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 Krishna's transcendental amorous pastimes.
When shall I lovingly gaze on Sri Sri Gandharva-Giridhari (Sri Sri Radha-Krishna),
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 Krishna'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 Krishna 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 Vrindavana forest. I worship Vrindavana forest,
which is delightful with the scent of their lotus feet. TEXT 8 In Vrindavana 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 Krishna 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 Krishna. 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, Krishna, 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, Krishna'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, Krishna's grandmother. With
merry joking words she worships Krishna, 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 Krishna. 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 Krishna by giving Him palatable
dishes made with buffalo yoghurt. He worships Krishna with every breath. May Lord
Krishna'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 Krishna, 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 Krishna 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 Krishna'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 Krishna, Ambika instructed her son Vijaya to always stay
near child Krishna and protect Him from the demons. I worship Vijaya, the son
of Krishna'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 Krishna's limbs. Everyday he smells Krishna's head. Everyday he offers
Krishna 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 Krishna. His complexion is dark, and he is proud that
his qualities, age, clothing and handsome features closely resemble that of Lord
Krishna. If for a single moment he cannot see Lord Krishna, he trembles with anxiety.
I completely take shelter of Sridama, the constant companion of Lord Krishna. 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 Krishna, 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-Krishna. TEXT 23 Assembling the surabhi cows in one place, hand in hand, Krishna's friends
play and joke. For them the ocean of pure love has washed away the mud of awe
and reverence in Krishna's presence. Let us take shelter of these boys, whose
hearts, lives, and property are all placed at Lord Krishna'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-Krishna) 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 Krishna, the moon of Vrindavana. TEXT 25 Accompanied by an expert gopi friend, Paurnamasi daily arranges the
secret rendezvous of expert Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. 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 Krishna. 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-Krishna),
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 Vrindavana with many fragrant flowers, Vrinda-devi creates a festive atmosphere
for Sri Sri Radha-Krishna to enjoy transcendental pastimes with Their dear friends.
Let me surrender to Vrinda-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 Krishna 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, Krishna, 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
Krishna'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-Krishna 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 Krishna, 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 Krishna. Bowing
my head I take shelter of these dear friends of Srimati Radharani, who daily arranged
for her to enjoy transcendental pastimes with Lord Krishna. TEXT 37 With great love, enthusiasm, and respect, Krishna'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 Krishna'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 Krishna, and by performing many other services,
many gopi maidservants affectionately please Sri Radha, the great queen
of Vrindavana 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 Krishna, the enemy of the
Mura demon, the Lord's personal associates strive to make him always happy. I
worship these fortunate associates of Lord Krishna, 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 Krishna 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 Krishna, 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 Krishna'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 Krishna'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 Krishna'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 Krishna 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 Krishna jumping and frolicking
in Vrindavana. TEXT 48 The fortunate flute deeply drinks the nectar of Lord Krishna'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 Krishna's gopi messengers
nor the many hints, allegorises, and joking instructions spoken by Krishna's cowherd
friends nor Krishna'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 Krishna's
flute, disdaining all previous useless attempts, was able to very easily chase
away that jealous anger. Let us glorify Lord Krishna's exalted and powerful friend,
His flute. TEXT 50 Pleased by the music of Lord Krishna'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 Krishna 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-Krishna 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-Krishna. Let me take shelter of these two lakes : Radha-kunda and
Syama-kunda. TEXT 53 The delightful forest of Vrindavana, 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 Krishna 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 Krishna, 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-Krishna. TEXT 58 When the demon Arista was slain, a great lake named Arista-kunda, filled with
nectar and surrounded with staircases, sprang from Lord Krishna'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 Krishna 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
Krishna's grandfather, fasted, performed austerities, and worshipped Lord Narayana
in order to attain a worthy grandson. Partly for this reason Sri Krishna, 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 Vrindavana, 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 Krishna 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 Krishna's feet. TEXT 63 As he was dancing with the intelligent, graceful, and splendidly beautiful
gopis, Sri Krishna 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 Krishna 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-Krishna) enjoy jubilant
boating pastimes, may give me shelter. TEXT 65 All of Them decorated with the colourful mineral pigments found there, Lord
Krishna 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 Krishna
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 Krishna, 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 Krishna 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-Krishna), 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 Krishna 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 Krishna'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
Krishna'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,
Krishna, 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 Krishna enjoyed these pastimes. TEXT 76 Charming and handsome Lord Krishna 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 Krishna enjoys transcendental pastimes. TEXT 77 One day Lord Krishna, 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 Krishna-vedi, the place where the Lord enjoyed these
pastimes. TEXT 78 Because Sri Krishna 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 Krishna 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-Krishna) 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 Krishna punished him, dancing on him and kicking him with the
soles of His feet. I worship Kaliya-hrada, the lake where Lord Krishna performed
these pastimes. TEXT 82 Once, accompanied by the gopas, gopis, and lowing surabhi cows,
the supremely opulent, noble, and magnanimous Lord Krishna 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
Krishna'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 Krishna 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. Krishna 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 Krishna, 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 Krishna enjoyed
this pastime. TEXT 87 Desiring to quickly attain the treasure of the embraces of Lord Krishna, 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 Krishna'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 Krishna'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 Krishna, 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-Krishna,
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 Krishna, 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
Krishna 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 Krishna 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 Krishna, 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 Vrindavana are splendidly beautiful.
I bow down to offer my respects at every moment to these twelve forests, which
are very dear to Lord Krishna. TEXT 99 Leaving behind Lord Krishna'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 Krishna's pastimes.
He said to them, 'Look! Krishna 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-Krishna) 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 Krishna. 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 Krishna!' 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 Krishna
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 Krishna, 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 Krishna,
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.
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