The End of Earthly Pastimes
When the Lord’s earthly pastimes neared completion, the atmosphere of Vṛndāvana changed. The birds that once sang joyfully now cried softly in the trees, and even the Yamunā’s waters flowed more slowly, as if reluctant to move. The hearts of the Vrajavāsīs felt an unspoken heaviness—they knew that soon their beloved Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa would return to Their eternal home in Goloka.
After the great battle of Kurukṣetra, Kṛṣṇa fulfilled His purposes on earth, but His heart remained in Vṛndāvana—with Rādhārāṇī and the gopīs, whose love was His greatest treasure. When the time came for Them to return, the Lord first called the eternal associates who had descended with Them. One by one, they left the earthly plane, their forms merging into the divine realm of Vraja in the spiritual sky.
Rādhārāṇī’s Final Moments in Vraja
Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, surrounded by Her sakhīs—Lalitā, Viśākhā, Citrā, and others—sat beneath a blooming kadamba tree near Nandīśvara Hill. Her golden form was radiant, yet tinged with the softness of farewell. Her eyes, filled with divine love, gazed toward the path that led to Kṛṣṇa’s favorite pasturing grounds.
She said to Her friends, “My heart is full, yet empty. Kṛṣṇa’s name resounds everywhere in Vṛndāvana, but soon, this land will again become hidden to human eyes. Still, whoever walks this sacred dust with devotion will feel His presence, for Vṛndāvana is eternal.”
The sakhīs wept, but Rādhā smiled gently. “Do not cry,” She said. “Our love does not end; it only returns to its source. We will live forever in the hearts of those who chant His name with sincerity.”
She then closed Her eyes and began to chant softly, ‘Kṛṣṇa… Kṛṣṇa…’ The sound was so sweet that even the wind stopped to listen.
Kṛṣṇa Appears
At that moment, the air became fragrant with celestial perfume, and a divine light illuminated the grove. Kṛṣṇa Himself appeared before Her, wearing a garland of forest flowers and playing His flute. The melody was tender, filled with the longing of eternal love.
Seeing Him, Rādhārāṇī opened Her eyes. A smile blossomed on Her lips. “Śyāmasundara,” She whispered, “You have come at last.”
Kṛṣṇa approached and took Her hands in His. “My beloved Rādhe,” He said, “You have endured the pain of separation for the sake of the world. Now come—let Us return to Our eternal home, where no sorrow can touch Us.”
Rādhā replied, “Only on one condition, My Lord—that You promise to remain forever in the hearts of those who remember Vṛndāvana and chant Your holy name.”
Kṛṣṇa smiled and said, “That promise I made long ago, and I renew it now. Wherever My name is sung with love, We both shall be present.”
Then, before the astonished eyes of the sakhīs, Their forms merged into a single effulgent light—gold and blue intertwining like the rising sun and moon—and ascended to Goloka Vṛndāvana. The entire forest became fragrant and resplendent, as if celebrating Their return.
The Vision of the Eternal Vṛndāvana
In the spiritual realm, Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa appeared again in Their twofold forms, surrounded by Their eternal associates. The trees glowed with jewels, the lakes shimmered with lotus flowers, and the sound of divine music filled the air.
There, no trace of sorrow or separation remained—only eternal love, ever fresh and ever expanding. The Divine Couple sat upon Their jeweled throne, surrounded by the gopīs, smiling upon the souls of the universe with boundless compassion.
It is said that even now, Their transcendental forms shine upon the hearts of pure devotees who remember Them with faith and longing.
The Legacy of Rādhārāṇī’s Compassion
Before leaving, Rādhārāṇī’s glance blessed the entire world. She said, “Let My mercy remain in Vṛndāvana. Whoever takes shelter of this land, bows to its dust, or remembers My name with love will receive the treasure of devotion.”
From that day, the dust of Vraja became sacred as Rādhā’s mercy itself. The sakhīs’ tears became hidden streams, and the flowers of Vṛndāvana still bloom with Her fragrance.
Even now, the saints say that Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes continue invisibly for those who have eyes of devotion. The sound of the flute, the laughter of the sakhīs, and the fragrance of Rādhā’s garlands can still be felt by hearts steeped in remembrance.
Reflection
This divine return of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī reminds us that love never dies; it transforms into eternal service. Śrīla Prabhupāda often said that separation from Kṛṣṇa is only external—for those who serve Him with sincerity, He is always present in the heart.
Rādhārāṇī’s parting words are the secret of all spiritual life: wherever there is remembrance, there is union. When we chant the holy names—Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare / Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare—we are not calling from afar; we are awakening Their presence within.
Let us pray:
“O Śrī Rādhā, Queen of Vṛndāvana, Your mercy is the life of my soul. Though I cannot see You with my eyes, let me feel You in my heart. Let me serve the dust of Vraja, remember Your pastimes, and chant the names of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa with love until my life merges into Your eternal service in Goloka.”
