Radhastami is coming soon and I’m meditating on Sri Radha and her divine qualities to prepare my consciousness for the festival. Srila Prabhupad would often speak how only through Sri Radha we can attain Krishna. Only by the mercy of Sri Radha can we enter Sri Vrindavan Dham.
Few years ago whilst visiting Sri Vrindavan dham I decided to visit Govardhan and spend time with local sadhus to understand more about Sri Radha.
My driver brought me to Kusum Sarovar, a place where many devotees start their parikrama.
Just imagine that feeling when after years again you get the opportunity to take darshan of Govardhan hill, hear temple bells announcing arati ceremonies, meeting sadhus who are busy with their parikramas and seeing cows who are freely wandering around and attracting everyone’s attention with their peaceful and divine appearance. Whole scene is so attractive to all the senses and makes you cry tears of joy.
These moments are so precious and create such a strong impression in the heart that can never be forgotten.
Whole place is surcharged with so much devotion that cannot be understood by logic, tapasya or sastric study.This place is only accessible by the mercy of Sri Radha.
Whilst meditating on my good fortune to be here one sadhu approached me and invited me to his house which is across the road of Govardhan hill.
He gave me a seat, offered a drink and introduced himself: “My name is Udhava baba and I have lived here under Govardhan hill for the last 60 years.”
Whilst hearing from him I noticed a cow and calf entering his small room whilst his pet monkey and parrot freely wandered around his house as part of his family. Dog also entered looking for some food.
He continued speaking;” By the mercy of Sri Radha I perform daily Govardhan Parikrama and my service is to share the glories of Radha Krishna to whoever visits Govardhan”.
Whole situation appeared like from the books. Everything was happening at the same time; animals wandering around,sadhus coming and offering some prasad to us, kirtan going on in another room all the while Udhava baba shared the glories of Radha Krishna with me. It was so natural for him to share and speak about Radha and Krishna. I felt grateful.
He continued;” Sri Radha is the source of all happiness and bliss.You cannot enter Vrindavan dham without her mercy and only when she is pleased can you come closer to Krishna”.
Whilst speaking to me tears of devotion filled his eyes. He affectionately looked at the cow and continued:”Sri Radha is very merciful to you by allowing you to come and visit Vrindavan and Govardhan hill. This place is a spiritual world and everything else becomes insignificant for one who realises this”.
“Jaya Sri Radhe”, Sadhu shouted and entered the room, offering respects to Udhava baba. There was some duty to perform and Udhava baba needed to go so I offered my respects, took dust from his feet and left, feeling grateful and ready to start my Govardhan parikrama and experience more of these magical moments.
May I, again and again, be allowed to visit Vrindavan dham and have an association of devotees who will share the glories of Radha and Krishna with me.
As Udhava baba said;”This place is a spiritual world and everything else becomes insignificant for one who realises this”
22 August 2020
Ananta Gopal das
Bhakti Wisdom 
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