Are you looking for a spiritual and cultural destination that will fill your heart with joy and devotion? If yes, then you should visit Radha Kund, the most sacred pond of Radha and Krishna in Govardhan, Mathura. Radha Kund is not just a water body, but a divine manifestation of the love and bliss of the supreme couple.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Radha Kund, including its legend, significance, attractions, activities, and travel information. Read on to discover why Radha Kund is the ultimate place to experience the beauty and grace of Radha and Krishna.
The Legend of Radha Kund and Shyam Kund
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are two adjacent ponds that have a fascinating and miraculous story behind their appearance. According to the Bhagavata Purana and other scriptures, once Krishna killed a demon named Aristasura, who had taken the form of a bull, at Govardhan Hill. Radha and her friends, the gopis, accused Krishna of being impure for killing a cow-like creature, and refused to associate with him until he purified himself by taking a bath in all the holy rivers. Krishna, being the playful and clever lover, dug a hole in the ground with his heel and summoned all the holy rivers to enter into it. He then declared that he had created a pond that was holier than all the holy places, and named it Shyam Kund, after his dark complexion.
Radha and the gopis were not impressed by Krishna's feat, and challenged him to prove his love for Radha by creating a pond for her as well. Krishna agreed, but said that he would only assist them by digging the earth, and they had to fill the pond with their own water. Radha and the gopis accepted the challenge, and with their bangles, they dug a hole next to Shyam Kund. They then tried to fill the pond by bringing water from a nearby well, but it was too slow and tedious. Krishna laughed at their efforts, and suggested that they should take water from his pond. Radha and the gopis refused, and said that they would rather die than accept his help. They then decided to fill the pond with their own tears of love for Radha. As they cried, the pond was miraculously filled with water, and became more beautiful and fragrant than Shyam Kund. Krishna was amazed by the power and purity of Radha's love, and named the pond Radha Kund, after his beloved.
The scriptures say that Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are the liquid forms of Radha and Krishna, and that they are the most dear and intimate places for their pastimes. They also say that anyone who takes a bath in these ponds on the auspicious day of Bahulastami, the actual appearance day of the ponds, will attain the love of Radha and Krishna.
The Significance and Glory of Radha Kund and Shyam Kund
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are not ordinary ponds, but the supreme holy places in the entire creation. They are the embodiments of the love and bliss of Radha and Krishna, and the shelter of the devotees who aspire to serve them. The scriptures and the saints glorify Radha Kund and Shyam Kund as the highest destinations of spiritual perfection, and reveal some of the inner secrets of these ponds.
One of the secrets is that Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are actually one, but appear as two for the pleasure of Radha and Krishna. They are like the eyes of Govardhan Hill, which is the form of Krishna's devotee, Giriraj. They are also like the eyes of Radha and Krishna, who gaze at each other with love and affection. They are the symbols of the union and separation of the divine couple, who enjoy their sweet and bitter exchanges of love.
Another secret is that Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are the places where Radha and Krishna perform their afternoon pastimes, which are the most confidential and ecstatic of all. These pastimes are known as rasa-lila, or the dance of love, and they involve the most intimate and playful interactions of Radha and Krishna with their associates. These pastimes are so sublime and transcendental that they are beyond the comprehension of the ordinary mind, and can only be accessed by the pure and surrendered devotees.
A third secret is that Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are the sources of all the spiritual energies and potencies of Radha and Krishna, and that they can bestow the highest benediction of prema, or pure love, to the fortunate souls who take shelter of them. They are the reservoirs of the nectar of devotion, and the fountains of the bliss of love. They are the gateways to the eternal abode of Radha and Krishna, where they invite their devotees to join them in their eternal pastimes.
The Attractions and Activities at Radha Kund and Shyam Kund
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are not only the places of spiritual enlightenment, but also the places of cultural and historical significance. There are many attractions and activities at Radha Kund and Shyam Kund that will enrich your visit and make it memorable. Here are some of the things you can see and do at Radha Kund and Shyam Kund:
- Visit the temples and ashrams: There are many temples and ashrams at Radha Kund and Shyam Kund that are dedicated to Radha and Krishna and their devotees. Some of the prominent ones are the Radha Rani Temple, the Shyam Sundar Temple, the Jahnava Mata Temple, the Raghunath Das Goswami Samadhi, the Sanatan Goswami Samadhi, and the Krishna Das Kaviraj Samadhi. These temples and ashrams are the places of worship and meditation, where you can experience the presence and grace of Radha and Krishna and their devotees.
- Participate in the festivals: There are many festivals that are celebrated at Radha Kund and Shyam Kund throughout the year, especially on the occasions of the appearance and disappearance days of Radha and Krishna and their devotees. Some of the major festivals are the Radha Kund Snan, the Bahulastami, the Govardhan Puja, the Annakut, the Kartik Purnima, the Gopastami, the Nityananda Trayodashi, the Gaura Purnima, and the Radhashtami. These festivals are the times of joy and celebration, where you can join the devotees in singing, dancing, chanting, and offering prayers and offerings to Radha and Krishna and their devotees.
- Perform the parikrama: Parikrama means circumambulation, and it is a way of showing respect and devotion to the sacred places. There are two types of parikrama that you can perform at Radha Kund and Shyam Kund: the Govardhan parikrama and the Radha Kund parikrama. The Govardhan parikrama is the circumambulation of the Govardhan Hill, which is 21 km long and takes about 5 hours to complete. The Govardhan parikrama is a very auspicious and beneficial activity, as it pleases Radha and Krishna and their devotee, Giriraj. The Radha Kund parikrama is the circumambulation of the Radha Kund, which is 1.5 km long and takes about 15 minutes to complete. The Radha Kund parikrama is a very intimate and sweet activity, as it brings you closer to the love and bliss of Radha and Krishna.
- Take a bath: Taking a bath in Radha Kund and Shyam Kund is not just a physical cleansing, but a spiritual purification. It is said that by taking a bath in these ponds, one can wash away all the sins and impurities of the mind and heart, and attain the love and mercy of Radha and Krishna. It is especially recommended to take a bath in these ponds on the auspicious day of Bahulastami, the actual appearance day of the ponds, which falls on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik (October-November). On this day, thousands of devotees flock to Radha Kund and Shyam Kund to take a dip in the holy water, and receive the blessings of Radha and Krishna.
The Travel Information and Tips for Visiting Radha Kund and Shyam Kund
If you are planning to visit Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, you will need some travel information and tips to make your trip smooth and comfortable. Here are some of the things you should know before you go:
- How to reach: Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are located in Govardhan, which is about 25 km from Mathura, the nearest major city and railway station. You can reach Mathura by train or bus from Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, or other cities. From Mathura, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to Govardhan. Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus from Delhi to Govardhan, which takes about 4 hours. Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are situated in the center of Govardhan, and you can easily walk or hire a cycle-rickshaw to reach them.
- Where to stay: There are many options for accommodation at Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, ranging from budget to luxury. You can choose from hotels, guest houses, ashrams, or dharamshalas, depending on your preference and budget. Some of the popular places to stay are the Radha Kund Ashram, theShri Radhe Kunj, the Govardhan Eco Village, or the Nidhivan Sarovar Portico. These places offer comfortable and clean rooms, friendly service, and delicious food. You can also enjoy the views of Govardhan Hill, Radha Kund, and the surrounding greenery from these places.
- What to eat: There are many options for food at Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, ranging from traditional to modern. You can choose from prasadam, sweets, snacks, or meals, depending on your taste and appetite. Some of the popular places to eat are the Radha Kund Bhojanalaya, the Govinda's Restaurant, the Radha Madhav Sweets, or the Radha Rani Bakery. These places offer fresh and hygienic food, prepared with love and devotion. You can also enjoy the local specialties such as kachori, samosa, lassi, peda, or rabri.
- What to avoid: There are some things that you should avoid when visiting Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, to respect the sanctity and etiquette of the place. Here are some of the things you should not do at Radha Kund and Shyam Kund:
- Do not use plastic or litter the place. Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are the abodes of Radha and Krishna, and they should be kept clean and pure. You should use eco-friendly or biodegradable materials, and dispose of them properly.
- Do not disturb or offend the locals. Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are the homes of many devotees and sadhus, who live there in simplicity and renunciation. You should respect their culture and lifestyle, and not cause any inconvenience or trouble to them.
- Do not dress immodestly or behave inappropriately. Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are the places of love and devotion, and they should be approached with humility and reverence. You should dress modestly and decently, and not indulge in any sensual or worldly activities.
- Do not take photos or videos without permission. Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are the places of mystery and transcendence, and they should not be exposed or exploited for material purposes. You should seek the permission of the authorities and the devotees before taking any photos or videos, and use them only for personal or spiritual reasons.
Conclusion
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are the supreme holy places of love and bliss, where you can experience the beauty and grace of Radha and Krishna. They are the places of legend, significance, attraction, and activity, where you can enrich your knowledge, faith, and devotion. They are the places of travel, information, and tips, where you can plan your trip, enjoy your stay, and follow the rules.
If you are looking for a spiritual and cultural destination that will fill your heart with joy and devotion, you should visit Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, and discover why they are the ultimate place to experience the love and bliss of Radha and Krishna.
