Introduction
On the auspicious day of Diwali, in the month of Kartik, a divine pastime unfolded at Malyahara Kunda in Vrindavan. This story, narrated by Raghunatha dasa Gosvami in his book “The Mukta Caritra – The Pearl Story,” teaches profound lessons about love, devotion, and the true treasures of life.
Krishna’s Request for Pearls
Radharani and the gopis were gathered at Malyahara Kunda, creating beautiful pearl necklaces. Krishna, upon hearing this from His parrot Vicakshana, approached them and requested a few pearls to adorn His beloved cows, Harini and Hafini. Despite His pleas, the gopis refused. Lalitha Sakhi, mocking Him, offered a broken piece of a pearl instead.
Krishna’s Plan to Grow Pearls
Disappointed, Krishna went to His mother, Yashoda, and insisted on growing His own pearls. Despite her explanation that pearls come from the ocean and do not grow like seeds, she humorously agreed and gave Him some pearls. Krishna planted them near the Yamuna and requested milk from the gopis to water them, but they laughed at Him and refused. So, He used the milk provided by Yashoda.
The Miracle of Pearl Creepers
After a few days, green shoots emerged, growing into magnificent pearl-bearing creepers. Krishna’s pearls were so extraordinary that they filled Vrindavan with their fragrance and beauty. Proudly, Krishna flaunted His pearls, making necklaces for every cow, buffalo, goat, sheep, and even monkeys in Vrindavan, but refused to give any to the gopis.
The Gopis’ Attempt and Failure
Determined to outdo Krishna, the gopis planted all their pearls, even taking pearls from their families. They watered them thrice daily with milk, yogurt, butter, and ghee. However, to their dismay, only thorn bushes grew. Anxious and embarrassed about explaining this to their parents, they tried bartering with Krishna, offering gold and other valuables for His pearls. Krishna, however, refused every offer.
The Loving Exchange and Krishna’s Generosity
Finally, after much negotiation and playful banter, Krishna personally created exquisite pearl necklaces for each gopi, including Radharani. He sent these as gifts, beautifully packaged in golden boxes. Overjoyed, Radharani reciprocated by sending Krishna a garland made of the most fragrant flowers and delicious offerings. The gopis adorned themselves with Krishna’s pearls and returned home, much to their parents’ delight.
Moral of the Story
This enchanting tale reveals several important lessons:
- Supreme Treasure:
- The story highlights the supreme treasure that Krishna offers – the mercy and love of Guru and the Vaishnavas. These spiritual treasures far surpass any material wealth.
- Value of Bhakti:
- Understanding the priceless opportunity to develop bhakti (devotion) for Krishna is crucial. The gopis’ initial refusal and eventual receipt of pearls symbolize the journey of realizing and accepting divine grace.
- Transcendental Competition:
- The playful competition between Krishna and the gopis illustrates the joy and love inherent in their relationship. It also teaches that spiritual pursuits should be undertaken with sincerity, not competitiveness.
Reflection
Just as Krishna’s pearls are unique and divine, the opportunity to develop bhakti is a rare and precious gift. Cherishing this spiritual wealth above all else leads to true fulfillment and joy.
Prayer
Hare Krishna Mahamantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
Conclusion
This beautiful story underscores the essence of devotion and the incomparable value of spiritual treasures. By focusing on developing love and devotion for Krishna, and by cherishing the guidance of our Gurus and Vaishnavas, we can transcend the thorny pleasures of this world and attain the supreme wealth of divine love.
PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share these moral/instructive stories so that everyone can benefit from hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
