Vrinda (Tulasi) Devi
A Comprehensive Guide to Śrī Vṛndāvana Dhāma
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Vrinda (Tulasi) Devi
Krishna appears in this material world through His many expansions such as the Vishnu avatars and He even comes Himself as Vrajanandana Krishna and as Sri Caitanya Deva. To serve the Lord in His many incarnations His eternal associates also descend to the material world. Thus is the case of Tulasi-devi. According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura Tulasi Devi is an expansion of the internal potency of Krishna known as urja.
In Goloka Vrindavana Tulasi-devi is nondifferent from the gopi named Vrinda who has expanded Herself as Tulasi. This Vrinda Devi is Herself an expansion of Srimati Radharani and She leads the section of sakhis known as dutika-sakhis,or messengers. In the transcendental pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Govinda, Vrinda Devi is just under Visakha-gopi in importance and intimacy. The love and intimacy which exists between Srimati Radharani and Vrinda Devi is like a vast ocean of sweetness.
Actually the forest of Vrindavana is named after Vrinda Devi and it is a fact that She gave this beautiful forest as a gift to Srimati Radharani. In the field of vraja-bhakti it is not possible for the aspiring devotee to enter Vrindavana without first getting the blessings of Vrinda Devi. She is so exalted that She is considered as one of the principle Deities of Vrindavana. The feelings of affection that Radharani has for Vrinda Devi are wonderful. It is so wonderful that Radharani once made an arrangement for Krishna and Vrinda to sit together on the same throne during Their pastimes in the forest. At that time Radharani arranged for the wedding ceremony of Krishna and Vrinda to be performed.
Vrindavana is the land of the highest Divinity and the sweetest reality. There, every word is a song, every step is a dance and the flute is the dearmost companion of Krishna. Katha ganam natyam gamanam api vamsi priyasakhi.
“A little distance from this place, in a secluded spot, Vrinda devi would consider in her mind how to arrange the meeting of the divine couple. After arranging Their meeting, she would float in happiness. Who would not glorify the qualities of Vrinda devi?”
In the Vraja vilasa stava it is stated: “Filled with a great flood of love, Vrinda devi creates a festive atmosphere for Sri Sri Radha and Krishna to enjoy transcendental pastimes with Their dear friends by decorating the ever blossoming groves of Vrindavana with many fragrant flowers. Let me surrender unto Vrinda devi.”
Sri Vrinda devi is the embodiment of Krishna's beauty. She is a great heroine and is expert in making arrangements to please Krishna. She is known as Lilavati and remains forever on the east of Yogapitha.
Arranges Rasa Dance
“One day at this place some wonderful pastimes took place which I am eager to describe. Vrinda devi thought how she would somehow or other like to see the pastimes of Radha and Krishna. Thinking in this way, Vrinda devi along with her followers began to make arrangements for the rasa dance. The wonderful arrangements they made are unknown even to the Natya Sastras.
“The dance arena was made extremely enchanting, effulgent as the bright moonshine. The surrounding gardens were also further beautified by the rays of the moon. Many sitting places, decorated with white flowers, were situated in the four directions and in the middle a white simhasana was carefully arranged. Pan, betel, and other spices kept on a jeweled tray attracted everyone's mind by the wonderful fragrance. The fragrance of the various flower decorations, sandalwood, and other items cannot be described. “They kept there millions of camaras, which attracted the mind. Mrdangas and other musical instruments were kept in orderly rows. Parrots and kokilas were instructed to sing the glories of Radha and Krishna. Peacocks were instructed to dance and bumblebees to hum.
“At that time one of Vrinda devi's followers softly spoke to her, `Following your instructions I have gone to see why Their Lordships were delayed. Paurnamasi had instructed Krishna to wait for Radha at Puspavana. Sri Radhika, coming from Her home along with Her sakhis then met Krishna at that place. Paurnamasi became pleased seeing Their meeting and informed Them about your arrangements. Upon hearing from Paurnamasi, Radha and Krishna left there on Their way here.'
“How attractive was the poise of Their lotus feet as They placed Their arms on each other's shoulders and proceeded along. They gazed at each other filled with intense feelings of love. There was no limit to the beauty of that enchanting scene. Seeing it caused one's eyelids to resist blinking. “Krishna resembled the rain filled monsoon cloud, and Radha resembled a flashing bolt of lightening. The brightness of Their beauty illuminated the three worlds. They were surrounded by Lalita and the sakhis and the combined bodily radiance of all present was indeed enchanting. With wonderful poses They thus entered the forest grove with the sound of the ankle bells continually tinkling.
“Seeing the arrangements made by Vrinda devi, Radha and Krishna, along with the sakhis became overjoyed. Sitting on that excellent simhasana in the middle of the arena, They remained smiling in great satisfaction. All around the sakhis forgot themselves in great happiness.
“Millions of maidservants fanned Their Lordships with the camaras. The parrots and kokilas sang Their glories, bumblebees sweetly hummed, and the peacocks danced. They all performed their respective services according to Vrinda devi's instructions, and in this way Vrinda devi disclosed her heart's desire. Krishna, the personification of ecstatic love, smilingly cast a sidelong glance and spoke something to Vrinda.
“Who can describe the ever increasing joy felt by Vrinda devi while offering flowers and sandalwood pulp to Krishna? Lalita took the tray of pan spices and happily placed it in the hand of Radharani, who took the pan, and in great pleasure, placed it in Krishna's mouth. Manifesting His pastimes, Krishna slowly smiled while chewing the pan, His heart agitated in love. Thinking to enjoy rasa dance He lovingly gazed into the face of Radharani.
“Lord Krishna is the personification of bliss and the abode of spiritual mellows. Millions of Cupids are conquered by Him. With His flute to His lips, wearing an enchanting dress and decorated with a peacock's feather, His beauty increased unlimitedly. Thereafter, to fulfill the desires of Vrinda devi, Lord Krishna enjoyed His pastimes of rasa dance at this place.
Description of Vrinda Devi
Vrinda-devi is the best of all the gopi messengers. Her complexion is reddish and she decorates her blue dress with pearl necklaces and colourful flower garlands. Immersed in love for Radha-Krsna, Vrinda-devi always lives in Vrindavana. She yearns to arrange Radha-Krishna's meeting and to taste the nectar of assisting Their transcendental pastimes within Vrindavana 's pleasure groves.
Like the other gopi messengers Vrinda-devi is fully conversant in the geography of Vrindavana . She intimately knows which groves and gardens are best suited for the meeting of Radha and Krishna. She is an expert gardener. Gopi messengers such Vrindarika and Mela, appointed by Vrinda-devi, have jurisdiction over all the flowering trees, creepers and bushes in Vrindavana .
Prayers to Srimati Vrinda-devi
"O Srimati Vrinda -devi, maintainer of the forest of Vrindavana . As you supply all the ingredients and paraphernalia for the pleasure-filled lilas of Radha-Govinda, you are an empress in every respect. Please be merciful to me so that I may also be counted amongst the maidservants of Sri Radha" (SKD).
" Filled with a great flood of love and decorating the ever blossoming groves of Vrindavana with many fragrant flowers Vrinda-devi creates a festive atmosphere for Sri-Sri Radha and Gopinatha to enjoy transcendental pastimes with Their friend's. Let me surrender to Vrinda-devi (VVS).
"O Vrinda-devi! Because of unlimited offenses, we have no devotion and suffer in the miserable ocean of material existence. The insurmountable waves of lust, greed and anger ravage us therefore, we seek your shelter. Please show, compassion and rescue us from this horrible ocean of birth and death. We offer our respectful obeisances unto your divine lotus feet" (VDA).
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