Notes from Journal 2008

This morning we went to Govardhan and did parikrama around the entire hill. Krishna lifted Govardhan with his little finger and told all the village people not to worry. Krishna used it like and umbrella to protect the Brijabasi's from the torrential rains brought about by King Indra's wrath. After offering respectful obeisances to Govardhan we then went down the road to Radha Kund.

Prior to entering many holy places like Radha Kund, Govardhan,Vrindavan, etc ; government officials have set up toll stations and require 12-14 rupees before your allowed to enter. This revenue is supposed to go toward keeping the roads clean and safe ,free from pot holes. I did see trash all around and some of the roads had mighty big pot holes. Speed bumps have been installed as to slow traffic down. I don't think there is such as thing as driving slow in India except when there is gridlock.

Warning: At night on some of these roads reports of robberies have been made to police. Braj has become very popular with tourists and as a result rouges and thieves are also flocking to Braj. Their philosohpy is to get some money by hook or by crook. Even though Braj Bhoomi is the holiest of all holy places not everyone is a Vaisnava.

In my opinion devotees should never travel at night or by themselves.

During our journey the weather was very pleasant, on the cool to warm side.

All the village people are so very busy with their daily lives , collecting water, wood , sweeping, cleaning, farming and so many other things. Children are busy playing and running all over the place. Groups of village ladies walk quickly with pots of water on their heads, some with bundles of dried wooden branches for cooking. The ladies have Saris covering their heads and faces. Carefree cows block the busy streets and will change directions with out notice. This requires quick reactions from the bicycle , rickshaw, auto or horse drawn wagon drivers.


The early mornings from 4-9 are quite cool with a misty fog that lingers for hours. The fog blankets the country side mixing with the smoke from the coal and firewood used for heating and cooking. This pollutes the air but nobody seems to be very concerned about it. We stayed about 4 hours at Radha Kund today and felt very comfortable.

Today I have associated with the holy name of the lord, his devotees and have visited some of the holiest places in the universe and feel very happy. My japa is sweet and I hope Radharani is pleased with my devotional service.

There is no doubt one can feel the presence of Swami Maharaj , Radha Krishna and all the great sages everywhere through out Braja Bhoomi.

Dandavats to them all !!!