Shiv Kumar Vishwas, Ranjan Das, and many more you will find playing ‘Ektara‘ and singing Krishna Bhajans in the lanes and the by-lanes of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.

Ramkrishna – a friend was leaving for the Wholesale Vegetable Market in Vrindavan to buy vegetables, and I joined. It is always interesting to visit the vegetable market because many times I find a few vegetables a new knowledge which was unknown earlier.

Galadia Flower – This photo was taken at Sabzi Bazar, Loi Bazar in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh).

Rs. 30/- per Kilogram.

Karonda – This photo was taken at Sabzi Bazar, Loi Bazar in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh).

Karonda is mixed with Pumpkin and Bottle Gourd, etc. for a sour (खट्टा) taste.

Rs. 80/- per Kilogram.

Teasel Gourd – This photo was taken at Sabzi Bazar, Loi Bazar in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh).

Rs. 40/- per Kilogram.

Colocassia Leaves – This photo was taken at Sabzi Bazar, Loi Bazar in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh).

Colocassia leaves are also known as ‘Arbi ke Patte’ in the Hindi language. Upon the query, I was told just like Methi ke Pakore and Shahtoot ke Pakode it is also made by mixing with Besan (Bengal Gram Flour).

And I inquire about the cost.

Rs. 20/-per Kilogram.

कहा कहूँ छवि आपकी, भले बने हो नाथ । तुलसी मस्तक तब नवै, धनुष बाण लो हाथ ।।

The aptly famous couplet is related to this place. It was at this place that Lord Shri Krishna appeared to Goswami Tulsidas in the form of Shri Ram. Goswami Tulsidas’s bhajan-kuti (cottage) exists to the right of the entrance and even today. Mughal painting is visible at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. The renovation of this ancient site was done by Vrindavan residents Acharya Pandit Balram Ji Mishra and Pandit Laxman Prasad Mishra on 18 January 1975.

Vrindavan – Vrinda is Tulsi, Van – The forest as per Hindi to English translation.

Years ago there were lots-n-lots of Tulsi within this area thus it is named Vrindavan. Till-date lots of Tulsi plants are within most of the homes. This is the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days. Even many saints and Dhruv as well.

Ram Krishna and I walked and talked. Ram Krishna is a guide and a friend. He knows Vrindavan very well. Gyaan Gudri – He said.

What is Gyan Gudri? – I question.

When Lord Krishna left for Mathura he sent his closest Sakha (friend) Uddhava to Vrindavan with a message for Radha and Gopis as they were missing Lord’s presence. But the opposite happened. Uddhava was preached by Radha, and an impact was made thus, Uddhava stayed at Vrindavan till Nanda Baba forcefully sent him back.

In short Gyaan Gudri is the location where Radha along with Gopis preached Uddhava. Even Vidura visited this location.

Hanuman temple is within the area and Radha’s feet as a symbol.

Till-date if someones die within Vrindavan people take a parikrama of this area so that there is no rebirth for the person – it is believed. Even the Braj-Raj (Vrindavan dust) is so pure it is showered over the dead body for the mukti (spiritual liberation) of the person. People love to roll on the ground to apply dust all over their bodies. Why do they do so? Because Lord Krishna and many great saints’ feet had touched Vrindavan thus, it is pure.

And a display-board talks about the importance of the location:

Shri Hari Charnam – Gyaan Gudri

Shri Vidur evam Shri Uddhava samvad parichayak stamb

Yahi Vidur tatha Uddhava ka samvad hua tha

Shlok Uddhava ne yahi gaya tha

Shri Guru Prasad Gautam in remembrance of Pandit Muktinath installed stambh

Thank you, Ram Krishna – said I. Knowledge enhanced.

History of Shri Shri Chaushatti Mahant Samaj Mandir:

Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and classmates arrived at Vrindavan about 500 years ago and deliver sermons at a location nowadays known as Chaushat Mahant ke Samaj Badi.

At this location, Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his 64 disciples ‘panchtatva’ are placed here also known as ‘Asana’. Devotees visit to pay obeisance.

Phalgun Purnima is the time for the festival. Devotees arrive in large numbers and sing bhajans, Kirtans.

The location is under Shri Shri Radha Govind Dev Temple, Vrindavan.