Exploring Krishna's Presence in Vrindavan

Passenger: Brother, my train is late by 3 hours. I want to visit famous Krishna temples in Vrindavan.

Taxi Driver: Sir, 500 temples are there in Vrindavan. How many you want to visit? This is Vrindavan sir. Here Krishna is everywhere. Whether you choose to visit the famous temples or explore the lesser-known ones, the essence of Lord Krishna's presence can be felt in every particle of Vrindavan.

The driver was right. In Vrindavan, there is a Krishna temple or at least one painting depicting Krishna's play on every corner. Whether you visit Banke Bihari temple or ISKCON temple, everyone is engrossed in Krishna's worship, singing his praises, creating paintings of him, or dancing to his songs. Everyone is engaged in some activity to fulfil a dream that I have been seeking in my search for Krishna.

As a child, I had the privilege of visiting Mathura and Vrindavan, two sacred cities in India that hold immense significance in Hindu mythology. These cities are closely associated with the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, a revered deity in Hinduism. My parents would often regale us with stories of Krishna's birth, his adventures, and the profound lessons he imparted during his time on Earth. Vrindavan, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. It is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, surrounded by his friends, engaging in mischievous activities and spreading joy. The temples in Vrindavan serve as a testament to the various episodes from Krishna's life, such as his playful encounters with demons, his endearing love for Radha, and his divine teachings.

Exploring the Spiritual Essence of Vrindavan

For years, my family and I have been visiting Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, to seek blessings at the Dwarkadhish Temple. My mother, a devout follower, has made it a daily ritual to attend the Yamuna Aarti. However, this time, we decided to change our usual routine and stay in Vrindavan, a town known for its deep connection to Lord Krishna. The reason behind our decision to stay in Vrindavan was my wife's childhood connection to the place. She had spent her formative years here, and her grandmother still resides in this holy town. As we arrived in Vrindavan early in the morning, we were greeted by a cool breeze and the melodious chants of devotees making their way to the temples.

We had booked our accommodation near Seva Kunj, a place believed to be visited by Lord Krishna himself to engage in the divine Ras Leela at night. Although I had visited Vrindavan numerous times in my childhood, I had never experienced anything beyond the timeless essence of the town. This time, I was hoping for a deeper connection with the divine. As we settled into our room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The air was filled with spirituality, and the surroundings were adorned with vibrant colors and intricate artwork depicting the life of Lord Krishna. The atmosphere was charged with devotion and faith, as if every corner of Vrindavan echoed with the divine presence.

Walking through the narrow lanes of Vrindavan, we encountered sadhus and devotees immersed in prayer and meditation. The devotion and surrender in their eyes were truly awe-inspiring. It was as if the town itself was a living testament to the love and devotion that people have for Lord Krishna. By the way, name Vrindavan itself is derived from two words - "vrinda" meaning basil and "van" meaning forest. This town is believed to be the sacred forest where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. This forest has been carefully conserved to maintain its original charm and provide visitors with a glimpse into the past. Walking through Sevakunj, one can almost feel the presence of Lord Krishna and his divine companions.

After immersing ourselves in the serene atmosphere of Vrindavan, we decided to visit Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Situated on the banks of the holy river Yamuna, Mathura is a city that has retained its traditional charm over the years. The city still exudes the same aura as it did in ancient times, with its old temples, rituals, and the melodious sound of people conversing in the old Vraj language.

Mathura: Birth Place of Krishna

Delving into the history of Mathura, we learned that it was once ruled by a tyrant named Kansa. His sister, Devaki, was married to Vasudeva. During their wedding, a voice from the sky prophesied that Kansa would meet his demise at the hands of Devaki's eighth child. To prevent this prophecy from coming true, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva in a dark and dreary jail cell. Over the years, Kansa mercilessly killed six of Devaki's children, one after the other. The people of Mathura lived in constant fear and despair under Kansa's oppressive rule. However, on the night of the birth of Devaki's seventh child, a divine intervention occurred. As the baby was about to be born, a celestial voice echoed through the sky, proclaiming that the child was none other than Lord Vishnu himself, taking human form to vanquish the evil Kansa. The voice assured everyone that this child would bring an end to Kansa's reign of terror. The auspicious day of the child's birth was Ashtami, the eighth day of the month of Shravan, which usually falls in the month of August. The arrival of Lord Krishna brought immense joy and hope to all living beings on Earth. It was a divine moment that marked the beginning of a new era. Knowing that it was not safe to keep the newborn child in the jail, Vasudeva devised a plan to save him. With the help of divine intervention, the prison doors miraculously opened, and Vasudeva carried the baby Krishna in his arms. As he stepped out of the jail, the guards were put into a deep slumber, allowing Vasudeva to escape unnoticed. Guided by divine instructions, Vasudeva journeyed through the dark and stormy night towards the village of Gokul, where his dear friend Nand lived. Nand and his wife Yashoda were simple and pure-hearted people who would provide a safe and loving home for baby Krishna. As Vasudeva crossed the river Yamuna, which was in a tumultuous state, a miracle occurred. The river parted, allowing Vasudeva to cross safely with baby Krishna in his arms. This extraordinary event filled Vasudeva with awe and gratitude, as he realised that he was witnessing the divine presence of Lord Krishna. Upon reaching Gokul, Vasudeva exchanged his newborn son with Nand and Yashoda's baby girl, who had just been born. He returned to the prison cell with the baby girl, knowing that Kansa would not harm her, as she was not the child destined to end his reign.

As a child, I had the opportunity to visit the Krishna Janmabhumi jail in Mathura, a place of great significance in Hindu mythology. This is believed to be the prison where Lord Krishna was born. The visit left a lasting impression on me, as I marvelled at the historical and spiritual importance of this place. Recently, I had the chance to revisit Mathura and explore the enchanting town of Vrindavan. One of the highlights of my trip was taking a boat ride along the Yamuna river to witness the different ghats. Our knowledgeable guide pointed out the back gate of the Krishna Janmabhumi jail, and shared the fascinating tale of how Vasudeva, Krishna's father, carried him across the river to safety in Gokul. While the authenticity of these places may be debated, for the people of Mathura, they hold immense significance and are considered as sacred as having the presence of God by their side. In the evening, as we made our way back from Mathura, we made a stop at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple. This magnificent temple complex is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is a hub of spiritual activities. The serene ambiance and the devotional atmosphere were truly captivating. It was a humbling experience to witness the devotion and reverence of the devotees who had gathered there from all corners of the world. On our way back to our place of stay, our auto-rickshaw driver played Radha Krishna chants throughout the journey. He even sang along with the melodious tunes, showcasing the deep connection and love the locals have for Krishna. It was evident that for them, Krishna is not just a deity but a living presence in each and every person of Vrindavan.

During our trip to Vrindavan, one of the main attractions we visited was the Banke Bihari Temple. This temple holds great significance and importance in the hearts of the local people of Vrindavan and those who believe in Lord Krishna. The idol of Krishna is known for its unique charm and is believed to have been self-manifested. As we entered the temple, we were greeted by a bustling crowd, a testament to the popularity of this sacred place. While Banke Bihari Temple may not have been as famous in the past, the rise of social media has brought it into the spotlight. Nowadays, many youngsters flock to this temple to capture the vibrant and colorful celebrations of Holi for their social media reels. However, this trend leaves me feeling somewhat anxious, as I believe that God should not be reduced to mere entertainment.

Uplifting Journey of Govardhan Hill

On the following day, we embarked on the parikrama (circumambulation) of the holy hill of Govardhan. This sacred hill holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Krishna himself. The parikrama involves walking around the hill, a journey that is considered spiritually uplifting and purifying. As we made our way around the hill, we were surrounded by a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The lush greenery and breathtaking views added to the sense of spirituality and devotion. Many devotees undertake this parikrama as an act of faith and devotion, seeking blessings and spiritual enlightenment.

Before delving into the significance of the day, it is important to understand the story behind Govardhan. In the town of Gokul, Krishna was growing up as the son of Nand. Every year, the people of Gokul had a ritual to perform a yagna, which involved making offerings in a sacred fire, dedicated to Indra, the god of rain. As Krishna grew older, he suggested to his father and the people of Gokul that instead of offering the yagna to Indra, they should perform it for Govardhan. This suggestion angered Indra, who unleashed heavy rain and thunder upon the town. The people of Gokul were terrified and sought Krishna's help. According to ancient texts, the length of Govardhan at that time was approximately 60 to 65 kilo meters. In order to protect the people, Krishna miraculously lifted the entire hill on his little finger. For seven days, he held Govardhan aloft, providing shelter to the people from the relentless rain. Realising his mistake, Indra came to Krishna and apologised for his actions.

Overall, Govardhan Puja serves as a reminder of the divine grace and protection that Krishna bestows upon his devotees. It encourages individuals to cultivate a sense of gratitude, humility, and reverence for the natural world. As I walked barefoot around the holy hill, I couldn't help but notice the diverse ways in which people were undertaking this spiritual pilgrimage. Some were abstaining from drinking, while others were performing the parikrama while prostrating themselves on the ground. Surprisingly, I even saw elderly individuals completing the parikrama in auto rickshaws. This diversity left me pondering the underlying motivations behind these different approaches. It became evident that the driving force behind these varied methods was belief - belief in Lord Krishna and belief in His existence. Each individual was on their own personal quest to connect with the divine. Some sought solace and wished to share their problems with Krishna, while others aspired to catch a glimpse of Him for the first and perhaps only time in their lives. As for me, I yearned to simply feel His presence.ur text here...

Next day, we visited Radha Damodar temple. This was my first time visiting this temple, a place that holds a special memory of Krishna with Govardhan. As I entered the temple, I couldn't help but notice a stone on which Krishna's foot is said to be imprinted. While I cannot confirm the authenticity of this claim, the devotion and faith of the devotees present made me feel as though Krishna was truly standing in the same place, in the same temple.

Conclusion

In Vrindavan, every temple is a doorway to the divine, and every step you take brings you closer to the eternal love of Lord Krishna. Throughout my entire visit to Vrindavan, Mathura, and Govardhan, I did not physically see Krishna, but I could feel his presence in every moment. It was as if he was there, guiding me and accompanying me on my journey. The locals who reside in these cities have a deep connection with Krishna, and they can feel his presence in every aspect of their lives. This connection with Krishna is the essence of my search. It is not merely about finding him in a physical form, but rather about experiencing his presence in every moment, in every place, and in every devotee's heart. The search for Krishna is a spiritual journey that transcends the boundaries of the physical world.

As I wrapped up my journey and left the Vrindavan, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfilment and peace. Even though I did not physically see Krishna, I knew that he was with me throughout my entire visit. The memories and experiences I had in Vrindavan, Mathura, and Govardhan will forever be etched in my heart. Jai Shree Krishna

ॐ कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने। प्रणत क्लेशनाशाय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः॥