An Unfulfilled Aspiration
[Madhya 16]
The aspiration and eagerness to visit Vrindavana had been brewing within Sri Caitanya for many years. After being initiated by Isvara Puri in Gaya, He desired to go straight to Vrindavana. The urgent need, however, was to inaugurate the sankirtan movement in Navadvip. After accepting sannyasa, Sri Caitanya set off for Vrindavana, but was misdirected to Shantipur by Nityananda Prabhu. His attempts failed for the second time.
While residing in Jagannatha Puri, Sri Caitanya again resolved to visit Vrindavana, but, fearing unbearable separation, the local devotees dissuaded him. As per tradition, the devotees from Bengal came to visit Sri Caitanya in Puri during the four months of the rainy season, and it therefore became increasingly difficult for Him to leave. After celebrating all the festivals and personally instructing each devotee, Sri Caitanya encouraged them to return home.
After three years of such meetings, the Lord devised a new plan to visit Vrindavana, placing it before Sarvabhauma and Ramananda. After receiving their permission, Sri Caitanya departed in great anticipation towards Krishna’s holy village. Fearing the pain of separation, the devotees of Puri were willing to abandon all their responsibilities to travel with Him, but Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu forbade them to do so. As He journeyed forward, Sri Caitanya attracted thousands of followers, and changed the hearts of even Muslim villagers. Arriving at Ramakeli, He met the great devotees, Rupa and Sanatana, who were working for the Muslim occupational government of Bengal. Overjoyed, they surrendered to their master, but begged Him to avoid visiting Vrindavana with such crowds due to the criticism and unfavourable attention He would attract. Sri Caitanya acquiesced and went back towards Jagannatha Puri, travelling via Shantipur to advise Raghunath das Goswami in the matter of renunciation.
Upon arrival in Puri, Sri Caitanya made a firm resolve to visit Vrindavana. This time nothing would stop Him. His desire was becoming stronger and stronger, and the failed attempts simply fuelled His anticipation to an overwhelming extent.
Holy places have always been focal points for pilgrims, who make long (and often arduous) journeys to reinvigorate their faith. Pilgrimage is not just a physical journey to a special place but also an inner spiritual journey towards transcendence. For Christians and Jews that holy place may be Bethlehem or Jerusalem, for Muslims its Mecca and Medina, and for Buddhists it’s Bodh Gaya. For devotees of Krishna, Vrindavana is their cherished destination.
Krishna eternally resides in the spiritual realm of Vrindavana with His loving associates. In that divine abode, the selfless relationships generate an ocean of joy in Krishna and His devotees. This is our true home. The earthly Vrindavana (Bhauma Vrindavana) is considered identical to Vrindavana in the spiritual world (Goloka Vrindavana) and it holds a special place in the heart of all Vaisnavas. When Krishna appeared as Sri Caitanya, He exhibited this intense eagerness to visit Vrindavana. Pilgrimage is an essential devotional experience for every devotee, and Sri Caitanya taught this by His personal example.
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