Vrindavan Yatra

September 12, 2009. Saturday.

This time we decided to take devotees who are regularly coming to our house program on a one day yatra to Vrindavan. The idea was to let them experience Sridhama, by following in the footsteps of devotees. We hired a tempo traveller. Left at 5 AM in the morning with intent of reaching Krishna Balarama Mandir before 7:15. But Krishna had other plans. His Grace Avyanga Prabhu also gladly accepted to accompany us. Without his guidance, this trip would'nt have been such a success that it was.

Reached Sridhama Vrindavan at 8:30. After taking darshans at KB Temple, we immediately left for darshans of Goswami temples. First stop was at Radha Madan Mohan Temple. The weather was at it's best. With not a sign of sunshibe, cool breeze was flowing. A perfect spring season. From the temple, we could see Yamuna ji flowing through the green fields. 

Thereafter we left for Radha Damodar temple, all the while doing kirtan on the streets. After hearing about it's glories and taking darshans at Srila Prabhupada's rooms, we left for Radha Shyamsundar Temple. There we witnessed sweet Arati of Lala n Lali jee. Thereafter we made it just in time to behold the beautiful darshans of Sri Radha Ramanji. After savoring on the mystical pastime of his divine appearance and Rabri prasadam, that is out of this world, we moved on to reach Banke Bihari temple on time. But unfortunately we got late n the temple was closed.

While rest of the party went to the rooms we had booked for resting, Avyanga Pr n I went to Loi Bazaar for shopping. Then we reached KB temple at 3 for Lunch prasadam. Then there was a period of 2-3 hours for devotees to spend as they like. I chose to take rest. Then by 5-5:30 we all reassembled at KB temple, enjoying Kirtan. The clock stuck 1830 hrs and it was Aindra Prabhu all the way. Devotees in the temple swayed as he melodiously glorified the lord by chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Gaura Arati on saturdays are special as in the kirtan is led by GuruKulis.

Finally left for Delhi at 7:45 pm. We got a few burgers and other prasadam packed. All in all the yatra was blissful. On our way back we asked for the experience of the people who had gone for the first time to Vrindavan in association of devotees. By this I dont mean that my association was great. But we tried our best to give the newcomers a glimpse to the nectar that people taste when ISKCON temple conducts such Yatras. We asked house program devotees to maintain devotional mood rather than picnic mood.

Personally, this was one of the best Yatras, as it combined all the factors - Service, Temple Darshans and Kirtans at KB temple.