SRI KRISHNA KATHAMRITA BINDU — Rupa Goswami

su o 45 August 2002 Issue No. 34 advanced stages ofdevotionallife. her. Sothese stages are appreciated inmany Krishna asbeingcompletely dependentupon than Krishna,justlikeMother Yasoda treated equal level,orsometimes becomeevenhigher siddha mārga, beginning adevoteemuststrictlyfollow the beginning, position. more intimately and thus forget more intimatelyandthus on thespiritualplatformwe and veneration.Lateronwhenweareperfectly In thebeginningwemusttreatLordwithawe boys andotheradvanceddevoteestreatedHim. Krishnaasintimatelythe treat the commonmanthatweshouldnotimmediately forgiveness fromKrishna.Sothisisateachingto below hisposition.Thereforeheaskedfor — LettertoAcyutananda 1November1973. Arjuna isaneternaldevotee,soonthehigher A. C.BhaktivedantaSwamiPrabhupada

D Highlights stagethedevoteecantreat Krishnaonan regulativeprinciples.Whenonthe ON • D Srila Vrindavan DasThakur • K From SrilaRupaGoswami’s Lalita-mādhava-nāakam • T His DivineGraceA.C.BhaktivedantaSwamiPrabhupada The platform thedevoteeissointimately ’ actually hecamedownonestep T service Krishnaislookeduponwith related thatheforgetsKrishnaisthe HE But, inthelowerstageofdevotional Supreme PersonalityofGodhead. I sahajiyās RISHNA saw the awe andveneration.When Arjuna ON His DivineGrace but we don’tthat. dolike In the MITATE D ’ Fortnightly emailmini-magazinefromGopalJiuPublications T EMON I imitatetheBrijbasisfrom MITATE virāa-mūrti A a QaaMa*Ta&TaáJaqvNaMa( Tav k a QaaMa*Ta&TaáJaqvNaMa( Tav k

tava kathāmtatapta-jīvanam THE PPEARS S may B HANKHACHUDA

gopīs THE RIJBASIS treat Krishna ofKrishna, His

, cowherds IN B svarūpa- exalted F viddhi- RIJBASIS OUR ŚrīkāmikāEkādaśī F ORMS hearing these killing thedemonsareespeciallysignificant.By anarthas devotees whostillharbormaterialdesiresor sphere. Bhaktivinodedescribesthatfor world andtrulymanifestonlyhereinthematerial are conspicuousbytheirabsenceinthespiritual demons, however, are topics oftheLord.Krishna’s pastimesofkilling attained transcendentalgreedforhearingthe of meditationforqualifieddevoteeswhohave says thatKrishna’s nitya describes thatKrishna’s pastimesare oftwotypes, Śrī CaitanyaŚikśāmta, Bhāgavatam. chapter ofthetenth cantoof This pastimeisdescribed inthethirty-fourth fame andinappropriateassociation withwomen.” Shankhachuda, Krishna]dispelsthedesirefor o strī-sa ga-sphāvarjana — the killingofShankhachuda.Hestates: Bhaktivinode mentionsis purify. pastimes andthecorresponding goes ontodescribeKrishna’s various purified ofmaterialcontamination.Bhaktivinode In thesixthshower, sixthcurrent, ofhisbook T Adapted from SrilaRupaGoswami’s S S S S S S S S S S HE (eternal)

r r r r r r r r r r The eighteenthoccasionalpastime D i K i K i K i K i K i K i K i K i K i K Lalita-mādhava-nāakam in theirhearts,Krishna’s pastimesof B B B B B B B B B B EMON naimittika līlās Also, in

and r r r r r r r r r r is is is is is is is is is is nitya , 12 naimittika i i i i i h h i i h h h h h h i h h i i S naimittika n n n n n n n n n n Śrī K a-sa hitā n n n n n n n HANKHACHUDA n n n Śrīdhara a K a K a K a K a K a K a K a K a K a K pastimes are thesubject çankhacūā-vadha Thakur Bhaktivinode du du du du du du du du du du , theheartbecomes a a a a a a a a a a (occasional). , 516 . Suchpastimes t t t t t t t t anarthas t t h h h h h h h h h h “[By killing amr amr

amr amr amr amr amr amr amr amr naimittika prati āśā Gaurābda

sādhaka

Śrīmad

(8.27)

they it it

it it it it it it it it

a a a a a a a a a a

· ·

· · ,

· ·

· · · ·

· · ·

· ·

· · Issue Thirty-four, Page — 2 é[q k* Zbhakti cchalena bhoga-kāmanā śa khacūa iti prokta oaśah pratibandhaka natural effulgence of his body. It is coming from something else.” The desire for gaining fame and sense gratification Kundalata asked, “From what other thing?” through bhakti is called Shankhacuda. This is the “From the jewel on his crown.” sixteenth obstacle. Those whose actions are motivated Vrinda Devi asked, “Where did he get such by a desire for fame are also proud, therefore a splendid jewel?” vai avas should always be careful of such persons. Paurnamasi replied, “He was the leader of Vai avas pray to Krishna, who is famous as śrī- the guards watching over Kuvera’s treasury- śa khacūāntaka, the blessed destroyer of the demon building. He liked that jewel, so he stole it.” Shankhachuda, to free them from the demon-like Vrinda then said, “Today is Sunday. desires for fame and illicit association with women. Radharani will certainly go to the temple of the In the second act of Lalita-mādhava, Srila Rupa sun-god today. You should forbid Her to go.” Goswami gives some interesting details about Kundalata anxiously said, “O Vrinda, Krishna’s pastime of killing the demon Shankhachuda Radharani left to go to the sun temple which are not mentioned in Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. some time ago.” Paurnamasi once told Vrinda Devi, “Seeing the Hearing this, Paurnamasi said, “Kundalata, transcendental glories of Radha and Krishna, Kesi quickly bring Krishna to Radha’s side. I will described it to King Kamsa. Kamsa then decided go to get Balaram.” Paurnamasi then hurried to invade and capture Gokula to obtain Radha.” off with Vrinda Devi. Hearing this Vrinda Devi became frightened Searching for Lord Madhava, Kundalata and asked, “Then? Then?” found that Krishna and Srimati Radharani Paurnamasi replied, “Aristasura then had already met in a secluded bower in the advised Kamsa to marry Radharani, and the Vrindavan forest. fearless Kamsa sent his intimate friend, the Unseen by anyone, the demon wicked yak a Shankhachuda, to kidnap her”. Shankhachuda quietly entered a nearby Vrinda Devi said, “If Radha is kidnapped grove and hid among the vines. He said to by this demon, the entire world will burn with himself, “This girl on the jewelled throne looks pain. Who will not burn with pain if beautiful like the girl described by Govardhana-malla. girls that are sweetly scented with all virtues Now is my chance to do my work.” are scorched by a demon’s touch? If Suddenly a voice came from the nearby wonderful unfortunate Radha is kidnapped forest path, “O granddaughter Radha, where that will bring constant unparalleled pain not have You gone for such a long time?” only to me but also to the entire world.” Hearing the voice, Krishna said, Just then, Krishna’s cousin Kundalata came “Kundalata, why is Mukhara [Radharani’s running in and said to Paurnamasi, “O noble lady, nearly blind grandmother] complaining?” I have seen a great wonder, a great wonder!” Kundalata laughed and said, “O charming Paurnamasi said, “What wonder is that?” Krishna, of what importance is the poverty of “Near Govardhana-malla’s house I saw the old ladies’ complaints to an amorous hero like brilliantly shining sun-god.” You, who, enjoying pastimes in the forest groves, Hearing this, Vrinda Devi became blissful and makes waves of playful sidelong glances?” said, “O noble Paurnamasi, don’t worry! Just see! Suddenly Mukhara entered the kuñja. Seeing Sri Because of Radha’s constant worship of Surya Sri Radha-Krishna before her, she said to herself, the sun-god, and because of that sun-god’s “Ah! What a great misfortune! Why has this kalpa- friendship with Radharani’s father Maharaja latā creeper abandoned a sandalwood tree to rest Vrishabhanu, he has come here to protect Her.” on this castor-oil plant?” Then openly she said, Paurnamasi shook her head and replied, “This is very bad. My child, You have become a “This is not the sun-god. He must be the yak a pet-doe for this crest-jewel of debauchees.” sent by Kamsa.” Seeing the unexpected arrival of Mukhara, to Kundalata said, “How is that possible? This tease Krishna, Lalita said, “O noble lady, this person is so effulgent that the light coming Krishna has tricked us and is making fun of us!” Sri Krishna-kathamrita Bindu Issue Thirty-four, Page — 3 Mukhara began chastising Krishna, “You Seeing this, all of the gopīs said, “O Krishna! debauchee! Stop! Stop!” Where are You?” Seeing Mukhara’s angry mood, Krishna Hearing the gopīs frightened cries and seeing decided to hide amongst the trees. the situation, Krishna left the grove where He Mukhara then became even more angry and was hiding and began to lament to Himself, “O said, “Lalita, chase Him! Chase that rascal!” Radha! Eager with hundreds of desires, I brought Lalita said, “Aha Krishna! Why do You flee?” You to this place deep in the Vrindavan forest, Mukhara quickly went after Krishna and filled with the sweet fragrances. O beautiful one, began searching for Him in the forest. Seeing why has cruel fate, appearing as this tricky a shadow in the trees, she said in a menacing demon Shankhachuda, now carried You far tone of voice, “By good luck we have caught away?” Angrily walking about, Krishna said, You! O snake that attacks the does of the gopīs, “Noble lady, don’t fear. I will rescue Her.” by good luck we have now caught You!” With tears in her eyes, Mukhara said, “O Hearing Mukhara’s angry words, Krishna, moon-faced boy, may victory be Yours!” the Supreme Personality of Godhead who Krishna then spoke the following words full relishes human-like pastimes, said to Himself, of chivalrous pride [2.2.104]: “How will this almost-blind old lady find Me rādhāparādhini muhus tvayi yan na śāstim in the dense darkness of this forest grove?” śaknomi kartum akhila guru e a kheda Finding that it was only a shadow and not sarvā gineyam abhidhāvati lupta-dharmā Krishna, Mukhara began turning her head, tva mukti-kāla-rajanī bata ki kari ye looking everywhere. Krishna laughed and said to Himself, “The “Wicked demon, offensive to Sri Radha, I feel old lady has only seen an illusion.” great pain because I cannot spend all of eternity Mukhara said, “Ah, it is very dark.” torturing you. The wicked black night of death Krishna smiled to Himself. now chases you, covering you with all its limbs. Then going to another place, Mukhara saw How will I torture you forever if you merely die?” a figure in the trees and said, “Aha! Now Seeing Krishna coming fast behind him, we’ve got You!” Getting a closer look she then Shankhachuda put Srimati Radharani aside became frightened. “O rascal! Paurnamasi and turned to fight with Him. spoke the truth when she said You could Seeing young Krishna fighting with the fierce assume many forms like those of Nrisimhadev and gigantic demon, the Vrajabasis began and Varaha. Now You have assumed the lamenting, “What is child Krishna, as handsome form of a terrifying demon that is as brilliant as Cupid and as delicate as a new sprout on a as the sun. This form frightens me.” tamāla tree, in comparison to this degraded yak a Seeing Mukhara, the demon Shankhachuda giant, whose arms are like palm trees and whose moved past her, saying to himself, “By good chest is like a mountainside? Alas, Krishna does luck I have escaped the gaze of that boy who not even have an expert friend to help Him! O was the personification of all powerful heroes.” queen of Vraja, Yasoda, we cannot know how Shankhachuda then went towards the gopīs. you must be suffering now!” Seeing the demon coming, the gopīs became Hearing these words, everyone was afraid and said, “Noble lady! Save us! Save us!” overcome with grief. Still thinking that Shankhachuda was Coming on the scene, Paurnamasi said, Krishna, Mukhara angrily said, “Dark “Daughter Lalita, don’t be unhappy. Know that Krishna, this is not right!” this demon is a spark soon to be extinguished.” Lalita said, “Foolish old woman! Do you think With the strength of His arms, powerful this terrible demon is Krishna in disguise?” Krishna attacked the hideous Shankhachuda Shankhachuda said to himself, “Now, in demon, who had fearsome curling fangs in order to fulfill the unfulfilled desire of my dear his horrible mouth. In the middle of the forest, friend King Kamsa, I will grab the hair of the Krishna, who wears a peacock-feather in His lotus-like girl on this throne and drag Her hair, struck Shankhachuda with millions of away.” He then grabs Radharani by Her hair blows, stunned him, and then took from his and starts taking Her away. crown the jewel as effulgent as the sun. Issue Thirty-four, Page — 4 é[q k* ZBhaktivinoda Thakur. Śrī Caitanya-śik āmta. Sri Chaitanya Math. His friends away and now alone, Krishna Mayapur. Gaurabdha 420. Bengali. — Bhaktivinoda Thakur. Śrī K a-sahitā. Sri Chaitanya Math. approached Radha.” Mayapur. Date unknown. Bengali. Paurnamasi said, “O beautiful one, Look! — Bhaktivinoda Thakur. Śrī K a-sahitā. English translation by Look! His face glistening with perspiration Bhumipati Das. Vrajaraj Press. Edited and published by Pundarik Vidyanidhi Das. Vrindavan. 1998. and His peacock feather crown moving in — Rupa Goswami. Śrī Lalita-mādhava Naaka. Sanskrit with Bengali translation by Sri Rama Narayan Vidyaratna. Mahesh Library. Calcutta. 1995. SRI KRISHNA KATHAMRITA BINDU — Rupa Goswami. Śrī Lalita-mādhava Naaka. English translation by a free bi-monthly service provided by: Kusakratha Das. Krishna Library. Culver City California. 1990. Gopal Jiu Publications c/o ISKCON Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir KRISHNA APPEARS IN FOUR FORMS National Highway No. 5, IRC Village Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India, 751015 Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur Phone: (0674) 557026 bhāgavata-tulasī-ga gāya bhakta-jane Email: [email protected] caturddhā vigraha k a ei cāri sane For more information about Gopal Jiu Publica- tions check out our website: www.gopaljiu.org jīva-nyāsa karile śrī-mūrti pūjya haya To unsubscribe, send an email to [email protected] ’janma mātra e cāri īśvara’ vede kaya with “unsubscribe” in the subject line. (To subscribe put Lord Krishna appears in four forms: the “subscribe” in the subject line.) scripture Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the tulasī Gopal Jiu Publications is a branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Founder-Acarya His plant, the river Ganges, and the Lord’s Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. devotees. While the deity form of the Lord Quotations from the books, letters, and lectures of His is worshipable only after the performance Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ©Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. All other mate- of certain rituals, the Vedas explain that rials, unless specified, © ISKCON Bhubaneswar/Gopal these other four forms are directly the Jiu Publications. All rights reserved. Blanket permission is Supreme Lord Himself from the moment given to redistribute Bindu in electronic or print form provided no changes are made to the contents. they appear in this world. — Śrī Caitanya-bhāgavata madhya 21.82.