21. Vrinda Kund
Objectives:
Objective 4: To understand the spiritual practices encouraged at Vrinda Kund.
Objective 1: To learn about the historical and spiritual significance of Vrinda Kund as the eternal residence of Srimati Vrinda Devi in Vraja Mandala.
Historical and Spiritual Significance
Vrinda Kund is a deeply sacred and serene place situated approximately 3 kilometers from Nandgaon, in the Mathura district of Vraja Mandala. This is the eternal residence of Srimati Vrinda Devi, the divine forest goddess and personal assistant of Srimati Radharani. Vrinda Devi is none other than an expansion of Yogamaya Devi and manifests herself as Tulasi Devi in the material world to guide and bless aspiring devotees in their path of bhakti-yoga.
It is here that Paurnamasi Devi, the spiritual mentor of Vrinda Devi, meets her each morning to discuss and plan the confidential daily pastimes (lilas) of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. After receiving her instructions, Vrinda Devi decorates the forest bowers with blossoming vines, aromatic creepers, and flowering trees of various hues, to make perfect arrangements for the divine couple’s loving pastimes.
Objective 2: To understand the divine role of Vrinda Devi as an expansion of Yogamaya and as Bhakti Devi, who facilitates Radha-Krishna’s transcendental pastimes.
Glories of Vrinda Devi (Bhakti Devi)
Vrinda Devi is Bhakti Devi, the goddess who bestows pure devotional service.
She is so dear to Lord Krishna that He does not accept any offering unless a Tulasi leaf is present.
By the mercy of Vrinda Devi, one can enter Krishna’s eternal pastimes in Goloka Vrindavan.
She is an expansion of Yogamaya, who arranges Radha-Krishna’s loving pastimes in Vrindavan.
Objective 3: To describe the divine assistance of Daksha, the yellow parrot messenger of Vrinda Devi, and his role in coordinating Aṣṭa-kālīya-līlā.
The Divine Parrot Messenger – Daksha
Vrinda Devi is assisted by her constant companion, a yellow parrot named Daksha, who serves as her messenger. This extraordinary parrot is said to have one lakh (100,000) disciples and travels throughout Vrindavan, reporting back the details of Srimati Radharani and Sri Krishna’s movements, thus helping Vrinda Devi coordinate their Aṣṭa-kālīya-līlā – the eightfold daily pastimes described in texts like Govinda Līlāmṛta and Krishna Bhāvanāmṛta.
Objective 4: To understand the spiritual practices encouraged at Vrinda Kund.
Temple at Vrinda Kund
The ISKCON-managed temple at Vrinda Kund is a beautiful, peaceful shrine dedicated to Srimati Vrinda Devi. Inside the temple is a graceful deity of Vrinda Devi, adorned in colorful garments and decorated with various ornaments. She is depicted holding her parrot Daksha on her left hand.
Adjacent to the temple is the sacred Vrinda Kund, where Vrinda Devi used to bathe and meditate. Devotees find this a deeply inspiring place for chanting japa, meditating on Radha-Krishna’s pastimes, and deepening their devotional practices.
Objective 5: To learn about the nearby sacred sites such as Gupta Kund, Cauḍokhara, and Nanda Bābā’s Goshala, and their significance in Radha-Krishna’s pastimes.
Sites to Visit Around Vrinda Kund
Many other sacred sites are located near Vrinda Kund:
Gupta Kund – The secret place where Srimati Radharani meets Lord Krishna.
Cauḍokhara (Caraṇa-kuṇḍa) – Sacred pond where the divine footprints are imprinted.
Rohiṇī-kuṇḍa and Mohinī-kuṇḍa.
Nanda Bābā’s Goshala (Cowshed) – Including the cow-binding posts.
Dohinī-kuṇḍa – Each of these places is intimately connected to the loving pastimes of Radha and Krishna and reveals different aspects of their transcendental relationships.
Objective 6: To describe how a pilgrimage to Vrinda Kund can enhance a devotee’s bhakti-yoga and connection to Radha-Krishna’s eternal pastimes.
Spiritual Importance for Devotees
Visiting Vrinda Kund is not just a physical journey, but a step toward entering the mood of devotional service. It is recommended that devotees offer prayers, chant their rounds, and seek Vrinda Devi’s blessings to deepen their connection to Sri Sri Radha-Krishna’s eternal pastimes.
Objective 7: To highlight the major festival of Tulasi-Shaligrama Vivah celebrated during Kartik month and its devotional significance.
Festivals Celebrated
Tulasi-Shaligrama Vivah (Kartik Month)
Every year, during the auspicious Kartik month, Tulasi Devi (Vrinda Devi) is ceremonially married to Shaligrama (Krishna) in a grand celebration filled with devotional singing,
Vedic rituals, and prasadam distribution. This festival attracts devotees from all over the world.
Objective 8: : To know the geographical location and various travel options to reach Vrinda Kund from nearby areas.
How to Reach Vrinda Kund
Vrinda Kund is very accessible from Nandgaon, just about 3 km away. One can take an auto-rickshaw, a local e-rickshaw, or even walk. It takes approximately 5 minutes by vehicle from Nandgaon.
Nearest Railway Station:
Mathura Junction
Nearest Airport:
Agra Airport (approx. 75 km)
Delhi Airport (approx. 160 km)
Road Access:
Well-connected by road to Vrindavan, Govardhan, Barsana, and Mathura.
