Narada Muni’s Visit to Gokula
When Krsna first appeared in Gokula, Narada Muni came for His darsana and thought, “Krsna never appears alone; His hladini-sakti must also have been born.”
Vrsabhanu Maharaja Finds Baby Radharani
In the meantime, Vrsabhanu Maharaja was staying in Raval, where he daily took bath in the river Yamuna. One day, fifteen days after the birth of Lord Krsna, just after taking his bath, Vrsabhanu Maharaja saw a thousand-petaled lotus flower in the Yamuna. In the middle of that lotus flower was a beautiful baby girl sucking Her thumb and moving Her hands and legs. Seeing Her, he immediately picked Her up, took Her in his arms, brought Her to his wife Kirtika, and placed Her on Kirtika’s lap. Not many people know Radhika as the daughter of Kirtika-devi; they mostly know Her as the dear daughter of Vrsabhanu Maharaja.
Narada Muni’s Inquiry
Just after the appearance of that baby girl, Narada Muni went to Vrsabhanu Maharaja’s home and inquired from him, “Has there been any child born to you?”
Vrsabhanu Maharaja replied, “Yes, a son called Sridama.”
Narada Muni’s Blessing
Narada then blessed Sridama and asked, “Has there been any child born more recently?”
Vrsabhanu Maharaja replied, “Yes, a few days ago a daughter was born; I was blessed with a daughter.”
Narada’s Request to See the Baby
Narada asked Vrsabhanu Maharaja, “May I see your daughter? I want to do Her chart and bless Her. I will describe Her future qualities. Please gather candana, Yamuna water, and other paraphernalia so that I can perform a ceremony to bless Her.”
Narada Muni’s Meditation
Vrsabhanu Maharaja then went inside the house and Narada entered a trance of meditation. While he was meditating, that baby girl manifested an exquisite youthful form. Lalita and Visakha were also present, and Lalita told him, “Why are you continuing to meditate? Stand up and offer your obeisances.”
Narada Muni’s Vision of Radhika
Narada then received a one-moment darsana of Radhika, but because his thirst to see Her was not quenched, he went to Narada-kunda and performed austerities for thousands of years, without eating, and continually chanting Radha mantra-japa. At that time Radharani appeared to him, gave him Her service, and he became Naradiya gopi. We know these details from sastra.
Lessons from the Story
Divine Appearances: The appearances of divine personalities like Srimati Radharani are accompanied by miraculous and auspicious events, indicating their supreme nature and purpose.
Devotion and Austerity: Narada Muni’s intense desire to have darsana of Radharani and his subsequent austerities highlight the importance of sincere devotion and penance in spiritual life.
Recognition of Divinity: The incident shows that recognizing divinity in its various forms requires spiritual insight and purity, as demonstrated by Narada’s realization.
The Supremacy of Srimati Radharani: The story underscores the exalted position of Srimati Radharani in the spiritual hierarchy, being the hladini-sakti (pleasure potency) of Lord Krsna.
Prayers for Devotees
May we all aspire to have the sincere devotion and determination of Narada Muni. May we recognize the divine presence in every aspect of our lives and strive to serve with love and humility.
Chanting of the Holy Name:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share these moral/instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefited by hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
