How to be happy

Ihad been thinking for a long time that the happiness I seek is available in this world. but dear no amount of material love or money or career happiness is long-standing. the truth is that none of these things ultimately make you happy. this material life is characterized by lack. we all lack something and we are always searching for that which makes us happy, whether it be love or money or something else. the fact is that we lack Krishna and we are actually searching for Krishna. our lives are like zeroes.. we have lots of zeroes.. if only we cud add 1 in front of these zeroes, all these zeroes would have value. if we cud add Krishna to our lives, our lives would be successsful.

The essence of all Vedic sciptures is that Krishna is the Supreme Lord and He is the best friend. "By all Vedas I am to be known. In fact I am the creator of the Vedas", says Krishna. The entire Vedic knowledge can be summarized as such : Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and He's the best friend of the living entity. Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita, "Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrunder to Me. I'll save You from all sinful reactions". You need to know just this much to get your life successful.

The Vrindavana on earth is a reflection of the real Goloka Vrindavan in the spiritual world. Goloka Vrindavana is a part of Vaikuntha in teh spiritual sky. Krishna resides eternally in Goloka Vrindavana with His family and friends. Vraja Vilasa Stava describes His friends, family, relationships etc in Goloka Vrindavana. we were all serving Krishna in the spiritual world, but we fell down from the spiritual sky to this dirty material world, due to our envy for Krishna's position. the truth is that, at heart, we hate Krishna. we want to enjoy independantly. but that cant happen. Krishna is still a very loving and merciful father, who descends to the material universes regularly (there are millions and millions of material worlds, not just this one universe where we are living). He displays His pastimes here to attract we fallen conditioned souls back to Godhead. people who get attracted to Him are lucky. In order to end all suffering of conditioned souls and attract them back to Godhead, Krishna also leaves tremendous amounts of devotional literature in this world. He also sends His devotees from time to time to preach about Himself (Jesus, Buddha, Ramanuja etc are some of those preachers). He has also meticulously established a fine system of spiritual education that is perfect and infalible. Krishna taught the entire Vedic knowledge to 4 people: Lakshmi, Brahma, Shiva and Sanat Kumaras. they in turn taught it to their disciples. Brahma taught it to Narada, Narada taught it to Veda Vyasa, Vyasa taught it to Madhavacharya. In Kali Yuga, only two disciplinic sucessions, that of Lakhsmi and Brahma, exist. Followers from Lakshmi's disciplinic succession are called Sri Vaishnavas. South India has lots of Sri Vaishnavas.

In the line of Brahma, called Brahma Sampradaya, Krishna Himself too birth, 500 years back in West Bengal, in the garb of a devotee. Krishna appeared as Lord Sri Krishna Chaintanya, a devotee monk, and preached Hari Nama Sankirtana. The Lord came with His associates Radharani, Maha Vishnu, Narada Muni and Balaram, Who all appeared as devotees. This incarnation is called Gupatavatar, because Krishna had hidden His identity and had appeared as a devotee. In all other incarnations, Krishna had weapons for killing demons. But in Kali Yuga, His weapon is the holy name of Krishna. In Satya Yuga, there was no evil on earth. evil was only among asuras of other planets. in Treta Yuga, evil came to earth and good and evil were in two countries: ayodhya and lanka. in dwapara Yuga, good and evil were in two families: Pandavas and Kauravas. in Kali Yuga, good and evil is within one person. in every other incarnation in every other yuga, Krishna came with weapons to eradicate evil and establish righteousness. in Kali Yuga, His weapon is the Holy Name of Krishna, Harinam, which can kill evil in our hearts and give rise to ultimate eternal good. Lord Chaitanya appeared in Brahma Sampradaya and predicted. "In every town and village, My name will be preached". He predicted that in Kali Yuga, He will distribute the mercy of Krishna consciousness to all fallen souls. He said even if someone leaves India, crosses the seas and goes to the land of Yavanas and Mlechhas, still he would get mercy. the Lord said that, "My senapathi bhaktha will cross the oceans and distribute mercy". this prophecy of the Lord came true when in 1966, AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a monk of 70 years old, crossed the seas, went to America and established ISKCON, the Hare Krishna movement. Prabhupada appeared in Brahma sampradaya and strived all his life for establishing Krishna consciouness across the world. He is the man who brought Vedic knowledge to the West.In fact this Prabhupada is said to be in reality, a Gopi in Krishna's pastimes.

Prabhupada came to New York and started preaching among poor young hippes. in 12 years, he published more than 60 books, established 108 temples all over the world and iniiated more than 10,000 disciples. he created millions and millions of Krishna devotees worldwide. this kind of massive spiritual conversion was earlier done only by Prophet Mohammed, Jesus and Buddha. Prabhupada could do it coz he was a shaktyavesha avathara of Krishna. Prabhupada, like Jesus, was an empowered incarnation of Krishna.

To read about Prabhupada, please click herehttp://www.gauranga.org/prabhupada.htm

This is "Laws of Nature", an extremely insightful book about karma and what we suffer for our sinful reactions. http://www.krishnamedia.org/e-books/Laws_of_Nature.pdf

"On the way to Krishna" : a lovely book about finding happiness http://www.krishnamedia.org/e-books/On_the_Way_to_Krishna.pdf

This is the prayer composed by elephant king Gajendra. I have written about Gajendra's story in my blog.
http://www.geocities.com/priitaa/gajendras_prayers.htm

This is one very nice book about one of Prabhupada's first disciples and a talented artist Jadurani Dasi. http://www.artofspirituallife.com/

This link will take you to Garuda Purana. http://www.indiadivine.org/articles/370/1/The-Garuda-Purana/Page1.html

This is Chanakya Niti Shastra, an extremely simple and highly interesting book about Vedic law. This book is a treasurehouse of wisdom http://www.indiadivine.org/articles/169/1/Chanakyas-Niti-Shastra/Page1.html

This will take you to "Untold Stories from the Ramayana". I've read it one million times. its very very interesting. it has stories on Rishyasringa, Vishwamitra and many others. its a beautiful read. http://www.indiadivine.org/articles/60/1/Ramayana-Dasharathas-Desire-for-a-Child/Page1.html

Govinda Damodara Madhaveti

Bilvamangala Thakur

Govinda Damodara Madhaveti is a fanous prayer written by Bilvamangala Thakura, the famous blind Vaishnava saint.

Bilvamangala was a devotee in his previous birth. But in his birth as Bilvamangala, he forgot devotional service and became completely engaged in sense-gratification. Completely attached to women, he had many mistresses.

On a stormy night, in torrential rain, he swam across a river, climbed across the compound wall and with great difficulty, managed to reach his mistress' chamber. His mistress, astounded that this man had come to visit her in such scray weather, exclaimed, "If only you had a bit of this attachement for Krishna......" On hearing this exclamation, Bilvamangala immediately had an awakening of senses. He left for holy places immediately, seeing his mistress as his first teacher. Because she was the one who taught him the first step to Krishna Consciousness in his present birth.

Even while worshipping Krishna in holy places, he could not control his attraction to women. He thus poked out both his eyes, blinded himself and for the rest of his life, lived happily as a Krishna-conscious saint. His famous prayer, Govinda Damodara Madhaveti is simply a classic. Please read on.

Before the assembled Kurus and Pandavas, when Duhsasana caught her hair and clothing, Krsna (Draupadi), having no other Lord, cried out, " Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!"

O Lord Krsna, Visnu, enemy of the Madhu and Kaitabha demons; O Supreme Personality of Godhead, enemy of Mura, merciful upon the devotees; O Kesava, Lord of the worlds, Govinda, Damodara, Madhava, please deliver me.

He is always meditated upon by the yogis as being inscrutable. He is the remover of all anxieties, and is the desire-tree of all that is desired. His bluish complexion is as attractive as Kasturika. Govinda! Damodara! Madhava!
I am fallen into the deep, dark well of material life, which is full of illusion and blind ignorance, and I am tormented by sensual existence. O my Lord, Visnu, Govinda, Damodara, Madhava, please grant me Your supporting hand to uplift me.

O my tongue, I ask only this, that upon my meeting the bearer of the scepter of chastisement (Yamaraja), you will utter this sweet phrase with great devotion: "Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!"

O my tongue, O knower of rasa, for release from the hellish bondage of material existence, just worship the charming and easily obtained mantra that is chanted by Vedavyasa and other sages: "Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!"

You should always and everywhere loudly chant, "Gopala, Vamsidhara, O ocean of beauty, Lord of the worlds, Narayana, O friend of the poor, Govinda, Damodara," and "Madhava."

O my tongue, always worship these beautiful, enchanting names of Krsna, "Govinda, Damodara," and "Madhava," which destroy all the obstacles of the devotees.

"O Govinda, Govinda, Hari, Murari! O Govinda, Govinda, Mukunda, Krsna! O Govinda, Govinda! O holder of the chariot wheel! O Govinda! O Damodara! O Madhava!"

Indeed, this is the essence found upon ceasing the affairs of mundane happiness. And this too is to be sung after the cessation of all sufferings. This alone is to be chanted at the time of death of one's material body-"Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!"

Somehow or other accepting the unavoidable command of Duhsasana, Draupadi, like a frightened doe, entered the assembly of princes and within her mind cried out to the Lord, "Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!"

O tongue, drink only these nectarean names, "Sri Krsna, dearmost of Sri Radha, Lord of Gokula, Gopala, Lord of Govardhana, Visnu, Govinda, Damodara," and "Madhava."

"Srinatha, Lord of the universe, form of the universe, beautiful son of Devaki, O enemy of the demons, Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!" O my tongue, just drink this nectar.

"Lord of the gopis, enemy of Kamsa, Mukunda, husband of Laksmidevi, Kesava, son of Vasudeva, Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!" O my tongue, just drink this nectar.

"O You who give bliss to the gopis! Lord of Vraja, You who have entered the forest for herding the cows, O Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!" O my tongue, just drink this nectar.

"O Lord of my life! Upholder of the universe, foe of Kaitabha, Vaikuntha, Narayana, holder of the Sudarsana-cakra! Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!" O my tongue, just drink this nectar.

"O Lord Hari, enemy of Mura, Madhusudana, Sri Rama, dearmost of Sita, enemy of Ravana, Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!" O tongue, now just drink this nectar.

"O best of the Yadus, O bearer of Govardhana hill, O lotus-eyed expert in giving happiness to the cows, the gopas, and the gopis, Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!" O tongue, please just drink this nectar.

"O uplifter of the earth's burdens in the guise of a cowherd boy, O Lord of sportive pastimes in which Ananta-sesa has become Your brother! O Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!" O my tongue, just drink this nectar.

"O enemy of Baki, Bakasura, Aghasura, and Dhenuka, O Lord who expertly smashed Kesi and Trnavarta!" O tongue, just drink this nectar-"Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!"

"O Ramacandra, O life and soul of the beautiful daughter of Janaka Maharaja, enemy of the night-roving demons, O elder brother of Bharata!" O my tongue, just drink this nectar-"Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!"

"O Lord Narayana, Ananta, Hari, Nrsimhadeva, remover of the afflictions of Prahlada, O merciful Lord! Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!" O my tongue, simply drink this nectar.

O Lord who assumed the man-like form of Rama, who by dint of Your prowess, turned all other kings into Your servants! "O Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!" O tongue, just drink this nectar.

"Sri Krsna! Govinda! Hari! Murari! O Lord, Narayana, Vasudeva!" O tongue, please drink only this nectar-"Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!"

Even though anyone is able to chant, still no one does. Alas! How determined people are for their own undoing! O tongue, just drink the nectar of these names-"Govinda, Damodara, Madhava!"

Falldown of the Jiva

I would like to discuss with you a very important topic, which, on thorough realization, can completely change your life. This is the falldown of the jiva.

We are not these material bodies. We are spirit souls, and parts and parcels of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We were all living with Krishna in the spiritual world, serving Krishna, trying to make Krishna enjoy. Krishna is the Purusha and all we spirit souls are Prakriti. We are meant for Krishna's enjoyment. We can not enjoy without Krishna, because we are all parts of Krishna.

However, in the spiritual world, jivas initially develop a sense of lack. The jiva feels that it is inferior to Krishna and feels the lack of being the Enjoyer. The jiva, then develops envy for the position of Krishna. This envy causes the falldown of the jiva to the material world.

Nevertheless, this is not a flare-up of envy or a swelling up of negative emotions. This is a very informed and conscious choice on part of the jiva - a choice to enjoy without Krishna.

Jivas are similar to Krsihna in quality, not quantity. Krishna feels love, anger, has a tendency to cheat and so on... so does the jiva. However Krishna is unlimited and the jova or the spirit soul is limited. Krishna is independent; so is the jiva. However, Krishna's independence is unlimited while that of the jiva is very small. Krishna gives this minute independence to the jiva. Krishna does not want service or love by choice. Jivas always have the freedom to choose between loving or not loving Krishna. Unfortunatley, some envious jivas in the spiritual world, decide to become independant from Krishna.

Krishna loves it when His devotees or jivas surrunder to Him volunturality. This is considered the "jewel-like quality" of the jiva - the voluntary surrunder.

Jivas who decide to enjoy independantly, fall down to one of the material universes. Although seeking independence, the fallen jiva is still highly qualified and therefore gets the position of Brahma. Brahma is a position, and not a person. Brahma is the universal engineer. Thus the jiva gets the position of Brahma. Brahma is still an enlightened, liberated entity, still he has a tendency to think that he is independent from Krishna.

In Brahmaloka and other similar higher level planets like Tapoloka, Jnanaloka etc, there is absolutely no physical desire. These planets constitute the highest realms in the material world. These worlds are very much into mental speculation, philosophy etc. Women in these worlds are devoted to Krishna and they dance for the pleasure of the Krishna deity that Brahma worships.

The jiva does the job of Brahma for a lifetime of Brahma, which is extremely long according to the calculation of human beings. After that when it is time for universal devastation, the jiva leaves the Brahma body and goes back to Vishu. Some jivas, not all, become attached to the position of Brahma. Some fortunate jivas go back to Vaikuntha. But those who get attached to the position of Brahma, come back to Brahmaloka. The second instance is the "real falldown" of the jiva, when he falls down due to material attachment.

Jivas who come for the second time, develop further attachment to the material world. On developing physical desire, they fall further down to lower planetary systems like earth. Thus starts the transmigration of the spirit soul through 84 lakhs of species, through birth and death in the cycle of life. Here jivas suffer and enjoy their karma. Some jivas on acquiring enough good karma go to higer planets of sense gratification like the planet of Moon and other heavenly planets.

In the heavenly planets, jivas are highly conscious and knowledgeable. They know that they are fallen, they know that Krishna is the Lord and Master, they know that they are conditioned souls, who should ideally go back to Vaikuntha. However, the heavenly planets are places full of sense gratification in all possible forms - women, wine, music, dance, material opulence etc etc. In the heavenly planets, there is provision for jivas to satisfy their physical desires in a much better way than earth. Thus jivas, getting attached to lust, remain bound to this material world. When their good karma is finished these souls come down from the heavenly planets to earth in the form of rain. Thus they become herbs and enter the food chain. It enters the body of human beings in the form of food and later on comes out in the form of a newborn baby. Thus the cycle of birth and death goes on and on....

Jivas with bad karma go down to lower hellish planets like patala, sutala etc etc, where they suffer for all sinful reactions. Many jivas also fall into lower forms of lives like that of hogs and dogs, where they suffer end-lessly.

It is after transmigrating through 84 lakhs of species that a jiva gets the human form. The human form of life is not for eating, mating, sleeping and defending. Physical pleasures, attachment to family, good food etc are available even to the lowest forms of lives like hogs and dogs. Human form of life should not be wasted searcing for physical pleasures. It should be used to realize Krishna - the Supreme Personality of Godhead - and go back to Godhead.

The easiest way to realize the Supreme Lord is through chanting His Holy Names

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

All glories to the devotees!!!!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!!!

Robber Govardhana and Krishna

This is the story about robber Govardhana and Krishna. Once upon a time, there was a robber called Govardhana. Once he heard some monks discussing Srimad Bhagavatham. He heard them talking about a seven-year-old boy called Shyamasundara in Vrindavana. He heard them talking about Shyamasundara's anklets, crowns, golden belts, diamond-studded jewels and so on. Upon hearing this, Govardhana developed an interest to steal Krishna's crown. Afterall, He is just a small boy, thought Govardhana.

Govardhana heard Bhagavatham from these monks day after day, and his desire to see Krishna and steal His jewels increased day by day. Next day, however Govardhana could not find those monks in the same place in the forest where they used to assemble. He went on searching for these wandering monks and at last found one monk in a nearby village. On opening the door of the ashrama, Govardhana shouted to the monk, "What is that boy's name? And where does He live"? The monk thought, "Krishna, if only I had a bit of this robber's desire for You, I would have been Krishna conscious by now".

The monk told Govardhana about the whereabouts of Krishna. He also said that Krishna likes butter mixed with yoghurt.

Govardhana set out on his journey to Vrindavana, only to see Krishna and steal His jewels. On reaching Vrindavana, Govardhana saw Krishna with His Gopa friends, grazing cows in the forest. When the boys went to sleep in the afternoon, Govardhana approached Krishna and made friends with him. Krishna said, "You're a robber. All that you want is to rob, rob, rob". Govardhana was shocked, "Gosh!!!! This boy is reading my mind!!!"

Govardhana offered the butter mixed with yoghurt to Krishna. But Krishna said, "No, you've poisoned it. To prove that there is no poison, you should eat it first". Krishna knew that Govardhana had been starving all along his journey to Vrindavana. Krishna wanted Govardhana to relieve his hunger first. Govardhana was thus fooled into eating butter and yoghurt. He ate it only to prove that he hadnt poisoned it. Once Govardhana had had enough, Krishna tasted His devotee's offering.

Govardhana slowly asked Krishna for His ornaments. Krishna gladly gave them to Him. On removing Krishna's jewels one by one, tears started flowing from Govardhana's eyes. Some sentiment overcame him and before he realized, he fell all over in love with Krishna. At last he told Krishna, "I dont want anything. I only want to decorate you with these jewels". Krishna gladly allowed the rogue to decorate Him.

On returning back home, Mother Yashoda noticed that Krishna's crown was tilted, and He wasnt decorated the way Mother had decorated Him. He replied, "Mother, My new friend Govardhana decorated me this way". Mother asked, "Who is Govardhana? I do not know him. Why dont You bring him home one day?" Krishna replied, "Mother, he's a rogue. He is uncouth. You wouldn't like him. But his heart is good. He only wants Me."

Krishna continued to meet Govardhana in the forest day after day. Everyday, the same thing happened. First Govardhana would take all of Krishna's jewels and then he would lovingly decorate the Lord of his heart. This went on for seven days. At the end of seven days, Govardhana left his body and went back to Goloka Vrindavana, the spiritual world, where he decorates Krishna, day after day, to this date.

I sing my heart out to please Radharani, the topmost Gopi and the giver of Lord Krishna.

Liberation of Gajendra

Gajendra was a heavenly elephant. He was frolicking in the waters one day, when suddenly, a crocodile, but him on his foot. He could not beat the crocodile, and he stood like that in waters for 1000 celestial years. At the end of 1000 years, elephant king Gajendra, being a creature of the land, started loosing strength, standing in the water. The crocodile, being a creature of the water, was gaining strength being in water.

Having no other hope, Gajendra immediately surrendered to Lord Narayana and composed a beatiful prayer for Him. The Lord, upon pleased by Gajendra's instant and complete surrender, came on Garuda and cut off the head of the crocodile with His Sudarshana disc.

Gajendra's surrender is comparable to that of instant surrender by Vishwamitra, when he found that the planet he created for Trishanku was falling down. Legend has it that Vishwamitra wanted to send King Trishangu to heaven in his human body, but Indra did not allow that. There is a certain procedure, Indra, the King of Heaven said. "Trishangu can come, but not in his human body". Vishwamitra only wanted to beat Vasistha, Trishangu's original Guru, who had denied the service of sending the king in his human body to the heavenly planets. Vishwamitra, using all his tapovala, created a separate planet. But by then, all of Vishwamitra's tapovala got depleted. The planet he created started falling down to earth as he couldnt put it in orbit.

Seeing that this planet falling down on earth would destroy the entire earth, and having no other go, Vishwamitra instantly surrundered to Narayana. Lord Narayana, pleased by his instant and total surrunder, entered into the planet he created it and put it in orbit and started maintaining it. Highly pleased by Vishwamitra's surrunder, Lord agreed to accept Vishwamitra as His teacher in his incarnation as Rama.

Lord Rama thus became the student of Vishwamitra. Viswamitra thus enjoyed his teaching days with Him, being a wonderful teacher, telling them stories and playing with Rama and Laxmana.

Complete surrunder to Krishna should be the way of life.


Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita, "Give up all varieties of religtion and just surrunder to me. I shall protect you from all miseries".


I sing to please Radharani, the topmost Gopi and the giver of Lord Krishna.

The Prince of Vraja

Lord Krishna in Vrindavana has an opulent life and wonderful transcendental relationships with His very large family and friends.


Vrindavana in the material world is a reflection of the transcendental Vrindavana in the spiritual world. The spiritual world (Goloka) is divided into three parts: Vrindavana, Dwaraka and Navadvipa. In Dwaraka, Krishna is surrounded by millions of Lakhsmis (Godesses of Fortune) and Queens. They jointly serve Krishna. In Navadvipa, Krishna in his incarnation as Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is busy enjoying the mood of Radharani.


In Vrindavana, Krishna enjoys eternal pastimes with His family and cowherd friends. Devotees in Vrindavana do not know that Krishna is God. They only know that Krishna is wonderful. In Vrindavana, muds of awe and reverence for Krishna's Supreme Position and opulence have been washed away by transcendental love.


It is love and love alone that makes Krishna carry His father Nanda Maharaja's slippers on his head. Love makes Krishna carry on his shoulders Sudama, the cowherd boy. Love makes Krishna beg forgiveness to Radharani and take the transcendental anger of Lalitha, the milkmaid.





Rohini Devi loves Krishna million times more than her own son Balarama. She pleases Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda with her saintly qualities.

Krishna's grandfather is Parjanya Maharaja and His grandmother is Variyasi Devi.

Upananda, the prime minister of Vraja, is Krishna's uncle. Upananda has a white beard and dark complexion.


Krishna has another uncle, Sannanda, who has black beard and fair complexion, and who is the head of a heard of buffaloes. He is the younger brother of Nanda Maharaja and the father of Sunanda Gopi. He pleases Krishna by giving him palatable dishes made out of buffalo yoghurt.


Krishna's cousin and Upananda's son Subhadra is the best of atsrologers and scholars, who has defeated even Brihaspati.


Krishna has a nurse Ambika. For Krishna's safety, Ambika pleased Goddess Durga and begot a son who would defend Krishna from demons. Ambika's son Vijaya always stays near Krishna to protect Him.


Bhaguri Muni is the head priest of Vraja and He showers His blessings on Krishna everyday.

Sridama, Radharani's brother, resembles Krishna very closely and cant live for a moment without Krishna. Other cheif friends of Krishna are Subala, the joker and hungry Barhmana boy Madhumangala, Arjuna and so on. It is said that Madhumangala later incarnated as Narada.


Paurnamasi Devi is the dear friend of Krishna who always arranges secret rendez-vous with Radharani.



Raghunatha Goswami, one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan, and a follower of Lord Chaitanya, has elaborated Lord Krishna's pastimes with His relatives and friends in the Vrindavana village.

Read on...........







Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami’s

Sri Vraja-vilasa-stava

Prayers Glorifying the Lord’s Pastimes in Vraja



TEXT 1
The highwaymen lust, greed and anger have captured me and bound me with the ropes of the desire for fame. I pray that the heroic devotees of Lord Krishna, the enemy of the Agha demon, may defeat my captors and cut the ropes that bind me.

TEXT 2
I am scorched by the blazing forest fire of old age, deeply bitten by the poisonous snake of blindness, pierced by the sharp arrows of forced dependence on others, and surrounded by the lions of anger, lust, and greed. O Lord Krishna, please give me the nectarean potion of pure love for You, which will make me strong and heroic enough to resist all the enemies and engage in Your devotional service without deviation.

TEXT 3
By tasting a single drop of the memory of the transcendental nectar ocean of the sweetness of the divine couple my heart has become restless. I bow down before the land and people of Vraja. I yearn to see my two masters.

TEXT 4
The disembodied demigod cupid, who attained a body by continually tasting the nectar of the sight of the divine couple, eternally illuminates this entire land of Vraja, with a jubilant festival of Lord Krsna’s transcendental amorous pastimes. When shall I lovingly gaze on Sri Sri Gandharva-Giridhari (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna), the crowning garlands of all charming couples.

TEXT 5
The city of Dvaraka, where the brother and sons of the Lord reside, and where the lord enjoys transcendental pastimes with a great multitude of queens, each eclipsing many hundreds of goddesses of fortune, is dearer even than Vaikuntha. Because it is the place of Lord Krsna’s birth, Mathura, the abode of transcendental love, is even more dear than Dvaraka. Within the district of Mathura , the land of Sri Vraja is splendidly manifest. I eternally worship the land of Mathura.

TEXT 6
Even today affectionate Lord Krsna enjoys the very sweet nectar of transcendental pastimes there, herding the cows with His brother and His many dear friends. A wonderful sweetness becomes manifest in the heart of they who understand the nectar of this place. Of Vraja, which is more dear even than the city of Mathura, I take shelter.


TEXT 7
Surrounded by their witty gopi friends, the youthful divine couple enjoys many kinds of transcendental pastimes within the groves and mountain caves and among the blossoming vines of Vrndavana forest. I worship Vrndavana forest, which is delightful with the scent of their lotus feet.

TEXT 8
In Vrndavana is the town of Nandisvara, where the goddess of fortune always walks, where the great mystic perfections are eternally present, where the cows are protected, where the people of Vraja live, and where Lord Krsna happily enjoys transcendental pastimes of under the loving protection of His parents. I worship this town of Nandisvara, the home of the king of Vraja and the most important of the land of Vraja.

TEXT 9
To celebrate his son’s birth, the King of Gokula respectively gave in charity to the brahmanas palatable foods, nectar beverages, and transcendental cows decorated with many jewels. Day after day he satisfied the brahmanas with these valuable presentations, and he repeatedly begged for their blessings on his infant boy. I worship the king of Gokula, who is always absorbed in thoughts of his son.

TEXT 10
May the queen of Vraja, whose breasts continually trickle milk out of maternal love for her son, who is prepared to give her life many millions of times to protect him from even a single drop of perspiration, and who is so attached to Him that if she cannot for a moment see Him she cries like a cow frightened for her new born calf, protect us.

TEXT 11
Because of her own son Balarama’s intimate friendship with Him, Rohini-devi showers her love upon Lord Krsna. She is an expert cook and she delights the king and queen of Vraja with her sincere friendship and saintly qualities.

TEXT 12
The splendour of Lord Balarama’s transcendental form eclipses many millions of glistening rising moons, and the slightest scent of His boundless strength is sufficient to destroy many armies of demons. Although He knows the supernatural power of his younger brother, Krsna, still, out of love for Him, He never leaves Him alone in the forest for even a moment. I offer my prayers to Lord Balarama, the enemy of Dhenukasura.

TEXT 13
Speaking with a voice that seems to mock the roaring of hundreds of thousands of thunderclouds, Parjanya Maharaja expresses his pride in having such a wonderful grandson. I offer my respectful obeisances to Parjanya, Krsna’s grandfather, who is expert at delighting his grandson by speaking into His ear many joking words.

TEXT 14
I offer my respectful obeisances to Variyasi-devi, Krsna’s grandmother. With merry joking words she worships Krsna, calling Him the moon of grandsons. Happy and proud of her grandson her feet no longer touch the ground when she walks.

TEXT 15
His face handsome with a great white beard, and his complexion dark, pious Upananda is the respected prime minister in the council chambers of the King of Vraja. Considering Him millions of times more dear than his own life, Upananda delights his nephew Krsna. I pray that Upananda may always stay in the government council and protect the land of Vraja.

TEXT 16
Nanda Maharaj’s younger brother Sannanda is very gentle, affectionate and generous. His complexion is fair and his beard black. He is very devoted to his elder brother and he is the father of Sunanda-gopi. He pleases Krsna by giving Him palatable dishes made with buffalo yoghurt. He worships Krsna with every breath. May Lord Krsna’s uncle Sannanda, the master of a great herd of buffalo, always protect us.

TEXT 17
Upananda’s son Subhadra is dark complexioned, youthful, handsome, and intelligent. He is the best of astrologers. With his vast scholarship he has defeated even Brhaspati. He stays at the left hand of the king of Vraja. With good advice he protects Lord Krsna, who is millions of times more dear to him than his own life. With great pleasure let us glorify, offer our respectful obeisances to Subhadra.

TEXT 18
Frightened that delicate Krsna may be hurt by the demons, Ambika performed severe austerities for many days to please the goddess Durga, who granted her a boon that her son Vijaya would become a powerful hero able to kill many demons. May Ambika, Lord Krsna’s nurse, protect us.

TEXT 19
Saying “Where are the demons? With ease I shall shorten their lives,” Vijaya calls so loudly his words are heard in millions of spiritual universes. Out of maternal affection for Krsna, Ambika instructed her son Vijaya to always stay near child Krsna and protect Him from the demons. I worship Vijaya, the son of Krsna’s nurse.

TEXT 20
Bhaguri Muni, the learned chief priest of Vraja-pura, is the personification of all the Vedas. Everyday He chants mantras for the protection of each of Krsna’s limbs. Everyday he smells Krsna’s head. Everyday he offers Krsna many benedictions. I bow down and offer my respectful obeisances to Bhaguri Muni, the best of the sages.

TEXT 21
Sridama is the most expert and clever of the cowherd boys, and he is the abode of intense love for Lord Krsna. His complexion is dark, and he is proud that his qualities, age, clothing and handsome features closely resemble that of Lord Krsna. If for a single moment he cannot see Lord Krsna, he trembles with anxiety. I completely take shelter of Sridama, the constant companion of Lord Krsna.

TEXT 22
Filled with deep love for him, and anxious that they may be separated, Subala never, even in dream, lets go of the hand of Sri Krsna, the moon of Gokula. Subala’s heart is sprinkled with the waters of the swiftly moving mountain stream of devotion to Srimati Radhika. I offer my respectful obeisances to Subala whose body trembles with love for Sri Sri Radha-Krsna.

TEXT 23
Assembling the surabhi cows in one place, hand in hand, Krsna’s friends play and joke. For them the ocean of pure love has washed away the mud of awe and reverence in Krsna’s presence. Let us take shelter of these boys, whose hearts, lives, and property are all placed at Lord Krsna’s feet.

TEXT 24
The personified mellows of comedy, pure-hearted, eternally hungry, jubilant, and splendid Madhumangala daily induces the laughter of his two friends (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna) with a host of comic speeches and gestures. With great devotion let us at once bow down to offer our respect to Madhumangala, the joking friend of Lord Krsna, the moon of Vrndavana.

TEXT 25
Accompanied by an expert gopi friend, Paurnamasi daily arranges the secret rendezvous of expert Sri Sri Radha and Krsna. I worship noble and auspicious Paurnamasi, who at every moment tastes the nectar happiness of seeing the pastimes of the divine couple.

TEXT 26
Noble, generous, learned, intelligent, fair complexion, fifty-year-old King Vrsabhanu wears a neatly clipped beard. He is the close friend of Nanda, the king of Vraja. To him, Sri Radha is even dearer than his eldest child Sridama. I constantly worship famous King Vrsabhanu.

TEXT 27
Her mind overwhelmed with a flood of love, Kirtida-devi daily sends her two unmarried daughters to diligently gather all news of Srimati Radharani’s recent activities. May Kirtida-devi, the mother of Srimati Radharani protect us all.

TEXT 28
Angrily placing many obstacles to stop Their amorous pastimes, Mukhara-devi only increases the transcendental happiness of her two young grandchildren, Sri Sri Radha and Krsna. I respectfully bow down before elderly Mukhara-devi, and I place her lotus feet upon my head.

TEXT 29
Flooded with the nectar of intense love for her two friends (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna), who more dear to her than her own life, affectionately arrogant in their presence, and daily arranging their rendezvous, Lalita-devi expertly teaches her friend Radha the art of jealous anger. I pray Lalita-devi will one day accept me as one of her associates.

TEXT 30
Visakha-devi is the place where youthful divine couple enjoys affectionate and playful joking pastimes. Her sweet transcendental singing eclipses the voices of the cuckoos. I pray that Vishaka-devi may become pleased with me and accept me as her student.

TEXT 31
Filled with a great flood of love and decorating the ever-blossoming groves of Vrndavana with many fragrant flowers, Vrnda-devi creates a festive atmosphere for Sri Sri Radha-Krsna to enjoy transcendental pastimes with Their dear friends. Let me surrender to Vrnda-devi.

TEXT 32
Bringing Srimati Radharani to cook by the order of the queen of Vraja, and, as they both walked together on the path pleasing her by affectionately and continually narrating the latest news of Lord Krsna charming Kundalata-devi, glowing with friendship and auspicious playfulness became filled with happiness. I worship Kundalata-devi.

TEXT 33
Brought by the queen of Vraja to cook many palatable dishes of her own accord affectionate Dhanistha-devi, using many clever tricks, happily arranged for Srimati Radharani to meet her lover, Krsna, in the forest groves of Nandisvara Hill. I worship Dhanistha-devi, for whom her friend Radha is more dear than life.

TEXT 34
Her heart enchanted by repeatedly hearing the glories of the divine couple and longing to meet Them, Nandimukhi-devi left Avantipura and went to the land of Vraja, where she eternally increases the happiness of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna’s splendid and nectarean pastimes. I eternally offer my respectful obeisances to Nandimukhi-devi.

TEXT 35
Her waters filled with musk and saffron fallen from Sri Sri Radha-Krsna as they enjoy many nectar water-pastimes, the Jamuna river happily smiles at Them with her foam and splashes Them with the beautiful hands of her waves. I pray the Jamuna river may bring transcendental happiness to us.

TEXT 36
Moved by the appeal of supremely blissful Lord Krsna, the gopis spontaneously and angrily rebuke Srimati Radharani, who is more dear to them than their own life’s breath and encourage her to again enjoy the pastimes with Krsna. Bowing my head I take shelter of these dear friends of Srimati Radharani, who daily arranged for her to enjoy transcendental pastimes with Lord Krsna.

TEXT 37
With great love, enthusiasm, and respect, Krsna’s servants, who are much like his friends, serve Him in many ways and please Him by bringing the flute, vina, water, betel nuts, and other articles. I worship Krsna’s servants who have Patri as their leader.

TEXT 38
By offering her betel nuts, by massaging her feet, by bringing her water, by arranging for her meetings with Lord Krsna, and by performing many other services, many gopi maidservants affectionately please Sri Radha, the great queen of Vrndavana forest. When the Divine Couple enjoy Their pastimes, these maidservants are not at all shy, even in the presence of the great gopis for whom Sri Radha is more dear than life. I take shelter of these gopi maidservants, who have Srimati Rupa-manjari as their leader.

TEXT 39
Considering the expanded ocean of their own happiness to be as insignificant as a blade of grass and filled with pure love for Lord Krsna, the enemy of the Mura demon, the Lord’s personal associates strive to make him always happy. I worship these fortunate associates of Lord Krsna, the husband of the goddess of fortune.

TEXT 40
Let me worship the personal associates of Srimati Radharani. When Radharani becomes happy, they are pleased. If for a moment they cannot see Radharani, they become so distraught that they appear almost dead. They must have performed some pious activities in their previous births in order to obtain this auspicious condition where they love Srimati Radharani more than their own lives.

TEXT 41
In order to increase the splendid and nectarean jealous love of Srimati Radharani, who sometimes becomes proud of her own good fortune, Lord Krsna briefly enjoys pastimes with other gopis, who blossom with many amorous desires. Let us offer our respectful obeisances to these gopis, who must have performed many great pious activities in order to play this role in the Lord’s pastimes.

TEXT 42
Affectionately protected by Krsna, and their hearts rapt in meditation on the particles of dust falling from the tip of his handsome lotus toenails, the gopas experience a happiness greater than the happiness of many millions of universes. I worship these exalted gopas.

TEXT 43
Considering Him dearer than their own lives out of parental love, the elderly gopis worship even a drop of perspiration of Krsna’s lotus feet, and for a long time they kiss his head, decorated with handsome locks of hair. I worship the dust of these gopis’ feet.

TEXT 44
The hooves of Sri Krsna’s surabhi cows are decorate with sapphires, their horns are studded with gold, and their white cheeks have crippled the pride of the snow-capped mountain peaks. I pray these surabhi cows may protect us.

TEXT 45
In the company of Balarama and His other friends, and His own body splendidly covered with the dust raised by their hooves, the prince of Vraja daily enjoys a great festival of protecting and milking the cows. With great happiness He eagerly enjoys pastimes with them in the great forests and on the grand hills and river banks of Vraja. Let me worship these surabhi cows.

TEXT 46
All glories to Lord Krsna’s pet bull Padmagandha, whose handsome horns are covered with gold and studded with jewels, whose hooves are splendidly decorated with sapphires, and whose splendid neck is decorated with a swinging garland of reddish flowers.

TEXT 47
Sometimes Lord Krsna feeds the calves earnestly placing small bunches of tender fresh grass in their mouths, and sometimes He very carefully massages their limbs. I yearn to one day see these calves of Lord Krsna jumping and frolicking in Vrndavana.

TEXT 48
The fortunate flute deeply drinks the nectar of Lord Krsna’s lips day and night. I offer my respectful obeisances to this flute, which, with it’s transcendental music, weakens the pride of Srimati Radhika.

TEXT 49
Neither the flattering cajoling words spoken by Krsna’s gopi messengers nor the many hints, allegorises, and joking instructions spoken by Krsna’s cowherd friends nor Krsna’s personally falling at her feet and begging Hr to forgive Him nor even the harsh criticisms spoken by her intimate friends who are able to rout the proud jealous anger residing in Srimati Radha’s heart. Only Lord Krsna’s flute, disdaining all previous useless attempts, was able to very easily chase away that jealous anger. Let us glorify Lord Krsna’s exalted and powerful friend, His flute.

TEXT 50
Pleased by the music of Lord Krsna’s flute, the best of the peacocks perform a great festival of dancing in the forest by the shore of a lake. Gracefully moving he delights enjoying transcendental pastimes in the forest. Meditating on this, we ardently yearn to see that dancing king of the peacocks.

TEXT 51
Full of love for the residents of Vraja, and eager to protect Him, Lord Krsna respectfully lifted Govardhana Hill for seven days with His graceful hand. The caves of Govardhana Hill are splendidly decorated with kunkuma particles left when Sri Sri Radha-Krsna enjoyed transcendental pastimes. May Govardhana Hill, which is studded with many beautiful jewels, protect you all.
TEXT 52
Filled with many champaka trees, beautiful young asoka trees, mango trees, kesanagara trees, bakula trees, lavanga creepers, and madhavi creepers, the area around Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda is very beautiful and pleasing to the heart, and it is the favourite pastime place of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna. Let me take shelter of these two lakes : Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda.

TEXT 53
The delightful forest of Vrndavana, beautiful Govardhana Hill and the nectarean area of the rasa dance, what to speak of other places are not equal to even a single particle of Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda. Let me take shelter of these two lakes, which are more dear to Lord Krsna than His own life’s breath.

TEXT 54
By the shore of Radha-kunda is a grand pavilion made of gold, pearls and precious gems. In that pavilion, Sri Sri Radha and Krsna, considering everything else unimportant, enjoy transcendental pastimes as the two prime ministers of the deity of transcendental love, and They happily anoint that kingdom of love with the sandal paste of Their pastimes. I eternally worship the splendid grove by the shore of Radha-kunda.

TEXT 55
The divine couple is splendidly reflected on the shore of the lake of each other’s heart. They are necklaces lovingly worn by each other. The creator Brahma has blessed Them with all good fortune. They are the resting place of all good opulences in the three worlds. When will I be able to directly worship the fair and dark divine couple.

TEXT 56
With restless sidelong glances, with movements of Their shoulders, with the nectar of gentle smiles, with kissing each other’s nectar lips, and with firm embraces, the youthful divine couple affectionately fulfils each other’s transcendental desires. Let us offer our respectful obeisances to Them, the two splendid monarchs of ujjvala-rasa.

TEXT 57
In Their eyes is great length, in the corners of Their eyes crookedness, in Their chest and breasts largeness, in Their gentle word charming crookedness, in Their hips broadness, and in all Their limbs extraordinary sweetness. I eternally worship the eternal splendour of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna.

TEXT 58
When the demon Arista was slain, a great lake named Arista-kunda, filled with nectar and surrounded with staircases, sprang from Lord Krsna’s lotus foot. Because it is the favourite of Sri Radha, this name embraces the name Radha-kunda. I eternally worship Radha-kunda.

TEXT 59
On the pretext of going to fetch clear water the lotus-eyed gopis again and again meet Lord Krsna with great happiness and love at Pavana-sarovara lake, which is filled with many kadamba trees and the pleasant humming sounds of many bees. May Pavana-sarovara lake protect us.

TEXT 60
Going to the shore of a certain lake, Parjanya Maharaja, who was to become Krsna’s grandfather, fasted, performed austerities, and worshipped Lord Narayana in order to attain a worthy grandson. Partly for this reason Sri Krsna, who is the reservoir of all transcendental virtues and the lifter of Govardhana Hill, appeared as the son of Nanda, the king of Vraja, and the grandson of Parjanya Maharaja. The place where Parjanya Maharaja fasted is famous in this world as Ksunnahara-sarovara (the lake of fasting). I pray that I may take shelter of this sacred place.

TEXT 61
Ordered by Brahma, who spoke from the sky, Paurnamasi-devi crowned Srimati Radharani queen of the beautiful forest of Vrndavana, by jubilantly sprinkling the waters of the Manasa-ganga and other sacred rivers upon Her head in the company of Savitri-devi and other delighted demigoddesses. I pray that sacred place, known as Unmatta-radhasthali (the place where Srimati Radharani became overwhelmed with happiness) may sprinkle some transcendental happiness on me.

TEXT 62
Joking and playing, Lord Krsna enjoyed many pastimes with His friends in a small stone pavilion built by expert architects on Nandisvara Hill. Let me take shelter of that pavilion, which is anointed with the transcendental fragrance of Lord Krsna’s feet.

TEXT 63
As he was dancing with the intelligent, graceful, and splendidly beautiful gopis, Sri Krsna suddenly left their company and went with Srimati Radharani to a secluded place and lovingly decorated Her with many flower ornaments. The sweetness of this place astonishes the residents of all the three worlds. I pray that this sacred place, where Lord Krsna performed the rasa dance, may give me shelter.

TEXT 64
The Manasa-ganga River flows so swiftly on the side of Govardhana Hill that it’s waves push the splendid rocks lining it’s shores. I pray the Manasa-ganga River, where Sri Sri Gandharvika-Muravimardana (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna) enjoy jubilant boating pastimes, may give me shelter.

TEXT 65
All of Them decorated with the colourful mineral pigments found there, Lord Krsna and His affectionate friends enjoy pastimes in the hills of Vraja with a great festival of joking words. In the caves of those same hills, Lord Krsna also enjoys many pastimes with Srimati Radharani. Let me worship these, the best of all hills.

TEXT 66
While tending the cows in the summer season, Sri Krsna, the transcendental son of the king of the gopas , jubilantly enjoys water sports. Both sides eager for victory, He affectionately sprinkles His charming friends in the broad lakes and streams of Vraja. I eternally worship these transcendental lakes and streams.

TEXT 67
Hearing the sound of Srimati Radharani and Krsna brilliantly playing duets on the vina and flute, the leaders of the deer community become stunned with transcendental happiness and stand still the grass they were formerly chewing now half-falling from their mouths. I pray that those deer who are full of love for the divine couple, may grant transcendental happiness to me.

TEXT 68
Their hearts pleased by the rising waves of madhura-rasa, the youthful divine couple enjoys transcendental pastimes in the beautiful groves of Vraja, aromatic with many pleasant flowers and filled with many humming bees. Let us sweep these forest groves with our long hair.

TEXT 69
In the very cool and pleasant shade of the trees, on a throne glistening with fallen pollen and served by splendid bees carrying drops of honey, the youthful divine couple enjoy transcendental pastimes. I pray these trees may always protect me.

TEXT 70
As They pick flowers, the gently smiling lovers, Sri Sri Gandharva-Muravairi (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna), playfully quarrel. Seeing these eternally new and fresh transcendental pastimes, Their gopi friends begin to smile, and the creepers of Vraja, on the pretext of pushing forth new blossoms, also smile and laugh. May I serve these transcendental creepers with great love and devotion.

TEXT 71
Plunged into the nectar mellows of pure devotion, with very sweet singing the birds delight the nearby youthful couple in the land of Vraja. I pray that these birds, so dear to the divine couple, may delight me with their glance.

TEXT 72
By softly buzzing and gracefully wandering among the mango, kadamba, bakula, and other trees, as well as through the madhavis and other flowering vines, the bumblebees of Vraja delight the divine couple. Let us offer our respectful obeisances to these bees.

TEXT 73
Blossoming with happiness, the forest king Krsna became completely captivated by the sidelong glances of the forest-queen Srimati Radharani, who was also blossoming with happiness as He decorated Her with many blossoming flowers from the king of kadamba trees. I pray that supremely opulent king of kadamba trees may appear before me and grant transcendental happiness to my eyes.

TEXT 74
Humbled by great fear, Indra, the king of the demigods, grasped Lord Krsna’s lotus feet and, accompanied by a surabhi cow, performed the coronation festival of bathing them with the water of the celestial Ganges. In this way Lord Krsna’s kingship over the cows became splendidly manifest. I pray that Govinda-kunda, the lake created by that ceremonial bath, may eternally appear before my eyes.

TEXT 75
When Vraja’s king offered a great quantity of foodstuff to Govardhana Hill, Krsna, the enemy of Aghasura, assumed a gigantic form, proclaimed that He was actually Govardhana Hill, invited everyone to ask boons from Him, and, fooling even Srimati Radharani, ate all the offered food. Let me take shelter of the anna-kuta festival, when Lord Krsna enjoyed these pastimes.


TEXT 76
Charming and handsome Lord Krsna enjoys transcendental pastimes on the summit of Govardhana Hill, the king of mountains. There He splendidly manifest, eternally enjoying the pleasures of a transcendental king. With great love and devotion I worship Govardhana Hill, where Lord Krsna enjoys transcendental pastimes.

TEXT 77
One day Lord Krsna, the youthful king of amorous heroes, became eager at heart to enjoy the dana-keli pastime. Blocking the path, He forbade Srimati Radharani to pass, proclaimed Himself a toll collector appointed by the king of love, and demanded that she pay a toll of the milk products She was carrying. I sing the glories of Sri Krsna-vedi, the place where the Lord enjoyed these pastimes.

TEXT 78
Because Sri Krsna enjoyed the dana-keli pastime in a secluded place by the shore of this lake, it has become known as Dana-sarovara. The truth of this hill remains hidden to persons averse to the mellows of pure devotional service. Only the devotees have the power to understand it. I pray that I may reside at Dana-sarovara, the place where Lord Krsna enjoyed the dana-keli pastime.

TEXT 79
Sri-sarovara, Brahma-sarovara, Kadambakhanda-sarovara, Sumanah-sarovara, Rudra-sarovara, Apsarah-sarovara, Gaurika-sarovara, Jyotsnamoksana-sarovara, Malyahara-sarovara, Vibudhari-sarovara, Indradhvaja-sarovara, and many other beautiful lakes are splendidly manifested as so many beautiful jewels in a circle around divine Govardhana Hill. Let me glorify these transcendental lakes.

TEXT 80
During the spring season the gopis move Sri Sri Gandharva-Giridhari (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna) on a swing. The faces of the divine couple blossom with happiness by tasting the nectar of these swing pastimes. I worship Govinda-sthala, the famous place where the divine couple enjoys these pastimes.

TEXT 81
When the Kaliya serpent offended His friends for whom he is more dear than life, Lord Krsna punished him, dancing on him and kicking him with the soles of His feet. I worship Kaliya-hrada, the lake where Lord Krsna performed these pastimes.

TEXT 82
Once, accompanied by the gopas, gopis, and lowing surabhi cows, the supremely opulent, noble, and magnanimous Lord Krsna felt very uncomfortable in the winter cold. Twelve suns then appeared at that place, and with great devotion warmed the Lord with their intense shining. I eternally take shelter of this sacred place, which bears the name Dvadasasurya-tirtha (the place of the twelve suns).

TEXT 83
When the twelve sums shone from every direction, perspiration fell from Lord Krsna’s transcendental body, and from this perspiration came a charming, splendid, clear lake bearing the sweet fragrance of the Lord’s delicate, supremely handsome, and supremely opulent transcendental limbs. Bowing down, I worship this lake, known as Praskandahana-sarovara.

TEXT 84
Entering the clear waters of the Yamuna to prepare for the incomparable worship of goddess Katyayani, the girls of Vraja left their garments on the shore. Smiling and clever Krsna stole those garments, climbed a kadamba tree, embarrassed the girls by speaking many splendid joking words, and eventually returned the garments. I take shelter of Ciraghatta, where the Lord enjoyed these pastimes.

TEXT 85
With his mad neighing, Kesi made the three worlds tremble, and with the wild rolling of his eyes he set the entire universe on flames. Krsna killed this demon as easily as one splits a blade of grass and then washed the blood from His hands at a place now known as Kesi-tirtha. I worship that sacred place.

TEXT 86
The beautiful, wealthy and learned wives of the yajnika-brahmanas voluntarily, happily and devoted fed Krsna, Balarama, and all their affectionate friends many varieties of the four kinds of foodstuff, each dish rebuking the taste of nectar. We bow down to offer our respects to the place where Lord Krsna enjoyed this pastime.

TEXT 87
Desiring to quickly attain the treasure of the embraces of Lord Krsna, the splendid and affectionate gopis devotedly and happily worshipped Lord Siva on the bank of the Jamuna. I daily worship Gopisvara-tirtha, where the gopis performed their worship.

TEXT 88
Seeing Her father worship Suryadeva out of far of the nearby Kamsa, Srimati Radharani, in the secluded place known as Santanupada, also earnestly worshipped Suryadeva to attain a certain youth, whose complexion is as dark as a host of monsoon clouds, as Her chosen husband. I pray that Suryadeva may protect us.

TEXT 89
During the great festival of Lord Krsna’s birth, the king of Vraja respectfully gave to the brahmanas a mountain of glittering jewel ornaments, an even greater mountain of grains, and 200,000 young cows, all beautifully decorated with gold and necklaces of large pearls. I offer my respectful obeisances to Mahavana, the place where the king gave his charity.

TEXT 90
In the city of Mukhyeravali the precious jewel known as Srimati Radharani took birth in the mine of Kirtida-devi’s womb, which is glorified by jubilant demigods, sages and human beings. I pray that when I enter King Vrshabhanu’s capitol city of Mukhyeravali-pura, populated with many gopas, gopis, and surabhi cows, I may become drowned in great flood of transcendental bliss and love.

TEXT 91
Although for Her own happiness She yearns to place Lord Krsna’s handsome and delicate lotus feet on her breasts, Srimati Radharani is reluctant to do so, fearing that, even though Her body is very delicate, her breasts are very hard. I pray that Lord Krsna, who also places his lotus feet on the hood of Ananta Sesa, will permit me to reside in His land of Vraja.

TEXT 92
Let me worship the forest of Kamyavana. It is very dear to Sri Sri Radha-Krsna, and it contains the Kama-sarovara lake, where the gopis enjoy many transcendental pastimes.

TEXT 93
In the forest of Bandiravana, my beautiful queen, proud Sri Radha, started a wrestling competition among Her closest friends. When She eagerly wrestled with Lord Krsna, She brought great happiness to the god of love. Let me worship that forest of Bandiravana.

TEXT 94
When the Yamuna river would not come according to His order, angry Lord Balarama began to drag it toward the ocean with the edge of His plough. I devotedly offer my respects to the wonderful Rama-ghatta, where even today all men may see the marks where Balarama began to drag the Yamuna.

TEXT 95
Seeing His friends, for whom He is more dear than life, enter the sinful Aghasura’s belly, which burned with a great forest fire of the most violent poison, Lord Krsna also entered the demon, killed it, and rescued His friends. I pray that Sarpasthali, the place where the Lord enjoyed these pastimes, may protect me.

TEXT 96
When, eager to see his master’s glory, the creator Brahma stole the cowherd boys and calves, Lord Krsna pleased the mothers of the boys and calves by assuming the forms of their sons. I worship Vatsaharasthali, where the Lord enjoyed this pastime.

TEXT 97
Afraid that he had committed a grave offence by stealing the cowherd boys and calves, Brahma fell down on the ground, and, with tears in his eyes, spoke many wonderful and unprecedented prayers glorifying gently smiling Lord Krsna, who is both the giver of liberation and the wonderful cowherd son of the king of Vraja. Let us glorify this sacred place, Sesabhirucaturmukha, where frightened Brahma offered prayers to the Lord.

TEXT 98
Filled with many large lakes, hills, and rivers, with many desire trees and desire creepers, and with many flowers invaded by a great army of bumblebees intoxicated by the sweet aroma, the twelve forests of Vrndavana are splendidly beautiful. I bow down to offer my respects at every moment to these twelve forests, which are very dear to Lord Krsna.

TEXT 99
Leaving behind Lord Krsna’s lotus feet, which are millions of times more dear to him than his own life’s breath, Uddhava, eternally filled with the nectar of pure devotional love, happily stayed in Vraja for ten months. Moment by moment he brought the residents of Vraja back to life by describing Lord Krsna’s pastimes. He said to them, “Look! Krsna has returned!” I carry Uddhava’s feet upon my head.

TEXT 100
With great humbleness let me offer my respectful obeisances to the supremely pious dear devotees of the Lord who reside in Vraja. Even though Brahma is a great demigod entrusted with many weighty duties, he sincerely yearns to take birth among the bushes and blades of grass in Vraja.

TEXT 101
Because of having previously worshipped the beautiful lotus feet of Sri Sri Gandharva-Acyuta (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna) with the eternally fresh sweetness of pure transcendental love, some great souls are able to reside on the shore of Queen Radha’s favourite lake (Radha-kunda). These great devotees are my life and soul.

TEXT 102
The grass, bushes, insects, and other creatures in Vraja are all very dear to Lord Krsna. They assist the Lord in His pastimes. They are full of transcendental bliss. Again and again the scriptures recount the earnest request of Brahma and others to reside in Vraja. For these reasons I bow to offer my respects to all the creatures who reside in Vraja.

TEXT 103
When, aimlessly wandering around Govardhana Hill, madly calling out “O Radha! O Krsna!” again and again, and stumbling as I walk, will I sprinkle the places of the Lord’s pastimes with tears from my eyes?

TEXT 104
Neither Brahma, Narada, Siva, or the great devotees with pure love of Krsna are able to properly or completely understand the sweetness of the land of Vraja. Only Lord Balarama and His mother Rohini, who are both filled with transcendental love, are able to understand the land of Vraja. How is it possible to describe the land of Vraja?

TEXT 105
Even if I have the opportunity to bathe in the nectarean ocean of pure love of Krsna, and even if I have the pure devotees of the infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead as my associates, I will not consent to live, even for a single moment, in any sacred place other than Vrajabhumi. Even if the residents of Vraja appear to be ordinary, and even if they fill my ears with useless gossip, I pray that I may remain among them, eternally residing here in Vraja.

TEXT 106
The two feet of Srimati Rupa-manjari, who is full of love for Lord Krsna, and who expertly worships Srimati Radharani, are the only goal of my life.

TEXT 107
These verses, which bear the title Vraja-vilasa-stava, are very graceful and beautiful, filled with the splendid and charming sweetness of the residents of Vraja. They who regularly read these verses with great respect and greedy enthusiasm will be able to directly see the divine couple surrounded by Their associates in this land of Vraja.

Radharani and the Bumblebee

Radharani is the topmost Gopi and the giver of bhakti, devotional service to Krishna. After Krishna's departure to Mathura, Radharani and the milkmaids of Vrindavan were undergoing intense anguish over separation from Krishna. Krishna in Mathura wanted to send a message to his loved ones in Vrindavana forest.
For this purpose, Krishna called Udhhava.
Uddhava is smililar to Krishna in appearance and wears yellow costumes. Except for peacock feathers and the flute, Uddhava resembles Krishna in every way. Krishna called up Uddhava and told him, "Uddhava, you are more dear to me than Shiva, Brahma, Lakshmi, Anatha and even My very self". Uddhava was asked to go to Vrindavana forest and deliver Krishna's message to his friends and relatives. Uddhava was a jnani bhaktha. he's highly learned in transcendental science, being a disciple of Brihaspathi. Uddhava was therefore proud of his knowledge.
Krishna does not like his devotees becoming proud and He devises ways to kill their pride everytime they develop some. This time, it was in the form of sending Uddhava to Vrindavana.
On reaching Vrindavana, Uddhava saw Radharani and the milkmaids in transcendental madness due to separation from Krishna. In their transcendental anguish, they were behaving like mad. Radharani started talking to a bumblebee, taking the bee to be Krishna's messenger. Radharani said, "You're the unrealiable servant of an unrealiable Master. You go away. That debauchee Krishna cheated us". Radharani went on abusing Krishna in transcendental madness, not realizing that it was Uddhava, and not the bee who was Krishna's messenger. In a similar fashion, Radharani's cowherd girl friends too, on intense separation from Krishna, started speaking with trees, plants, deers, peacocks etc in transcendental madness, taking them to be messengers from Krishna. Seeing the in-depth devotion of the uneducated milkmaids of Vrindavana and witnessing their transcendental angush over separation from Krishna, Uddhava realized that they are the real devotees of Krishna and not himself. Uddhava realized his folly in being proud of himself as a knowledgeable bhakta.

"Where were the hunter Dharma's piety, Dhruva's maturity, and Gajendra's knowledge? Where was Kubja's beauty? Where was Sudama's wealth? Where was Vidura's noble birth? Where was Ugrasena's chivalrous strength? Lord Madhava is pleased only by devotional service and not by material qualifications." -- Sri Padyavali.

I sing my heart out to please Radharani, the topmost Gopi and the giver of Lord Krishna.