The Sacred Glories of Radha Kunda
The holy city of Mathura holds a position of spiritual supremacy over Vaikuntha, the transcendental world, because it is where the Supreme Lord appeared. Yet, even greater than Mathura is the transcendental forest of Vrindavana, renowned for the divine rasalila pastimes of Lord Krishna. Superior to Vrindavana is Govardhana Hill, uplifted by Krishna’s divine hand and the site of His many loving pastimes. But above all, the superexcellent Radha Kunda reigns supreme, overflowing with the ambrosial nectar of love for Sri Krishna, the Lord of Gokula. Who then, with intelligence, would hesitate to serve the sacred Radha Kunda, nestled at the foot of Govardhana Hill?
— From Srila Rupa Goswami’s Nectar of Instruction (Upadeshamritam)
The Origin of Radha Kunda
After slaying the bull-demon Aristasura, Lord Krishna sought to approach Srimati Radharani for their loving exchanges. However, Radharani rebuked Him, declaring He had committed the sin of killing a bull, a symbol of religious principles. To purify Himself, She suggested that He bathe in all the sacred rivers.
Desiring to regain Her favor, Krishna struck the earth with His lotus foot, creating a large pond. Immediately, the sacred rivers appeared and filled this pond, which became known as Syama-kunda, the bathing place of Krishna, who is the color of a dark rain cloud.
Upon bathing in Syama-kunda, Krishna proclaimed Himself purified. Turning to Radharani and Her friends, He teased them, claiming they had become impure by siding with Aristasura, who had taken the form of a bull. In response, Radharani and the gopis broke their bangles and, using the broken pieces, began digging a hole in the ground. When there was no water, Krishna laughed. Determined, the gopis formed a line to the Manasi Ganga, passing water from one to another to fill the hole. At that moment, the sacred rivers appeared again, humbly requesting Radharani’s permission to enter Her kunda. With Her blessing, they flowed into Radha Kunda, sanctifying it forever.
Source: https://www.mayapur.com/2024/bahulastami-the-appearance-of-radhakund/
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