Soor Kuti, Runkata

Soor Kuti is an important, historical, and spiritual place. This is the place where the famous devotee, the great poet, Shri Surdas ji performed bhajans and received initiation from Vallabhacharya ji. There is a well at this place, in which Shri Surdas ji accidentally fell, and was saved by Shri Krishna. Presently, its route is through the Keetham Bear Park site located in Mathura. The surrounding area has the beautiful Keetham Lake and lush green forests, which add to its natural beauty. A vast Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary has also been built at this place, in which different types of bird species have been preserved. Situated about 55 km from Vrindavan, this place provides a serene and picturesque experience.

This place is situated in Gau Ghat, which is situated on the banks of Shri Yamuna, almost between Mathura and Agra. Once Shri Vallabhacharya ji came here. Surdas ji used to live here. Surdas ji had many servants, out of which one servant informed about the arrival of Shri Vallabhacharya ji. As soon as Surdas ji heard the name of Acharya ji, he went to see him. Surdas ji came near Acharya ji, bowed down, and sat at some distance. Acharya ji said to Surdas ji "Sur, come, sit near here." Surdas Ji came near and sat down. Then Acharya ji said, "Sur, describe some glories of the Lord."

Hearing this, Surdas Ji started singing the verse -

Huan Hari Sab Patitan Kau Nayak.

Ko Kari Sakai Barabari Meri Aur Nahin Kou Layak.

"O Hari, I am the hero of all fallen. Who can match me? I'm worth nothing."

Hearing this, Acharya ji said, "Having the name Sur (warrior), why are you whining, describe some pastimes of the Lord." Surdas Ji was unable to sing the pastimes because it has not manifested in his heart. Shri Vallabhacharya ji narrated the sequence of the tenth canto of Shrimad Bhagavatam to Surdas ji and got him Brahm-Sambandh (connected with the Lord). Now Surdas ji started seeing all the pastimes of Shri Krishna in his heart, then he sang -

Chakai Se Chali Charan Sarovar Jahan Na Prem Bichhoh.

"I am going to the lake where there is never separation from the beloved."

Location :

Soor Kuti is situated 40 km south of Mathura at Gau Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna at Keetham.

Darshan of Yamuna flowing near Soor Kuti, Runkata.
View of Yamuna flowing near Soor Kuti, Runkata.
Gau Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna at Keetham.
A calf resting at Soor Kuti, Runkata.
View of a Samadhi of a Saint near Soor Kuti, Runkata.
forest view at Soor Kuti, Runkata.
A bhajan place of a Saint near Soor Kuti, Runkata.
Hanuman temple at Gau ghat, near Yamuna at Soor Kuti, Runkata.
The pastimes of Shri Surdas Ji and Vallabhacharya Ji are inscribed on marble at Soor Kuti, Runkata.
Darshan of Shrinathji at Soor Kuti, Runkata.
Way to Soor Kuti, Runkata.
A beautiful resting place near Soor Kuti, Runkata.
Darshan of Shiv Linga at Soor Kuti, Runkata.
View of temples near Soor Kuti, Runkata.
A statue of Shri Surdas Ji at Soor Kuti, Runkata.
In this well Surdas accidently fell and Shri Krishn saved Him and disappeared. Then, Surdas sang this verse here: कर छुटकाए जात हौ, निबल जानि कर मोहि। हिरदय सों जब जाहुगे, मरद बदींगो तोहि॥ O Lord Krishn, You may escape from the clasp of these arms and my hold, considering me feeble. If you have the courage then try escaping from my heart [where I have bound You forever] then I will consider You a real man. [This is said sarcastically]
View of a temple at Soor Kuti, Runkata.
View of Soor Kuti, Runkata.
Cow grazing at Soor Kuti, Runkata.
Darshan of Soor Kuti, Runkata.
Darshan of Shri Radha Krishna along with Surdas Ji at Soor Kuti, Runkata.
View of a Gau Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna at Keetham.
View of a peacock located at Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary.
The beautiful way towards Soor Kuti, Runkata.