Krishna and the Ladies of Vrindavana

Chapters 20, 21, 22, 23

Sukadeva Goswami described the beauty of the rainfall and autumn season in Vrindavana, ingeniously identifying a series of powerful lessons one can learn from nature.

Venu Gita: When Krishna entered the forest and began playing His flute, the gopis were completely captivated. They meditated on the fortune of the flute, who continuously experiences the nectar of Krishna’s lips. The gopis also glorified the peacocks, deer, cows, birds, and inhabitants of Vrindavana, who all became completely stunned when hearing that transcendental flute song. Absorbed in such thoughts, the young maidens wandered here and there in the forest.

Stealing Garments: The gopis performed special worship of Goddess Katyayani with the ardent hope that Krishna would become their husband. In reciprocation, Krishna stole their garments while they were bathing in the Yamuna. Sitting on a Kadamba tree, Krishna cajoled them to come out naked. Externally they rebuked Krishna, but in their hearts the gopis were overjoyed. Later, to gain respite from the heat, the cowherd boys took shelter underneath some trees, who Krishna praised for their outstanding qualities.

Brahmanas’ Wives: Krishna sent the hungry cowherd boys to beg some food from the local brahmanas. Preoccupied with their ritualistic performances, the brahmanas ignored them and neglected to even reply. Krishna advised the gopas to instead visit the wives of those same brahmanas. When approached, the ladies eagerly gathered a variety of foods and lovingly handed them to Krishna and the cowherd boys. Enchanted by Krishna, they offered themselves at the same time! Krishna, however, instructed them to return home and fulfil their duties. Later, the ritualistic brahmanas realised their folly and condemned themselves for their neglect. They concluded that their wives were far more advanced in spiritual realisation since they had actually grasped the essence of what the scriptures teach; pure devotion to the Supreme Lord.