The Merciful Vrajavasis and the Sweet Fruit of Vrindavan Parikrama

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura often addresses the topic of parikrama in his writings and of course, he instructed his son, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, to “develop Sri Navadvipa Dham Parikrama, for by its performance all people of the world can be liberated." (qtd. from “Navadvipa,” Back to Godhead volume 33, number 6).

Regarding visiting holy places, however, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura stresses that the real value of visiting the tirthas is the Vaisnava association that one can acquire in the process. In an earlier bhajana in the Kalyana-kalpataru songbook, he writes:

"The actual benefit of visiting holy places is association with the exalted devotees who reside there, and the worship of the most enchanting Sri Krsna, under their guidance. Wherever the devotees reside is a holy place. Therefore, you should fix your mind by constantly associating with devotees." (Kalyana Kalpataru, Upadesa Song 14, Verse 3).

Later, in the same bhajana, he declares, "Where the Vaisnavas reside, that place is Vrndavana, and so one can experience unlimited happiness there" (Verse 5).

This important fact—that the Devotees have the potency to sanctify places—is also proclaimed in the Srimad Bhagavatam by Maharaja Yudhisthira when he states to Vidura:

My lord, devotees like your good self are verily holy places personified. Because you carry the Personality of Godhead within your heart, you turn all places into places of pilgrimage. (SB 1.13.10).

In the particular bhajana we are reflecting on presently, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura visits the theme of Vrindavan-parikrama.

Of course, in Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, the Thakura has accompanied Sri Jiva Goswami and Lord Nityananda on an incredible, prema-laden parikrama of Sri Navadvipa Dhama. That Navadvipa-parikrama was also, in a significant way, Sri Jiva Goswami's ticket to the holy land of Sri Vrindavan-dhama.

Now, in this section of Kalyana-kalpataru, Srila Bhaktivinoda turns his attention to Sri Vrindavan Dhama. However, first, he shows us the proper mood for entering the playground of Krsna in the first four verses of his song:

When will my foolish mind give up all other subjects of meditation and find respite at the lotus feet of Sri Krsna?

When will I consider myself to be a beggar and thus think that there is no one more insignificant than me?

When will I offer my obeisances to everyone, including the dog eaters, and earnestly beg from them devotion to Krsna?

When will I have compassion for all living entities? While seeing the distressed condition of the fallen souls, when will tears flow from my eyes? (Kalyana Kalpataru, Ucchasa Song 10, Verses 1-4).

The above questions present a tall order: the mind is to be uni-focused and external activities are to reflect the internal cultivation of genuine dainya, or humility. One is to feel oneself a beggar and offer obeisances to all in the mood of receiving devotion to Krsna from them.

The Thakura manifests this genuine dainya at all turns,but mercifully states this standard for our benefit before describing how he enters Vrindavan and the mood he exhibits once he arrives there:

I will go to Vrindavan. While shedding incessant tears, I will take shelter of the Vaisnavas who reside there.

I will fold my hands before the Vrajavasis and eagerly inquire from them about the places of the Lord's pastimes.

O Vrajavasis, please have mercy upon me. Kindly show me the places where Lord Hari performed His pastimes. (Verses 5-7).

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura then describes how his eagerness is rewarded:

At that time a kindhearted Vrajavasi will take me on a tour of the forests of Vrindavan. (Verse 8).

Notably, the Thakura does not embark on a solitary parikrama. Rather, he places himself at the mercy of the Vaisnavas and then in particular, this one Vrajavasi (unnamed) who takes him to the following tirthas:

• A forest of kadamba trees which marks a place where Krsna performed His rasa dance.
• Nandagrama, the residence of Nanda Maharaja.
• The place where Balarama performed His rasa dance pastimes.
• The place where the calves and cowherd boys were kidnapped.
• The place where Bakasura was killed. (Verses 9-11).

Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura retains his mood of eagerness throughout: "In this way, with the help of the Vrajavasis, I will see the places of the Lord's pastimes in Vrindavan with my thirsy eyes."

Importantly, the Thakura indicates how the Vrajavasis grant him this vision of Vrindavan. Of course, as a perfectly realized and pure devotee of the Lord, the Thakura already has this vision, but he lays out the roadmap for all of us. Recall that in his Bhagavatarka-maricimala, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has also iterated a similar theme: "Sadhus award divine eyes to our heart" (15.17).

Toward the middle of the bhajana, we encounter the fruit of the Thakura's parikrama and the divine vision (and hearing) he is granted. He writes:

Sometimes, I will hear the sound of the flute on the bank of the River Yamuna and thus fall unconscious onto the ground.

At that time the merciful Vrajavasi will loudly chant the names of Krsna and make me drink water from the Yamuna which he had brought in his cupped palms.

By hearing the holy names of Lord Hari, I will regain consciousness. Then, I will continue my tour, along with the Vrajavasi. (Verses 13-15).

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura continues exhibiting a mood of hankering as the end of the bhajana draws near. He asks, "When will that auspicious day come when I will wander door-to-door, begging for my food, like a bee collecting a little honey from many flowers?" (Verse 16).

He then provides a vision of the future (though he is always situated in his eternal service as Kamala Manjari):

I will drink the water of the Yamuna by filling my palms. At night, I will sleep in the courtyard of a temple.

When the time for giving up this material body arrives, the aquatics will have a nice feast.

In my spiritual body, I will live in a kunja (grove) under the lotus feet of the sakhis and eternally serve Lord Krsna, Who is my only wealth. (Verses 17-19).

He ends his bhajana by accepting the shelter of Sri Jahnava Devi in a mood of utter humility, as he often does. "Thus prays this sinful and most insignificant person. O Sri Jahnava Devi, please bestow mercy on me at this time."

What sweet fruits did this parikrama of Sri Vrindavana Dhama bear! By the Thakura's mercy, we can read, relish and sing this bhajana and in so doing, try to taste a drop of his mood.