In chilly morning we walk briskly to warm ourselves.
*1. Surabhi-kunda and Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura’s bhajana-kutira*
Many of Krishna’s cowherding pastimes took place in surrounding area and cows came to drink water of Surabhi-kunda. We also visit bhajana-kutira of Srila Prabhodananda Sarasvati Thakura who is spiritual master of Srila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami.
*2. Phisalini-sila*
Krishna and the cowherd boys enjoyed sliding down the smooth surface of a large rock. We all happily slide down thinking about the Lord’s pastime.
*3. Vyomasura gupha*
We visit Vyomasura’s cave on a hill. Vyomasura, a flying demon had stolen Krishna’s friends and hided them in the cave. Lord Krishna killed him and rescued His friends. Here on the top of the hill we find Lord’s foot and handprints. One can also find imprints of the Lord’s ornaments.
*4. Bhojana Sthali*
Here Krishna ate lunch with His friends. We find impressions of bowls and plates on the rock. Hence also called as *Bhojana Thali (plate)*. We honor sweet rice and puri prasadam in surrounding area.
We return to our camp by afternoon.
After hearing nectarian Krishna-katha, Damodarastaka prayers and offering lamps, we will rest here tonight.
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*Day 15 – Kamyavana to Varsana*
We are going to visit Srimati Radharani’s home town!
*1. Kanvara*
This village received its name from Kanva muni, who stayed here for some time. *Mother Yasoda also brought Krishna here to have His nose and ears pierced.* We hear of how the Deity of Saksi-gopala fulfilled the Queen of Odisha’s desire to offer Him nose rings and earrings.
*2. Kadamba-khandi*
Krishna chose it for secret meetings with Srimati Radharani as this is secluded area inaccessible from three sides.
There is a beautiful kunda here. A kadamba tree stands intertwined with a tamala tree reminding us of Radha and Krishna.
*3. Sunhara gaon*
Sunhara-grama is a home of the twin sisters Sudevi and Rangadevi (2 of the 8 principal gopis)
The word sunhara refers to Lord Brahma’s fair complexion. In this village he performed extensive austerities to gain darsana of Krishna’s pastimes.
*4. Sakhi-giri-parvata, Citra-vicitra-sila and Sikhalini-sila*
Sakhi-giri-parvata is so called because all of Srimati Radharani’s intimate friends would play together here.
Citra-vicitra-sila is a smooth rock with the intricate leaf patterns of Srimati Radharani’s veil impressed on it.
Krishna and cowherd girls played holi at Sikhalini-sila and red color spilled on rocks is still visible.
*5. Uncagaon (Lalita-grama)*
Birthplace of Lalita Sakhi (Anuradha). Among 8 gopis, Lalita-devi is foremost. She is 27 days older than Srimati Radharani and is her siksha-guru.
Nearby is *samadhi of Narayana Bhatta Gosvami*, disciple of Krishna Dasa Brahmacari, whose spiritual master was Gadadhara Pandita. Famous as Vrajacarya he rediscovered many forgotten places and established standard path of Vraja Mandala Parikrama. He wrote Vraja-bhakti-vilasa, an elaborate guide to performing Vraja Mandala Parikrama.
Next to samadhi is *Triveni-kupa*. Nearby is a temple of Dauji and Deha-kunda.
*6. Varsana*
Today is Dipavali! On this day Damodara-lila took place. It’s also the day Lord Ramacandra returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana.
