In the sacred village of Nandagrama, there lies a hill known as Nandishvara Parvata, which holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. At the base of this hill is a lake called Nanda Sarovara, which later became famous as Pavana Sarovara due to its purifying nature. This lake, surrounded by the beauty of Vrindavan, has been the site of many divine pastimes, including those of Radha and Krishna.
The Underwater Pastimes of Radha and Krishna
Every day, Nanda Maharaj, along with his family and other Brajabasis, would bathe in the sacred waters of Nanda Sarovara. It is said that while Nanda Maharaj and his family would bathe on one side of the lake, King Vrishabhanu, the father of Srimati Radharani, and his family would bathe on the other side. During these bathing sessions, Radha and Krishna would sometimes swim underwater to meet in the middle of the lake, engaging in what the acharyas describe as delightful underwater pastimes.
Krishna’s Playful Inquiry
One day, in the palace at Nandagram, little Krishna noticed that His mother, Yashoda, was preparing some unusual types of prasada, not the typical rice, dal, sabji, and chapatis. Curious, Krishna asked, “Maya, what kind of funny things are you preparing today?” Mother Yashoda replied, “Lala, tomorrow your father is going on a pilgrimage, so I am making some fried foods that will last him for several days.”
Intrigued, Krishna went to find His father, Nanda Maharaj, and asked, “Papa, where are you going tomorrow?” Nanda Maharaj smiled and said, “My dear son, I am going to Prayag to bathe in the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet.”
Krishna, with His childlike innocence, responded, “Papa, Vrindavan is all-purifying; there is no need to go anywhere else.” But Nanda Maharaj, not taking Krishna’s words seriously, said, “Enough talk for now, my dear son. I must attend to my royal duties.”
The Divine Visitors at Nanda Sarovara
The next morning, as Nanda Maharaj prepared to take his bath in Nanda Sarovara before beginning his journey to Prayag, he encountered an extraordinary sight. At the base of Nandishvara Hill, he saw an effulgent personality rolling in the dust of Vrindavan. This divine being then got up and, with great reverence, entered the waters of Nanda Sarovara.
Curious and surprised, Nanda Maharaj called out, “O Maharaj, who are you?” The effulgent personality replied, “Dearest Nanda Maharaj, I am Prayag Raj, the king of all holy Tirthas (sacred places).”
Nanda Maharaj asked, “O Maharaj, why have you come here today?” Prayag Raj replied, “I have come here to bathe in Nanda Sarovara because all year long, people bathe in my waters, leaving their sinful reactions behind. I have come here to roll in the dust of Vrindavan and bathe in this sacred lake to become Pavana, purified.”
As Nanda Maharaj stood in awe, he noticed many beautiful ladies bathing on the other side of the lake. These were not ordinary women; they were adorned in silk saris woven with gold and silver threads, and they wore gold bangles, priceless earrings, and necklaces that shone like the sun.
Respectfully, Nanda Maharaj approached them and asked, “Excuse me, ladies, who are you?” One lady replied, “O Maharaj, I am Ganga.” Another said, “Maharaj, I am Saraswati.” Another identified herself as Yamuna, and others as Godavari, Kaveri, Narmada, Brahmaputra, and other sacred rivers.
Nanda Maharaj then asked, “Why have you all come here today?” The rivers replied, “All year long, people bathe in our waters and leave their sins behind. So we have come here to roll in the dust of Braj and bathe in this lake to become Pavana, purified.”
The Transformation of Nanda Sarovara
After witnessing this miraculous event, Nanda Maharaj, filled with reverence, took his own bath in the lake. He then returned to Nandagrama, where Krishna, now awake, greeted him with a smile and asked, “Father, when are you leaving for Prayag?”
Nanda Maharaj replied, “Lala, I have decided not to go.” When Krishna asked why, Nanda Maharaj explained, “Lala, today, all the holy waters personified came here to Vrindavan to bathe in Nanda Sarovara and become Pavana, purified. So why should I take the trouble to go anywhere else when they have all come here to bathe?”
From that day forward, Nanda Sarovara became known as Pavana Sarovara, renowned for its purifying powers. To this day, it remains a sacred site, where bathing in its waters is believed to cleanse one of all sins.
Lesson to be Learned:
This story teaches us the importance of recognizing the sanctity of Vrindavan, the land where Krishna performed His divine pastimes. It also reminds us of the power of devotion and the purifying nature of holy places. Nanda Maharaj’s realization that the sacred waters of all the holy rivers had come to Vrindavan underscores the idea that the presence of Krishna sanctifies all.
Prayer:
O Lord Krishna, just as You revealed the sacredness of Vrindavan to Nanda Maharaj, please grant us the vision to see the divinity in all that is connected to You. May we always remember the holiness of the places where You have performed Your pastimes and seek purification through devotion to You. Let us always bathe in the waters of Your mercy and be cleansed of all impurities.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
