Nanda Maharaja and the Cowherd Men’s Journey to Ambikavana
Location and Timing
- Nanda Maharaja and the cowherd men went to the Ambikavana forest, located in Gujarat province near the Sarasvati river.
- This event occurred after the Rasa Leela ceremony.
Shiva Ratri Festival
- The festival that Nanda Maharaja celebrated with the cowherd boys is called Shiva Ratri.
- Although generally observed by Shaivites, Vaishnavas also sometimes observe it because Lord Shiva is the topmost Vaishnava.
- Nanda Maharaja desired to observe Shiva Ratri, so they very devotedly worshipped Lord Shiva and Ambika after taking a bath.
Lord Shiva’s Exalted Position
- Lord Shiva is the topmost Vaishnava and is extremely powerful, residing in Kailasha.
- He is an exalted being who constantly chants and meditates on the Lord.
Charity and Worship
- Nanda Maharaja gave charity to the Brahmanas.
- Charity must be given to the right people at the right time; in scriptures, it is recommended to give to Brahmanas as this pleases the Lord.
Encounter with Vidyadhara in Snake Form
The Snake Incident
- After observing Shiva Ratri, Nanda Maharaja and the cowherd men slept near the Sarasvati river, having fasted the whole day.
- Suddenly, a snake appeared and started swallowing Nanda Maharaja.
- Nanda Maharaja called out for Krishna, and the cowherd boys came running with burning logs.
Krishna’s Intervention
- Krishna immediately appeared on the scene.
- Vidyadhara, who was a celebrated personality in his last life, had been cursed by Angira Muni and was in the form of the snake.
- Krishna touched the snake, and Vidyadhara immediately transformed into a beautiful devata.
Lessons from the Encounter
- There is no guarantee of stability in the material world; despite being a devata, Vidyadhara was cursed.
- Snakes are cruel, but envious people are more cruel than snakes.
- Vidyadhara asked Krishna for permission to return to the heavenly planets.
Devotional Insight
- Devatas receive power from the Lord to give boons. One can ask anything from the Lord—material or spiritual.
- The curse turned out to be a blessing for Vidyadhara, who was relieved by Krishna’s touch.
- Vidyadhara circumambulated Krishna and left for the heavenly planet.
- Nanda and the cowherd men returned to Vrindavan, praising Krishna’s wonderful activities.
- They came to worship Shiva and Durga but became more attached to Krishna.
Krishna and Baladeva’s Adventures in the Vrindavan Forest
Singing and Dancing
- Krishna and Baladeva went to the Vrindavan forest to sing and dance, accompanied by the Gopis.
- Both Krishna and Baladeva sang beautifully, and everyone became so absorbed that they appeared lost.
Encounter with Sankhasura
- A demon named Sankhasura appeared, puffed up with material opulence, thinking the Gopis should be enjoyed by him instead of Krishna and Balarama.
- Sankhasura, an associate of Kuvera, was rich and naturally wanted to own everything.
- He forcefully took the Gopis away, but Krishna and Balarama chased after him.
- Balarama took charge of the Gopis while Krishna pursued Sankhasura.
Krishna’s Victory
- Krishna caught up with Sankhasura, gave him a nice punch, and retrieved the jewel.
- He brought the jewel back to Balarama and presented it to Him.
Lessons from the Story
- Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and is accepted by the greatest authorities.
- We should turn to Krishna for everything, as He is the ultimate protector and benefactor.
Moral Lessons
- Observance of Festivals: Celebrating festivals like Shiva Ratri with devotion pleases the Lord and brings blessings.
- Proper Charity: Giving charity to the right people at the right time, especially to Brahmanas, pleases the Lord.
- Trust in the Divine: Always call upon the Lord in times of trouble, as He is the ultimate protector.
- Transformation Through Devotion: Even a cursed life can be transformed by the touch of the Lord and His grace.
- Humility and Surrender: Krishna’s devotees should remain humble and always seek His protection and guidance.
- Faith and Devotion: The stories emphasize the importance of unwavering faith and devotion towards Krishna.
Prayer
O Lord Krishna, Supreme Protector and Divine Guide,
Grant us the humility and devotion to always seek Your shelter,
In times of joy and in times of trouble,
Let us remember Your pastimes and Your mercy.
Lord Shiva, topmost Vaishnava, and humble devotee of the Lord,
Teach us to meditate and chant the holy names,
Like Vidyadhara, may we be blessed by Your touch,
Transform our lives and take us closer to You.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
This detailed guide covers the significant events and teachings from Nanda Maharaja and the cowherd men’s journey to Ambikavana, the encounter with Vidyadhara, and the adventures of Krishna and Baladeva in Vrindavan, emphasizing the lessons and devotional practices to be learned from these pastimes.