Vrindavan Braj Parikrama
By Kadamba Kanana Swami
Written by Neil Bookseller
Prema Sarovar
Overlooking from the high steps of the spectacular Prema Sarovar, we gather to commence another day
of meditations together. Maharaj begins with an ecstatic explosion of kirtan that gets all the devotees
on their feet. It comes to a close, or so it appears, till Maharaj starts round two; such nectar!
As we all gaze around to appreciate the beauty of Prema Sarovar, Maharaj comically reminds us, “This
beautiful architecture is connected with the land of Krsna, totally perfect for a Facebook profile
photo!” Maharaj commences our reflections for the day by reminding us of the origins of Prema
Sarovar, one that was created by separation, separation from Krsna (viraha bhava), “When you feel
separation from Krsna, this is supposed to be the highest feeling, but how? Separation isn’t
fun?” Maharaj continues that this is because when we are separated from Krsna, we are constantly
thinking of Him, chanting His holy name, and through that He is present with us, giving us that nectar
we are always craving. So, Maharaj neatly summarises how separation on the spiritual platform leads to
remembrance, which thereby leads to the highest form of ecstasy!
We move on to the story of an opportune bumblebee, who at the sight of Radha and Krsna decides to
circumambulate them three times. When Madhumangala offers his assistance in shoo-ing the
bumblebee away, he celebrates by informing the divine couple, “This Madhusudhana is
gone!” Mistaking the bumblebee (Madhu-sudhana) for Krsna (killer of the demon, Madhu), a disturbed
Radharani lets a sea of tears to flow from her eyes at the thought of separation from Krsna. Upon
seeing Radharani in such an emotional state, streams of tears also started to flow from Krsna’s eyes.
These transcendental tears being a product of intense separation and love then formed the first waters
of Prema Sarovar, following which all the holy rivers attended a pilgrimage to Prema Sarovar to purify
themselves, further adding to these holy waters.
Maharaj introduces our theme for Prema Sarovar, being that Krsna is the best friend of all living
entities. He continues that Krsna, being omniscient, is always present for his devotees, whether it is
Radharani or a bumblebee. He never forgets His devotees, knowing our deepest desires and thoughts,
he seeks to fulfil them, and is constantly looking to offer a path for us conditioned souls to return back
to Him. So, we meditate on our individual relationships with Krsna and reflect on how close we truly
are with Him. He is available to us. He understands our ordeals, regardless of how mundane they might
be. He offers us a shelter. He cares for us.
Maharaj then brings together all the devotees in this year’s Vraj Parikrama, all 140 of us, to capture an
iconic moment together on the steps of the Prema Sarovar. This causes us to remember that while we
all originate from different countries and come from different walks of life, our hearts beat as one and
we share a common purpose moving forward, to capture Krsna as our best friend. So, in this way the
culture of the spiritual world manifests itself in the dhama and within our movement.
Sanket
As we walk up the stairwell to the temple room in Sanket, we witness a beautiful Shyam and golden
Radharani resting in the shade. Right away we are brought to attention that this was a meeting spot for
Radha and Krsna, and we realise the measures Krsna goes to in order to please his devotees. Devotees
fill up the entire courtyard and soon the place is filled with the sounds of the holy name, so sweet that
even the local children of Sanket run up to the temple to dance with the enthusiastic devotees.
Maharaj highlights here that even if mukti (liberation) may seem like the easy route out, we must go
after bhakti (devotion), whereby we must engage whatever talents and qualities we are best gifted
with in the loving service of Krsna. So, Maharaj introduces his plan for Sanket, being to attract Krsna,
not just for himself, but for everyone around him and he asks us a question that left us all
reflecting, “What are you doing to attract Krsna?”
Ter Kadamba
A picturesque walk across the fields of Ter Kabamba where Krsna used to herd his cows, leads us to a
sarovar behind the temple where we are first welcomed by a large black snake who crosses our path.
We spread out the mats under the scorching sun and some technical difficulties later, we are all ready
to begin our final meditations for the day.
Maharaj provides that it is understood that Srila Rupa Goswami wrote his Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu and
proceeds to read about this book. He emphasises the need to steadily grow through devotional service
and how material happiness means nothing to a Krsna conscious person. Some more pearls are passed
on by Maharaj about the proper execution of devotional service through our senses. Shortly after, we
were graced by a local baba to a skit and some prasadam, following which we walked back across the
fields in one queue, with harinama along the way and meditations back to Vrindavan.
Source: https://www.kksblog.com/2018/11/vrindavan-braj-parikrama-day-6/
