Tag Archive for: RadhaKunda

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Celebrate Radha Kund Appearance! 8 April 2020

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

According to Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya tattva acarya Sri Jiva Goswamipada, Sri Sri Radha-Krishna personally manifested Shyamkund and Radhakund on midnight of Chaitra Purnima.

He revealed this truth in his tika to Srimad Bhagavatam (10.45.3), and in Gopal Champu (I. 31.8), wherein Sri Jiva Goswamipada says: “When the full moon of the Chaitra month is in the CHITRA NAKSATRA (star), that is the EXACT TIME OF THE APPEARANCE OF Radha Kund, yada-hi–CHITRA–yuta–purna–candram-purnimam-anu–turnita–cetah.”

In 2019, ISKCON GBC passed the following resolution: “According to research, the observance of “the appearance of Radha-kunda” on Bahulastami in Karttika is incorrect. And the appearance of Radha-kunda SHOULD BE OBSERVED ON CHAITRA PURNIMA.”

Unfortunately, due to the present restrictions the proper observance of Radha-kunda appearance with a midnight nectar bath will not be possible even if one lives in Radha-kunda or Vrndavana; what to speak of New Delhi. Thus, we will explain how to mentally observe this most wonderful and amazingly merciful appearance of Radha and Krishna as two lakes of prema ambrosia.

Note: Everyone regardless of where you are staying, should honor Radha-kunda avirbhav by staying awake on this day until 12.30 a.m. or so. If you have a container of Radha-kunda amrit, you can honorably place it on a table. Then you can both mentally and physically observe the appearance of Radha-kunda by doing parikrama of the container, offer bhoga, arati and dandavats to it, and finally sprinkle some of the Radha-kunda amrit on your head.   

1. Mental Kunds Parikrama; Mentally think now it’s 11 p.m. Chaitra Purnima, and I am in Radha-kund doing parikrama beginning with dandavats and prayers to Kundeshvara Mahadeva. Then immediately on my right I see and offer dandavats to Radha-Krishna kunds and the Sangam. Continuing on parikram, I will pause before each temple doorway and offer pranams beginning with Purana Radha-Krishna Mandir, Jhulan Sthali, then on to Radha-Kanta, Gopalji, Shyamsundarji, Damodarji, Gopinath Ji, Ma Jahnava Bhaitak, Das Goswami Samadhi, Radha-Ramanji, Govindaji, Ras Mandal, Jagannathji, Vallabhaji, Sita-Ram, Damodarji, Lalita-kund, Mahadeva, Giridhari, Lalita-Bihariji, Prachin Radha Govindadeva, Vinodilal, Gopi-kua, Nita-Gaur Sitanath, Asta-Sakhis, Radha-Madhava, Bankhandi Siva, Mahaprabhu Baithak, Laxmi-Narayana, Madan-Mohan, Gaur-Nitai, Prachin Radha-Gopinath, Nitai Baithak,  Hanumanji, then complete parikrama with dandavats to Kundeshvara.

2. Prayers; sit in your favorite place or before Giriraj Baba on the Sangam between the kunds, and offer prayers such as Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami’s “Radha-kundastakam”:

That very dear, beautiful and fragrant Radhakund, that appeared after a joking quarrel between Radha and Krishna about piety after the killing of the Arishta bull demon, and which was joyfully revealed and filled up by Sri Radha’s own hand, with the assistance of Her sakhis, is my only shelter!

That very fragrant, dear and beautiful Radhakund, that instantly makes a desire-tree of prema, love of Krishna, sprout in the land of the heart of anyone who bathes there, although this is very difficult to attain even by the Vraja-gopis, is my only shelter!

That very dear, beautiful and fragrant Radhakund, where even Krishna, the enemy of Aghasura, eagerly and carefully bathes and renders submissive and expert devotional service, desiring to obtain the merciful glance of goddess Radhika, is my only shelter!

That very dear, beautiful and fragrant Radhakund, that is the abode of love for Vrajachandra, which is as dear to Krishna as the crownjewel of sweet adolescent damsels of Vraja, Sri Radhika Herself, and which was called after Her by Krishna, is my only shelter!

That very beautiful and fragrant Radhakund, by whose mercy the desire vine of love for Krishna, that bears the flowers of service of my Ishvari Sri Radha, instantly sprouts in the heart of anyone who performs devotional service there, is my only shelter!

That very beautiful and fragrant Radhakund, whose shores are divided among Sri Radhika’s girlfriends who all have their own sweet nikunjas named after them, and where the bees are buzzing sweetly, is my only shelter!

That very beautiful and fragrant Radhakund, where my Ishvari Sri Radhika makes ever-so-sweet and pleasant jokes about Vrndavanachandra, with Her dearest sakhis  on a nice platform on the shore, is my only shelter!

That very beautiful and fragrant Radhakund, in whose water, that is filled with nicely smelling lotus flowers, Radha and Krishna daily sport in loving intoxication, along with Their sakhis, who are in a similar loving frenzy, is my only shelter!

The benediction offered by Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami:

Anyone who recites this beautiful Radha-kundastakam for Devi Radha with a peaceful mind and a fixed intelligence and who submits one’s self to Radha’s blissful service, will soon see Madhuripu Krishna in Radha’s delightful embrace, even in this material body!

2. Offer Puja: Mentally stand on the Sangam and offer to both Shyamkund and Radhakund a panchamrita abhishek, some sweet bhog, and arati with dhoop, deep and flowers.

3. Do Harinam Kirtan for few minutes to sanctify your being.

4. Mental Snana; Then at 12 midnight mentally or physically offer dandavats to Sri Guru, Six Goswamis, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and Radha Govinda Yugala; then sprinkle few sacred sweet drops of kundamrita on your head and in mouth; then most humbly, respectfully and prayerfully bathe first in Shyamkund at Manasa Pavan Ghat followed by snana in Radha-kunda.

5. Dan; Give some money and sweet mahaprasad to any Brahmin you see at Radha-kunda. 

Hopefully next year, by Srimati Radharani’s loving grace, all the Krishna bhaktas will be able to physically come to Radha-kunda on Chaitra Purnima to experience the full ecstasy of honoring the holy appearance of Shyamkund and Radha-kunda.

Radha-kunda divine appearance day ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

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Panditji & Swamiji

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Between 1950-1965, Pandit Sri Krishna Dasa Babaji Maharaja, Bhakti-tirtha (Radha-Krishna nitya-lila pravista) would often meet with Srila Prabhupada in Bon Maharaja’s college in Vrndavana. The following memories of Pandit Sri Krishna Dasa Babaji come from a book titled, “Our Srila Prabhupada—A Friend to All”, penned by a Srila Prabhupada disciple named Mula-prakrti devi dasi.

May everyone relish the sweet and sometimes humorous exchanges between the liberated ones.

Pandit Sri Krishna Dasa Babaji:

“I was a Sanskrit student and scholar in the early 1960’s in Vrndavana. I was teaching in Bon Maharaja’s Sanskrit college across from ISKCON. At that time, Srila Swami Maharaja also was living in Vrindavana writing English translations and purports to the Srimad Bhagavatam.”

“At the college, some local Gaudiya and Vrajavasi scholars and writers would regularly meet to share their work and ask for suggestions regarding Sanskrit or philosophy. I attended those writers’ meetings and so did Srila Swami Maharaja. That’s how we began our acquaintance and friendship.”

“I remember how delightful Swamiji’s countenance was. He was very charming, full of realization, very humorous and affectionate. He was so kind upon me even though I was a much younger and junior in all ways. Yet Swamiji treated me just like a son or a very little brother. He always encouraged me, asked about my welfare, and shared Hari-katha from his writings.”

“He was a valuable friend during that time. Although his material circumstances were then so poor, he always seemed to me to be one of the richest devotees in spiritual blessings. He was a very learned and humble Vaisnava. He worked very diligently on his manuscripts, and often spoke about the order from his guru maharaja, His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada.”

“I have one special remembrance of something that occurred during our regular meetings at Bon Maharaja’s college. Swamiji had every intention to somehow spread this Krishna knowledge in the West, despite all obstacles.”

“Prabhupada would often speak of this task of service, and was always looking for opportunities to somehow arrange to travel there. Most of us at that time were quite doubtful that he could succeed to go. He was practically penniless then, without sponsors or connections. Many of us were not so favorable for any Indian to go to the mleccha [western] countries, so we did not encourage him. Nevertheless, he was undaunted.”

“I recall how Swamiji came one day in great happiness and excitement. I think he had just completed his third volume of the Srimad Bhagavatam and he was carrying all three in his hands. He then explained to our group how he had finally printed the last texts and now the books were ready to go to the West.”

“In a very sweet way, he formally asked if we would all please bless his books that they would be able to go across the ocean and be successful in spreading Krishna consciousness in the western countries. Of course, we were willing to do that. So he carefully passed around the stack of three, brick-red, cloth bound books, and asked each of us to touch them and give our blessings, which we did.”

“Immediately after this he did something quite remarkable. Swamiji explained with deep seriousness how these Bhagavata books, now blessed, could not go across the ocean by themselves. Someone would have to take them to the west, popularize them, and distribute them properly to the public. So he then humbly requested, with folded palms, that our assembly would also bless him to accompany the books and preach on their behalf. In this way he took us all by surprise.”

“We all then felt moved to finally give our full blessings to his mission. I thought at that time how remarkable a Vaisnava he was, to request such blessings and to arrange for receiving them so wonderfully. I remember when I gave my blessings to him, I felt a spiritual surcharge in my heart.”

“Many years later, and now still it stands strongly in history how Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja [Srila Prabhupada] was successful in carrying our heritage and philosophy to the whole world. I feel honored to have been some very small part of that glorious success.”

Srila Prabhupada ki jai! Pandit Sri Krishna Dasji Babaji Maharaja ki jai!

Sajjana sadhu sanga ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

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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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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!

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Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Praises Radha Kunda

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

500 hundred years ago, Sriman Mahaprabhu unveiled the hidden location of Radha-kunda, manifested 5,000 years ago by Radha-Krishna. While bathing in two tiny pools of water He discovered in some paddy fields, Sri Caitanya became overwhelmed in prema. Then Gaurahari danced in bliss on the banks of Radha-kunda while meditating upon Radha-Madhava’s pastimes at Radha Kunda, premavista -hana -tire, nrtya -kare -kunda –lila -sanariya. (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.18.13)

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said:

  1. Radha-kunda is very dear to Sri Krishna because it is very dear to Radha,
    taiche –radha –kunda -priya -priyara -sarasi (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.18.7)

 

  1. In Radha-kunda, Krishna eternally associates with Radhika enjoying water sports and other rapturous pastimes on Her banks, yei –kunde -nitya –krishna –radhikara –sange, jale –jala –keli –kare, tire –rasa –range. (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.18.9)

 

  1. Sri Krishna gives ecstatic love exactly like that of Radha to whoever BATHES EVEN ONCE in Radha-kunda,
    sei –kunde –eka –bara –yei –kore –snana, tare –radha –sama –prema –krishna –kore –dana. (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.18.10)

 

  1. The glorious sweetness Radha-kunda resembles Radha’s sweet glories,
    kundera –madhuri –yena –radhara –madhurima,
    kundera –mahima –yena –radhara -mahima. (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.18.11)

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ki jai Radha Kunda Dhama ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

 

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Sweet Radha-kunda by Srila Prabhupada 

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Forty years ago, in Mayapura, West Bengal, Srila Prabhupada wrote the following words in glorification of Sri Radha-kunda. Manifesting as his comments to Srila Rupa Goswamipada’s Upadesamrta, these ambrosial words gushed out of Prabhupada’s heart like a waterfall to inundate the desert dry hearts of thirsty souls hankering for love divine.

Please read them again and again. After sometime, they will magically move your mind and then captivate your heart. And if Kundesvari -Radha glances upon you, you may find yourself living here someday serving the eternal sweethearts of your soul—Radha-Govinda -Yugala.

What is Radha-kunda?

Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda, situated at Govardhana Hill in Sri Vrndavana Dhama, are two beautiful love-filled lakes surrounded by kunjas, forests, and play grounds, wherein Sri Sri Radha and Krishna pass five hours every single day (1030am-330pm). The beautiful Divine Couple and the Vraja gopis enjoy a variety of ecstatic confidential pastimes here.

5, 000 years ago, these divine lakes of love were created by Sri Krishna, Srimati Radharani and the gopis at midnight on Caitra Purnima. For Gaudiya Vaisnavas, Radha Kunda is the topmost place of Radha-Krishna’s eternal pastimes, and the best place in Vrndavana to live and practice Krishna bhakti bhajan.

Featured here at Radha Kunda are small replica temples of tall the major Goswami temples in Vrndavana i.e. Madan-mohana, Govindaji, Gopinatha, Radha—Raman, Syama, Gokulananda, Damodara, Giridhari and Vinoda. There are samadhis and bhajana-kutiras of the Goswamis—Sanatana, Bhatta and Dasa Raghunatha, Sri Jiva, Gopala Bhatta, Lokanatha, Krishnadasa Kaviraja, Narahari Sarkara, Srinivasa Acarya and Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura.

Sri Krishna and the sastras proclaim that the beautiful transcendental waters of Radha-kunda are non-different from Radharani, and can easily give Radha-Krishna prema to anyone bathing, seeing, serving or worshiping here.

While commenting on Sri Rupa Goswamipada’s wonderful book of bhakti yoga sadhana titled “Upadesamrta”, Srila Prabhupada personally praises Radha Kunda with the following amazing statements:

Radha Kunda Glories

“There is no limit to the glory of Sri Radha-kunda.” (Upadesamrta v.11 pur.)

“The importance of Radha-kunda cannot be realized by other Vaisnava sampradayas. Radha-kunda is mainly worshipped by the Gaudiya Vaisnavas.” (Upadesamrta v.9 pur.)

“Radha-kunda is very rarely attained, even by great personalities fully engaged in devotional service.” (Upadesamrta v.11 pur.)

“Sri Radha-kunda, is the most exalted place.” (Upadesamrta v. 10 pur.)

“Radha-kunda is so exalted because it belongs to Srimati Radharani, who is the most beloved object of Sri Krishna” (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)

“Krishna’s love for Radha-kunda and Srimati Radharani is the same in all respects.” (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)

“Radha-kunda is superior to all [places of Krishna’s pastimes] because there love of Krishna overflows.” (Upadesamrta v 9 pur).

Radha-kunda is the site of many memories of the eternal loving affairs between Krishna and Radharani, rati-vilasa” (Upadesamrta v.9 pur).

“Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that Sri Radha-kunda is the most select place for those interested in advancing their devotional service in the wake of the lady friends (sakhis) and confidential serving maids (manjaris) of Srimati Radharani.” (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)

Serving Radha Kunda

“By serving Radha-kunda, one can get an opportunity to become an assistant of Srimati Radharani under the eternal guidance of the gopis.” (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)

Bathing in Radha Kunda

“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.” (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)

Comment: Snana or bathing means complete immersion of one’s full body in the prema-filled waters of Radha Kunda (not water drops on one’s head)

“Srila Rupa Gosvami recommends that one should take a bath in the lake as many times as possible. This is a most important item in the execution of devotional service.” (Upadesamrta v.11 pur.)

“If, by great fortune, one gets an opportunity to come to Radha-kunda and bathe even once, he can develop his transcendental love for Krishna, exactly as the gopis did.” (Upadesamrta v.11 pur.)

“One should bathe there regularly and give up all material conceptions, taking shelter of Sri Radha and Her assistant gopis. If one is thus constantly engaged during his lifetime, after giving up the body he will return back to Godhead to serve Sri Radha in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Radha-kunda.” (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)

Residing in Radha Kunda

“It is also recommended that one should live on the banks of Radha-kunda and should be absorbed in the loving service of the Krishna.” (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)

“Srila Rupa Gosvami has given much stress to Radha-kunda because of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s desire to find it. Who, then, would give up Radha-kunda and try to reside elsewhere? No person with transcendental intelligence would do so.” (Upadesamrta v. 9 pur.)

“Everyone interested in Krishna consciousness should ultimately take shelter of Radha-kunda and execute devotional service there throughout one’s life. This is the conclusion of Rupa Gosvami in the tenth verse of Upadesamrta.” (v. 10 pur.)

“Living entities who are eager to return home to Goloka Vrndavana, by means of attaining their spiritual bodies (siddha-deha), should live at Radha-kunda, take shelter of the confidential serving maids of Sri Radha, and under their direction engage constantly in Radha’s service.” (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)

“Raghunatha dasa Gosvami showed how to live in Radha-kunda. Sankhya-purvaka-nama-gana-natibhih kala-vasani-krtau. Not only did Raghunatha dasa count the holy names, but he was offering obeisances so many hundred times [in front of his kutir while remembering Radha-Krishna and Vaisnava] (folio: 760816.rc.bom)

Books & Radha Kunda

“In my last meeting with Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati in Radha Kunda, he advised me to print some [spiritual] books if I get money. I took it very seriously and by His grace we have now published many translations.” (folio: SPLetter 15/11/76)

Wearing Radha Kunda Tilaka

Three months before leaving this world, Srila Prabhupada said, “There is no harm in wearing Radha-kunda tilaka, but devotees should understand what is Radha-kunda and how to deal with Radha-kunda.” (folio: 760816R1.BOM)

Final Words on Radha Kunda

“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.” (Upadesamrtav.11 pur.)

“If one is thus constantly engaged during his lifetime, after giving up the body he will return back to Godhead to serve Sri Radha in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Radha-kunda.” (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)

On November 10, 1977, just four days before Srila Prabhupada left this planet to enter the eternal pastimes of Sri Sri Radha-Govinda, Srila Prabhupada told his disciples to bathe in Radha-kunda on his behalf.

Srila Prabhupada said, “So you [my disciples] will take bath in Radha-kunda on my behalf.” (folio: 771110R3.VRN)

Summary Glories of Radha Kunda

In his illuminations above, Srila Prabhupada makes four supremely significant points:

1) First, Srila Prabhupada glorifies the supreme position of Radha-kunda and Srimati Radharani. And then His Divine Grace says:

2) We should serve Radha Kunda.

3) We should bathe daily in Radha-kunda.

4) We should live in Radha-kunda.

Sri Shyama-kunda Radha-kunda ki jai!

Sri Radha Kunda ki jai! Srila Prabhupada ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Where to Live—Radha Kunda or Vrindavana?

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

Some extremely fortunate Gaudiya Vaisnavas live in either Radha-kunda or Vrindavana. Quoting Srila Prabhupada and the Gaudiya Vaisnava acaryas, we’ll answer the question: “Which is the best place practice bhakti sadhana—Radha-kunda or Vrindavana?”

Although there are different views on this, all Gaudiya Vaisnavas must accept of conclusions of our sastras. Srila Prabhupada confirms saying, “To follow Caitanya Mahaprabhu means following the six Goswamis [books], because the six Goswamis were directly instructed by Mahaprabhu to spread this [Krishna consciousness] movement.” (folio 730105ND.BOM)

“Our goal is to become fully Krishna conscious. To attain this goal, we follow the six original Gosvamis [i.e. Sri Rupa, Sanatana, Bhatta Raghunatha, Sri Jiva, Gopala Bhatta, Dasa Raghunatha].” (folio: BTG april/1974 post SP)

Each chapter of Caitanya-caritamrta, ends with the sloka: “The lotus feet of Sri Rupa and Raghunatha [Dasa Goswami] are my only hope and aspiration, sri -rupa -raghunatha -pade vara -asha.”

Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura (Prarthana) prays, “When will I understand Radha-Krishna’s love by eagerly following the footsteps of Sri Rupa and Sri Raghunatha?”

rupa -raghunatha -pade, hoibe –akuti,
kabe -hama -bujhabo, se -jugala -piriti?

The immortal words of Srila Prabhupada and the six Gosvamis will now highlight the preeminent position of Radha-kunda as the best place of residence for Gaudiya Vaisnavas.

Sri Rupa Gosvami:

  1. Mathura is superior to Vaikuntha because Krishna appears there. Better than Mathura is Vrndavana where Krishna dances the rasa-lila. Better than Vrindavana is Govardhana Hill. And best of all is Radha-kunda because it overflows with Krishna prema -amrta. Therefore, anyone who is intelligent will live at Radha-kunda! (Upadesamrta v. 9)
  2. Anyone who is fortunate will take shelter and live at Radha-kunda.” (Upadesamrta v. 10)

Raghunatha Dasa Goswami:

  1. The delightful forest of Vrndavana— site of the nectar-filled Rasa-dance— beautiful Govardhana Hill, and all other holy places are not even equal to one particle of one atom of Sri Radha-kunda! I take shelter of divine Radha-kunda which is dearer to Mukunda than His own breath. (Vraja Vilasa Stava 53)
  2. O restless-eyed Radhika! You and Your beloved Krishna always stay in Radha-kunda. Thus I vow that here only I will live and here only I will stay! (Vilapa Kusumanjali 98).
  3. O sakhi Sri Rupa Manjari! Please arrange for me to always stay in Radha-kunda. (Stavavali, IV. 3)

Srila Prabhupada:

  1. Sri Rupa Goswamipada has given much stress to Radha-kunda, so who would give up Radha-kunda and try to reside elsewhere? No person with transcendental intelligence would do so. (Upadesamrta v. 9 pur.)
  2. One should live at Radha-kunda, take shelter of the confidential serving maids [the manjaris] of Sri Radha, and under their direction engage constantly in Radharani’s service. (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)
  3. If one is thus constantly engaged during his lifetime, after giving up the body he will return back to Godhead to serve Sri Radha in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Radha-kunda.

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. Thus there is no limit to the glory of Sri Radha Kunda. (Upadesamrta v. 11 pur.)

Srila Prabhupada ki jai! Radha-kunda ki jai!

Of course, it is a great fortune to live in any one of the four Gaudiya Vaisnava transcendental dhamas i.e. Radha-kunda, Vrndavana, Jagannatha Puri and Navadvipa. However, the sastras specifically describe the unique and incredible benefits of living in and practicing bhakti sadhana in Sri Vraja Dhama. Srila Prabhupada himself said “Vrndavana is my home”, according to various biographies found in the BBT Folio Archives.

It is also clearly seen in sastras and in the personal lives of the six Gosvamis that among all the holy places in the universe, Radha-kunda is the most powerful, beneficial, and madhurya rasa-filled sacred place to reside and do Krishna bhajan. In fact, five of the six Gosvamis lived in Vrndavana, and one, Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, did Radha-Govinda Yugala bhajan in Radha-kunda for about fifty-years.

Thus, to quickly attain spiritual perfection and Sri Sri Radha-Krishna’s eternal loving service, one should live in and practice bhakti sadhana in Sri Radha-kunda Dhama.

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

Six Goswamis ki jai! Srila Prabhupada ki jai!

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Radha Kunda Appears! March 31, 2018

Mahanidhi Swami

Since every pastime of Bhagavan Sri Krishna is eternal, in some other universe Radha-kunda will appear at midnight on Chaitra Purnima (March 26, 2018) before the amazed eyes of Radhika-Shyama, and all their dearest sakhi/manjaris.

Sri Jiva Goswamipada proves that Chaitra Purnima (March 31, 2018), is the real and actual appearance day of Sri Radha-kunda in his tika (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.45.3): “Bhagavan Sri Krishna killed Arishta on the full moon day of Caitra month (caitra-paurnamasyam arishta-vadhah) when Krishna was eleven [and then Radha-Krishna manifested Shyama-kunda and Radha-kunda].” That wonderful appearance lila, described in the Vishnu Purana, will conclude this article.

In other words, the actual appearance day of Sri Radha-kunda is Chaitra Purnima at midnight. I know a few bhavuka bhaktas that celebrate this wonderful lila every year on Caitra Purnima with puja and a midnight bath in Sri Kunda. So why don’t you too please attend!

So what about the Radha Kunda Bahulastami midnight snana in Kattika month? Is this a required niyama for Gaudiya Vaisnavas? The answer is ABSOLUTELY NO!!!

Why? Because No Gaudiya Vaisnava granthas or Acharya mahajanas mention midnight bathing in Karttika. Nevertheless, Gaudiya Vaisnavas must and DO take bath on the DAY of Kattika Bahulastami to honor Karttiki-devi Srimati Radharani, Radha Kunda, Sri Rupa Goswamipada, and the Padma Purana. The proof or praman for the necessary daytime snana is this:

In his Mathura Mahatyam, Sri Rupa Gosvami quotes the Padma Purana Karttika Mahatmya (v. 420):

govardhane girau ramye,   radha kundam priyam hareh
karttike bahulashtamyam,   tatra snatva hareh priyah

“Near the delightful Mount Govardhana is Sri Hari”s beloved Radha-kunda. One who bathes in Radha-kunda on the DAY OF Bahulastami (Karttika krsna paksa) will become dear to Sri Hari.”

Certainly Gaudiya Vaisnavas want to become dear to Sri Hari, and especially dear to His most beloved Haripriya Swamini Sri Radhe, so they will all bathe in Radha Kunda on this auspicious, transcendental day.

Summary:

Karunamayi Prema pradata Srimati Radharani is compassionately bestowing “DOUBLE MERCY TO GAUDIYAS” because we get to worship Sri Radha as Sri Radha Kunda by taking at least TWO YEARLY BATHS: 1. Chaitra Purnima MIDNIGHT Snana on Radha Kunda Appearance Day and; 2. Karttika Bahulastami DAYTIME snana.

So why do lacs of people take Radha-kunda bath on Bahulastami midnight? Barren North Indian married couples worship a local fertility devata named Ahouri in hopes of getting a child. The puja rites prescribe many things culminating with a midnight bath in Radha-kunda.

For Gaudiya Vaisnavas, Bahulastami is also significant. In 1515, Sri Chaitanya came to Vraja Mandala. Mahaprabhu visited all the tirthas in Mathura, the 12 forests of Vrindavana, Nandgrama, Pavana Sarovar, and did Govardhana Parikrama just at the beginning of Karttika month. On Karttika “Bahulastami”, Sriman Mahaprabhu DISCOVERED RADHA KUNDA.

This fact has been established by hundreds of years of sadhu/mahajana vani, and the histories told by the Vrajavasis (loka grantheshu vividheshu/”radha-krsna ganoddesh dipika” v. 4, Sri Rupa Goswamipada)

It seems that over time, the Gaudiya’s daytime Bahulastami snana merged with the grhasta’s midnight in Radha-kunda, resulting in Gaudiyas thinking that they are bathing at midnight to celebrate the appearance of Radha-kunda.

This idea is absolutely incorrect. Because of personal concerns, seasonal conveniences, and most importantly the time factor, the truth concerning various events, especially religious celebrations becomes covered and lost.

Surely, during the time of Sri Jiva Goswamipada (15-16th century) and up to the 17th century with Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti, all Gaudiya Vaisnavas observed the real and true Radha Kunda Appearance Day by bathing in Radha Kunda at midnight on Chaitra Purnima.

But as was say the time factor, the mixing of different local religious rituals, and Karttika Yatri concerns have distorted the truth and caused confusion among most Gaudiya Vaisnavas. Now is the time for the sunlight of our Gaudiya shastra siddhanta to shine through the dense cloud covering of time, distortion and misconception.

So anyone who can walk, drive or fly, we humbly beg you to come ti Govardhana Maharaja for a holy Midnight dip in Sri Radha-kunda Dhama under the Vasanta rasa-filled full moon night of Caitra TO REJOICE OVER THE ACTUAL APPEARANCE DAY OF SRI RADHA KUNDA!

Radha Kunda Appearance Lila: SRI VISHNU PURANA

In his Sarartha Darshini tikas (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.36.16) Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti quotes the Radha-kunda appearance pastime from Vishnu Purana, which describes a joking conversation between Radha-Madhava after Krishna killed the Arishta demon bull on Chaitra Purnima during ardha pradosh kala i.e. about 9:30 p.m.

Vishnu Purana: “The innocent young gopis say, “Ah, Krishna, don”t touch us now, O killer of a bull! Alas, even though Arishta was a terrible demon, still he was posing as a bull, who represents dharma, so You will have to undergo atonement, just as Lord Indra did after killing Vrtrasura. But how can You purify Yourself without going to the trouble of visiting every single holy place in the three worlds?”

Krishna: “Why should I have to wander throughout the entire universe? I will immediately summon all the countless pilgrimage places here and take My bath in them. Just watch!” With this, Sri Mukunda strikes His left heel on the ground.

Then Krishna says, “Just see sakhis! The Patala Ganga has come!” Then all the holy places magically manifest before Mukunda.

Proudly, Priyatama says, “O gopis, just see all the holy places are now here!”

Gopis: “No, we don”t see any holy places. What are You talking about anyway.”

Then each holy tirtha joins their palms and proclaims: “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 the holy place Pushkara.” “I am the river Sarasvati.”“ And we are the Godavari, Yamuna and Reva rivers and the triveni of Prayaga. Just see our waters!” ”

Sri Krishna then takes a “purifying bath” in all those tirtha waters while arrogantly taunting the gopis: “Bho, bho sakhis! I have produced a pond containing all the holy places, whereas you gopis have never done any pious acts to please Brahmaji”

Sri Radha boldly replies, “Just watch Shyamasundara! I will create an even more beautiful pond than Yours. Turning to Her confidantes, Radhika says, “Hey Sakhis! Get to work!”

In a ditch created by the hooves of the huge asura, the gopis start digging a kunda with their golden kankana, bangles. Within an hour, the expert damsels of Vraja manifest a most majestic and beautiful divine kunda.

Completely astonished at their feat, Sri Krishna says, “O Priyaji! You and Your sakhis can fill Your lake with the holy waters of mine.”

“NO! NO! NO! Impossible”, replies Radharani, “We will not even touch, what to speak about taking Your water which is completely contaminated with Your terrible 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 i.e. Radha Kunda will be unequalled!”

Bhagavan Sri Krishna then gestures to a celestial representative of all the holy places gathered there. Arising from Shyama kunda, that devata bows to Vrshabhanunandini, and then prays 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 with His own hand He humbly wipes off the perspiration from Your face 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 touching the tips of Your toes.

“It is on Krishna’s command that we are now living 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 plead, “Our lives will be successful if we can come and fill the wonderful lake You have manifested. This is the only benediction we desire.”

Casting a side-long glance toward Shyama, Srimati Radharani replies to the sacred celestials: “Oh, certainly, please come!”

Then all the holy rivers and lakes collected in Sri Shyama-kunda forcibly break the boundary separating the two kunds so they can swiftly fill Sri Radha-kunda with their sanctifying waters.”

Sri Hari: “O Priyatama! On earth and throughout the universe, Your Radha-kunda will become supremely more famous than Mine! And I will personally come here daily 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! I don”t even care if You vanquish hundreds of Arishtas here, Still I will come here every day and bathe in Your Krishna Kunda i.e. Shyama Kunda.

“Furthermore, I proclaim forevermore that anyone who has intense devotion for My Sri Kunda, and then bathes or resides here, he or she will surely become very dear to Me.”

Then that very night [Caitra Purnima], Sri Krishna and the Vraja-gopis happily bathe, laugh, splash and play in Shyama-Radha Kundas. Afterwards, They all dance and spin, thrill and rejoice in Their Vasanta Purnima maha rasotsavam on the banks of Radha-kunda.

At that astonishing and most auspicious time, the lightning strike of Srimati hits the Krishna cloud to create a torrential downpour of blissful prema to flood the three worlds with Their playfully divine lila-rasa:

krishna ambudah maha rasa harsha varsha, sri radhika pravara vidyud,
trai lokya madhya vitati krta divya kirti! (Thus concludes Vishnu Purana)

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

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How to Serve Radha Kunda?

Mahanidhi Swami

The Puranas, the Gaudiya Vaisnava sastras and acaryas like Sri Rupa Goswamipada, Sri Sanatana Goswami, Sri Jiva Goswamipada, Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti and Srila Prabhupada all mention the magnificent, beneficial and sweet glories of ati ati pavitram and mangalam transcendental dhama called Sri Radha Kunda.

In Mathura Mahatmya (v. 421-22), Sri Rupa Goswamipada quotes the Padma Purana: “Among unlimited number of Vraja-gopis, there is one i.e. Srimati Radharani who is the dearest beloved of Sri Krishna. Just as Radha is Krishna’s dearest, similarly, Radha-kunda is also most dear to Bhagavan Sri Krishna.”

sarva-gopisu saivaika, visnor atyanta-vallabha
atha radha priya visnos, tasyah kundam priyam tatha

Since Radha-kunda and Shyama-kunda are saksad, directly and personally Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, the obvious first answer to the question, “how to serve Radha Kunda”, is to directly serve Shyama and Radha Kundas by speaking and writing about Their glories, offering arati and chanting astakams and prayers exalting the kundas, parikrama, sweeping, taking snana, bringing friends for darsana, seva and snana etc. More ideas listed below.

In Mathura Mahatyam (v. 420), Sri Rupa Goswamipada quotes the Padma Purana, Karttika-mahatmya: “If you BATHE IN RADHA KUNDA on Bahulastami, you will become very dear to Bhagavan Sri Hari, karttike bahulastamyam, tatra snatva hareh priyah.” Please note that the verse does not specifically say anything about bathing at midnight.

Sri Rupa Goswamipada says (Upadesamrta 11), “If you just take ONE BATH in Radha-kunda, then that Krishna prema [like Sri Radha and the gopis have] will manifest in your heart, tat premedam sakrd api sarah snatur aviskaroti!

Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami says, “If anyone, qualified or not (jana kascit), serves Radha-kunda, he/she will obtain the transcendental creeper of Krishna prema, bearing the flowers of radha-dasya i.e. service to my Isvari Sri Radha.” (Stavavali, Radha-kunda astakam v.5)

api jana iha kascid yasya seva-prasadaih
pranaya-sura-lata syat tasya gosthendra-sunoh
sapadi kila mad-isa dasya puspa prasasya

Srila Prabhupada said, “By serving Radha-kunda, you will get an opportunity to become an assistant of Srimati Radharani under the eternal guidance of the gopis [means dasi manjari]” (Nectar of Instruction 11 pur.)

Another way to “serve Radha-kunda” is to serve the Kundavasis or full time residents of Sri Radha-kunda Dhama. Many types of Radha-Krishna bhaktas, local and foreign born, are staying here, including Brahmins and Pandas, Vrajavasis, Babajis, Sannyasis, Widows, Grhastas and single persons. Serving Radha-kunda certainly includes serving Srimati Radharani’s dear kunda nivasis by donating money, cloth, blankets, books, utensils, umbrellas, shoes, sweets, grains, dal, ghee, oil, sugar, fruits, vegetables, etc.

Radha Kundavasi service is mentioned in the ancient Padma Purana, Karttika-mahatmya quoted by Sri Rupa Goswamipada in his Mathura Mahatmya (v. 421):

“You should please and satisfy the HUMANS, DEVOTEES and BRAHMINS staying at Radha-kunda.”

naro bhakto bhaved vipras, tat-sthitasya pratosanam

So serving Radha-kunda means serving the place which is Srimati Radharani Herself, and the people staying here—the Radha-kunda nivasis.

19 Ways to Serve Radha-kunda and Vrndavana

Sri Krishna, His associates and His holy abode of Vraja are all beautiful and blissful, sweet, charming, purifying and worshipable. However, it is very very difficult and practically impossible to directly see and intimately serve Radha and Krishna. It is the rare fortune of the premi bhaktas.

However, many bhaktas get the fortune to visit, see and live in Sridhama Vrindavana. So whenever you visit Radha-kunda or Vrndavana, please take advantage of the opportunity to directly see, worship and serve Sri Radha and Sri Krishna in Their dhama-svarupa by performing the following wonderful sevas.

By serving Sri Radha-kunda and Sri Krishna’s Holy Dhama, you will become free from janam grama and indriya grama, attachment to your birthplace and material body made of senses (indriya). You can do the following dhama-sevas alone or with kindred spirits. The saying goes, “Cleaning Krishna’s dhama removes krodha and kama.”

  1. Sweep, wash and clean the footpaths, steps of kundas and sarovaras, parikrama paths, lila sthalis and old temples.
  2. Donate money to repair and maintain old temples, especially at specific lila sthalis.
  3. Visit each holy place with great respect, eagerness and enthusiasm to hear its glories and also give donations to the temple pujaris and pandas (brahmana guides).
  4. Show the utmost respect to Vrajavasis, temple pujaris and pandas (brahmana guides) at each holy place.
  5. Give donations of food (sweets, fruits, juices, grains etc), cloth and money to children and needy Vrajavasis.
  6. Wherever possible plant fragrant flowering trees, creepers and plants to beautify lila sthalis, temples and other open areas of the holy dhama.
  7. Don’t pollute Vrajadhama with plastic bags, bottles, containers and other non-biodegradable articles.
  8. Regularly and respectfully bathe in sacred waters and worship them. And also worship all the Deities with at least a ghee lamp and some incense.
  9. Help the Vrajavasis who are performing Nama and Dhama seva.
  10. Offer dandavats and roll in the dust of all lila sthalis.
  11. Glorify the presiding Deities at each temple and lila sthali with sweet kirtana, katha and bhajanas.
  12. Hear or read about Krishna’s lilas at every holy place you visit.
  13. Also ask the pujari or panda to tell you some transcendental pastimes of Krishna.
  14. Never visit Vraja without hearing Hari-katha from devotional Vrajavasis.
  15. Inspire and help others to visit or live in Vraja dhama.
  16. Speak, write, make videos and print books about the glories of Vraja dhama.
  17. Every day in Vraja rise early and chant, sing, hear and read the glories of Radha-Govinda with a fixed vow.
  18. Never ever think, hear or speak, criticism or gossip about any Vrajavasis.
  19. When not in Vraja dhama, try to remember the Vraja deities, lila sthalis, pastimes, Hari-katha and devotees you experienced there.

The most important seva, which is the main part of all the preceding nineteen sevas, is to always chant the ambrosial name of Srimati Radharani.

Vrajavasis say, “Radhe Radhe Bol, Vrindavana Mein Dol”, which means, If you want to live and wander in Vrindavana, then always chant “Radhe! Radhe!”

Shyama Kunda Radha Kunda ki jai! Sri Dhama Vrindavana ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!