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Gopashtami: The Divine Bond of Love Between Shri Krishna and His Cowherd Friends

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
8 November 2024
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Gopashtami: The Divine Bond of Love Between Shri Krishna and His Cowherd Friends by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj | Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat

Gopashtami is one of the most important and joyous pastimes among all the pastimes of Shri Krishna. The eighth lunar day of Kartik month is known as Gopastami. It is believed that on this auspicious day Nanda Maharaj sent his children Krishna and Balrama for the first time to herd the cows.

(Short speech by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on Gopashtami)

Dhanya Dhanya Braj Gop Govind Radhe
The cowherd boys of Braj are truly fortunate.
Ya Ne Brahm Ko Gop Ghoda Bana De
The divine love of the cowherd boys is exalted.

Brahma has proclaimed, “O how fortunate are the Braj Gop (cowherd boys)!”  Who can truly describe the fortune of the cowherd boys? They are immensely blessed, being Shri Krishna’s eternal friends—“purnam brahm sanatanam.“ Their friendship is not temporary; it has existed for eternity in Golok.  What more can be said?

Shri Krishna would intentionally lose when playing games with His cowherd friends. Despite being the Almighty God, He thought, “If I win every time, they will be sad,” –  just like children who get upset when they constantly lose.

When I grew up, I enjoyed playing this game called Ludo. In Ludo, you throw a die, and the number it lands on determines your next move.  It happened here in Pratapgarh, even after becoming Jagadguru!  After delivering my night  lecture and returning home at 11 pm, we would often play Ludo until midnight. Two pairs of men would compete, but I would win every time. Eventually, they would argue and accuse me of cheating, forgetting that I am Jagadguru! 

If someone keeps losing repeatedly, it’s only natural to feel upset, especially for children, who might even cry. Hence, Shri Krishna would sometimes let the others win to keep the spirit of play alive, so they might feel joyous and think, “You lost this time.” 

They would then tease him, “Look, Kalua (Shri Krishna) lost!” This would make Shri Krishna very happy, and He would playfully respond, “Alright, I lost this time; I was weak.”

Such is the divine glory of the love shared among the cowherd boys and Shri Krishna—a bond so pure, so boundless, that it transcends all human understanding.

*A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (‘Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World’) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by ‘Kashi Vidvat Parishad’ (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like ‘Prem Ras Madira’, ‘Prem Ras Siddhant’, and ‘Radha Govind Geet’ to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include  -  Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh,  Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharajji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education.