Appearance of Sri Govardhana

His Divine Grace Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaja, disappeared in November 1999 at the age 103Appearance of Sri Giri Govardhana

by Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Goswami

(from Bhakti Siddhanta Sar - Essence of Pure Devotion)

found on VINA the 11-11-99

The great sage Garga was previously the priest of the Yadu Dynasty. He had personally conducted the ritual of the name-giving ceremony for the divine brothers Krishna and Balarama at the palace of Nanda Baba in Gokula Mahavana. He also related the pastimes of Lord Krishna in full to Saunaka Rsi and this he describes in his book 'Garga Samhita'. In the 'Vrindavana Khand' portion of this book it is written: Once, seeing the great disturbances in the area of Vraja, Nanda Maharaja beckoned his confidential friends Sunanda, Upnanda, Vrshabanu and other elders for a council and began to address them: "In this area of Mahavana, we are often seeing many calamities. Now all of you should think seriously about what we should do about this." Sunanda, an experienced elder, hearing this remark, replied: "We should not even delay for a minute here but should immediately leave with our children for Vrindavana which is most serene and picturesque. O, King, your son Krishna is the life and soul of all the residence of Vraja. Gracious! It is our incredibly good fortune that the young boy was saved from the demons Putana, Trnavarta and Sakada as well as the falling of the huge Yamala Arjuna trees. But we cannot be certain that there will not be any further misfortunes. Anyway, we can always return here when things get back to normal." To the questions asked by Nanda Maharaja about the distance of this area from Gokula, its approximate size, the appearance of the forest, how beautiful it was and other questions, Sundanda replied: " North-East of Barhisat town, South of Yadupura, West of Sonepure is the area of Mathura Mandal also termed as Vraja by the saintly people. This I have heard from the sage Garga in the house of Vasudeva, that place is even worhipped by the king of holy places 'Prayaga'. In this area is a very superior forest called Vrindavana.

This delightful place of Vrindavana is the most ideal place for the enacting of the wonderful pastimes of Lord Krishna. Even though there is never a greater planet than Vaikuntha and there will never be one in future, still this place Vrindavana is par excellance in comparison. There also is the presence of the Giriraja mountains surrounded by the beautiful banks of the River Yamuna which flows there, also two prominent mountains stand out called Nandisvara and Vrhatsanu (Barsana) The lush countryside is so incredibly beautiful. The whole area is about twenty-four crose of forest land which contains pastures for sweet milk-giving cows and also creepers, shrubs and flowers which serve the needs of the cowherd boys and girls. During the time of periodic annihilation, when Lord Brahma was sleeping, a fierce demon named Sankhacuda stole the Vedas from Brahmaloka by overcoming all the higher planetary demigods and then submerged himself in the ocean. This act diminished the power and luster of the demigods who became frantic with despair. Then the compassionate Supreme Lord Hari, taking the form of a gigantic fish, entered the heavy swirling waters of the vast ocean at time of periodic annihilation and waged a terrific battle against the demons. Lord Hari then enacted his fighting pastimes with the demon, finally cutting the head of the demon off with his sharp disc and returned to the higher planets where the Vedas were reinstated as before. Lord Brahma with other demigods soon very joyfully performed all necessary purificatory ceremonies for this occasion. The holy place Prayaga was also invited to participate and was coronated with pomp and from this time Prayaga began to be known as the King of the Holy places. From then on the fame of Prayaga became gradually wide spread. The rivers Ganga and Yamuna, with their gentle waves, began to shower on this River their holy waters in the manner of fanning a whisk in adoration. All the other holy places in Jambudvipa arrived there similarly with the necessary utensils of worship and worshipped Prayaga Raja with pomp and opulence by authorized procedures. Soon after completing the different rituals of worship and prayer they began to revert or return to their own places of residence. At this opportune time, the great sage Narada who was always fond of intrigues arrived there, singing the songs of Hari as usual with his musical vina. The personified Prayaga greeted him with the usal formalities of cordiality and respect required as when meeting with a great sage. The sage, after being seated on a comfortable sitting place, began to speak: "O Tirtha Raja, you may be the King of all holy places an by right every place is awarding you all respect and worship. However the holy places in the land of Vraja like Vrindavana have not come to offer you any formal worship, hence you have been insulted by them."

Hearing this words from Devarsi Narada, King Prayaga became infuriated with anger while the sage Narada then continued on his way. With his ire raised, King Prayaga then traversed and reached the spiritual world of the court of Lord Hari. After paying the customary obeisances like circumambulating the Supreme Lord, he, with his hands folded, began to protest with vehemence: "Oh, Lord! It is a sure fact that you have made me the King of all pilgrimage centers in the world, but except for this Mathura Mandal, all other holy places have paid the necessary tribute to me. This Vraja tirtha, being over intoxicated by pride, has not afforded me the proper worship, in this way slighting me. Please tell me the reason for this." To this outburst, the Supreme Lord replied gravely: "It is true that I have placed all the places of pilgrimage under your sovereignty but in My own house you do not have any rulership and I have not entrusted you with as such. You are overly eager to possess My own realm. You have lost your composure and are speaking in an unintelligible fashion.

Go back to your own place and listen to My parting words. Mathura Mandal is My own private retreat and supersedes all others. It is above the three worlds and not destroyed during the time of annihilation, being completely transcendental." On listening to these poignant words of the Supreme Lord, the personified Prayaga became completely astonished and his pride was vanquished. Soon afterwards, coming directly to Mathura Mandal, he began to pay the necessary obeisances and carried out worship as befitting to this holiest of all places. After the circumbulation of Mathura Mandal, he returned to his own abode. At another time of periodic annihilation, the Supreme Lord Sri Hari, appearing as a boar with hard tusks, rescued the Goddess Earth from the depths of the ocean on the brink of Rasatala (lower planet). Amidst the waters, He showed her an amazing sight of beautiful lustrous shrubs and creepers saying to her: "Oh, Goddess! In front of you are some divine bushes and shrubs in these waters. This is the land of Mathura mandal which is related to the spiritual world Goloka. Even in the final annihilation this is never destroyed." The Goddess Earth, on hearing this became surprised, for it was her contention that she was solely maintaining and sustaining all living and non living things on her land and no one else could do so. But now she actually realized the glories of Vraja. Vraja area is the most elevated of all holy places of pilgrimage and worshipable by all the holy places including Prayaga Raja. It is eternally existing and completely transcendental. In this holy Vraja, the mountain of Govardhana which is non different from the divine body of the Lord is present and His most beloved the river Yamuna also flows throught this place. To the question of Nanda Maharaja the sober Sunanda continued: "The Lord of the innumerable worlds and the ruler of Goloka advented from the spiritual world to execute the task of removing the earths burden. At that time He requested Srimati Radhika to accompany Him to planet Earth. Srimati Radharani then pleaded: "Where the holy Vrindavana is not present or where the Yamuna River or Giri Govardhana is not present, My mind does not take delight in going to such a place."

Giving in to Her request Lord Sri Hari then gave the order for the whole spiritual 84 crose area of Vraja with all the related spiritual paraphernalia like the Govardhana Mountain and River Yamuna to descend to the planed Earth. This spiritual land of Vraja is praised by all the three worlds. The Bhu Mandal planetary system is divided into seven islands resembling a lotus flower in shape, namely: Jambu, Plaksa Salmali, Kusa, Krauncha, Saka, Puskara. Each island is divided further into nine different divisions. In the Ajanabha division of Jambudvipa, by virtue of the eldest son of King Rsabha named Bharatha, this existing region has been termed Bharata Varsa. West of this land called Bharata is the island of Salmali, where from the wife of the mountain Drona, Govardhana Hill became born. On that auspicious occasion, all the demigods began to shower flowers on him and all other great mountains like Himalaya, Sumeru, etc. coming to that place with the usual rites, worship, prayer and circumbulation began to glorify him.

The main predominating mountains prayed thus: "Oh, Govardhana! You have appeard from the spiritual world Goloka Vrindavana where the omniscient Lord Krishna resides with His confidential associate cowherd boys and maidens. From today, you are the King of all the mountains like us. Also, You are the ornament or crown jewel of Goloka. You are the form of the umbrella of the all absolute Supreme Brahman. I offer my obeisances to you." The mountains, after glorifying Govardhan in this way, went back to their respective homes. Henceforth Govardhana began to be called by the name 'Giriraja' King of the mountains. At one time the sage Pulastya, while touring the different places of pilgrimage, came to the spot where Giriraja was situated. He observed the wonderful serenity of the cool flowing breezes and the lush beauty of the greenery of shrubs and bushes with their interwined variety of fruits and flowers. It was rampant with various auspicious sounds of peacocks intermingled with those of other birds and animals. In short, a perfect environment for austerity. Thus being dazzled and captivated by the impeccable beauty of Giriraja, the sage approached his father Dornachal with a desire to possess this mountain. Dronachal Mountain, as usual, bestowed the necessary respect and honor on the arrival of the great Rsi. The Rsi being pleased by the warm reception given, spoke: "Oh, King of Mountins, Drona! You are worshipped by all the demigods and repository of all divine herbs.You are that which sustains the life of all living beings. I, a resident of Kasi, have come with this sole request that you give your son to me for I have no need for anything else. In Kasi, even sinful people who die there immediately attain. liberation. There the River Ganga flows to the North and Lord Visvanatha is actually present there in person. At that place I will place your son Govardhana replete with it'sbeautiful surroundings and practice my austerities. This type of desire hase somewhat surfaced in my heart." Hearing these words of saint Pulastya, Drona Giri, with tears running from his cheeks due to extreme affection for his beloved son, began to speak:

"O, sage, this son is very dear to me, though I cannot bear any separation from my son, but because of my fear of your irate curse, I will put my son under your care according to your desire." He then summoned his son and addressing him, told him to accompany the sage to the land of fruitive work, Bharata Varsa where all the four fold objects of life can be obtained up to liberation. Thus in obedience to the order of his father, Govardhana began to accede to the wishes of Pulastya Muni. However, he informed the sage: "I am 8 yojanas in length, 5 yojanas in breath and 2 yojanas in height. How will you possibly carry me to your residence?" The Muni replied: "My son, if you please seat yourself on the palm of my right hand, I will carry you in this manner and walk to Kasi." Sri Govardhana Deva then replied with a condition: "O Muni, in the course of wandering, if you, unable to bear my weight, place me at any one spot, then I will never move from that spot at any event, this is my promise."Pulastya Muni replied similarly: "My son, do not worry, I too, from this Salmalidvipa right down to Kosaladesh will never place you along the path and this is my word." Without further ado, the Mountain Govardhana, after paying obeisances to his tearful and distressed father, climbed unto the palm of the Muni. The great sage then revealing his extraordinary mystic powers by holding the Govardhana Hill with his right hand, began to trudge along the path until finally he reached the land of Vraja Mandala. At this juncture, Govardhana became haunted with past reminiscendes and began to reflect: "The Lord of the infinite universes, complete in Himself, Lord Sri Krishna, will advent in peson in this land of Vraja. Here in this place He will perform many sweet and wonderful pastimes with His cowherd friends and other associates in lovong mellows. Therefore I will never leave this land of Vraja especially by these bank of Yamuna and go elsewhere. Sri Krishna will appear here with Srimati Radhika from Goloka, and by Their pure vision, I will be able to achieve all perfection." Contemplating in this way, he began to resort to his full weight on the palm of the Muni, the sage, being heavily taxed an overburdened to the extremes by such incredible weight, placed the mountain on the ground and left undaunted to do his daily purificatory rituals, forgetting his vow. After completing his systematic bath, toilet followed by his daily meditation on the Gayatri mantra, he again approached Govardhana to be seated on his palm but this time Govardhana refused to budge. The sage then began to attempt by the force of his own spiritual powers to lift him, but in vain, he then tried incessantly to plead and coax him but the mountain did not move an inch. Finally, Govardhana spoke reminding the sage: "O, Muni! This is no fault of mine. You have placed me here voluntarily on your own will, but my previous condition still stands which is, I will never move once being place on any spot along the path of the journey to Kasi." "The Muni became angered by these words of Govardhana which penetrated into his very being and with trembling lips counteracted with a curse at the mountain 'tasmatu tilamatram hi nityam tvam ksinatam vraja' "You have impudently refused to accede to my earnest request, o mountain, henceforth, you will reduce in size by the measure of 1 till seed daily."

After proclaiming this verdict, the Muni returned to his native place Kasi and from then on as a result, Govardhana began to be reduced by the size of one till daily. Sunanda comcluding to Nanda Maharaja on the appearance of Govardhana, commented, "Until the time, the Ganga and Giriraja in this earth will exist, for that time vile Kali cannot exert its dire influence on the planet Earth." The pastime by which the stone form of the Govardhana mountain becomes reduced in size is another feature of the inconceivable potency of Lord Sri Krishna. In these pastimes relating to the Govardhana mountain everything happened by the Absolute will of the Supreme, the sage being a mere agent. Here, Sri Krishna, in the form of His devotee, has appeared to exhibit the proper way of servitorship as an ingredient in His pastimes. The same Sri Krishna saying:

"I am this mountain," repeatedly in His original form as Sri Krishna accepted the natural adoration and worship of the residents of Vraja also besides exhibiting reciprocally His own affection for them. The devotion of Srila Rupa-Raghunatha for this Govardhana Hill is beyond description. vibhrano yah sri bhujadandopari bhartu- schatribhavam nama yathartham svamakarsit krsnopajnam yasya makhastithati sohayam pratyasam me tvam kuru govardhana purnam He was situated on the hand of his master Lord Krishna like an umbrella, earning his name consequently as the king of Mountains (Giriraja). The sacrifice of this worship of Govardhana was first introduced by Lord Krishna. May that Govardhana Hill satisfy all my aspirations. jhamajjhamiti varsati stanita cakravikridaya vimustharavimandale ghana ghatabhirakhandale raraksa dharani dharoddhr tipatuh kutumbani yah sa darayatu dharunam vraja purandaraste dharam When king Indra unleashed the huge clouds with their rumbling sounds which covered the sun and began to cause heavy showers with splattering sounds of jham! jham!' at that time Lord Krishna holding Govardhana Hill, protected His own kinsmen and loving devotees. May the Lord Krishna protect us from all fears. Sri Govardhana is very affectionate to His devotees and easily gives His lotus feet to His own surrendered devotees, protecting them from all fear and lamentation, granting them all fearlessness. However, we can pray to Him in this way, May Sri Govardhana grace this lowly soul by his merciful glance! Only by his causeless mercy can I remean obedient to Sri Rupa Raghunatha and be entranced in the service of the spiritual master who is the pure servitor of Sri Rupa Raghunatha." saptaham murajit karambuja paribrajat kanisthanguli prodyad valgu varata kopari mila mughda dvirepho' api yah pathahksepak satrunakra mukhatah krode vrajam dragapat kastum gokula badhavam girivaram govardhanam nasrayet The mountain Govardhan while being lifted and held for seven days with the little finger of his master Lord Krishna, remained like an intoxicated bee in His lotus hand while protecting the whole of Vraja from fearsome rains. Why do not living entities take shelter of Govardhana hill?" giri-nrpa haridasa sreni varyeti namam mrtam idam uditam sri radhika vaktra chandrat vrajanabha tilakatve klrpta vedaih sphutam me nija nikata nivasam dehi govardhana tvam "The nectar of your name as the best of the servants of Sri Krishna has been uttered by the lotus mouth of Srimati Radhika Herself. The Vedas have placed you as the tilak mark adorning the land of Vraja. My prayer to you, O Govardhana, is to allow me to reside in proximity to you." This lowly self in obedience to the path chalked out by Srila Rupa-Raghunatha through to my spiritual master pray, that Sri Govardhana may protect me from all obstacles to the devotional path. In this way by giving up all false prestige, I may be able to drench everyone with the pure devotional conclusions of the scriptures. May I therefore remain fixed in the service of Sri Guru, Vaisnhavas and the Supreme Lord!"