I have been to Vrindavan many times but this time was stranger than I imagined.usually I always reach Delhi and go to stay in Vrindavan for a few days and then return, but this time, unconventionally,Krishna was in no mood to call me so soon. I had nearly given up hope of reaching Vrindavan this year, when I had a dream.Srila Prabhupada came and asked me to follow him.Next day my son who drove the car, and my wife and a friend of hers, got into the car at 6 AM and sped to Vrindavan. We entered Vrindavan by road at 8:30 AM, there is now a two-way road, well lit and tarred properly, all the way upto the Temple.We had excellent Darshan at the ISKCON's Krishna Balaram mandir while a discourse was in progress in the courtyard. Srila Prabhupada's Samadhi is my first destination in Vrindavan,that is where I feel really connected.After paying obeisances to Srila Prabhupada, I met a devotee who was collecting funds for the Goshala.The Goshala is a lovely place,it reminds one of the ancient times when Vrindavan was in its Prime and Lord Krishna personally moved around amongst the gopis,friends and family.Even today the Lord does move around unseen.We offered humble donations for the Goshala, and then left to visit the Baldevji Radhagovinda Bihariji Temple at Vastraharan Ghat. At first attempt the temple had simply disappeared, but on asking around we found it.This is the place where Srila Prabhupada began his mission.It is said that those who visit this place need not go to the char dham yatra, as it is completed here. The deities of the Lord Sri Krishna and Balramji along with their parents(Nand Baba, Yashoda Ma). It strikes to me as their original home, they must have actually lived here by the river.The old constructions have been constantly repaired.It is said that irrespective of whether we make a wish here or not, Lord Krishna fulfills whatever is in our heart.I have verified this personally, and tears roll out each time I think of what the Lord is doing for me. I am at a loss to understand what I should be doing for the Lord, yet He does give me good opportunities to serve, and I am indeed very thankful for that.After performing seva there, we went outside. It is sad to see that the surroundings are not well taken care of, Vrindavan's riverside edge is being neglected by the town management, but some signs of progress were also noticed.Some desilting work has begun in the river, and it is expected to flow properly after that is done.Cleanliness along the river is the duty of the municipality and the residents living there, and I am sad to say such cleanliness was indeed lacking.I hope indeed they will try to clean up their surroundings and make Vrindavan a really lovely place, as it was in the past.I really want to dedicate my retirement period for the cleaning up of this town, but that year is not near yet, so I pray someone will take an initiative and start the cleaning up process. I would join in as soon as I am permitted by the Lord.After this brief darshan we returned home to Delhi.All this in just in 9 hours. What wonderful effect that dream has had on me I am still reeling from the ecstacy.Srila Prabhupada is eternally young... I could make out His face so clearly.I have never seen him in real life,yet the dream was so clear.JAI SRILA PRABHUPADA! JAI SRI SRI RADHE GOVINDJI,JAI BALARAMJI,JAIBABA NANDJI MOTHER YASHODA and MOTHER DEVAKI JI, JAI VRINDAVAN DHAM KI.
Comments