Vrindavan

Vrindavan is the eternal place of pastimes of Shri Radha Krishna. There are many reasons for the name of this divine land to be Vrindavan. During the incarnation of Shri Krishn in the Dwapar Yuga, the group of cowherds, who were shunned by the demons, decided that now for the safety of all of us, leaving Gokul, we will live across the Yamuna in a region called Shri Vrindavan. Vanam Vrindavanam Naam Pashyam Navakananam. Gopagopigavam Sevyam Punyadritrunveerudham. - Shrimad Bhagavatam (10.11.28) There is a place called Vrindavan between Nandeshwar and Mahavan. This place is very suitable because it has lush grass, plants, and vines for cows and other animals. There are beautiful forests and high mountains and that place is full of facilities for the happiness of the cowherds, the milkmaids, and our animals. Radhashodashanamna Cha Vrindanam Shrutau Shrutam. Tasyaah Kridavanam Ramyam Ten Vrinda Vanam Smritam. - Brahmavaivarta Purana “Among the thousand names of Shri Radha, there are 16 unique names, and 'Vrinda' is one amongst them. This name was sung by Shrutis, and this is the place of pastimes of Vrinda (Shri Radha), therefore this divine land is called 'Vrindavan'. Shri Radha is the presiding deity of Vrindavan, so one of Her names is also called Vrindavani in the 16 Names. "Radha Vrindavanevave" That is, Radha is Vrindavan, Vrindavan is Radha, these two are mutually inseparable. Shri Krishn never goes anywhere except this sweet Vrindavan, which is filled with all the divine nectar. "Vrindavanam Parityajya Padamekam Na Gachhati" - Padma Purana Or Sage Narad says - Tasmin Vrindavane Punyam Govindasya Niketanam. Tatsevakasamakirnam Tattraiva Sthiyate Maya. - Skandha Purana “The abode of Shri Govind is the holy place Shri Vrindavan, where many servants are serving, may I get residence there.” Or Vrindavane Cha Govindam Ye Pashyanti Vasundhare. Na Te Yamapuram Yanti Yanti Punyakritam Gatim. - Aadi Varaha Purana "The devotees who had darshan of Govind in Shri Vrindavan do not go to hell, those virtuous souls get salvation." Shri Vrindavan is beyond the clutches of Maya (illusory) and time. The crest jewel among the Braj Rasikas Shri Hariram Vyas Ji says - (Raag Sarang) Vrindaban Ki Sobha Dekhe Mere Nain Siraat. Kunj Nikunj Punj Sukh Barasat Harashat Sabakau Gaat. [1] Radha Mohanke Nij Mandir Mahapralay Nahin Jaat. Brahmaaten Upajyo Na Akhandit Kabahun Naahin Nasaat. [2] Phanipar Ravi Tari Nahin Biraat Mahn Nahin Sandhya Nahin Praat. Maya Kaalrahit Nit Nootan Sada Phool Phal Paat. [3] Niragun Sagun Brahmaten Nyaarau Biharat Sada Suhaat. Vyas Bilaas Raas Adbhut Gati, Nigam Agochar Baat. [4] - Shri Hariram Vyas, Vyas Vani, Purvardh (6) Shri Hariram Vyas states: Looking at the magnificence of Vrindavan, my eyes are immersed in Bliss. The most secluded nectar is raining in the Kunjas and Nikunjas of Vrindavan, singing the glory of which, my heart is filled with love and joy. [1] During ‘Mahapralaya’ (the annihilation of the universe), the whole world created by Bhrama is destroyed, but this personal palace of Shri Radha Krishn (‘Vrindavan’) which was not created by Lord Bhrama remains like this, and even 'Mahapralay' cannot enter inside it. [2] The Sesh Nag, sun god, planetariums, Virata Purush (Cosmic man) i.e the whole world is destroyed in Mahaprayalya, neither evening nor morning remains, even during that time, this Vrindavan Dham which is equally divine like Shri Krishn, remains ever-new where ever-fresh flowers, fruits, and trees always bloom. [3] Shri Hariram Vyas says that Shri Radha Krishn always dwells and is engrossed in ‘Ras’ in the forest groves of Vrindavan, the nectar of which is unique from the Sagun (with Form) and Nirgun (Formless) nectars, the divinity of which is beyond the comprehension of even the Scriptures and Vedas etc. [4] Venugit too describes - Vrindavanam Sakhi Bhuvo Vinoti Keertim. Yad Devaki Sut Padaambujalabdhalakshmi. - Shrimadbhagawat (10.21.10) A Gopi says to another "O friend, Vrindavan is spreading the glory of the earth, having obtained the treasure of the lotus feet of Krishn, the son of Devaki. The peacocks dance madly when they hear Govinda’s flute, and when other creatures see them from the hilltops, they all become stunned." Shri Vrindavan is the form of nectar, the form of love, and matchless. The greatness of this divine land is certainly very melodious, mysterious, and indescribable, that is why the disciple of Sage Brihaspati, the minister of the Yadav assembly, the most beloved friend of Shri Krishn, Shri Uddhava Ji has expressed his desire to be born in Vrindavan in the form of vine, creeper, grass, tree, etc. Aasamho Charanrenujushamaham Syam Vrindavane Kimapi Gulmalataushadhinam. Ya Dustyajam Svajanamaryapatham Cha Hitva Bhejhurmukundapadavim Shrutibhirvimrigyam. - Shrimad Bhagavatam (10.47.61) Even Lord Brahma Ji, who had manifested from the navel of Lord Narayana, is even saying – “May I be born in this Vrindavan in any species, may it be animal-bird, insect-moth, grass-tree, etc. It would be a great privilege for me." Tad Bhuribhagyamih Janma Kimapyatvyam. Yad Gokulepi Katamangirajobhishekam. - Shrimad Bhagavatam (10.14.34) Vrindavanasya Sanyogatpunastvam Taruni Nava. Dhanyam Vrindavanam Tena Bhaktirnrityati Yatra Cha. - Shrimad Bhagwat Mahatmya (1.61) The divine land of Shri Vrindavan is blessed, who is the embodiement of all the five Rasa, i.e. Dasya (servant), Sakhya (friend), Vatsalya (parental affection), and Madhury (Shri Radha Krishn's sweet pastimes). Uddhav and Brahma desired to stay in Vrindavan. Lord Shiva is already seated in Braj Dham, in the form of Gopishwar, Brajeshwar, Chakreshwar, Aaseshwar, etc. This divine land is the place of pastimes of Shri Krishn Balram. Vrindavanam Govardhanam Yamunapulinani Cha. Vikshyaseeduttama Preeti Ramamadhavayornripa. - Shrimad Bhagavatam (10.11.36) When the Brajwasi moved from Mahavan to Vrindavan, seeing the lush green forest of Vrindavan, the very beautiful Govardhan mountain, and the beautiful banks of the Yamuna river, great pleasure arose in the hearts of Lord Krishn and Balram. When the creator Brahma prayed to the Lord to ascend on the earth, Krishn said to Radha "I can't perform the divine pastimes without You, it's impossible, so please come with me. Shri Radha clearly refused. Giving the reason Herself - Yatra Vrindavanam Naasti Yatra No Yamuna Nadi. Yatra Govardhano Naasti Tatra Me Na Manah Sukham. - Garga Samhita, Golok Khand (3.32) Where there is no Vrindavan, no Yamuna, no Govardhan, then how could my heart be happy there? Then Shri Krishn said - Vedanagakroshbhumim Svadhamnah Shriharih Swayam. Govardhanam Cha Yamuna Preshayamas Bhupari. - Garga Samhita, Goloka Khand (3.33) Lord Hari sent 84 Kos (150 km) land of Braj, including Govardhan mountain, Shri Yamuna Ji, etc from his divine abode on this earth. Shri Vrindavan is not only a pilgrimage but - Vrinda Vipinaramyaya Bhagavadvasahetave. Paramalhadarupaya Vaishnavay Namo Namah. - Padma Purana Shri Vrindavan is the Supreme Vaishnava of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. There are many beautiful forests. The reason for the incarnation of the Lord on the earth is the supreme bliss, to consider Vrindavan only as a pilgrimage would be an offense. Anyway, Shri Krishn and His abode are inseparable in nature and in that too this Shri Vrindavan is blessed. Blessed is the land whose presiding deity is Shri Radha Herself.