The Story
One night, the saint Keshavacharya was lying in bed, fast asleep, when Lord Haridev, a form of Lord Krishna, appeared to him in a dream. Haridev spoke to Keshavacharya with a tone of urgency:
“I am stuck at the bottom of Bilchu Kund! Please come and take me home.”
Keshavacharya, half-awake and a bit confused, asked, “Are you alone?”
“Yes, I am alone,” replied Haridev, sounding a little sad.
“Then my answer is no,” Keshavacharya responded firmly.
Haridev was taken aback by Keshavacharya’s response. “But I’m Krishna!” He exclaimed. “How can you say no? You’ve worshipped me for so long! Now at last, I want to come to you, and you just reject me?!”
Keshavacharya, still firm in his stance, replied, “Lala (a loving term for a young boy, often used for Krishna), you are very chanchal (restless). You come and go as you please. But you never leave Radharani. I don’t want you without her!”
Haridev, trying to convince the saint, said, “Actually, I am Radha and Krishna in one!”
Keshavacharya, skeptical, raised an eyebrow and said, “I see! That’s very convenient!”
“No, it’s really true!” Haridev insisted. “When I was holding Govardhan Hill, the Brajwasis (the people of Vrindavan) had Radharani sit in front of me. She is my strength, my shakti (divine energy). As I drank in her beauty, she entered into every pore of my being and gave me the power to lift Govardhan. That’s why the Brajwasis say:
कछु माखन ते बल बढयो, कछु गोपन करी सहाय
श्री राधे की कृपा सू, गोवर्धन लियो उठाय
kachu makhan te bal badhyo, kachu gopan kari sahay,
shri radhe ki kripa su, govardhan liyo uthay
“Some of His strength came from eating butter, and the cowherd men helped a little too. But it is really by Radharani’s kripa (grace) that Krishna lifted Govardhan.”
Hearing these heartfelt words, Keshavacharya’s heart melted. He realized that Haridev was indeed both Radha and Krishna in one. Without wasting any time, he rushed to Bilchu Kund and brought Haridev home, finally welcoming the divine presence into his life.
Lessons to Be Learned
- The Importance of Radha in Devotion: The story highlights the inseparable bond between Radha and Krishna, emphasizing that Krishna’s power and grace are incomplete without Radharani.
- Understanding Divine Unity: Keshavacharya’s initial reluctance and eventual acceptance teach us that true devotion requires recognizing the complete divine reality, which includes both Radha and Krishna.
- The Power of Shakti: Radharani’s shakti (divine energy) is portrayed as the essential force that empowers Krishna, reminding us of the significance of feminine divinity in spiritual practice.
- Humility in Worship: Keshavacharya’s reluctance to accept Krishna without Radharani shows the humility and discernment required in true devotion, where the devotee seeks the complete presence of the divine.
Prayer
O Lord,
Grant me the wisdom to understand Your complete and divine nature.
May I always seek the presence of both Radha and Krishna in my heart,
And may my devotion be filled with the humility and love that attracts Your divine grace.
Let me always remember that it is through Radharani’s kripa that I can attain Your blessings.
Guide me, O Lord, to always welcome You in Your complete form,
And allow me to serve You with a heart full of devotion and reverence.
Quote from Shastra
“rādhā-kṛṣṇa eka ātma, dui deha dhari,
anyonye vilase rasa āsvādana kari.”
Translation:
“Radha and Krishna are one soul in two bodies, enjoying pastimes together, tasting the essence of divine love.”
— Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi-lila 4.56
This verse reinforces the idea that Radha and Krishna are inseparable, two aspects of one divine reality, perfectly aligned with the message of the story of Haridev and Keshavacharya.
