Mayur Kutir and the Divine Dance of Radha and Krishna
Setting: On a hill in Varshana, there is a place called Mayur Kutir, known for the divine pastimes of Radha and Krishna.
The Divine Dance: Once, during the rainy season, Srimati Radharani saw peacocks and peahens dancing joyfully under the monsoon clouds. Captivated by their dance, she expressed her desire to dance like them to Krishna. To fulfill her wish, Krishna transformed into a peacock, and Radharani became a peahen. Together, they danced blissfully on top of the hill.
Teaching Music: On another occasion, Krishna requested Radharani to teach Him music, as her singing was sweeter than the song of a cuckoo bird. Krishna, enamored by her voice, purposely sang slightly off-key to prolong the lesson. Realizing Krishna’s playful tactic, Radharani became transcendentally upset and retreated to Maan Mandir, a nearby hill.
Krishna’s Efforts to Reconcile: Desperate for Radharani’s affectionate glance, Krishna went to the top of Mayur Kutir and began dancing as a peacock. Radharani, enchanted by the sight, forgot her anger and joined Him, transforming into a peahen, and they danced together once again.
The Devotee’s Vision: Hundreds of years ago, a blind sadhu resided on the hill, deeply devoted to this lila (divine pastime). Longing to witness Radha and Krishna’s dance, he prayed fervently. Srimati Radharani appeared to him and promised to show him the lila if he would paint it for others to see.
Miraculous Provision: Despite his blindness, the sadhu was guided to gather minerals and materials to make paints, brushes, and a canvas. Radharani bestowed upon him the divine vision to witness the entire panoramic view of the dance. Emerging from his samadhi (deep meditative state), the sadhu painted the scene, which remains on the altar of Mayur Kutir to this day.
Moral: This story teaches that true vision comes not from the physical eyes but from the eyes of love and devotion. As the Brahma Samhita states, “premanjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena”—only when our eyes are anointed with the salve of love can we see the divine reality. The blind sadhu’s ability to see and depict the divine lila underscores the power of sincere devotion and the grace of the divine.
Chant: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
Request: Please share this moral and instructive story with others so that everyone can be inspired by the divine pastimes of Krishna and His devotees.
The story serves as a reminder of the profound truth that spiritual insight and true understanding come from a heart filled with love and devotion.
