View of Morkuti from Radha Kund, Gahvar van

Objectives:

Objective1: To understand the loving pastime at Mayur Kuti where Śrī Kṛṣṇa, disguised as a peacock, danced to melt Śrī Rādhā’s māna, leading to divine union and joyous peacock-themed pastimes

Objective2: To know about divine dance of Krishna and the peacocks of Govardhan

Objective1: To understand the loving pastime at Mayur Kuti where Śrī Kṛṣṇa, disguised as a peacock, danced to melt Śrī Rādhā’s māna, leading to divine union and joyous peacock-themed pastimes

Mayur Kuti, also known as Mor Kuti, lies just beyond the upper section of Daan-garh near Gehvar Van in Barsana. This site witnessed several divine happenings. According to legend, once Radharani engaged in Maan Leela at Maangarh, which stands opposite Morkuti. Krishna attempted various ways to dispel Radharani’s ‘maan’ (displeasure) but couldn’t succeed.

Desperate to ease Radha’s Maan, Krishna donned the guise of a peacock and performed a dance Leela to win her favor. Shri Radharani finally broke her ‘maan’ upon seeing this delightful peacock dance. Amused by the peacock, Radha remarked, “Oh peacock! My beloved also dances like this.” Hearing this, Krishna returned to his true form and said, “I am your beloved.” They both rejoiced and experienced divine union, even engaging in a peacock dance together.

Another enchanting tale unfolds as peacocks from Gahavarban visit Mayur-Kuti. Shree Radha claims some of these peacocks as hers, while Shree Krishna declares others as his. A spirited rivalry ensues to determine whose peacock dances better. Shree Radha makes her peacocks dance, and Lord Krishna does the same. In this manner, numerous divine peacock-inspired pastimes unfolded in Mayur-Kuti.

Darshan of Shri Radha Krishna at Morkuti, Barsana

Objective2: To know about divine dance of Krishna and the peacocks of Govardhan

The Awakening Melody :
One day, Krishna awoke first from a rest in the forest with His cowherd friends. Desiring to wake everyone and call the cows grazing at a distance, He played His flute. The nectar from His lips produced a melodious raga with a slow rhythm and a deep base. This wonderful vibration enchanted the peacocks around Govardhan Hill.

The Dance of the Peacocks:
The hearts of the peacocks began to sing with happiness, filling the skies with their song. Encouraged by Krishna’s kind glances and sweet smile, they started dancing. The joy of their dance resonated through the hills, creating a jubilant atmosphere.

The Peacock King’s Request :
The king of the peacocks approached Krishna, touched His lotus feet, and made a sound that Krishna understood as a request to join their dance. Krishna graciously accepted and began dancing amidst the peacocks, matching the rhythm and tempo of their dance. This elevated the bliss of the peacocks to such an extent that some fainted from the overwhelming joy.

The Audience’s Captivation:
All the animals and cowherds of Govardhan Hill stood transfixed, unable to take their eyes off Krishna’s dance. The flute in Krishna’s hand, moved by its master’s uncommon performance, began to sing on its own, adding to the enchanting spectacle.

The Offering of Feathers :
When the dance ended, the king of the peacocks humbly approached Krishna. Bowing down, he expressed gratitude and requested Krishna to accept their only opulence, their plumage, as an offering. Krishna, with large tears of ecstasy, accepted the feathers and placed a few on His turban, to the joy of all present.