Sri Krishna is probably the most loved figure and beloved god for many. Sri Krishna’s disciples can be found all over the world and their devotion is unmatched. Srimad Vallabhacharya’s Pushtimarg, ISKCON, BAPS, and every other sect has been preaching the love for Sri Krishna and spreading his stories everyday.
Sri Krishna is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and a complete human in every aspect. He is one who is aware of his being, yet indulges in the activities of the human life. He is the one who despises the social restrictions yet upholds the ways of the principles. He is the one who teaches us to transform with time and always remember to do what is right. He is who teaches us that one must perform their duties and inaction is not a solution.
We recently celebrated the same love for Krishna in form of Govardhan Pooja & Annakoot. In our capacity to explain the one who is beyond all expletives, we humbly try to portray five different forms of love that has become symbolic with Krishna – Radha, Rukmini, Meera, Brijvaasis (People of the sacred land of Vrij – where Sri Krishna lead his early life) and us.
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| Govardhan Pooja & Annakoot Celebration |
Radha & Krishna
Sri Radha Krishna is the most prominent figure that one finds in temples and folklores. This couple has been known as an epitome of love and an example for couples for many generations. Immense and unconditional love that not only mesmerized the people but even the nature that witnessed them is a forever story that shall live till eternity for its purity and compassion.
Set in Vrindavan, the story of Krishna and Radha started in their young age when Sri Krishna would wander around the entire Vrij (Land mass close to the city of Mathura) while tending to his cows. Krishna’s playful and caring nature attracted Radha and other ladies towards him. Krishna and Radha were inseparable. It is said that their togetherness was even celebrated by the nature that blossomed when they were close and took a different turn, when they separated. The modern day Vrindavan is full of small temples and places that depict the various actions of Sri Krishna and Sri Radha. Nidhi Van in particular is known as a place where Sri Radha Ji & Sri Krishna Ji descend on earth every night.
Radha and Krishna are never considered separate from each other. They are considered two sides of the same coin. Sri Krishna and Sri Radha have always been together and will always be. Their separation as seen in the stories is just a mere semblance to uncover many more truth of the human life. However, there are some stories and views that she was also an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi who descended upon the earth, when God Vishnu took the form of Sri Krishna.
It is said that once Rukmini wanted to see Radha – the soulmate of Krishna. When she went to meet Radha, she expected a heavenly beauty considering Radha’s maids and Krishna’s love for her. Instead on meeting Radha, she found that Radha had developed burns all over her body. Upon inquiring, Radha explained that by mistake Rukmini gave hot milk to Krishna previous night that he drank. Since Radha lives in Krishna’s heart always, the burns appear on her body.
At the same time, it is said that Sri Krishna stopped playing flute when he separated from Radha while leaving for Mathura. Though he kept his flute with him forever as a memory of Radha, he never played it. The only time he played his flute was when he decided to leave his body on earth and ascend to the Vaikuntha – his abode.
Radha’s love for Krishna is seen as unconditional yet strong, mental bond that could never have been explained in words. The strength of her love is seen as it changed both herself and Krishna. They both acted out of turns to appease each other and be with each other. They were complete with each other and by themselves. Their love is beyond the social norms and the devotion seems mutual.
Today we find many temples, poems and songs dedicated to the love between Sri Krishna and Radha. It is also said that Sri Krishna used to dress up like a girl and Radha as a boy to appease Radha and experience the feel of love. Such purity and poignancy can’t be described in words.
Rukmini & Krishna
Rukmini, the princess of Vidarbha, is considered to the be the first and chief consort of Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna marries Rukmini after he kidnapped her and eloped with her saving her from an unwanted alliance.
Rukmini’s father Bhishmaka, king of Vidarbha and her brother Rukmi wanted to marry Rukmini to Shishupala – King of Chedi. Rukmini was in love with Sri Krishna and defied her father and brother. Her prayers and confession of love to Sri Krishna won his heart. Sri Krishna always loved Rukmini and accepted her as the chief queen of his kingdom Dwarka.
Rukmini ji is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi herself hence denoting the prosperity and beauty. Her character, charm and greatness was famed in far off regions as well.
Her devotion for Sri Krishna is seen in many stories. In one of the story, when Sudama visited Sri Krishna in Dwarka, Krishna welcomed his friend and serviced him like a devoted servant. Rukmini followed Sri Krishna’s footsteps and performed her duties accordingly. She left no stone unturned in welcoming Sudama despite of his poor condition.
Similarly, Sri Krishna’s love for Rukmini is seen in many stories where Rukmini and Satyabhama have a dispute. In one story, Rukmini and Satyabhama had a challenge to donate gold which weighed equal to that of Sri Krishna. Satyabhama was a rich princess, she had a lot to give away, yet could not match Sri Krishna’s weight. Rukmini on the other hand, was comparatively poor since she was kidnapped. When her turn came, she gave away all har jewelry and put a leaf of Tulsi to match up Sri Krishna. She always knew what Sri Krishna preferred.
Her love for Sri Krishna is seen as a following, unquestioning, doting wife who loves Sri Krishna and is ready to give up everything for him. Her love is devotion and well defined in the social norms.
Meera & Krishna
Meera or Meerabai was a 16th century poet and devotee of Sri Krishna. Her devotion for Sri Krishna was so strong that she left her family and all social bonds to find Krishna through the songs and poetry.
Meera was born in a Rajput family in Rajasthan and was married to Bhoj Raj – crown prince of Mewar. However, Meera had considered Sri Krishna as her husband since childhood and hence denounced all worldly relationships. This caused a lot of challenges for herself as her in-laws tried to kill her through various means.
Meera’s devotion for Krishna is world known and she is an epitome of the Bhakti movement (devotional trend). Meerabai composed innumerable devotional songs and almost all of them have a philosophical connotation. One of her most popular compositions remains "Paayoji maine Ram Ratan dhan paayo". Meera's poems are lyrical padas (metric verses) in Rajasthani language.
It is said that Meera left her home in Mewar and went on a pilgrimage to Vrindavan and Dwarka in search of Krishna. At last she disappeared by merging into an idol of Krishna. Her temple in the Chittor Fort still stands tall, telling the world about her.
Meera’s love for Sri Krishna was pure devotion. A submission into someone who you have not seen but heard of and considered by your side. She expected nothing but gave up everything for the feeling of love she had for Sri Krishna.
Brijvaasi & Krishna
Braj, also known as Brij or Brijbhoomi, is a region in Uttar Pradesh of India, around Mathura-Vrindavan. The people born in this land had an extraordinary opportunity to have lived with Sri Krishna and enjoy the charisma of the God himself.
All the people of Brij whether male or female had an association with Sri Krishna himself. While all males enjoyed his companionship, the females enjoyed his charisma as their son, brother or a friend.
The people of Brij gave their unconditional love and followed Sri Krishna’s voice in every matter. It is then they listened to him and decided to worship “Govardhana” and abandon the prayers for Indra. Sri Krishna in turn, lifted the Govardhana on his finger and saved all the residents of Brij and their belongings from the wrath of Indra.
Brijvaasis were very privileged that they were born in the holy land of Brij and were able to witness the various playful acts of Krishna while he was growing up from a kid to a mature youth. They vowed to follow Sri Krishna forever and devoted everything on him. When Krishna moved to Mathura and later to Dwarka, the people of Brij remained in Brij at the behest of Sri Krishna. They lived their lives with the blissful memories of Sri Krishna.
Event today, Brij is considered a holy land and it is a privilege to have been born there. It is said that it is a result of good karma that you get this privilege. However, as Sri Krishna says, the privilege is not forever, one must continue with their duties in the world to be able to prove worthy for the continued privilege.
Us
We love Sri Krishna for everything. For our being and all that he has graced upon us. We would love to sing for him, dance in his ecstasy and praise him for the way of life Sri Krishna has shown us. Though a Yogi himself, Sri Krishna has become popular with the masses through the Bhakti parampara – The ways of devotion.
In his praise we celebrate the Govardhan Pooja and Annakoot. Upon his insistence and grace on us we humbly offer to him what he has given us, empowered us and enabled us. May his blessings be always upon us all and we continue to follow his path with utmost devotion.
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