Uddhav Ji’s Arrival in Braj
The area surrounding Kusum Sarovar is revered as the place of Uddhav Ji, a significant figure in the spiritual history of Braj. Temples dedicated to Uddhav Ji are found on both sides of Kusum Sarovar, with Uddhav Kund located nearby. Uddhav Ji, a close friend and devoted follower of Lord Krishna, initially visited Braj with the intention of enlightening the gopis with spiritual knowledge. However, upon witnessing the divine beauty of Braj, the unparalleled love in the hearts of the gopis, and having the sacred darshan of Shri Radharani, Uddhav Ji was so deeply moved that he momentarily forgot about Lord Krishna.
Uddhav Ji’s Transformation
The vast ocean of divine knowledge that once filled Uddhav Ji’s heart seemed to dissolve in the face of the pure, selfless love demonstrated by the gopis. Enchanted by the divine atmosphere and the profound devotion of the gopis, Uddhav Ji extended his stay in Braj to six months instead of returning as originally planned. One day, understanding that Uddhav Ji’s presence was needed elsewhere, Shri Radharani gently reminded him, “Uddhav! Your friend must be waiting for you; you also have to go.” With her blessings, Uddhav Ji, despite his deep attachment to Braj, bowed down and prepared to depart. Yet, as he left, his heart was filled with a profound wish:
Uddhav Ji’s Wish
“Aasamaho Charanrenujushamaham Syam Vrindavane Kimapi Gulmalataushadhinaam.”
- Shrimad Bhagavatam (10.47.61)
“Oh, let me be fortunate enough to be one of the bushes, creepers, or herbs in Vrindavan, because the gopis trample them and bless them with the dust of their lotus feet.”
The Manifestation of Uddhav-Kunda
Uddhav-Kunda is located directly west of Kusum Sarovar, along the right side of the parikrama path in Goverdhan. This sacred site was established by Maharaja Vajranabha under the guidance of sages like Sandilya. It is believed that Uddhav Ji continues to reside here in the form of grass and shrubs, eternally longing to be blessed by the dust of the gopis’ feet.
Uddhav Ji’s Eternal Presence: A Divine Story
The Shrimad Bhagavatam Mahatmya of the Skanda Purana offers a captivating account of this sacred place. After Lord Krishna’s departure from this world, His queens in Dwaraka were overwhelmed with grief. In an effort to console them, Vajranabha brought them to Uddhav-Kunda, where they performed a grand sankirtan (devotional chanting). As the sankirtan progressed, all of Krishna’s associates began to appear one by one. Arjuna played the mridanga (drum), and Uddhav Ji, emerging from the grass and shrubs, joined in the ecstatic dance. The depth of their devotion was so powerful that Lord Krishna Himself, accompanied by Shri Radhika and the other sakhis, appeared in the divine sankirtan. After some time, the divine vision faded, leaving the queens comforted and Uddhav Ji once again residing in the grass and shrubs near Uddhav-Kunda.
Lesson to be Learned:
The story of Uddhav Ji underscores the immense power of pure devotion. Despite being a learned scholar and a close confidant of Lord Krishna, Uddhav Ji was humbled by the simple yet profound love of the gopis. His transformation from a messenger of divine knowledge to a humble devotee, yearning to serve in the dust of Vrindavan, embodies the true essence of bhakti (devotion). This tale serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the supreme value of heartfelt devotion over mere intellectual knowledge.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Krishna, may we cultivate the humility and devotion exemplified by Uddhav Ji. Let us be like the grass and shrubs in Vrindavan, always yearning to be touched by the dust of Your divine feet. Grant us the grace to serve You with pure love, just as the gopis did, and may we always remember the true essence of bhakti.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
