19. Punchari Ka Lautha Baba Temple
Objectives:
Objective 1: To know the importance of Punchari Ka Lautha Baba temple in Vrajavasi devotional life.
Objective 2: To understand the historical and devotional stories connected to Lautha Baba.
Objective 3: To describe the origin of the name “Punchari.”
This temple is in the village of Punchari, locally called the Punchari-ka-Lautha Baba Temple, because it is situated at the tail-end (poonch) of Govardhan Hill. Govardhan can be easily reached from Mathura, which is 20 km away.
Objective 1: To know the importance of Punchari Ka Lautha Baba temple in Vrajavasis’ devotional life.
Vrajavasis pray to this deity for strength to complete the parikrama of Govardhan Hill. Devotees aspire to Lautha Baba’s faith, determination, enthusiasm, and patience in serving Sri Krishna. Lautha Baba is said to be an incarnation of Hanuman, who desired to participate in Sri Krishna’s pastimes and became His friend in Dvapara-yuga.
Objective 2: To understand the historical and devotional stories connected to Lautha Baba.
This small shrine is dedicated to one of Krishna’s cowherd friends, Lautha, depicted in a sitting position, waiting for Krishna to return. Once, Lautha had cooked delicious preparations for Krishna and Balarama, but before they could arrive, he saw them leaving for Mathura on Akrura’s chariot. When Lautha asked when they would return, Krishna replied, “the day after next.” Lautha then vowed not to eat or drink until they came back. To this day, the deity remains seated, facing the road, waiting for his beloved friends.
Objective 3: To describe the origin of the name “Poochari.”
“Punchari” is sometimes known as “Poochari”. When the gopis saw Krishna’s chariot leaving, they told each other to ask that person where it had gone, repeatedly saying “Puch ri” (“you ask”). Over time, this phrase became the name “Poochari”.
Objective 4: To highlight the devotional mood of waiting expressed at Punchari Ka Lautha Baba temple.
There are few stories stating the relevance and importance of this temple. Once Lautha Baba was playing hide-and-seek with Krishna. Lautha hid in the Poonchari area, waiting for Krishna to find him. On the way, Krishna became absorbed in playing with other cowherd boys and forgot that Lautha was waiting. Lautha Baba spent his life in the mood of separation, offering his devotion through waiting.
