The Search for Govindaji
Rupa Goswami, one of the principal followers of Lord Chaitanya, was wandering around Vrindavan, searching for the deity of Govindaji. This deity had been lost for thousands of years, and Rupa Goswami was determined to find and establish His worship as instructed by Lord Chaitanya. Despite asking the local villagers if they had seen or knew of Govindadev, no one could provide any information. Feeling disheartened, Rupa Goswami became increasingly desperate.
Desperate Cry for Mercy
One day, overwhelmed by his inability to find Govindaji, Rupa Goswami went to the bank of the Yamuna River and began to cry out in desperation, “Oh Govinda, Oh Govindaji, where are you?” His intense yearning was not just a simple plea; it was the cry of a devotee longing to fulfill his spiritual duty. These tears, born from sincere devotion, are often the price one pays to receive Krishna’s mercy.
As Rupa Goswami was crying, he suddenly noticed a small boy, around seven years old, standing nearby. The boy, full of confidence, approached Rupa Goswami and asked, “Baba, why are you crying in my village?” Rupa Goswami, surprised by the boy’s question, responded, “Your village? How old are you?” The boy replied, “Seven.”
The Divine Revelation
The boy, with a smile, said, “Baba, I play throughout all the fields of Vraja, and often I notice when I come down here to the Yamuna, that on top of that little hillock, I find my Govindaji. Why don’t you go there? Maybe you’ll find your Govinda.”
Taking this as a divine message, Rupa Goswami quickly went to the hillock. As he looked at the spot, lo and behold, he saw the top knot of the Govindaji deity sticking out from the earth. The deity had been buried for thousands of years, with just this top knot exposed.
The Discovery of Govindaji
Rupa Goswami was filled with joy, understanding that the young boy who had guided him was none other than Gopal, Krishna Himself. He immediately called for nearby villagers to help carefully excavate the deity. This sacred spot became known as Govinda Sthali, where Rupa Goswami later established a beautiful temple for the worship of Govindaji.
Although the temple was later desecrated by Aurangzeb’s soldiers, it remains a significant site with revived deity worship. Rupa Goswami then wrote a letter to Lord Chaitanya, who was in Jagannath Puri, informing Him of the discovery of Govindaji and asking for assistance in the deity’s worship.
Mahaprabhu’s Response
Lord Chaitanya, upon receiving the letter, was overjoyed that Rupa Goswami had found his beloved Govindaji. Mahaprabhu considered who He could send to assist Rupa Goswami, knowing that leaving His own association would be difficult for any of His followers. Finally, He decided to send Kashishwara, one of His devoted servants.
Kashishwara’s Devotion
Kashishwara, though heartbroken at the thought of leaving Lord Chaitanya, accepted the order with devotion. Mahaprabhu gave him a deity of Gauragovinda, saying, “This deity is no different from me.” Kashishwara became the first pujari (priest) of Govindaji and also worshipped Gauragovinda alongside.
The Legacy of Rupa Goswami
Rupa Goswami’s discovery and establishment of Govindaji’s worship not only fulfilled his mission but also set an example for the rest of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. His dedication to service and his role in revealing the innermost heart’s desire of Lord Chaitanya, which is to spread the glories of Vrajabhakti (devotion as practiced in Vrindavan), continues to inspire devotees.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Persistence in Devotional Service: Rupa Goswami’s relentless search for Govindaji teaches us the importance of persistence in our spiritual practices. Even when success seems distant, unwavering determination and heartfelt devotion can lead to divine intervention.
- The Power of Desperation in Devotion: The tears of desperation shed by Rupa Goswami reflect the intense longing a devotee should have for Krishna. Such sincere emotions attract Krishna’s mercy, as seen in this pastime.
- Divine Guidance Comes in Unexpected Forms: The young boy who guided Rupa Goswami was none other than Krishna Himself. This teaches us that divine guidance can come in unexpected forms, and we must remain open to recognizing and following it.
- Service to the Lord’s Desire: Kashishwara’s willingness to leave Lord Chaitanya’s association to serve Rupa Goswami in Vrindavan highlights the importance of prioritizing the fulfillment of the Lord’s desires over personal preferences.
- The Eternal Nature of Devotional Service: Rupa Goswami’s tireless efforts in establishing deity worship remind us that devotional service is an eternal and ongoing process. As devotees, we are meant to serve continuously, finding joy in the endless opportunities to serve Krishna.
Prayer
O Govindaji, who was discovered by the unwavering devotion of Rupa Goswami, please bless us with the same intensity of longing to serve You. May we always remain persistent in our spiritual practices, and may our hearts be filled with the sincere desperation that attracts Your mercy. Guide us, O Lord, in fulfilling Your desires, and grant us the strength to serve You eternally.
Quote from Shastra
Bhagavad Gita 9.22: ananyāś cintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham
“But those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form—to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.”
This verse reflects how Krishna personally intervenes in the lives of His devotees, ensuring that their sincere efforts in devotional service are rewarded and supported by His divine grace. Just as Krishna guided Rupa Goswami to find Govindaji, He also supports all sincere devotees in their spiritual endeavors.
