Vrindavan: Childhood Among Cowherds

Playing with the gopas

Krishna and Balarama move to Vrindavan and enjoy childhood among the cowherd boys. They play in forests and pastures, tending calves and sharing lunch. These seemingly ordinary pastimes are filled with transcendental significance, attracting even the greatest yogis' meditation.

The Move to Vrindavan

After the terrifying events in Gokul - the falling of the twin arjuna trees, the endless stream of demon attacks - the village elders gathered in council. Nanda Maharaja expressed what many felt: too many strange things were happening in this place. Perhaps a new location would bring peace.

An elder named Upananda spoke:

"This village has become inauspicious. First the witch Putana, then the whirlwind demon, now trees falling of their own accord. Our children are not safe here. I know of a place called Vrindavan - rich in pastures, blessed by forests of tulsi, protected by Govardhan Hill. Let us relocate our families and our herds."

The assembly agreed unanimously. And so the great migration began - carts loaded with household goods, women and children riding along, the men driving the vast herds of cattle. The dust they raised could be seen for miles.

They did not know they were walking into the landscape that would become the most sacred geography in all of Vaishnavism - Vraja, the holy land of Krishna's pastimes.

The Forest of Tulsi

Vrindavan derives its name from vrinda - tulsi, the sacred basil - and vana - forest. The entire region was covered with groves of this holy plant, whose fragrance filled the air. Rivers flowed pure and clear. Hills provided shelter and beauty. The grass grew thick and green for the cattle.

The cowherds established their new settlement. Each family built homes of wood and thatch. Cowsheds were arranged. Milk, yogurt, and butter flowed in abundance. The atmosphere was one of pastoral simplicity and contentment.

And through this idyllic setting, two brothers would now play their divine games - Krishna and Balarama, the dark and the fair, the embodiment of all divine energies in the form of cowherd boys.