Glory of Vrindavana

The Glory of Vrindavan: When the Earth Herself Bowed to Its Divinity

The first chapter of Sri Vrindavan Khanda in the Garga Samhita begins with the sweet invocation of the names of Sri Radha Krishna— the Divine Couple, whose glories purify every heart.

Nanda’s Concern and the Search for Safety

In Gokul, Nanda Maharaja grew anxious. Demons sent by Kamsa had begun to attack repeatedly, threatening little Krishna and the people of Vraja. To protect everyone, he called a meeting of the wise elders.

Among them, the learned Sri Sannanda (or Sunanda) advised that the safest path was to move their settlement to Vrindavana, a divine forest blessed by the presence of the Supreme Lord Himself.

🌿 The Description of Vrindavana

When Nanda asked about this sacred land, Sannanda revealed what he had heard from sage Garga:

“The land of Mathura-mandala is glorious beyond compare — it lies northeast of Bārhismat, south of the Yadus’ city, and west of Sona. Even Prayaga, the king of holy places, bows to Mathura, for it is the transcendental abode of the Lord.”

He described Vrindavana as a divine forest filled with the pastimes of Krishna, surrounded by the sacred Yamuna and crowned by Govardhana Hill. Cows, cowherd boys, and the gopis fill it with love and joy — and even Vaikuntha, the spiritual world of Narayana, cannot compare to its sweetness.

🔱 The Story of Prayaga and the Pride of the Holy Places

Sannanda then narrated a divine episode explaining why even Prayaga, the king of holy places, worships Vrindavana.

In ancient times, the demon Shankhasura had stolen the Vedas and hidden them in the cosmic ocean. Lord Hari, assuming the form of a giant fish (Matsya Avatara), defeated the demon and restored the Vedas to Brahma. In gratitude, Brahma performed a grand sacrifice and crowned Prayaga as King of the Holy Places.

But when all the sacred places came to honor Prayaga, the holy land of Vraja did not. Feeling insulted, Prayaga went to Lord Vishnu and complained. The Lord smiled and replied:

 “I made you king of all holy places on earth, but Mathura-mandala is My own home — My eternal abode beyond the three worlds. It was never created, and it will never be destroyed. You cannot rule over My home.”

Realizing his error, Prayaga bowed down to Mathura-Vrindavana, worshiped it, and returned humbled to his own realm.

The Earth’s Pride and the Boar Incarnation

Nanda then asked why the Lord said that Mathura had “broken the Earth’s pride.” Sannanda narrated another wondrous story.

At the dawn of creation, when the Earth had sunk into the waters, Lord Varaha (the Boar incarnation) lifted her upon His tusks. The Earth, proud of being the resting place of all things, asked where He would place her again.

As the Lord traveled through the waters, she saw a patch of land filled with divine trees. Astonished, she asked, “What is this sacred place that exists even when I do not?”

Lord Varaha revealed:

“This is Mathura-mandala, part of Goloka, My eternal spiritual abode. It exists beyond destruction.”

Humbled, the Earth goddess bowed down to Mathura and realized the supremacy of Mathura- mandala over all creation.

🌼 The Eternal Message

Thus, Sannanda concluded:

“O King Nanda, even hearing the glories of Vraja liberates a soul while living in this world. Know that Mathura-Vrindavana is higher than all holy places, even Prayaga.”

Vrindavana is not just a place — it is the very heart of the Supreme, the eternal playground where divine love dances freely.

Reflection

I’ve visited Vrindavan many times — and every time, it feels like stepping into another world. There’s something in its air, a divine calmness that fills your heart with love and peace. The sound of Radhe Radhe echoing through the streets, the gentle bells, and the smiles of devotees — all bring a feeling of closeness to the Divine that words can hardly describe.

Vrindavan doesn’t just touch your heart — it transforms it. 💖

Have you ever visited Vrindavan?

How did you feel there? Did you sense that same spiritual joy and peace?

Share your experience in the comments — I’d truly love to hear it!