In 2016, 2017 and 2018, His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami took us to Prema-sarovara, where Radha and Krsna once met, and in a moment of separation, They shed so many tears that it formed the waters of this sarovara. Check out Maharaja’s full kirtans and lectures below, along with a few photos, at Prema-sarovara during Parikrama 2017 and Parikrama 2018.
In the Prema-sarovara, all the holy rivers manifest. There is a story explaining how all the holy rivers came here on a pilgrimage. This place came about because of viraha – separation. In the philosophy presented by Caitanya Mahaprabhu, viraha-bhava (mood of separation) is listed as the topmost state of love of God. It is a bit of a mystery and it is difficult to understand because in our world, separation is no fun. Some people are homesick here, wondering, “Oh Vrndavana, so austere!” Some people feel separation from someone, something or some place. How is separation the highest state in relation to Krsna? Feeling separation from Krsna is supposed to be the highest experience. How? Is separation fun? Is it ecstasy? It is difficult to understand this from an ordinary point of view. The only reason these feelings are the highest is because as soon as one is separated from Krsna, one begins to remember Him.
When we remember Krsna, it is special; it is not the same as remembering an ordinary, mundane thing. When we remember mundane things, then we are separated. When we chant the holy name of Krsna, He is actually there, but by chanting the name ‘water’, water never manifests. There is a clear distinction. By remembering Krsna, He immediately manifests Himself through that remembrance and the result is that one becomes ecstatic. Separation on the spiritual platform therefore immediately leads to remembrance, which leads to ecstasy. As such, separation is actually a cause of great ecstasy. We may understand this intellectually, but do we emotionally understand it? When Radharani and Krsna meet, this seems to be the highest experience.
Krsna is suhrt. He is our dear-most friend. Prabhupāda said that Krsna is our best friend and the devotees responded, “No, Prabhupada, you are our best friend! We do not know Krsna; we only know you!” Prabhupada explained, “No, Krsna is your best friend because He is omniscient and knows everything, whereas I do not and may disappoint you.” This quality of omniscience means that Krsna knows the deepest desires within our hearts. He knows everything and as a result, He will never disappoint us. Not that He gives us everything we want, but if we stick with Krsna we will surely become completely fulfilled. So we should have this meditation with us as well. We must remember that Krsna is not far away from us. Even here, in this material world, Krsna is actually present with us.