Tag Archive for: KrishnaLila

Krishna Nectar Lila 47 – “A Bath of Tears”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
After waiting a moment (in his celestial time standard) Brahma returned to Vrndavana. He was totally astonished to see Krishna playing with the boys and calves just as before, even though a complete year had passed by earthly calculation. Greatly bewildered, Brahma thought, “Are these the same calves I stole? Or have some other calves appeared in their place? Actually it appears the calves that I stole are all illusory, and that these are the real calves.”
Brahma’s pride being crushed; he chastised himself for attempting to show off his paltry power before the unlimited potency of Lord Krishna, who mystifies the whole universe. Rather than bewildering the Lord, Brahma perplexed himself with his mystic force. This offensive act filled Lord Brahma with great remorse.
As Brahma gazed at the boys, he saw them as four-handed Visnu forms fully decorated with priceless ornaments, and holding the four symbols of the Lord (conch, lotus, club, disc). These forms embodied unlimited bliss and knowledge, and their combined effulgences surpassed the light of millions of suns and moons. Their bodily hairs stood erect in ecstasy, and the perspiration coming from their bodies resembled the globe-like universes rising from the pores of Lord Visnu.
All these Visnu forms of bluish hue wore yellow silken garments that glowed like lightning. They were bedecked with jeweled earrings, crowns, necklaces, armlets, and glittering golden bangles that jingled sweetly. Swarms of buzzing bees hovered above the fresh, tender tulasi garlands that hung to their thighs. The tiny tinkling bells suspended from their golden belts emitted delicate enticing sounds.
Then Brahma saw that space, the time factor, the three modes of material nature, the five elements, the seasons, the eight mystic perfections, the nine planets, the ten directions, the presiding deities of the senses, the fourteen Manus, and all the other aspects of material creation had been subjugated by the potency of the Lord. They had taken personal forms to worship the Lord. Those Visnu forms, whose transcendental bodies shone with beauty and opulence, blessed everyone with their compassionate sidelong glances.
One can perceive this truth only by the mercy of the Lord. Understanding Brahma’s bewilderment, Krishna at once removed the curtain of His Yogamaya. Then Brahma realized that Vasudeva is everything. And he immediately saw Vasudeva, the Absolute Truth, standing before him in Vrndavana as Krishna.
With a stick, flute, and buffalo horn tucked in the sash around His waist, and a lump of rice and yogurt in His hand, the Absolute Truth, Sri Krishna, was searching everywhere for the calves and His cowherd friends. The transcendental form of Krishna acts as a rasayana (life giving tonic) to all His friends.
After seeing this, Brahma hastily got down from his swan carrier and fell down before the Lord like a golden stick. He touched the lotus feet of Krishna with the tips of his four crowns, which appeared like the four golden peaks of Mt. Sumeru. The effulgence of the costly jewels on these crowns seemed to be running out to touch the lotus feet of the Lord.
The unlimited radiance of Krishna’s toe rings, however, neutralized that effulgence. Merely by the touch of Krishna’s splendid toenails, the effulgence of Brahma attained perfection. Offering his obeisances, Brahma bathed the feet of Krishna with his tears of joy.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 46 – “Balarama Baffled”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
Balarama, although happy to see the intense love shared between the cows and calves, felt doubtful about it since the calves had already grown up and stopped sucking milk from their mothers. He pondered, “Aha! How astonishing! My affection and that of all the Vrajavasis toward these boys and calves is increasing as never before. It perfectly resembles the love we all feel for Krishna, the Supersoul of every living entity.
This must be a display of the Lord’s inconceivable energy (acintya-sakti). Otherwise, how could I, the elder brother of that unborn Lord who wields the disc that destroys the illusory energy, become bewildered by some mystical display of maya? Therefore I will inquire from that crest-jewel of all mystics.”
Balarama continued, “Krishna, I am amazed! I have faith that You possess superior intelligence beyond My comprehension. Now I can see that You alone have manifested Yourself in the different forms of these calves and boys. They are none other than expansions of Your personal energy as four-armed Narayana forms. Please tell Me why You have done this?”
Honoring Balarama’s request, Yasodanandana satisfied Him by describing the pastime from beginning to end. No one can count the unlimited waves of Krishna’s blissful pastimes.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 45 – “Gau Vatsa Prema”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
As usual, the cowherd boys (now expansions of Krishna) danced gleefully to the captivating sound of Krishna’s flute. Their frolicking steps enriched Mother Earth with the quality of bliss. Whistling on their panpipes, they called their beloved calves and returned to Vrndavana. When they arrived home their mothers showered the same affection on them that they had previously shown to Krishna.
Overflowing with parental love, each mother felt unlimited joy upon seeing her son, who was none other than Krishna. Previously, the Vrajavasis had more affection for Krishna than for their own children. But now for one year they displayed ever-increasing affection toward their sons, the expanded forms of Krishna.
The cowherd boy expansions of Subala, Sridama, and others pleased their mothers with their usual activities of bathing, eating, and dressing. Unlike other days, however, on that day the boys did not describe the pastimes they had enjoyed with Krishna. The calves ran to their respective mothers who affectionately licked their bodies again and again merging in an unlimited ocean of bliss. Overwhelmed with parental love, the cows bellowed with deep loving voices and then slept with their calves.
When Krishna returned home, Nanda picked Him up, embraced Him, and placed Him on his lap. Nanda feared that his beard might scratch Krishna’s delicate face, which is softer than a lotus. Lifting up Krishna’s turban, Nanda Maharaja smelled His head and then affectionately kissed Him. Although enjoying the highest pleasure just by smelling his son’s head, Nanda cried when Krishna jumped off his lap to run to mother Yasoda, the perfect form of parental love. Yasoda lovingly fondled her son, massaged Him with fragrant oil, and bathed Him to remove the dust from grazing the calves. Then she dressed Krishna in fresh clothing and fed Him sumptuously. After satisfying her invincible son, who is the embodiment of eternity, Yasoda put Him to rest on a comfortable bed covered with a mattress as white as the foam of milk.
At sunrise the next day, Yasoda and the other mothers prepared their sons for going to the forest by carefully decorating them with different ornaments. After taking breakfast all the boys met Krishna in the courtyard of His house. Since He could not proceed to the forest without first pleasing His parents, Krishna allowed Nanda and Yasoda to caress Him to their heart’s content. Even then they insisted on accompanying Him to the edge of the forest. Collecting all His intimate friends and their calves, His own expansions, Krishna walked toward the forest.
Krishna took the cowherd boys and the calves to pasture near Govardhana Hill. When the cows that were already grazing on Govardhana Hill saw Krishna, they ran down the hill so fast that they appeared to be flying. Leaving their own calves and newborns behind, the cows displayed intense parental love toward Krishna and the calves accompanying Him. In reality, Krishna had expanded as all these calves.
Though trying, the cowherd men could not stop the cows with their sticks. Impelled by strong motherly affection, the cows mooed lovingly while smelling and licking these calves. They neither moved nor eat any grass. On the other hand, the boys could not restrain their calves. Neither the boys nor the cowherd men could separate the cows from those calves.
The cowherd men felt pain in their legs from running after the calves. Upon seeing their sons, however, the expanded forms of Krishna, they forgot all pains and immersed in an ocean of parental love. The cowherd men felt supremely blissful from embracing their tender sons, smelling their heads, and kissing them.
Placing them on their laps, they cried affectionately out of great joy and drenched their chests from the tears pouring from their eyes. Then with great difficulty and reluctance they gradually stopped embracing their sons and allowed them to return to Krishna.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 44 – “Abduction of the Sakhas”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
Due to his false ego, Brahma thought himself the supreme creator. But witnessing the awesome power of Krishna in killing Aghasura astounded him. He thought, “Krishna is the supreme controller of everything. Nevertheless, let me test His actual position.” As one becomes a laughing stock by trying to measure the ocean with a yardstick, or measuring the sky with a hand span, similarly, Brahma became a laughing stock by his foolish attempt to fathom the unlimited transcendental power of Krishna by purloining His calves.
Although similarities exist between Krishna and Brahma, or between a glowworm and the sun, the differences are vast. Both Brahma and Krishna have illusory energy, but Krishna alone enchants Brahma and the entire creation.
The gopas forgot all about the calves as they happily took prasada with Krishna. It appeared as if the gopas’ lips bathed in the radiance of their teeth as they joked and laughed. During this time Brahma stealthily stole their calves. After some time when the cowherd boys looked for the calves they could not find them. Feeling sad and helpless, they appealed to Krishna, who is greater than Lord Siva.
“O beloved friend! We cannot find any of our calves. It seems they have wandered far away being greedy to eat fresh grass. Let us enter the forest and search for them.” While listening, Krishna’s face looked more charming than a splendid full moon. Smiling compassionately, Krishna spoke to mitigate their fear, “My dear friends, do not stop eating. Just stay here. I shall personally find the calves and bring them to you.”
Krishna put down His food and went to collect the calves. He looked very attractive walking along with His flute, stick, and buffalo horn tucked in His dhoti. The wonderful effulgence of His body illuminated the entire forest. Although the area abounded with fresh grass, Krishna did not find hoof prints or any other sign of the calves even after searching in all directions.
Much to His surprise, when Krishna returned to the banks of the Yamuna He could not find any of His cowherd boyfriends. Though temporarily exhibiting a touch of bewilderment, Krishna displayed His omniscience by concluding that Brahma, the supreme creator of the material world, had succumbed to His illusory potency and stolen both the calves and His boyfriends. The all-knowing Lord then employed His spiritual energy to expand Himself into the exact forms of each one of the missing calves and boys. Krishna miraculously appeared with all of their attributes including their individual moods, mannerisms, dress, ornaments, and carrying sticks. Then playing His sweet flute Krishna gladly proceeded home to Vrndavana.
The Supreme Lord directly creates everything in this universe. He is the only cause and effect of all actions in this world. Nonetheless, the material world is full of Krishna’s variegated transcendental pastimes. Because the Supreme Lord is unique, wonderful, and inconceivable, the universe displays the same qualities.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 43 – ” Feasting with Friends”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
After saving the boys and calves from the mouth of Aghasura, death personified, Krishna, who is full of transcendental qualities, ordered His fortunate companions to gather the calves that had strayed away like meandering deer and follow Him back to Vrndavana. Krishna displayed intense love and affection toward His friends by tending calves and playing with them. To bestow His mercy upon the world Krishna performed many captivating pastimes in the mood of an ordinary boy.
The cowherd boys carried bundles of delicious food items, which their mothers had prepared in the morning, tied on sticks that rested on their shoulders. On the way home Krishna noticed an ideal spot for a forest picnic just beside the Yamuna. “Look, my friends,” said Krishna, “The birds are not flying here. It is a nice quiet place, pleasing to the eyes, and as comfortable as the lap of a mother. There are no footprints on the bank. Therefore it is a perfect picnic site. Let the calves graze nearby while we honor prasada.”
After hearing the statement of Krishna, who is the supreme transcendence and a marvelous person at the same time, the cowherd boys said, “You and I are the same. Since we feel hungry, You must also. So let us take prasada.” Krishna agreed, “Yes! What a splendid idea! Let us sit here and take prasada.”
A circle of tall green trees whose branches joined overhead to form a natural canopy shaded the picnic spot. The earth, as pure and white as powdered camphor, looked as though it had been washed with liquid silver. A gentle breeze, filled with droplets of water scented with the sweet smell of blossoming lotuses, cooled and refreshed the entire area. That peaceful wind felt soothing to the touch, and created a pleasing atmosphere along the bank of the Yamuna.
With His golden effulgence, attractive bluish complexion, and elegant yellow dress, Krishna looked like the whorl of a lotus surrounded by a thousand petals as He sat in the center, encircled by lines of cowherd boys. Krishna’s intimate friends sat nearest Him. They appeared like rays of the sun sitting in rows around the Lord. The innermost rays glowed with a reddish hue. As the rays moved further from the center they displayed a gradation of colors from orange to yellow, green, blue and violent. This rainbow-like display of colors looked attractive.
Although the boys sat at different distances from the Lord, they each felt that Krishna was looking directly at them when He glanced their way. This pastime confirms the words of the learned sages who claim that everywhere are the Lord’s eyes and faces as well as His arms and legs.
At that time Krishna said, “O My friends! Now please take all the foodstuffs off your carrying poles.” Their full tiffins emitted brilliant effulgences in all directions. The cowherd boys placed their prasada on flowers or leaves, on rocks, the bark of trees, or on their caddars.
Some held the prasada in the auspicious lines of their palms, and a few put it on their strongly built thighs. Other boys artistically arrayed their best prasada on leaf plates and affectionately offered it to Krishna.
As Krishna ate, He spoke sweet words that washed over His lips like a stream of nectar. Moving His hands in expressive mudras, Krishna took great pleasure entertaining the boys with witty words. They responded by telling funny jokes that filled Krishna with laughter. The blissful smiles on the lotus faces of the cowherd boys revealed the happiness of their hearts. Krishna’s warm personal dealings increased the affection felt by His boyfriends. The whole scene appeared breathtaking.
With a flute tucked tightly in His waist on the right side and a buffalo horn and cow-driving stick tucked on His left side, Krishna’s thin, perfectly shaped waist attracted the minds of everyone. Krishna ate some pickles with His right hand while holding a nice preparation of yogurt and rice in His left palm. With His hands moistened by these different foods Krishna looked magnificently beautiful.
Brahma, Siva, Indra and other denizens of heaven marveled at the extraordinary sight of Krishna eating with His friends in the forest.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 42 – “The Perfect Antidote”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
The cowherd boys appeared like they had just left the jaws of death. They felt completely relieved and happy to see the tender lotus face of the peaceful prince of Vraja, which looked more attractive than the rising sun. The transcendental deeds of the Lord completely eclipsed the glories of the sun. One after another the boys embraced Krishna while talking excitedly.
One boy said, “O Krishna! While we played that terrible demon devoured us, and knocked us out with a burning poison. How did You bring us back to life?” Krishna replied, “I am the perfect antidote to neutralize poison and also kill the poison giver. If a man smells this medicine, he will become joyful and relish it like the taste of honey. Even the dead will come back to life and enjoy sweet rasa if they smell this medicine.”
Krishna’s witty remarks increased the cowherd boys’ loving friendship for Him. Then the cowherd boys, the Lord’s eternal associates, enthusiastically embraced each other. Swelling with pride for his beloved friend, one boy said, “I told you before that Krishna would finish this demon, just as He had previously killed Bakasura.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

Krishna Nectar Lila 41 “Shiva & Dancing Skulls”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das
Feeling like He had lost some precious jewels, Krishna cried piteously. He only thought how to kill the demon and save His devotees. Then Krishna, fully confident in His unlimited abilities, nonchalantly walked into the demon’s mouth. Seeing this, the demigods wailed in anguish, “Alas! Alas!” But Kamsa and other demoniac friends of Aghasura rejoiced by cheering, “Ha! Ha! Ha!” Upon hearing the distressed crying of the demigods, Krishna, the master of all mystic yogis, decided to finish the asura.
The heart of the snake shook in fear of his imminent destruction. Although adept in mystic illusions, the demon’s vast intelligence had now become bewildered by his false ego. He tried desperately to close his mouth but he could not. Because of Krishna’s superior mystic power, the snake lost all control over his movements and just sat with his mouth stuck open.
The snake felt Krishna to be a hot fiery spark burning his throat. A second later, Krishna expanded Himself within the throat of the snake until the demon’s body exploded like an over ripe green melon. Krishna’s transcendental body contains unlimited opulences of beauty and perfect action. His elegance rivals the rising moon and His compassion excels the comfort of soothing moonshine.
After killing that ugly demon Krishna revived His friends with the pleasant stream of nectar emanating from His beautiful transcendental form. Then He came out of the demon’s mouth with the cowherd boys and calves. As Krishna left the mouth of the demon, He appeared like the sun rising from behind a mountain. Wearing an attractive forest garland hanging to His knees, Krishna looked as gorgeous as a fresh blue rain cloud.
At that time everyone saw the spirit soul of the demon, more brilliant than hundreds of suns and moons, merge in the body of Krishna. Who can describe the merciful nature of the Lord? First the demon let Krishna enter his belly, and then Krishna allowed him to merge within His body.
Appreciating the wonderful glories of the Lord, Brahma, Siva, and other demigods offered prayers which sanctified the world as they echoed through the universe. Various drums such as bheris (kettledrums) and dundubhis, and other instruments reverberated in all directions. The wives of the Gandharvas and Vidyadharas sang joyously in high-pitched voices. As the wives of the Siddhas beat mrdangas, Urvasi and other heavenly nymphs danced ecstatically.
The best of the Kinnaras sang sweet melodies. Becoming deaf to all other vibrations, the celestial denizens submerged in the sound waves of that ocean of jubilation. Intoxicated with bliss, they showered flowers from Nanda-kanana on Krishna. What more can be said? The beat of Siva’s damru drum predominated everywhere.
In great euphoria, Lord Siva danced so wildly that he cracked the pot-like covering of the universe. As he danced, the crescent moon on his head poured a stream of nectar. When that nectar touched the skulls on Siva’s necklace, the skulls assumed bodies and danced joyfully with great skill. Astonished by this scene, the demigods exploded with uproarious laughter.

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.

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Bhagavata Amritam 03 by Sri Jiva Goswamipada

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Herein we present a continuous sweet selection of tikas from the great rasika-acarya, Sri Jiva Goswamipada’s Krishna prema-filled comments on the Venu-gita (Srimas Bhagavatam 10.21). By reading and studying these comments along with the verses of Venu-gita, you will attain a happy feeling in your heart, and renewed enthusiasm to love and serve Radha and Krishna more and more. Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21.11

Translation: The gopis say, “Blessed are all the less intelligent deer because, on hearing the sound of Krishna’s flute, they and their husbands do the best worship by glancing affectionately at Nandanandan, who is gorgeously dressed.”

Sri Jiva Goswamipada tika: Such is the glory of Vrindavan that all the jivas taking shelter there are very dear to Sri Krishna. Now, let us describe the good fortune of the animals in Vrindavan. The does are without discrimination yet as they wander through Vraja they are directly seen by Krishna.

The Vraja-gopis mention Nanda’s name because their minds are bewildered by uncontrollable agitation. They performed Krishna’s worship with glances filled with affection. Love is the greatest treasure in worship. In great astonishment the gopis speak with lamentation. “O! We do not have such good fortune!”

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21.12

Translation: The gopis say, “When the devatas’ wives flying in vimans with their husbands see Krishna, whose form and qualities fill all women with joy, and when they hear Krishna’s venu-gita, their hearts are agitated by Cupid, and they become so bewildered that the flowers fall out of their hair and the ropes holding up their undergarments loosen.”

Sri Jiva Goswamipada tika: Both the animals on the ground and the devatas flying in the sky have become supremely fortunate by seeing Krishna whose all-attractive form and qualities immediately incite anuraga in all women. The devis hear Krishna’s flute playing a raga drenched in madhurya-rasa.

They came along with their husbands since they didn’t have the adhikari for direct association with Krishna. Just by seeing Shyam the Svargadevis became intensely afflicted with lust for Krishna. Their enchantment was further enhanced by hearing Krishna’s venu-gita. Hearing and seeing  were both causes of bewilderment. 

This is the anubhava called mottayita which is the appearance of desire in the heart from the arousal of the sthayi-bhava from remembering or hearing about Krishna.

The gopis pine, “We are most unfortunate for not having seen Krishna, the astonishing ocean of all auspiciousness, who bewilders the foolish female deer and the most intelligent wives of devatas. Or, we are most unfortunate for not seeing Krishna as He wanders in the forest, whereas they are fortunate.”

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21.13

Translation: The gopis say, “Using their upraised ears as cups, the cows drink the nectar of Krishna’s flute-song flowing out of from His mouth. The calves, their mouths full of milk from their mothers’ moist nipples, with tear-filled eyes, stand still as they embrace Krishna within their hearts.

Sri Jiva Goswamipada tika: Other gopis speak three verses to hide their amorous emotions by describing the cows which have maternal affection for Krishna. “Even cows that are famous for not being able to distinguish good from bad, are relishing the sound of Krishna’s flute coming from His moon-like mouth which is endowed with more nectar than billions of nectar-filled moons.

“Krishna is the fullest embodiment of the highest bliss. In astonishment the cows simply stand, stunned, overcome by sattvika-bhava. Govinda indicates the master of the cows. They touch Krishna with affection. Some calves have mouthfuls of their mothers’ milk flowing from their mouths. Other calves are chewing grass.

“They all start crying as they embrace Govinda in their minds. Since their eyes are covered with tears, they can only see Krishna in their minds. We however are most unfortunate since we cannot even see Krishna.”

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21.14

Translation: “O Amba! In this forest all the birds have risen onto the budding branches of the trees to see Krishna. With closed eyes, like sages, they are simply listening in silence to the sweet vibrations of Krishna flute, and they speak of nothing except Krishna.”

Sri Jiva Goswamipada tika: In astonishment, the gopis say, “O mother!” (amba)

It is the nature of those immersed in prema to make such statements. Since no mother is present, the gopis address their friends in this manner.

The gopis say, “What to speak of the good fortune of the cows protected by Krishna, how can we describe the fortune of these forest birds? Most of the birds are like this, but some like the peacocks are like the greatest devotees because they are dancing in prema, not just sitting in the tress.

“The birds climb on the branches of trees in order that they can see Krishna or so that Krishna can see them.  But the buds create obstacles to seeing Krishna, so they listen to Krishna’s venu-gita with half-closed eyes.” This indicates lassitude because of intense prema.

“No words except the words of the flute are sensed by their minds, ears or voice. Thus, they are fortunate.”

The word munayah refers to atmaramas like the Kumaras who have become birds to see Krishna. When they hear the sound of Krishna’s flute which they have never experienced before, that enchanting sound attracts them away from their brahma-samadhi. These sages have surpassed the branches of the Vedas and given up study of the Vedas. Their consciousness of their bodies has disappeared (milita-drsha—closed vision). The have become silent on all topics except Krishna. What else can they deliberate on?

Venu-gita ki jai! Sri Jiva Goswamipada ki jai!

Radha-Govinda Yugala ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Bhagavata Amritam 02 by Sri Jiva Goswamipada

Herein we present a continuous sweet selection of tikas from the great rasika-acarya, Sri Jiva Goswamipada’s Krishna prema-filled comments on the Venu-gita (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21). By reading and studying these comments along with the verses of Venu-gita, you will attain a happy feeling in your heart, and renewed enthusiasm to love and serve Radha and Krishna more and more. Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21.7

Translation: The sakhis say, “O sakhis! Is there any other purpose for the eyes than seeing the beautiful youthful face of Krishna as He and Douji pasture the cows from forest to forest in Vrndavana?”

Tika: I, Sri Jiva, surrender to the gopis by whose mercy one can understand their words, and by whom the fathomlessly deep heart of Sri Krishna heart is conquered, gopih-prapadye-ta-yabhih,-sa-gambhirasayo-jitah.

To hide their complete attachment to Krishna, the gopis here externally glorify both Krishna and Balarama. In essence the  gopis are saying, ‘All senses attain success if they can taste the sweet nectar of Syama’s lotus face.’

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21.8

Translation: Krishna and Balarama look so attractively gorgeous (vicitra vesa) with Their colorful flower malas; water lilies hanging over Their ears; Their wavy locks entwined with peacock feathers, mango buds and clusters of flowers; and twirling pastime lotus flowers in Their hands. Shining magnificently among the gopas, Govinda and Douji look like a pair of professional dancers on a dramatic stage.

Tika: In this verse and others, the gopis try hard to conceal their intense loving attachment for Sri Krishna. Here the gopis are saying, “These two feel great happiness singing and dancing amidst Their cowherd friends. Sometimes Kanai Balai sing or listen to the gopas glorify Them with special songs. The gopas sometimes challenge, “Of you two, whoever sings best should sing for us.” Then to create a particular sweetness in their play, Krishna Balarama both proudly sing different songs.

Though not spoken, the gopis emotions are saying, “O these gopas are so fortunate! But we are not since we can not freely associate with Krishna due to fear public opinion!”

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21.9

Translation: My dear gopis! What good deeds did Krishna’s flute perform to now independently enjoy the nectar of Damodara’s lips while leaving only a drop for us gopis who deserve that nectar!

Tika: In the madness of mahabhava, the gopis here express their desire mixed with envy, while falsely imagining that the flute has performed many pious deeds even though it’s just a piece of dry bamboo. ‘We will also do such pious acts to get the taste of Krishna’s lips.’

By calling Krishna “Damodara”, the gopis suggest that they have had a special  natural loving relationship. with Him since Krishna’s balya-lila [age 1-5], wherein the sprouts appeared of their present blossoming emotions. In the daze of love, Damodara’s darlings disclose, “We see that even after enjoying Damodara’s lips for so long, His lips are still juicy and not dry, so the flute has not really enjoyed Krishna’s lips at all!”

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.21.10

Translation: O sakhi, Vrndavana has made the earth glorious because she possesses the treasure of Devakinandana’s lotus feet. Upon hearing Govinda’s vamsi, the peacocks madly dance, and all the creatures become stunned while standing on the hilltops to watch the dance.

Tika: Losing their interest in glorifying Krishna’s flute, the gopis focus on the glorious land of Vrndavana as being far superior to Vaikuntha for all the above reasons. In Vaikuntha, Krishna/Vishnu wears golden slippers and leaves no footprints for anyone to see or relish.

The gopis think, ‘Ah! The peacocks are dancing with Krishna to the thrill of all. But we, the most unfortunate, cannot see this. It should be understood that in all these verses, the gopis are actually expressing their dissatisfaction, an inherent quality of Krishna prema.

Venu-gita ki jai! Sri Jiva Goswamipada ki jai! Radha-Govinda Yugala ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Krishna Nectar Lilas part 33 “Gopal Liberates Snake”

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

The cowherd boys joked with one another, “O brothers! Let us see who can run the fastest, Krsna or us?” Krsna kept the lead as they raced a short distance. They stopped abruptly, however, upon noticing a peculiar sight. It was a demon, the younger brother of Putana and Bakasura whom Krsna had recently vanquished. Burning with anger and lamentation, the demon had come to Vrndavana to avenge the loss of his relatives.

The nasty, vicious demon assumed the form of a gigantic envious python with a huge mouth extending from the surface of the earth to the heavenly planets. At every moment his hideous body continued to expand. His vast gaping mouth seemed to swallow the whole creation along with all its moving and non-moving living entities. Brahma and all the demigods shook in fright at this embodiment of sin (agha), who was appropriately named Aghasura.

Awestruck and bewildered by what they saw, the cowherd boys said, “O look! What is this strange mountain cave? Just examine closely and try to figure it out. Who on earth will not be curious upon seeing this unusual cave? From long neglect, the cave looks like the deep mouth of a huge snake.

The twin mountain peaks appear like two rows of teeth. The two vines dangling in the breeze by the opening of that cave seem to be the frightening forked tongue of a snake.

“The red oxide dust blowing out of the mouth of the cave, indicating a mine of minerals, seems like his fiery, poisonous breath mixed with reddish-gold sparks. Just smelling that smoke, which appears to be the snake’s breath, gives one a severe headache. The vines and creepers surrounding the cave, which look like hands waving us into it, appear like the ugly veins and arteries around the snake’s gaping mouth.

“The two dazzling ruby boulders resting just above the mountain cave appear like the beautiful eyes of the snake waiting to mesmerize anyone who glances at them. The strong wind coming from the cave, which shakes the trees in the forest, resembles the exhalation of a big serpent.

The smoky glow of the mountain seems like the discoloration of the snake’s body caused by his poison-filled breath. The large cave looks like the massive mouth of the snake. Who amongst us is not overwhelmed with fear upon seeing this mysterious creature?”

Though disturbed with dread and doubt, the cowherd boys decided to enter the mouth of the cave. One boy said, “O brothers! If it is a demon, Krsna will easily kill him and protect us.” All the gopas had firm faith in Krsna. Gazing at the beautiful smiling face of Krsna, they laughed and clapped their hands while walking toward the python.

Seeing that they intended to enter that snake demon, Krsna, the prince of Vrndavana, tried to stop his friends by shouting in a sweet voice that spread through the creation. “Hey boys! Stop! Do not go inside. It is not a mountain cave; it is a snake!” But it was too late. They did not hear Krsna’s words of warning, because they had already fallen unconscious from inhaling the poisonous vapors within the viper’s throat.

Feeling like He had lost some precious jewels, Krsna cried piteously. He only thought how to kill the demon and save His devotees. Then Krsna, fully confident in His unlimited abilities, nonchalantly walked into the demon’s mouth.

Seeing this, the demigods wailed in anguish, “Alas! Alas!” But Kamsa and other demoniac friends of Aghasura rejoiced by cheering, “Ha! Ha! Ha!” Upon hearing the distressed crying of the demigods, Krsna, the master of all mystic yogis, decided to finish the asura.

The heart of the snake shook in fear of his imminent destruction. Although adept in mystic illusions, the demon’s vast intelligence had now become bewildered by his false ego. He tried desperately to close his mouth but he could not. Because of Krsna’s superior mystic power, the snake lost all control over his movements and just sat with his mouth stuck open. The snake felt Krsna to be a hot fiery spark burning his throat.

A second later, Krsna expanded Himself within the throat of the snake until the demon’s body exploded like an over ripe green melon. Krsna’s transcendental body contains unlimited opulences of beauty and perfect action. His elegance rivals the rising moon and His compassion excels the comfort of soothing moonshine.

After killing that ugly demon Krsna revived His friends with the pleasant stream of nectar emanating from His beautiful transcendental form. Then He came out of the demon’s mouth with the cowherd boys and calves. As Krsna left the mouth of the demon, He appeared like the sun rising from behind a mountain.

Wearing an attractive forest garland hanging to His knees, Krsna looked as gorgeous as a fresh blue rain cloud. At that time everyone saw the spirit soul of the demon, more brilliant than hundreds of suns and moons, merge in the body of Krsna. Who can describe the merciful nature of the Lord? First the demon let Krsna enter his belly, and then Krsna allowed him to merge within His body.

Appreciating the wonderful glories of the Lord, Brahma, Siva, and other demigods offered prayers which sanctified the world as they echoed through the universe. Various drums such as bheris (kettledrums) and dundubhis, and other instruments reverberated in all directions. The wives of the Gandharvas and Vidyadharas sang joyously in high-pitched voices. As the wives of the Siddhas beat mrdangas,

Urvasi and other heavenly nymphs danced ecstatically. The best of the Kinnaras sang sweet melodies. Becoming deaf to all other vibrations, the celestial denizens submerged in the sound waves of that ocean of jubilation. Intoxicated with bliss, they showered flowers from Nanda-kanana on Krsna. What more can be said?

The beat of Siva’s damru drum predominated everywhere. In great euphoria, Lord Siva danced so wildly that he cracked the pot-like covering of the universe. As he danced, the crescent moon on his head poured a stream of nectar. When that nectar touched the skulls on Siva’s necklace, the skulls assumed bodies and danced joyfully with great skill. Astonished by this scene, the demigods exploded with uproarious laughter.

The cowherd boys appeared like they had just left the jaws of death. They felt completely relieved and happy to see the tender lotus face of the peaceful prince of Vraja, which looked more attractive then the rising sun. The transcendental deeds of the Lord completely eclipsed the glories of the sun. One after another the boys embraced Krsna while talking excitedly.

One boy said, “O Krsna! While we played that terrible demon devoured us, and knocked us out with a burning poison. How did You bring us back to life?”

Krsna replied, “I am the perfect antidote to neutralize poison and also kill the poison giver. If a man smells this medicine, he will become joyful and relish it like the taste of honey. Even the dead will come back to life and enjoy sweet rasa if they smell this medicine.”

Krsna’s witty remarks increased the cowherd boys’ loving friendship for Him. Then the cowherd boys, the Lord’s eternal associates, enthusiastically embraced each other. Swelling with pride for his beloved friend, one boy said, “I told you before that Krsna would finish this demon, just as He had previously killed Bakasura.”

Excerpt: Sri Kavi Karnapura’s Ananda Vrindavana Campu ki jai!

Krishna Nectar Lilas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

All parts of Krishna Nectar Lilas can be found here.