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Vraja, Wonder Land of Play part one

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Welcome all lovers of Vrindavana! This is part one of our continuing series of articles glorifying Sridhama Vrindavana.

Vraja [aka Vrindavana] is the divine realm wherein Sri Krishna loves, plays and sports with all and everyone. If you simply visit Vraja or live in Vraja, Gopala will enchant your heart by His sweet love, beauty, charm and naughty playfulness.

Filled with thousands of temples, Vrindavana is known as a “temple town”. In fact, the entire 168 sq. mile area of Vraja Mandala is adorned with thousands of temples, sacred places, mountains, rivers, lakes and bathing tanks.

Bhakti-ratnakara, a 500 year old holy book penned by Gaudiya Acarya Sri Narahari Chakravarti, describes over 300 different inhabited villages still existing today in Vraja Mandala. Each village is named after and commemorated to a particular amazing pastime of Sri Krishna which occurred there.

Vraja Dhama ki jai ho! This is such a unique and captivating sacred place. In every square mile of Vraja Mandala, one can visit two villages named after a divine lila that Sri Krishna enacted there 5,000 years ago! Here in Vraja, every step is a celebration of love leading us from village to village, lila-to-lila, and on into Krishna’s heart.

These articles are meant to increase attract everyone more and more and more to this most astonishing, wonderland of pure love and never ending play. Sri Krishna’s pastime villages will be grouped by area like Kamavana, Varsana, etc. The villages will be listed by their modern names. The origin of that name will appear in brackets after its English translation. Sri Vraja Dhama ki jai!

KAMAVANA AREA LILA VILLAGES:

Dhuleda Gaon (gaon means village)
This village is so named, because here the whole sky filled with dust (dhuli) from the hooves of cows as Govinda drove them home.

Udha
Named after Uddhava (udha), who rested here while en route to Nandagrama to deliver Krishna’s message to the gopis.

Atora
Here Krishna, Subala, Sridama, Bhrnga and the gopas would frolic here for eight (atora) hours a day.

Bajhera
This is the appearance place of two of Radhika’s asta-sakhis, the twin sisters Rangadevi and Sudevi.

Sunahara-gaon
Sona or suna means gold and hara means Lord Shiva or take away. Here Srimati Radharani removed Her golden necklace, and offered it in worship to Mahadeva Lord Shiva.

Nagala Moti (nagala means town or village) Here Sri Krishna hung a string of pearls (moti) on the beautiful smooth neck of Kishori.

Nagala Khapana
Madhava then suddenly ran away after offering Srimati the pearl necklace. Swamini Radha asked a sakhi, “Where has Krishna suddenly gone after getting some type of message (khapara)?”

Malapura
One day while cavorting in the forest, Gopala Shyama boasted to His playmates, “I can do anything at any time!” Challenging Nandulala, the gopas said, “Ok, Gopala! Then bring us lots sweets (maala) like rabri, laddus, and kheera. And if the plate remains full even after we stuff ourselves, then we will believe you can do anything!” It came to pass and so the village is named. Even today everyone here remembers and talks about that lila of 50 centuries ago! Vrindavana Dhama ki JAI HO!

Didavali
Yashoda’s mom lived here, and thus it is famous as the village of Krishna’s grandmother (didi ma).

Ghata
Once while cow herding here, Shyama remembered the vastness (ghata) of Priyaji’s love and called out, “O Subala! Quickly bring My Praneshvari here!”

Paramadara
Once the sakhis came to this lonely village searching for Shyama. In the pangs of separation, Ishvari Radha tightly embraced a glossy black tamala tree. Then upon seeing a nearby lake, shimmering with a dark blue hue, all the sakhis fainted. Suddenly Shyama arrived and fully (parama) worshiped (adaraniya) each gopi by satisfying her every wish and whim.

Nagala Maharani
Here the sakhis sat Srimati on a throne to honor Her as the greatest Queen (maharani). They adorned Radharani with lots of flowers; played instruments; sang and danced all around chanting……. Maharani ki Jai! Radharani ki jai! Bolo Varsane walli ki jai, jai, jai!!!!

Pahalabada
Here the gopas challenged Krishna, “If alone You can defeat all of us together in a wrestling match, then we will say You are strong and powerful.” Feeling a little afraid and doubtful about their collective strength, all the sakhas started goading each other, “O bhaiya! You attack (pahela) Krishna first.” And guess what? Sri Krishna defeated everyone and became Ajita Sri Krishna ki jai!

Kalyanapura
Here all the cowherd boys once playfully offered dandavats to the Divine Duo while roaring, “Krishna Kanhaiya, Douji ka Bhaiya ki jai!!!!!!” Responding, Krishna Balarama blessed them all, saying, “May all be auspicious (kalyana) for you!”

Khona
One day to make Radhaji happy, the sakhis started laughing and jumping here in a game called “Kho” (a girl’s play). Hence the name Khonha.

Kayarika Nagala
Once while Sriji and the sakhis were playing the game of Kho here, evening arrived suddenly and covered all directions in dense darkness. While walking home to Varsana the sakhis became scared. So they called out, “O Krishna! O Prananatha! We are afraid of this darkness (kari), so quickly come save us!”

Sri Krishna then fully illuminated the road all the way to Varsana with the effulgent rays of His beautiful smile. By the mercy of Priya-Priyatama, watch here for more nectar from the Wonderful Land of Play.
Sri Dhama Vrndavana ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Gurudeva Reveals Radha Kunda Appearance Day

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

There is an amazing story behind the revival of the original and actual appearance day of Sri Radha Kunda. It was 2017, just a day before Caitra Purnima 2017, when my divine master, Radha-Krishna nitya Vrndavana lila pravista, 108 Pandit Sri Krishna Dasa Babaji Maharaja revealed the amazing hidden truth.

Gurudeva: “Do you know that Karttika Bahulastami is not the appearance day of Radha Kunda?”

M.Madan Gopal Das: “O, Gurudeva, really? For thirty-five years we’ve been midnight bathing in Radha-kunda on that day thinking it was the appearance day.”

Gurudeva: “There is no sastra proof for that. In Mathura Mahatmyam, Sri Rupa Gosvamipada says that devotees should bathe in Radha-kunda on Karttika Bahulastami to Bhagavan Sri Hari. It says nothing about appearance day or a midnight snana.

“However, Sri Jiva Goswami says (SB 10.45.3 tika) that Radha-kunda appeared at midnight on Caitra Purnima. Thus according to our mahajanas, all Gaudiya Vaisnavas should bathe at midnight on this day to honor and respect the ACTUAL AND REAL APPEARANCE DAY OF RADHA KUNDA, Radha-Krishna’s most merciful lila of manifesting these magnificent kundas!”

So, listen, I want you to spread this truth far and wide, and by doing that you will make Srimati Radharani very happy. Just go rent an auto rikshaw, fix an amplifier and a big, big silver speaker on it, and ride all around Vraja Mandala telling everyone in Hindi this truth.”

M.Madan Gopal Das: “Gurudeva, are you serious, you really want us to do that? We don’t know Hindi so well, but we will try in our own way through I-Net and E mails to inform all devotees about this.”

Since Gurudeva was 99 years old at that time, I never expected him to say yes, but nevertheless, I curiously then asked him: “Gurudeva, would you like to come take Radha-kunda midnight snana tonight to inaugurate the revival of the original appearance day of Sri Radha-kunda?”

Gurudeva: Much to my surprise, Pandit Baba innocently looked at me like a child and said enthusiastically, “YES, I WILL TAKE MIDNIGHT SNANA TOO!”

Jai Gurudeva!

That first Caitra Purnima Radha-kunda appearance day was honored by a party of five—Sri Pandit Baba, Sri Haricarana dasji, Ananta dasji, ourselves and two Russian devotees. And thus it began in 2017, “The First Annual Original Caitra Purnima Midnight Appearance Day Festival of Sri Radha-kunda.”

On behalf of Sri Sri Radha-Syama, Sri Advaita Prabhu, Sri Jiva Goswami and our beloved eternal master, we invite all the devotees to come next year and every year for a midnight bliss bath in Sri Radha-kunda on Caitra Purnima.

Sri Radha-kunda Dhama ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Worshiping Radha Kunda: Caitra Purnima & Bahulastami

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

How should we worship Radha-kunda on Her appearance day in Caitra Purnima (april), and on Karttika Bahulastami (october), the day Caitanya Mahaprabhu discovered Radha-kunda?

Sri Sanatana Goswami’s Hari Bhakti Vilasa, the lawbook (smrti) for the Gaudiya Vaisnava sampradaya, describes the observance of and worship details for Krishna, Rama, Nrsimha, Vamana, Visnu and Siva. It does not mention anything about observing or worshipping the appearance (avirbhava) days of Radharani, Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda or Advaita Acarya, what to speak about Radha-kunda.

Nevertheless, for all Gaudiya Vaisnavas these appearance days are supremely worshipable. They should be observed with grand celebrations of fasting, puja, worship, tirtha snana (Radha-kunda, Yamuna, Ganga), Hari-katha, kirtana, bhajans, Sri Harinama Sankirtana and sumptuous transcendental maha-prasadam!

But why are these most significant divine days not mentioned in Hari Bhakti Vilasa? Sri Sanatana Goswami produced this important law book by collecting references from all the authentic and ancient Vedic literatures, especially the Puranas. These sastras say very little or nothing about worshiping Srimati Radharani. And they say nothing at all about worshiping Caitanya and the Panca Tattva because they appeared here long after these sastras were written.

Thus over the last 500 years, the different lineages of the Gaudiya Vaisnava sampradaya have developed their own worship standards for observing these sacred appearance days.

How to observe Radha-kunda’s appearance and discovery days depends on one’s devotional inspiration and the instructions of Sri Guru.

Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself, Vedic sastras i.e. Puranas, and our Gaudiya Vaisnava sastras all say that Radha-kunda is non-different from Srimati Radharani, which means SRI RADHA KUNDA IS SRIMATI RADHARANI!

So on Her appearance day in Caitra Purnima, one can worship Radha-kunda just like one observes Radhastami by:

-fasting until midnight;
-panca-amrta abhiseka;
-wonderful bhoga offering;
-astakams and prayers;
-Radha-Krishna katha;
-grand aratika;
-kirtan;
-kunda parikrama & Sri Harinama Sankirtana;
-snana—midnight moon light bath in Yugala’s prema-amrta;
-relish Radharani’s maha-prasadam!

Now that’s the proper way to observe the divine appearance of Vrndavanesvari Srimati Radharani in Her most merciful, compassionate, prema-giving, madhurya rasananda svarupa as SRI RADHA KUNDA!

Srimati Radharani ki jai! Caitra Purnima Radha-kunda appearance day ki jai!

Sridhama Vrndavana ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Real Day & Time of Radha Kund Appearance

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Although originating in the eternal Veda, the philosophies and practices of the various Indian spiritual lineages and their Gurus are often quite different from each other. The different Sampradayas sometimes augment their ideas and actions with knowledge collected from village folklore, local Brahmins, saints, and famous contemporary books.

Shri Rupa Goswamipada shows that occasionally this is also done in the Gaudiya Vaishnav Sampradaya. He says that the teachings in his book “Radha-Krishna Ganoddesa Dipika” come from the Vedas and other sources including:

Oral tradition (sastra-lokayoh);

Local Vrajavasis (mathura-mandale-loke);

Books written by devotees (granthesu-vividhesu)

Great devotees and saints (tad-bhaktesu-ca–sadhusu) (Radha Krishna Ganodesh Dipika verses 3-5)

As it was 500 years ago with Shri Rupa Goswamipada, it is the same today in Vrindavan where many of the spiritual ideas, beliefs and practices arise from oral tradition, local Brajwasis, new books, and famous Vaishnavas.

And for all these reasons, there is confusion about different spiritual truths and the location of Krishna’s pastime places. Some say Radharani appears in Raval, others say Barsana. Who’s right? They are both right, because transcendence, being unlimited in nature, can manifest in different times and ways to different devotees and transcendentalists.

Here are some more examples of confusion: In Braj today, there are two holy places called prachina (old, original) Gokula. One is ancient, and the other one was established 500 years ago by Shri Vallabhacaryaji.

There are two sacred places in Navadvipa Mandala, West Bengal claiming to be Sri Chaitanya’s “birthplace”. The ancient one, established 450 years ago in Navadvipa town, is called “Prachin Janmasthana”, or “Prachin Mayapur”. And the modern one established seventy-years ago called “Mayapur”.

Thus it’s easy to see why there is confusion over the appearance day of Radha Kund. The popular belief and tradition is that Kartik Krishnastami i.e. “Bahulastami” is the appearance day of Radha Kund.

As Gaudiya Vaishnavs, however, we will understand the truth on all matters and attain spiritual perfection, Radha-Krishna Prema, by thinking, living and acting according to authentic Veda sastra and the teachings of our Gaudiya Vaishnav mahajanas.

Shri Krishna confirms this point in Shri Gita (18.63):

yah–sastra–vidhim–utsrjya, vartate–kama–karatah,
na-sa-siddhim–avapnoti, na-sukham-na-param–gatim

Bhagavan Shri Krishna says, “If one acts independently without following the rules and teachings of the sastra, one will not attain happiness, spiritual perfection or liberation to Goloka Vrindavan.”

Although we see that individual Gaudiya Gurus, groups and missions have variant views and practices, still, most of the Gaudiya Vaishnavas accept and follow the final authority and teachings of the Six Goswamis.

The teachings of one’s personal Guru are like the district court, and the teachings of the Six Goswamis are the Supreme Court — the ultimate and final authority on all spiritual matters.

In this regard, Shri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja says:

ei-chaya-guru, siksa–guru–ye–amara,

“The six Goswamis — Shri Rupa Goswami, Shri Sanatana Goswami, Shri Bhatta Raghunatha, Shri Jiva Goswami, Shri Gopala Bhatta Goswami, and Shri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami are my siksa gurus.” Caitanya Caritamrita. 1.2.36-37)

Therefore, all sincere Gaudiya Vaishnavas must accept and follow the teachings of the Six Goswamis in order to attain Krishna Prema, and the eternal service of Radha and Krishna in Vrindavan.

Exact Day of Radha Kund Appearance

Shri Rupa Goswamipada mentions that one should bathe in Radha-kund on Kartik Bahulastami. In “Mathura Mahatmya” (420), He cites the Padma Purana: “One who bathes in Radha Kund on Bahulastami in Kartik becomes Haripriya, very dear to Shri Krishna.”

However, it is only Shri Jiva Goswami who clearly mentions the EXACT DAY AND TIME of the most glorious appearance of Shri Radha Kund. In Shrimad Bhagavatam (10.45.3) tika, Shri Jiva Goswami says, “Shri Krishna KILLED ARISTASURA ON CAITRA PURNIMA (full moon: March-April) when Krishna was 11 years old.”

Determining the exact time of the full moon of Caitra month, however, can be a little tricky. For example, this year (2019), the Hindi Vraja Bhumi Calendar and others say April 19th is Caitra Purnima. However, the moon was actually full on the night of April 18th   beginning at 9.26 P.M.

By 4.41 P.M. on the 19th, it was no longer Purnima because the moon had already entered a new tithi (day) and month i.e. Vaisakha ekam. The Radharaman 2019 Temple calendar says the Purnima vrata began on April 18th.

Therefor, in 2019, the Caitra Purnima appearance of Radha Kund was blissfully celebrated at midnight under the full moonshine on April 18th.

Exact Time of Radha Kund Appearance

The Visnu Purana (part V, section 14, verse 1) says:

prodosardhe-aristah-samupagatah,

“The Arista demon arrived in the middle of Pradosh Kala (late evening) when Sri Krishna was relishing Rasa Lila with His gopi sweethearts.”

Pradosh Kala runs from PM 836-1048, which means Arista came to finish Shri Krishna, and ruin the rasa dance at approximately 9.45pm on Caitra Purnima evening.

After a brief tussle, Bihariji blasted the black beast and formed His beautiful Shyama Kund. After some playful joking with Her Priyatama, Priyaji and Her sakhis created the magnificent lake of love divine, Shri Radha Kund.

For one hour (10-11 PM), Shri Krishna fought Arista. Then in one hour (11PM-12 AM), Madhuri Radha manifested Her divine kunda according to Shri Visvanatha Cakravartipada’s tika to Shrimad Bhagavatam (10.36.16): divyam-sarah-prakatitam–ghatika–dvayena

Now everyone clearly understands that according to our Gaudiya Vaishnav acaryas, Radha Kund and Shyama Kunda manifested at midnight 12 AM on Caitra Purnima.

But then another question arises: Since there was confusion this year about Purnima, in the future how will you determine which day is right? For 32 years, our Pandita Baba Shri Krishna Dasji Maharaja repeatedly told us, “YOU MUST FOLLOW THE SIX GOSWAMIS?”

Shri Jiva Goswami answers the question in Gopala Campu (I. 31.8), which says:

“When the full moon of the Caitra month is in the CITRA NAKSATRA (star), that is the EXACT TIME OF THE APPEARANCE OF Radha Kund.”

yada-hi–CITRA–yuta–purna–candram-purnimam-anu–turnita–cetah

And this year, 2019, on April 18th night the full moon was in CITRA naksatra. Whereas on the calendar day of Purnima, April 19th, the full moon was in Swati naksatra which is NOT THE APPEARANCE DAY of Radha Kund.

By the mercy of Radhe-Shyama and Shri Jiva Goswami, we hope that now all the Gaudiya Vaishnavs are completely convinced about the exact day and time of the grand appearance of Shri Radha Kund.

So, you might ask, what is the significance of Bahulashtami?

Discovery Day

Bhakti-ratnakara and Chaitanya-caritamrita (Madhya chapter 18) say that Mahaprabhu stayed in Braj Mandal for about 4 months (September-December). Shri Chaitanya Dev first came to Mathura (Cc 2.17.155); then Gaurahari toured the 12 forests of Vrindavan (Cc 2.17.193); and He arrived in Arita Grama (Radha Kunda) on Kartik Bahulastami when MAHAPRABHU DISCOVERED RADHA KUNDA (Cc 2.18.1-13).

Since then, the old Vrajavasi sadhus and Gaudiya saints say that Gaudiya Vaishnavas have been especially honouring Mahaprabhu’s discovery of Radha Kunda by bathing in Radha Kunda on Bahulastami in Kartik. The Goswamis also endorse this practice.

Shri Rupa Goswamipada in Mathura Mahatmyam (verse 439, 441) and Shri Sanatana Goswamipada in Hari Bhakti Vilasa (16.207, 210) both quote the Padma Purana, Kartik mahatmyam which says: “Anyone who bathes on the day of Bahulastami in Radha-kunda becomes very dear to Bhagavan Shri Hari, karttike-bahulastamyam, tatra-snatva-haripriya.”

Since the Goswamis don’t give exact bathing times, Gaudiya Gurus in Radha Kunda direct disciples to take a daytime dip in the beautiful kunds of love divine.

There is no real conflict or problem with having two appearance days because in spiritual matters everything is perfectly included within the complete whole, Shri Krishna. All the different spiritual truths, practices and places exist together in perfect harmony vibrating beautifully for the happiness of Shri Shri Radha Krishna.

Conclusion

Caitra Purnima is Radha Kund appearance day, whereas Bahulashtami is Radha Kund’s discovery day by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

We pray that Shri Giriraja Baba and Srimati Radharani will inspire all of you to come next year on Caitra Purnima to honour the divinely auspicious appearance of Shri Shri Radha and Krishna in Their most merciful, liquid Prema forms as

Shyama Kund and Radha Kund.

Besides being beautiful, Caitra Purnima is the first Purnima of the Hindu new year. One can only imagine how incredibly beautiful, romantic and blissful it was on that magical full moon night five millenniums ago when Madhuri-Madhava manifested Radha-Shyama Kundas, and enjoyed a festive rasa dance on the banks!

Shri Radha Kund Dhama ki jai!

Shri Guru ki jai!

Jai Jai Shri Radhe!

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Light on Radha-kunda and Bahulastami

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Since every pastime of Bhagavan Sri Krishna is eternal, at midnight on Chaitra Purnima, the first full moon of the Hindu new year, Sri Radha-kunda is appearing in some material universe right now before the amazed eyes of Radha Govinda Yugala and the nitya and sadhana siddha gopis of Bhauma Vrndavana.

Sri Sanatana Goswami proves that Chaitra Purnima (April 18th 2019), is the real and actual appearance day of Sri Radha-kunda in his tika (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.45.3): “Bhagavan Sri Krishna killed Arista on the full moon day of Caitra month when Krishna was eleven. Afterwards Radha-Krishna manifested Shyama-kunda and Radha-kunda.”

The Bahulastami Karttika Radha Kunda Bath

So what about Kattika month and the Bahulastami snana? Other than recommending daily or regular bathing in Radha-kunda, the six Goswamis also quote Puranas which prescribe daytime bathing in Radha-kunda on Karttika Bahulastami.

Vrajavasis say that on this day, Krishna tested the saintliness of a cow named Bahula, and thus the Puranas prescribe a holy dip in Radha-kunda on THIS DAY. Incidentally, the Vrindavana forest named Bahulavan is very close to Radha-kunda.

Sri Rupa Goswamipada in Mathura Mahatmyam (verse 439, 441) and Sri Sanatama Goswamipada in Hari Bhakti Vilasa (16.207, 210) both quote the Padma Purana, Karttika Mahatmyam which says:

“Anyone who BATHES ON THE DAY of Bahulastami in Radha-kunda becomes very dear to Bhagavan Sri Hari, karttike- bahulastamyam, tatra -snatva -haripriya.”

The Bahulastami MIDNIGHT Radha-kunda BATH is actually a major event for 50,000 or so barren North Indian married couples. In the hopes of attaining a child, they worship a North Indian fertility Devi named Ahouri Devi. The various rites and pujas culminate in a REQUIRED midnight bath in Radha-kunda.

Thus, it seems that over time, the Gaudiya sastric ordained DAYTIME Radha-kunda SNANA on Bahulastami merged with the barren grhasta’s midnight snana in Radha-kunda. This resulted in Gaudiya Vaisnavas thinking their midnight bath was and is a celebration of the appearance of Radha-kunda.

In closing, we include some excerpts from recent posts on this topic.

DISCOVERY DAY

Bhakti-ratnakara and Chaitanya-caritamrita (Madhya chapter 18) say that Mahaprabhu stayed in Vraja Mandala for about 4 months (September-December). Sri Caitanyadeva first came to Mathura (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.17.155); then Gaurahari toured the 12 forests of Vrndavana (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.17.193); and He arrived in Arita Grama (Radha Kunda) on Karttika Bahulastami when MAHAPRABHU DISCOVERED RADHA KUNDA (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.18.1-13).

Since then, the old Vrajavasi sadhus and Gaudiya saints say that Gaudiya Vaisnavas have been especially honoring Mahaprabhu’s discovery of Radha Kunda by bathing in Radha Kunda on Bahulastami in Karttika. The Goswamis also endorse this practice.

Both the appearance and discovery days of Radha Kunda are equally sacred and worshipable. Because they are always eager to take advantage of every possible opportunity to serve and worship Srimati Radharani.

Thus, all Gaudiya Vaisnavas bathe every year in Radha Kunda at midnight on Caitra Purnima to celebrate Radha-kunda’s appearance. And they also bathe on the day of Karttika Bahulastami to celebrate the day Caitanya Mahaprabhu discovered this lupta tirtha, hidden most holy place.

There is no real conflict or problem with having two appearance days because in spiritual matters everything is perfectly included within the complete whole, Sri Krishna. All the different spiritual truths, practices and places exist together in perfect harmony vibrating beautifully for the happiness of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.

SUMMARY: Maybe not others, but for Gaudiya Vaisnavas there are two appearance days of Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda:

1) To the eyes of Radha Govinda and all the sakhis when They manifested Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda 5,000 years ago on Chaitra Purnima according to Gaudiya Vaisnava Mahajana Acarya, Sri Sanatana Goswamipada.

2) To the eyes of Caitanya Mahaprabhu when He found or discovered Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda in the middle of a field 500 years ago.

Karttika Bahulastami Snana ki jai! Chaitra Purnima Radha-kunda Appearance Snana ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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18 Glories of Radha Kunda

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

In his comments on Sri Rupa Goswamipada’s “Upadesamrta”, Srila Prabhupada reveals the unique identity of Sri Radha-kunda and the glories of visiting, living, and bathing there. To more deeply understand Srila Prabhupada’s wonderful illumination, we introduce each quotation with a question.

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, of the many holy places in Vraja Mandala like Mathura, Vrindavana, Varsana, Nandagrama and Govardhana—which is the topmost place?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “Radha-kunda is superior to all!”

  1. Devotee: What makes Radha-kunda so special and superior, Srila Prabhupada?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “Because it is there [at Radha-kunda] that love of Krishna overflows!”

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada! If one wants to live somewhere in Vraja Mandala in Vrindavana, where should one stay?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “Advanced devotees prefer to reside at Radha-kunda.”

  1. Devotee: Why is that Srila Prabhupada?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “Because this place [Radha-kunda] is the site of many memories of the eternal loving affairs between Krishna and Radharani [rati-vilasa].”

  1. Devotee: Can you say more about why Radha-kunda is so glorious, Srila Prabhupada?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “Why is Radha-kunda so exalted? The lake is so exalted because it belongs to Srimati Radharani, and among all the gopis, Radharani is the most beloved of Krishna!”

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, what does Bhagavan Sri Krishna think of Radha-kunda?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “Sri Radha-kunda is also described by great sages as the lake that is as dear to Krishna as Radha Herself. Indeed, Krishna’s love for Radha-kunda and Srimati Radharani is the same in all respects!”

  1. Devotee: Wow, that’s amazing Srila Prabhupada! I never knew that Radha-kunda was so special and dear to Krishna. Srila Prabhupada is there any limit to the glories of this most wonderful and sacred Radha-kunda?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “There is no limit to the glory of Sri Radha-kunda.”

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, why does Sri Rupa Gosvami glorify Radha-kunda so much?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “Sri Rupa Gosvami has given much stress to Radha-kunda because of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s desire to find it.”

  1. Devotee: So, Srila Prabhupada, since we are Gaudiya Vaisnavas and worshipers of Mahaprabhu, does this mean that we should live at Radha-kunda?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “[Of course] Who, then, would give up Radha-kunda and try to reside elsewhere? No person with transcendental intelligence would do so.”

  1. Devotee: “So what you’re saying Srila Prabhupada is that an intelligent, mature devotee should live at Radha-kunda and worship Radha-Krishna in order to attain spiritual perfection?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “Living entities who are eager to return home to the transcendental kingdom of God, Goloka Vrndavana, by means of attaining their spiritual bodies (SIDDHA DEHAS) SHOULD LIVE AT RADHA KUNDA, take shelter of the confidential serving maids [manjari/dasis] of Sri Radha, and under their direction engage constantly in Radha’s service.”

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, are there any special benefits of bathing in Radha-kunda?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “It is stated that a devotee will at once develop pure love of Krishna in the wake of the gopis if he ONCE TAKES A BATH in Radha-kunda. If one bathes even once, he can develop his transcendental love for Krishna, exactly as the gopis did.”

  1. Devotee: But Srila Prabhupada, many devotees are confused about this point. So is it okay to bathe in Radha-kunda?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “Sri Rupa Gosvami recommends that even if one cannot live permanently on the banks of Radha-kunda, he should at least TAKE A BATH in the lake AS MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE! This is a most important item in the execution of devotional service.”

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, can you say anything more about bathing in Radha-kunda?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “One should bathe there regularly and give up all material conceptions, taking shelter of Sri Radha and Her assistant gopis.”

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, it seems you are saying that devotees should bathe in Radha-kunda and also live in Radha-kunda. Is that right?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “[Yes!] It is also recommended that ONE SHOULD LIVE on the banks of Radha-kunda and should be absorbed in the loving service of the Lord.”

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, these days we see many devotees serving Radha-kunda in various ways like parikrama, offering lamps, sweeping, cleaning the sacred waters, planting trees, and renovating the kutirs and samadhis of the Goswamis.

Srila Prabhupada, can you say something about the benefits of serving Radha-kunda?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “By serving Radha-kunda, one can get an opportunity to become an assistant of Srimati Radharani [become a manjari] under the eternal guidance of the gopis.”

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, from everything you said so far, it seems that the conclusion is that to bathe and live always in Radha-kunda is the perfection of Krishna consciousness?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “The conclusion is that to live on the banks of the Radha-kunda, and to bathe there daily constitute the highest perfection of devotional service.”

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, are you are saying that Radha-kunda is the ideal place for cultivating Krishna consciousness?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “[Yes!] Therefore, everyone interested in Krishna consciousness should ultimately take shelter of Radha-kunda, and execute devotional service there throughout one’s life.”

  1. Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, to summarize everything we discussed, can you please answer this last question?

What will happen to a devotee who bathes regularly in Radha-kunda, and lives his whole life in Radha-kunda meditating on serving Srimati Radharani in the mood of the gopis?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: “If one is thus constantly engaged during his lifetime, after giving up the body he WILL GO BACK TO GODHEAD to serve Sri Radha in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Radha-kunda.”

(Upadesamrita “Nectar of Instruction” v. 10-11/ SP purports)

Sri Radha-kunda ki jai! Srila Prabhupada ki jai!

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Sri Radha Kunda Appearance Lila

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

In his Sarartha Darshini tika (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.36.16), Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti describes the Radha-kunda appearance based on the following funny dialogue from the Vishnu Purana occurring after Sri Krishna vanquished the demon bull.

The innocent young gopis said, “Ah, Krishna, don’t touch us now, O killer of a bull! Alas, even though Arista was a terrible demon, still he was posing as a bull, who represents dharma.

“Thus You must undergo atonement, just as Indra did after killing Vrtrasura. You can purify Yourself of this terrible transgression by visiting every single holy place in the three worlds.”

Krishna: “Why should I travel throughout the universe? I will instantly call all the tirthas here and bathe in them. Just watch!”

Then Mukunda struck His left heel on the ground.

Within moments a miracle happened, and then Priyatama Syama said, “Bho Bho sakhis! Just see, the Patala Ganga from the subterranean realm has come here. Now I will command all the tirthas to follow her example.” Magically, all the sacred tirthas in the universe suddenly manifested right in front of Sri Krishna!

Proudly, Krishna then chided the gopis, “Just see My beloveds. Here are ALL THE TIRTHAS!”

The Vraja-gopis haughtily replied, “Sorry, we don’t see all those tirthas You’re talking about.”

Then each tirtha personified humbly identified themselves to Sri Radha and Her sakhis. They said, “I am the salt ocean. I am the ocean of milk. I am the Amara-dirghika. I am the river Shona. I am the Sindhu. I am the Tamraparni. I am Pushkara. I am the river Sarasvati. And we are the Godavari, Yamuna, Reva and the triveni of Prayaga. Just see our waters!”

After taking a purifying bath, Sri Krishna arrogantly challenged the gopis saying, “Bho, bho sakhis! I have produced a pond containing all the holy places, whereas you gopis have not done any pious acts to please Brahmaji”

Sri Radha said boldly, “I must create an even more beautiful pond than Krishna’s. Sakhis! Get to work!” In a ditch created by the hooves of the huge asura, the gopis started digging out a kunda with their golden kankana, bangles. Within an hour, the expert sakhis manifested a most majestic and beautiful divine kunda.

Completely astonished at their feat, Sri Krishna said, “O Priyaji! You and Your sakhis can fill Your lake with water from mine.”

“NO! NO! NO! Impossible”, said Radharani, “We cannot take Your water which is contaminated with the horrendous sin of killing a cow. I have unlimited sakhis who can easily bring billions of pots of pure water from Manasi Ganga. And thus the fame of My kunda will be unequalled!”

Bhagavan Sri Krishna then gestured to a celestial representative of all the holy places there. He arose from Krishna kunda, bowed to Vrshabhanunandini, and prayed to Swamini Radha with folded palms and tear-filled eyes:

“O Devi! Brahmaji, Shivaji and Lakshmi can never understand the fathomless depth of Your glories. Only Sri Krishna knows, and thus He humbly washes away Your perspiration when You are tired. And Krishna always thrills in delight whenever He gets the chance to wash Your beautiful lotus feet and fasten Your ankle bells. In fact, Shyama feels supremely fortunate simply by satisfying the tips the toes of Your lotus feet.

“It is on Krishna’s order that we have immediately come to live in this lake, created by one stroke of Krishna’s heel. Alas! The tree of our cherished desire will only bear fruit if You are pleased and grant us Your merciful glance!”

Sri Radha: “Well, then what do you want?”

In unison, all the sacred places said, “Our lives will be successful if we can come and fill the wonderful lake You have manifested. This is the only benediction we desire.”

With a side-long glance toward Shyama, Srimati Radharani replied to the sacred celestials: “Oh, certainly, please come!” Thus all the holy rivers and lakes in Sri Shyama-kunda forcibly broke through its boundary walls [at the Sangam} and swiftly filled Sri Radha-kunda with their waters.”

Sri Hari: “O Priyatama! On earth and throughout the universe, Your beautiful sweet Radha-kunda will be supremely more famous than Mine! Every day I will come here to bathe and enjoy water pastimes with You and all My preyasis. Indeed, Your beautiful Sri Kunda is as dear to Me as You!”

Srimati Radharani: “O Prana Priyatama! Even if You vanquish hundreds of Aristas here, I will still come and bathe every day in Your Krishna Kunda. Furthermore, I proclaim that anyone who bathes or lives here will attain intense devotion for My Sri Kunda, and become very dear to Me.”

On that full moon night [Caitra Purnima] in Radha Kunda, Sri Krishna and the Vraja-gopis enjoyed a maha rasa dance on the banks of Radha-kunda. When the Krishna cloud combined with the Radha lightning strike, their playful lilas flooded the three worlds with happiness,

krishna ambudah maha rasa harsha varsha, sri radhika pravara vidyud, trai lokya madhya vitati krta divya kirti!

Caitra Purnima Appearance Night of Radha-kunda ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

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Radha Kunda and Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

For fifty years, the sweet glories of Sri Radha-kunda and the service of Srimati Radharani in manjari-bhava have been broadcast worldwide by the esteemed Gaudiya Vaisnava acarya, Srila Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja.

Here are some transcendental gems from the fathomless ocean of Babaji Maharaja’s intense love for his Thakuraji, Sri Sri Radha Vrndavanacandra, and his eternally most beloved Sri Radha-kunda contained in his commentaries on the books mentioned below.

May all bhaktas relish these elegant realizations with the utmost taste, humility and gratitude.

Nitya-lila pravista 108, Sri Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja ki jai!

Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji Maharaja

Priyaji’s Sarasi [Radha-kunda] is most dear to those whose everything is the service of Sri Radhika’s lotus feet. (Vilapa Kusumanjali 15 p.)

Radha-kunda and Shyama-kunda will be merciful to anyone who sincerely surrenders to Radha-kunda. And They will bless such a soul by showing them Their pastimes in Radha-kunda. (Vraja Vilasa Stava 52 p.)

For the sake of Her daily bath at Manasa Pavana Ghata, Srimati Radharani personally ornaments Sri Shyama-kunda with a row of stairs leading into Syama-kunda. (Vraja Vilasa Stava  58 p.)

Radha-kunda and Shyama-kunda are non-different from Sri Sri Radha-Madhava. As Sri Krishna embraces His Priyaji with the greatest love, similarly Sri Shyama-kunda gently caresses Sri Radha-kunda at the Sangama which is non-different from Srimati Radharani. (Vraja Vilasa Stava 58 p.)

The attraction to reside at Sri Radha-kunda awakens within the heart of one who is totally fixed on Sri Radha’s lotus feet. In life or in death, such a person will not know anything but Radha’s lotus feet. (Vraja Vilasa Stava 58 p.)

Srimati Radharani carefully bathes in Shyama-kunda every day and thus attains the pinnacle of bliss. Sri Radha loves Shyama-kunda as much as She loves Shyama. (Sri Visakhanandada Stotram 26 p.)

Sri Radha-kunda is the limitlessly beautiful crown jewel of Vraja, Vraja Mukuta Mani. (Vilapa Kusumanjali 15)

The most fortunate souls can live on the banks of Sri Radha-kunda, and that fortune is Radharani’s personal mercy upon them. (Vilapa Kusumanjali 15 )

The water that fills Radha-kunda and Shyama-kunda is not actually water, it is the splendid spiritual erotic flavour of Radha-Madhava’a intimate pastimes! (Vilapa Kusumanjali 15 p.)

The desire vine of love for Krishna will blossom and bear the fruits of Radha’s service, for even ignorant and unqualified persons who performs some service at Radha-kunda in the form of bathing, living here, seeing or touching Radha-kunda. (Vilapa Kusumanjali 15)

O Radha, Because Radha-kunda is Your dearmost place, I will surely receive Your mercy by taking shelter of Radha-kunda! Surely one day Your loving pastimes in Radha-kunda will appear before the spiritualized eyes of an unfortunate soul like me! (Vilapa Kusumanjali 97)

Without making any distinction between who’s qualified or not, Sri Radha-kunda is so very merciful that She blesses everyone with the treasure of Krishna prema, whether they do or don’t do any Radha-Krishna bhajan here in Radha-kunda. (Vilapa Kusumanjali 98)

Shyama-kunda Radha-kunda ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

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Radha-kunda: Two Appearance Days

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

According to our Gaudiya Vaisnava acaryas, 5,000 years ago, Bhagavan Sri Krishna originally manifested Radha-Syama Kundas on Caitra Purnima. For Gaudiya Vaisnavas, Karttika Bahulastami is the sacred day that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu unveiled the hidden location of Radha Kunda.

Appearance Day

As far as we know, the only Gaudiya Vaisnava pramana or evidence to establish the appearance day of Radha Kunda comes from Sri Jiva Goswamipada’s commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam (10.45.3): “ON CAITRA PURNIMA (March-April) Bhagavan Sri Krishna killed Aristasura at midnight and manifested Shyama-kunda.”

Both the appearance and discovery days of Radha Kunda are equally sacred and worshipable. Because they are always eager to take advantage of every possible opportunity to serve and worship Srimati Radharani, Gaudiya Vaisnavas bathe every year in Radha Kunda at midnight on Caitra Purnima to celebrate the appearance, and also in Karttika on the day of Bahulastami.

Besides being beautiful, Caitra Purnima is the first Purnima of the Hindu new year. One can only imagine how incredibly beautiful, romantic and blissful it was on that magical full moon night five millenniums ago when Madhuri-Madhava manifested Radha-Syama Kundas, and enjoyed a festive rasa dance on the banks! Jai Radhe!

** Note: In 2019, the Chaitra Purnima Tithi bathing is at midnight 18th April.

DISCOVERY DAY

Bhakti-ratnakara and Chaitanya-caritamrita (Madhya chapter 18) say that Mahaprabhu stayed in Vraja Mandala for about 4 months (September-December). Sri Caitanyadeva first came to Mathura (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.17.155); then Gaurahari toured the 12 forests of Vrndavana (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.17.193); and He arrived in Arita Grama (Radha Kunda) on Karttika Bahulastami when MAHAPRABHU DISCOVERED RADHA KUNDA (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.18.1-13).

Since then, the old Vrajavasi sadhus and Gaudiya saints say that Gaudiya Vaisnavas have been especially honoring Mahaprabhu’s discovery of Radha Kunda by bathing in Radha Kunda on Bahulastami in Karttika. The Goswamis also endorse this practice.

Sri Rupa Goswamipada in Mathura Mahatmyam (verse 439, 441) and Sri Sanatama Goswamipada in Hari Bhakti Vilasa (16.207, 210) both quote the Padma Purana, Karttika mahatmyam which says: “Anyone who BATHES ON THE DAY of Bahulastami in Radha-kunda becomes very dear to Bhagavan Sri Hari, karttike- bahulastamyam, tatra -snatva -haripriya.”

There is no real conflict or problem with having two appearance days because in spiritual matters everything is perfectly included within the complete whole, Sri Krishna. All the different spiritual truths, practices and places exist together in perfect harmony vibrating beautifully for the happiness of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.

SUMMARY: Thus for the last five-hundred years, Gaudiya Vaisnavas have been worshiping and bathing in Radha Kunda to celebrate both these wonderful days!

In other words, there are two appearance days:

1) To the eyes of Radha Govinda and all the sakhis when they manifested it 5,000 years ago;

2) To the eyes of Caitanya Mahaprabhu when He found it in the middle of a field 500 years ago.

Karttika Bahulastami ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Chaitra Purnima Radha-kunda Appearance ki jai!

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Sri Krishna and Acaryas Praise Radha Kunda

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

In the Puranas, Bhagavan Sri Hari says: “O Priyaji! May Your Radha-kunda become even more world-renowned than My Syama-kunda! I will always bathe here and play in Your waters, because, O Radha, Your kunda is as dear to Me as You are.

“Radha replies, ‘I will bathe daily in Syama -kunda even though You may kill hundreds of Arista demons here. In the future, anyone who has intense devotion for Syama-kunda, where You silenced Aristasura, and who bathes or resides here will surely become very dear to Me.’

“After bathing, Radha-Krishna relish a Maha Rasa on the banks of Radha Kunda to drench everyone in a shower of bliss.”

rasot -savam -prakurute -sma -ca -tatra ratrau,
krishnambudah -krta -maha -rasa -harsa -varsah
(Srimad Bhagavatam 10.36.16 tika, Sri Visvanatha Cakravartipada)

Sri Rupa Gosvami:

Paurnamasi says, “O Sri Madhava, I have a request! If someone gives up one’s material life to live in a kutira on the bank of Radha-kunda, and then deeply hankers for the direct service of You and Your beloved Radhika, then please, Sri Krishna, quickly fulfill that devotee’s desires.”

radha-kunda-kutira-vasatis, -tyaktanya -karma -janah
sevas -eva -samaksam –atra, yuvayor -yah -kartum -utkanthate

“Krishna replies: “Yes, Bhagavati Purnamasi, let it be, tathastu!” (Dan -Keli -Kaumudi 532-533)

Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami:

“O mind, always remember Priya-sarah (Radha-kunda) and Girindrau (Giriraja Baba) as two transcendental abodes, the mere sight of which bestows the sweetest divine love for Radha Govinda Yugala. (Manah Siksha 9)

“O blooming lotus-eyed girl (Rādhe)! When my eyes directly saw Your pond (Radha-kunda), which is filled with sweet water and lotus flowers surrounded by blissfully humming bees, then I really got the desire to taste the nectar of Your service!” (Vilapa Kusumanjali 15)

“O Lolākṣi (restless eyed girl)! You and Your beloved always stay at Radha-kunda. Here only I will live and here alone I will stay!”

SVA KUṆḌAṀ TAVA LOLĀKṢI, SAPRIYĀYĀḤ SADĀSPADAM,
ATRAIVA MAMA SAṀVĀSA, IHAIVA MAMA SAṀSTHITIḤ (Vilapa Kusumanjali 97)

“By the grace of beautiful Radha-kunda, which is my only shelter, the desire-vine of love for Krishna that bears the flowers of service to my Ishvari Radhika instantly sprouts in the heart of anyone who performs devotional service there.

API JANA IHA KAŚCID, YASYA SEVĀ PRASĀDAIḤ
PRAṆAYA SURALATĀ SYĀT, TASYA GOṢṬHENDRA SŪNOḤ
SAPADI KILA MAD ĪŚĀ, DĀSYA PUṢPA PRAŚASYĀS
TAD ATI SURABHI RĀDHĀ, KUṆḌAM EVĀŚRAYO ME   (Radha-kunda Astakam 5)

O beautiful lake (Radha-kunda)! My Ishvari Radha always plays erotic games in you with Her beloved Krishna. If you are dearer to Them than the dearest, then please show me my Ishvari, who is my very life!

HE SRI SAROVARA SADĀ TVAYI SĀ MAD ĪŚĀ
PREṢṬHENA SĀRDHAM IHA KHELATI KĀMA RAṄGAIḤ
TVAṀ CET PRIYĀT PRIYAM ATĪVA TAYOR ITĪMĀṀ
HA DARŚAYĀDYA KṚPAYĀ MAMA JĪVITAṀ TĀM (Vilapa Kusumanjali 98)

My only shelter is that very fragrant, dear and beautiful Radha-kunda, which instantly makes a desire-tree of Krishna prema sprout in the land of the heart of anyone who bathes there, even though this is rarely attained by Krishna’s beloveds in Vrajabhumi.

VRAJABHUVI MURAŚATROḤ, PREYASĪNĀṀ NIKĀMAIR
ASULABHAM API TŪRṆAṀ,   PREMA KALPA DRUMAṀ TVAM
JANAYATI HṚDI BHŪMAU, SNĀTUR UCCAIḤ PRIYAṀ YAT
TAD ATI SURABHI RĀDHĀ, KUṆḌAM EVĀŚRAYO ME (Radha-kunda Astakam 2)

“Vrndavana is a higher transcendental pastime realm than Mathura because it features Radha -Rasa -Bihari’s -rasa-lila. But Giri-Govardhana is even higher because Govinda touches Giriraja with His gorgeous hand.”

“Among all holy abodes, however, Radha-kunda is the best of all because it’s inundated by the nectar stream of Gokulapati’s love. Thus, who will not serve this transcendental lake of divine love located near Govardhana Hill?” (Govardhanasraya Dasaka 1)

“Every day with great care, Srimati Radharani happily bathes in Syama-kunda, which overflows with the honey oozing from Krishna’s lotus feet.” (Visakhanandabhidha Stotra 26)

“O Sri Rupa Manjari! If Yuva Yugala Radha-Krishna, who inspire the world with the gift of Their ambrosial mercy, and who saturate everyone with the fragrance of Their flowering attributes, do not give Their mercy to me, then, O Sakhi, will you please arrange for me to live forever at Sri Radha-kunda!” (Prarthanasraya-caturdasaka 3)

Eating only the yogurt and fruits of Vraja, I will always reside in a lovely grove on the bank of Vṛndāvaneśvarī’s lake Sri Radha-kunda, at the base of Girirāja Govardhana. I will continually glorify Sri Radhika and Krishna, love Them and remember Their enchanting lotus feet. (Sri Prarthanashraya Chaturdasakam v.13)

On summer evenings, Sri Radhika blissfully plays with Bakari Krishna and Her girlfriends in Her own lake, which is filled with breezes cooled by rows of spotless lotus flowers. O, when will Radhika bathe me in Her service? (Sri Radhikastakam 8)

In summer evenings, Sri Radha eagerly plays in the water of Radha-kunda with Her sakhis. When will I serve Radha at that time by filling a syringe with water from Her beloved lake Radha-kunda so She can sprinkle Govinda who is expert in jala-keli.(Utkantha Dasakam 8)

Sri Jiva Goswamipada:

“The most romantic transcendental pair, Radha Govinda, forever sport and play in Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda.

“I believe that the sumptuous divine fragrance wafting in the air around the kundas arises from Radha Govinda’s divinely amorous embraces.

“The gentle winds are Their lovely murmurs and trembles.

“And the water in Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda is sweet nectar churned from the melting of Their amorous delights.” (Gopala Campu, I.13-15)

Sri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja:

“Radha-kunda has such captivatingly wonderful and unlimited spiritual qualities that Radha-kunda is as dear to Sri Hari as Sri Radha Herself. The most handsome and radiant romantic, Madhavendu Sri Krishna, always enjoys playful intimacies in Radha-kunda. (Govinda-lilamrta chapter 7)

“Simply by a single snana in sacred Radha-kunda, one will secure a sweet love for Syama similar to Srimati’s.”
premasmin bata radhikeva labhate, yasmin sakrt snana-krt

“As soon as Krishna sees Radha-kunda, His heart thrills with joy, and He becomes very eager to meet His beloved Priyaji.”

priya-kundam -drstva -mudita-hrdayo,
priya-prapty-utkantha. (Govinda-lilamrta 7.102-103)

“Vrnda: Hari is in the forest around Radha-kunda.
Radhika: What is Hari doing?
Vrnda: Hari’s learning dance.
Radhika: Who’s teaching Hari?
Vrnda: O Radhika, You won’t believe it. But Hari’s teacher is actually the reflection of Your lovely form, that Syama sees appearing like a skillful dancer in every tree, creeper and direction to make Hari dance along with it” (Govinda-lilamrta 8.77)

“Every day without fail, Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami takes three baths in Radha-kunda.” (Caitanya-caritamrta 1.10.101)
tina –sandhya -radha -kunde -apatita -snana

“Just as Srimati Radharani is most dear to Sri Krishna, Radha-kunda is also dear to Krishna. Among all the sakhis, Srimati is the supremely dearest of Damodara.” (Caitanya-caritamrta 2.8.99/Padma P.)

Sri Narahari Cakravarti Thakura:

“Only by the grace of Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami may one live at Radha-kunda.” (Bhakti-ratnakara chapter 5)

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti:

“Although always longing to meet and play together, Radha Govinda forever remain apart. But in Their forms as Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda, They eternally unite at the Sangam to splash one another with the nectar sweetness of Their love.

“How do the divine Radha and Krishna kundas appear? What I think is that as soon as Radha sees Her Raman, Radha melts in divine ecstasy to become Radha-kunda. In the same way, when Syama sees Sundari, Syama melts in divine ecstasy to become Syama-kunda.” (Vraja riti-cintamani 3.33-34)

“Limitlessly beautiful Sri Radha-kunda is filled with Radha Govinda Yugala’s topmost love. (VRC v. 39)

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati:

“Sri Guru has an eternal kunja on the shore of Sri Radha-kunda. There he binds Krishna by the power of his seva.” (BBT folio: Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Amrta -Vani 53)

“As manjaris of Sri Radha, we must constantly live on the banks of Radha-kunda. Only the most fortunate live in the most sanctified place of Sri Radha-kunda, and it is the only shelter for devotees in madhurya-rasa. (BBT folio: BST Amrta Vani Appendix)

“Only by Sri Radha’s mercy can one reside eternally on the banks of Radha-kunda.” (BBT folio: Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Vaibhava (III.12)

“The topmost principle in the spiritual kingdom is to BATHE IN SRI RADHA KUNDA.” (BBT folio: BST Amrta Vani Appendix)

Srila Prabhupada:

Forty-three years ago, in 1976, a disciple, Acyutananda Swami, asked, “Srila Prabhupada, our devotees are also wearing Radha-kunda tilaka. Is that ok?”

Srila Prabhupada replied, “There is no harm in wearing Radha-kunda tilaka.” (Folio: 760816rc.bom)

Radhika Kunda Sacred Bath Mantra:

Gaur-Govinda Archana Smarana Paddhati (33) says one should chant this mantra before lovingly and respectfully bathing in the divine holy waters of Sri Radhika-kunda (Radha-kunda):

radhika –sama –saubhagya, sarva -tirtha-pravandita
prasida –radhika -kunda, snami -te -salile -subhe

“O Sri Radhika-kunda! You are most fortunate because You are like Srimati Radhika Herself.
“O Radhika-kunda, You are the most praiseworthy of all holy places.
I am now bathing in Your divine prema-filled water, so please give me Your mercy.”

Syama -kunda -Radha-kunda -ki -jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!