BINDRABANA (VRINDAVANA) The alluring and bewitching Krishna grazes his cows in Vrindavana. (Gauri Kabir, p. 338) Krishna brought Parijata (wish-fulfilling tree) from heaven for his Gopi and was engaged in love in Vrindavana. (Var Asa M. l, p. 470) Vrindavana is a vana (forest) in the district of Matbura, where Krishna passed his youth among the cowherds. He is, therefore, called Gopala. His frolics with the Gopis at Vrindavana are very famous. He used to graze cows there alongwith other cowherds.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh ed, Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Vrindavana (or Bindrabana) holds profound significance in both Hindu and Sikh traditions, albeit with different interpretations and emphases. Here’s a deeper exploration:
Vrindavana in Hindu Mythology
Sacred Land of Krishna: Vrindavana is celebrated as the divine playground of Lord Krishna, where he spent his childhood and performed his leelas (divine pastimes). It is here that Krishna:
- Played with the gopis (cowherd maidens) and performed the famous Rasa Leela, symbolizing divine love.
- Grazed cows and displayed his miraculous powers, such as lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from torrential rains.
- Defeated demons like Kaliya (the serpent) and Putana, showcasing his role as a protector.
- Symbolism: Vrindavana represents the ideal of bhakti (devotion) and the intimate bond between the divine and the devotee. It is a central hub for the Vaishnava Bhakti Movement, inspiring countless saints and poets.
- Temples and Pilgrimage: The town is home to thousands of temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha, such as the Banke Bihari Temple and Prem Mandir, making it a major pilgrimage site.
Vrindavana in Sikh Tradition
- References in Guru Granth Sahib: Vrindavana is mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib, often in the context of metaphors and spiritual teachings. For instance:
- In Gauri Kabir (p. 338), Krishna is described as grazing cows in Vrindavana, highlighting his divine role.
- In Var Asa M.1 (p. 470), Krishna’s frolics in Vrindavana are mentioned, symbolizing the allure of worldly attachments and the need to transcend them.
- Interpretation: Sikhism does not emphasize the worship of Krishna or Vrindavana as a physical place. Instead, these references are used to convey spiritual lessons, such as:
- The impermanence of worldly pleasures.
- The importance of focusing on the divine essence (Naam) rather than external rituals.
- Philosophical Context: The Sikh Gurus often drew from Hindu and Islamic traditions to communicate universal truths. Vrindavana, as a metaphor, serves to illustrate the need for inner devotion and detachment from material desires.
Confluence of Traditions
While Vrindavana is a physical and spiritual center in Hinduism, in Sikhism, it is more of a symbolic reference. Both traditions, however, use it to inspire devotion, selflessness, and a connection with the divine.
Would you like to explore specific hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib or delve deeper into Krishna’s pastimes in Vrindavana?
