their desire now fulfilled, could bring themselves only with great difficulty to return to the village of Vraja, meditating all the while upon His lotus feet.
Posted by geeta kakkar on August 9, 2010 at 12:01pm
Obeisances to Lord Krishna (Excerpts from Sri Gopala-Tapani Upanishad)
1. Obeisances to Lord Govinda, handsome with a peacock-feather crown, identical with Balarama, His intelligence sharp, and He the swan in the Manasa lake of the goddess of fortune's thoughts.
2. Obeisances to Him, the death of Kamsa and his allies, the killer of Kesi and Canura, the object of worship for Siva, and the chariot-driver of Arjuna.
3. Obeisances to Him, the cowherd boy fond of playing the flute, the crusher of Kaliya, the person who walks on the Yamuna's shore and whose earrings gracefully swing to and fro.
4. Obeisances to Sri Krishna, the protector of the surrendered souls. Obeisances to Him, the expert dancer garlanded with the gopi's lotus glances.
5. Obeisances to Him, the death of sin, the lifter of Govardhana Hill, the end of Putana's life, the thief of Trnavarta's life.
6. Obeisances to Sri Krishna, decorated with a golden necklace, charming, pure, the enemy of impurity, one without a second, the greatest.
7. Be kind, O blissful one. Be kind, O Supreme Lord. O Lord, please rescue me, bitten by the snake of physical and mental pain.
8. O Krishna, O husband of Rukmini, O enchanter of the gopis, O master of the universe, please rescue me, drowning in the ocean of repeated birth and death.
9. O Kesava, O Narayana, O Govinda, O Janardana, O source of all transcendental bliss, O Lord who rescues the devotees from distress, O Madhava, please rescue me.
10. Meditating on Lord Krishna, you will transcend the world of birth and death. Therefore, Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. One should meditate upon Him, glorify Him, serve Him and worship Him. Om tat sat.
Posted by geeta kakkar on August 8, 2010 at 3:30pm
Sri Radhe-Krsna's playful pastimes (vihara) - Lalita-vivaha-mandapa
Here, the gopis performed Lalita's(a friend of Srimati Radhika) wedding ceremony with seven-year-old Sri Krsna here. One day, Lalita and the sakhis were sitting with rasik Krsna and talking sweetly with Him. Upon the indication of Srimati Radhika, Visakha and some other sakhis tied Sri Syamsundara's yellow cloth to the corner of Sri Lalita's veil. Rangadevi and other sakhis started to sing wedding songs while Tungavidya and others uttered the wedding mantras. The remaining sakhis showered flowers on Sri Krsna and Lalita. Becoming somewhat suspicious, Lalita quickly stood up and went to run away, but she was unable to do so because of the knot. The gopis surrounded the couple and with great celebration held a big festival. This place was named Lalita-vivaha-sthala after this pastime.
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Posted by geeta kakkar on August 6, 2010 at 5:07pm
Story of Lord Krishna - SRIMAD BHAGAVATA by Krsna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
The Gopis Glorify the Song of Krsna’s Flute
1. During the rainy season the Vrndavana forest had become resplendent, filled with ripe dates and jambu fruits, Lord Krsna, surrounded by His cows and cowherd boyfriends and accompanied by Sri Balarama, entered that forest to enjoy.
2. The cows had to move slowly because of their weighty milk bags, but they quickly ran to the Supreme Personality of Godhead as soon as He called them, their affection for Him causing their udders to become wet.
3. The Lord saw the joyful aborigine girls of the forest, the trees dripping sweet sap, and the mountain waterfalls, whose resounding indicated that there were caves nearby.
4. When it rained, the Lord would sometimes enter a cave or the hollow of a tree to play and to eat roots and fruits.
5. Lord Krsna would take His meal of boiled rice and yogurt, sent from home, in the company of Lord Sankarsana and the cowherd boys who regularly ate with Him. They would all sit down to eat on a large stone near the water.
6. Lord Krsna watched the contented bulls, calves and cows sitting on the green grass and grazing with closed eyes, and He saw that the cows were tired from the burden of their heavy milk bags. Thus observing the beauty and opulence of Vrndavana’s rainy season, a perennial source of great happiness, the Lord offered all respect to that season, which was expanded from His own internal potency.
7. While Lord Rama and Lord Kesava were thus dwelling in Vrndavana, the fall season arrived, when the sky is cloudless, the water clear and the wind gentle.
8. The Vrndavana forest was filled with transparent autumnal waters and cooled by breezes perfumed with the fragrance of lotus flowers growing in the clear lakes. The infallible Lord, accompanied by His cows and cowherd boyfriends, entered that Vrndavana forest, and while herding the cows He began to vibrate His flute.
9. Wearing a peacock-feather ornament upon His head, blue karnikara flowers on His ears, a yellow garment as brilliant as gold, and the Vaijayanti garland, Lord Krsna exhibited His transcendental form as the greatest of dancers as He entered the forest of Vrndavana, beautifying it with the marks of His footprints. He filled the holes of His flute with the nectar of His lips, and the cowherd boys sang His glories.
10. When the young ladies in the cowherd village of Vraja heard the song of Krsna’s flute, which arouses the influence of Cupid, some of them privately began describing Krsna’s qualities to their intimate friends.
11. The cowherd girls said: O friends, those eyes that see the beautiful faces of the sons of Maharaja Nanda are certainly fortunate. As these two sons enter the forest, surrounded by Their friends, driving the cows before Them, They hold Their flutes to Their mouths and glance lovingly upon the residents of Vrndavana. For those who have eyes, we think there is no greater object of vision.
12. Dressed in a charming variety of garments, upon which Their garlands rest, and decorating Themselves with peacock feathers, lotuses, lilies, newly grown mango sprouts and clusters of flower buds, Krsna and Balarama shine forth magnificently among the assembly of cowherd boys. They look just like the best of dancers appearing on a dramatic stage, and sometimes They sing.
13. My dear gopis, what auspicious activities must the flute have performed to enjoy the nectar of Krsna’s lips independently and leave only a taste for us gopis, for whom that nectar is actually meant! The forefathers of the flute, the bamboo trees, shed tears of pleasure. His mother, the river on whose bank the bamboo was born, feels jubilation, and therefore her blooming lotus flowers are standing like hair on her body.
14. O friend, Vrndavana is spreading the glory of the earth, having obtained the treasure of the lotus feet of Krsna, the son of Devaki. The peacocks dance madly when they hear Govinda’s flute, and when other creatures see them from the hilltops, they all become stunned.
15. Blessed are all these foolish deer because they have approached Maharaja Nanda’s son, who is gorgeously dressed and is playing on His flute. Indeed, both the doe and the bucks worship the Lord with looks of love and affection.
16. Krsna’s beauty and character create a festival for all women. Indeed, when the demigods’ wives flying in airplanes with their husbands catch sight of Him and hear His resonant flute-song, their hearts are shaken by Cupid, and they become so bewildered that the flowers fall out of their hair and their belts loosen.
17. Using their upraised ears as vessels, the cows are drinking the nectar of the flute-song flowing out of Krsna’s mouth. The calves, their mouths full of milk from their mothers’ moist nipples, stand still as they take Govinda within themselves through their tear-filled eyes and embrace Him within their hearts.
18. O mother, in this forest all the birds have risen onto the beautiful branches of the trees to see Krsna. With closed eyes they are simply listening in silence to the sweet vibrations of His flute, and they are not attracted by any other sound. Surely these birds are on the same level as great sages.
19. When the rivers hear the flute-song of Krsna, their minds begin to desire Him, and thus the flow of their currents is broken and their waters are agitated, moving around in whirlpools. Then with the arms of their waves the rivers embrace Murari’s lotus feet and, holding on to them, present offerings of lotus flowers.
20. In the company of Balarama and the cowherd boys, Lord Krsna is continually vibrating His flute as He herds all the animals of Vraja, even under the full heat of the summer sun. Seeing this, the cloud in the sky has expanded himself out of love. He is rising high and constructing out of his own body, with its multitude of flower-like droplets of water, an umbrella for the sake of his friend.
21. The aborigine women of the Vrndavana area become disturbed by lust when they see the grass marked with reddish kunkuma powder. Endowed with the color of Krsna’s lotus feet, this powder originally decorated the breasts of His beloveds, and when the aborigine women smear it on their faces and breasts, they give up all their anxiety.
22. Of all the devotees, this Govardhana Hill is the best! O my friends, this hill supplies Krsna and Balarama, along with Their calves, cows and cowherd friends, with all kinds of necessities—water for drinking, very soft grass, caves, fruits, flowers and vegetables. In this way the hill offers respects to the Lord. Being touched by the lotus feet of Krsna and Balarama, Govardhana Hill appears very jubilant.
23. My dear friends, as Krsna and Balarama pass through the forest with Their cowherd friends, leading Their cows, They carry ropes to bind the cows’ rear legs at the time of milking. When Lord Krsna plays on His flute, the sweet music causes the moving living entities to become stunned and the nonmoving trees to tremble with ecstasy. These things are certainly very wonderful.
24. Thus narrating to one another the playful pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as He wandered about in the Vrndavana forest, the gopis became fully absorbed in thoughts of Him.
Posted by geeta kakkar on August 5, 2010 at 12:29pm
Sri Radhe-Krsna's playful pastimes (vihara) - Sankari-khor
At this dana ghati, Sri Krsna and His gopa friends would become tax collectors and demand milk, yoghurt and butter as toll-tax from the gopis. When the gopis refused to give any tax, Krsna would forcibly plunder and relish their milk products.
The gopis, being tired of these daily encounters, decided one day to retaliate strongly. They decided that on a chosen day they would all hide in the caves and dense kunjas on the hill on both sides of the narrow pathway. A few gopis would then cross Sankari-khor carrying pots of milk, yoghurt and butter on their heads. The plan was that the moment Krsna and His sakhas would stop them and try to plunder their load, the gopis would call out to their friends hiding nearby, who would at once descend from their hideouts. Then, under the leadership of Lalita, they would teach Krsna and His sakhas a good lesson.
And so it happened that the next day thousands and thousands of gopis divided into groups and hid themselves in the dense kunjas and large caves around Sankari-khor. Then, as usual, a few gopis placed pots of milk and yoghurt on their heads and made their way towards Sankari-khor. Krsna, Madhumangala and the other sakhas obstructed their path and forcibly began to plunder their milk and yoghurt. At once, these gopis signalled the gopis who were hiding, and a wonderful pastime took place. Five to ten gopis forcefully caught hold of Krsna. Another five to ten caught hold of Madhumangala, and further groups captured Subala, Arjuna, and the other sakhas. They slapped their cheeks till they were swollen. They then tied the tuft of hair on the back of their heads (sikhas) to the branches of the trees and asked them," What pleasure is there in plundering our yoghurt? Will you ever do it again?" Madhumangala folded his hands and prayed at the feet of Lalita. "Please spare me. I was very hungary. I am a simple brahmana boy who fell under the influence of that fickle Krsna. I shall never behave like this again." The gopis thus taught the sakhas a lesson.
Srimati Radhika, Visakha and some other gopis had captured Krsna. They slapped His cheeks a few times and then forcibly dressed Him like a woman with a blouse and skirt. They even put vermilion in the parting of His hair, bangles on His arms, anklets on His feet, and so on. They covered half His face with a veil, placed a pot of yoghurt on His head and began to make fun of Him by demanding tax on the yoghurt. From the top of the hill, Lalita sakhi aimed a stone at the pot of yoghurt on Krsna's head, breaking it and drenching His whole body. All the sakhis began to laugh and clap, and Syama felt very ashamed. "Will You dare to demand tax on our yoghurt ever again?" they asked. "Hold your ears and vow,' From today, I will never try to tax the gopis yoghurt.'" They forced Krsna to repeat this.
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Posted by geeta kakkar on August 3, 2010 at 1:00pm
Story of Lord Krishna - SRIMAD BHAGAVATA by Krsna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
The Forest Fire
1. After the killing of demon Pralamba, while the cowherd boys were completely absorbed in playing, their cows wandered far away. They hungered for more grass, and with no one to watch them they entered a dense forest.
2. Passing from one part of the great forest to another, the goats, cows and buffalo eventually entered an area overgrown with sharp canes. The heat of a nearby forest fire made them thirsty, and they cried out in distress.
3. Not seeing the cows before them, Krsna, Rama and Their cowherd friends suddenly felt repentant for having neglected them. The boys searched all around, but could not discover where they had gone.
4. Then the boys began tracing out the cows’ path by noting their hoofprints and the blades of grass the cows had broken with their hooves and teeth. All the cowherd boys were in great anxiety because they had lost their source of livelihood.
5. Within the Munja forest the cowherd boys finally found their valuable cows, who had lost their way and were crying. Then the boys, thirsty and tired, herded the cows onto the path back home.
6. The Supreme Personality of Godhead called out to the animals in a voice that resounded like a rumbling cloud. Hearing the sound of their own names, the cows were overjoyed and called out to the Lord in reply.
7. Suddenly a great forest fire appeared on all sides, threatening to destroy all the forest creatures. Like a chariot driver, the wind swept the fire onward, and terrible sparks shot in all directions. Indeed, the great fire extended its tongues of flame toward all moving and nonmoving creatures.
8. As the cows and cowherd boys stared at the forest fire attacking them on all sides, they became fearful. The boys then approached Krsna and Balarama for shelter, just as those who are disturbed by fear of death approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The boys addressed Them as follows.
9. [The cowherd boys said:] O Krsna! Krsna! Most powerful one! O Rama! You whose prowess never fails! Please save Your devotees, who are about to be burned by this forest fire and have come to take shelter of You!
10. Krsna! Certainly Your own friends shouldn’t be destroyed. O knower of the nature of all things, we have accepted You as our Lord, and we are souls surrendered unto You!
11. Hearing these pitiful words from His friends, the Supreme Lord Krsna told them, “Just close your eyes and do not be afraid.”
12. “All right,” the boys replied, and immediately closed their eyes. Then the Supreme Lord, the master of all mystic power, opened His mouth and swallowed the terrible fire, saving His friends from danger.
13. The cowherd boys opened their eyes and were amazed to find not only that they and the cows had been saved from the terrible fire but that they had all been brought back to the Bhandira tree.
14. When the cowherd boys saw that they had been saved from the forest fire by the Lord’s mystic power, which is manifested by His internal potency, they began to think that Krsna must be a demigod.
15. It was now late in the afternoon, and Lord Krsna, accompanied by Balarama, turned the cows back toward home. Playing His flute in a special way, Krsna returned to the cowherd village in the company of His cowherd friends, who chanted His glories.
16. The young gopis took the greatest pleasure in seeing Govinda come home, since for them even a moment without His association seemed like a hundred ages.
17. To the ladies of Vrndavana, the cowherd boys then related in full detail Krsna’s and Balarama’s wonderful activities of delivering them from the forest fire and killing the demon Pralamba.
18. The elder cowherd men and ladies were amazed to hear this account, and they concluded that Krsna and Balarama must be exalted demigods who had appeared in Vrndavana.
Posted by geeta kakkar on August 2, 2010 at 12:00pm
Guru-varam mukunda-presthatve (smara): Meditate on Sri Gurudeva as very dear to Sri Mukunda
Sri Gurudeva is known as mukunda-prestha or one who is very dear to Sri Mukunda, who bestows mukti or liberation from material bondage. Devotees should think, "Sri Krsna, who is an ocean of mercy, has sent His very dear associate as my gurudeva in order to deliver me." It is, therefore, fully appropriate to consider Sri Gurudeva as a priya sakhi of Srimati Radhika. According to the statement of the sastras, "acarya mam vijaniyat," (S.B. 11.17.27) Sri Gurudeva is known as the svarupa or embodiment of Bhagavan. The spiritual master is very dear to Bhagavan or that he is equally worshipable as the Lord. But to reject Bhagavan and worship only guru, thinking him to be God, is an offense.
prathaman tu gurum pujya tatas caiva mamarcanam kurvan siddhim avapnoti hy anyatha nisphalam bhavet (Hari-bhakti-vilasa, 4.344) Sri Krsna says, "A devotee who worships Sri Gurudeva first and then worships Me attains perfection. It is fruitless to worship Me alone."
In direct opposition to this, if an evil-minded, arrogant and wretched man disregards Sri Gurudeva and worships only Bhagavan, he becomes a target for the Lord's wrath. When a lotus flower is situated in water, the rays of the sun cause it to blossom. The same sun, however, will wither a lotus which is not situated in water. In this example the guru is compared to water and the Supreme Lord is compared with the sun.
