Introduction: A Pilgrim’s Journey
On another occasion, there was a Brahmana, a Brijavasi, who lived in Vrindavan. He desired to go on a pilgrimage to different holy places across India. So, he traveled here and there, and eventually, his good fortune led him to Bengal. This Brijavasi, after his travels around India, eventually arrived in Ekachakra, the birthplace of Sri Nityananda Rama.
Arriving in Ekachakra
Not knowing much about this sacred place where Lord Nityananda appeared, he hired a guide to show him around. As they began walking through Ekachakra, the Brahmana asked the guide, “Is there anything special about Ekachakra?” The guide, who was a very advanced and Krishna-conscious devotee, responded with something quite profound.
The Guide’s Enlightenment
He said, “Yes, my dear pilgrim, there is no difference between Sri Vrindavan Dham and Ekachakra or Mayapur, Navadvipa. These abodes are all equally sacred. When you speak of Vrindavan, you refer to the entire Brajmandala, not just the village of Vrindavan. Similarly, Gaurmandala includes Ekachakra, Navadvipa, and Shantipura. There is no difference between these holy places.”
The pilgrim, somewhat amused, replied, “What are you talking about? There’s no difference between Vrindavan and Mayapur, Ekachakra? I’ve been to Vrindavan, and now I’m here in Ekachakra. There’s a big difference. You’re calling it the same place?”
A Test of Faith
The Brahmana then challenged the guide, saying, “If this is Vrindavan, show me the Yamuna River.” The guide confidently replied, “Yes, we have the Yamuna here. Follow me, and I’ll show you the Yamuna River.”
They walked through the village to the outskirts, where a small stream was flowing. The guide pointed and said, “There is Yamuna.” The Brahmana, surprised, exclaimed, “This little stream? You’ve got to be kidding me!”
A Humble Offering
Despite his disbelief, the Brahmana thought there must be something sacred about the stream since Ekachakra is a holy place. He concluded that while it might not be the Yamuna, it was still sacred water. He placed his walking stick on the bank of the stream and entered the water to chant his Gayatri mantra.
As he was chanting, he thought to himself, “I chant my Gayatri in the Yamuna, where the water is up to my waist. Here, this little stream barely reaches my ankles. How can this be the Yamuna?”
The Mysterious Disappearance
After finishing his Gayatri, the Brahmana noticed that his walking stick had been carried away by the stream. He was quite attached to that stick, having carried it all over India, but he accepted the loss and continued his pilgrimage.
The Return to Vrindavan
About a year later, the Brahmana returned to Vrindavan. His family and friends gathered around him, eager to hear about his pilgrimage. He shared his experiences and mentioned how the people in Bengal, especially in Ekachakra, believed it was non-different from Vrindavan. He chuckled, finding it amusing that they even called a small stream the Yamuna River.
The Divine Realization
The next day in Vrindavan, the Brahmana went to the Yamuna River to chant his Gayatri, as was his routine. While standing waist-deep in the water, something suddenly struck his knee. It got lodged between his legs, making it difficult for him to move. After finishing his prayer, he reached down and pulled out the object—it was the same walking stick that he had lost in the stream at Ekachakra.
The Lesson Learned
The Brahmana, being knowledgeable, realized that this was no mere coincidence. The experience taught him that there truly is no difference between Vrindavan, Mayapur, and Ekachakra. The walking stick served as a divine instrument, guiding him to this profound realization. The realization that these holy places are one and the same was more valuable to him than even reclaiming his walking stick.
Conclusion: A Prayer of Gratitude
This story teaches us the deep spiritual truth that the holy abodes of the Lord are non-different from one another. By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and our Acharyas, we have come to understand and appreciate the unity of these sacred places.
Prayer:
O Lord Krishna, just as you revealed to the Brijavasi the oneness of your holy abodes, grant us the vision to see the unity in all your sacred places. May we always cherish and honor the sanctity of these abodes, understanding that your divine presence makes them all equally sacred. Let us approach these holy places with humility and devotion, and may we realize the deep spiritual truths they hold. Jai Shri Krishna!
