Srimati Radharani is the most valuable and dear to Lord Krishna. Without a doubt, Sri Radha Kunda is also considered precious to him. That’s why many devotees gather around the divine Kunda during the celebration of Bahulastami. As per popular belief, if someone bathes in this holy water, they get the blessings and love of Krishna.
When Sri Radha Kunda Manifested?
Sri Radha Kunda manifested in the Kartik month on the eighth day of the disappearing phase of the moon. On this auspicious day, devotees decorate the Kunda with lamps, lotuses, and various beautiful plants and shrubs. They even bathe in the Kunda or sprinkle drops of holy water on their heads.
What is Bahulastami?
Celebration of Bahulastami is essentially the appearance of Radha Kunda. It’s said that the holy cow Bahula took the shelter of Krishna on the bank of this kunda in Vrndavan. In this place, pilgrims are often reminded of the beautiful pastime of Bahula, a brahmana, a tiger and Krishna.
How is Bahulastami Celebrated?
The celebration of Bahulastami begins with bathing in the holy water. Every year, at the same time, thousands of devotees come together at the banks of Sri Radha Kunda. They also offer gifts and other offers like milk, water, fruits, garlands, sweets, money and lamps. Further, they pray with their whole bodies, minds and souls dedicated to Lord Krishna and Sri Radharani.
Praying together, they celebrate and glorify Sri Radha Kunda, which is not any different from Srimati Radhika herself.
How is it Named Bahulastami?
Once upon a time, Bahula named cow was grazing peacefully when a tiger suddenly attacked her. She requested the tiger to leave her as she has to return to her calf for feeding it. She promised the tiger that she would return after feeding the calf and then the tiger can make her his meal.
After agreeing to this proposal, the tiger kept waiting for her return. Meanwhile, the cow rushed to her calf and then went to her master, a brahmana. She told them the whole story. On hearing her pitiful story, both brahmana and calf volunteered to go to the tiger in her place to be his meal.
But Bahula declined their selfless offer. But at last, all three – Bahula, calf and brahmana – went to the tiger to be his meal. The tiger was happy with the outcome. While he was deciding which victim to eat first, Lord Krishna, the deity of dharma, appeared with his Vraja. With his chakra in one hand, Lord Krishna convinced the tiger of everlasting fame if he showed mercy on the cow and her calf for their honourable and truthful conduct. After that, the tiger released Bahula from the promise and both the brahmana and calf were happy with Krishna’s merciful act of intervening.
Being pleased with the integrity and truthfulness of Bahula, Krishna named the entire forest after her as Bahulavan. Lord also blesses her to become his companion. Hence, in her next birth, Bahula becomes one of the wives of Krishna. This day is also called Bahulastami after her.
Why Saci-Nandana Started Crying?
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu‘s disposition and acts as He arrived in Rtudvipa are described by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in the Navadvipa Bhava Taranga:
“ritudvipam tato gatva
drishtva sobham vanasya ca
radha-kundadikam smritva
ruroda saci-nandanah”
It’s mentioned that Saci-Nandana began crying on remembering Radha-Kunda and the rest of the sacred places in Ritudvipa.
The Sri Caitanya Math, the main headquarters of the Gaudiya Math founded by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, is located on the island of Antardvipa, in the residence of Chandrasekar Acarya, Mahaprabhu’s maternal uncle. Sarasvati Thakura’s students carried the sacred waters, Giriraja Silas from the revered Govardhana Hill, Keli Kadamba trees and the Tamala from Vrindavan under his direction and supervision. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura also observed that these holy spots were present in the Math while she was immersed in meditation.
Conclusion
On the day of Bahulastami, Radha Kunda and Syama Kunda appear as two exquisitely designed pools on the ground beneath the altar of Sri Sri Radha Madhava in Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir. The kundas are embellished with candles, lotuses and several exquisite flowers. By sprinkling some of this holy water on their heads, devotees are offered the chance to take a bath in these kundas.
The dedication and love of devotees show the significance of Sri Radha Kunda, the holiest of the sacred places in Vrindavan.
