#Places to visit in Mathura

[happytraveltips]

Mathura is a major historic city located in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It holds great significance in Indian culture and religion, primarily due to its association with Lord Krishna, One of the most sacred gods in Hinduism. Mathura is considered the motherland of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have been born in the city. The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is one of the most important religious spots for Hindus and attracts addicts from all over the world. Along with the temple, there are many places to visit in Mathura.

Click here - https://happytraveltips.in/mathura-temples-to-visit-to-worship-shree-krishna/

[mathuravrindavantour1]

Two days mathura vrindavan tour | Agra to mathura vrindavan tour | Local mathura vrindavan tour

Two Days Mathura Vrindavan Tour: Explore the Spiritual Heart of India - Embark on a captivating journey through Mathura and Vrindavan, two of the most revered spiritual destinations in India. This two-day tour offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and divine atmosphere of these sacred towns.

[atulsrivastav-blog]

[theimperialtours]

Explore Sacred Sites: Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour by Car with The Imperial Tour

Embark on a spiritual journey through India's revered cities with The Imperial Tour's Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour by Car. Delve into the enchanting history and religious significance of Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, before venturing to Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Experience the divine atmosphere of ancient temples, sacred shrines, and serene riverside ghats as you traverse these sacred lands. With comfortable car transportation and expert guides, immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of India on this unforgettable tour.

[jeevanjali]

Radha Kund: रहस्यमयी राधा कुंड में स्नान करने से होती है संतानRadha kund: राधा कुंड भारत के उत्तर प्रदेश राज्य के मथुरा जिले में स्थित एक शहर है। राधा कुंड गोवर्धन परिक्रमा में एक प्रमुख मार्ग पर पड़ता है। यह तालाब अत्यंत पवित्र स्थान है

[guidetourme]

Places to visit in Utter Pradesh

Top 10 Places to visit in Utter Pradesh Uttar Pradesh is a state in India in the country’s largest population lives more than 200 million and this largest state according to Population. Uttar Pradesh is called the heart of India, you will get to see the most religious places in Uttar Pradesh. On this land itself, Lord Shri Ram and Shri Krishna were born, apart from this, you will find many such…

[ramayantika]

Chapter-1 part: The Guard Awake

Balpan

Shyamala is trying on a new saree. The green border on the deep red saree looks lovely on her. She fixes her kumkum between her eyebrows when she hears a sweet gurgling sound by her daughter.

The little bundle of joy, Shankara and Shyamala's Brahmi stood on her chubby little legs, her arms outstretched towards her mother.

Little Brahmi takes a step forward causing Shyamala to excitedly rush to her baby girl. She stands near the door and sits on her knees, her fingers motioning for the little girl to come to her mother.

"My sweet daughter is taking her first steps. Come, come. Come to your mother." Shyamala coos at Brahmi who only laughs and carefully makes her way forward.

Carefully balancing, she takes a few steps ahead. Brahmi's body sways a little and Shyamala crouches near to her daughter in case she falls down. She doesn't.

And with three more steps, Brahmi walks right into her mother's arms.

Shyamala hugs her daughter and kisses her face. Brahmi only smiles and emits a cheerful laughter. Holding her baby at her hip, Shyamala runs to Bharati to tell about her daughter's milestone.

Across the Yamuna, the little dark jewel of Nanda's household totters on his little feet. Yashoda leaves the ropes and hurriedly walks to her son, her fingers snapping excitedly to attract baby Krishna's attention as he walks towards his darling mother's arms.

Nanda who had arrived after visiting the village council quietly stands near the courtyard entrance, silently observing Krishna walking towards his mother.

After Yashoda kisses her son in delight, he enters the courtyard and hugs Yashoda and Krishna. Krishna nuzzles into Nanda's chest and closes his eyes, his little hands curling around his mother's neck.

***

"Today I will tell you about the story of our Yadu prince, our princess and how Vishnu took birth into our world, Brahmi. Listen to me carefully," Shankara says, holding Brahmi's hands as she sits on her father's lap.

"Vishnu? The Vishnu whose idol Maa worships secretly? He is a stone, Baba. How can he take birth. A stone can't be a baby." Brahmi's argument makes Shankara smile. He chuckles and ruffles her hair. "Oh, you are still young to understand. Take it as a story."

Despite being a guard in Kamsa's dark and dreary prison cells, Shankara harboured a talent of story-telling. When Shankar and Shyamala were shy newly-weds, Shankara would often narrate different folk stories and tales from old texts to win Shyamala's heart, affection and trust. A pregnant Shyamala would often ask him to narrate stories from the sacred texts so the would-be born child would be a wise being in the future.

Brahmi listened to her father with wide-eyes as he narrated what happened on that fateful night when God was born. The little girl of five summers could not take in the brutal murders of Krishna's siblings, so he had skipped that detail. He would tell her about those brutalities some other day when his little Brahmi would grow older.

For now, she only had to know that the world's saviour, the protector of Dharma had taken birth, and would soon return to his birthland.

"So this Krishna will come back to our Mathura?" Brahmi asks.

"Indeed, my child. He has to avenge his parents, save Mathura from this tyrant king."

"If our king is evil, then why do you go to work at his palace, Baba?"

A wry smile takes its place on Shankara's lips. He kisses her forehead. "Because, we also need to live. For survival, one also has to bow down to the evil and bad. Everybody cannot be a hero."

Brahmi blinks her large eyes at her father. "But Baba, that night, you did not tell anyone about this boy's birth. You did not tell the king." Pecking her father's cheek, she continues, "You saved God. You are a hero too." Brahmi looks at her discarded doll on the floor. "Oh, Baba, my doll is asking for food. I will come back later for more stories."

Shankara's eyes glistened with tears. Brahmi did not realize the meaning behind her words. Indeed children were manifestations of the divine. Their innocence is untainted by the rigid rules and regulations of society. They are pure.

Shankara looks at Shyamala playing with her doll. He mutters to himself. "Who am I to save God? God saves us. I only performed my duty to my God."

***

Brahmi arrives from her school. Shankara and Shyamala had begun sending her to a nearby priestly couple who taught the scriptures, literature and arithmetic when she turned seven. She huffs and sits inside the kitchen while her mother who had been cooking rice asks, "What happened? Why do you look so cross?"

"I saw a guard misbehaving with a woman. They even slapped her. Her husband stepped in, but they beat him up too and took him to prison. What kind of a king do we have? His soldiers have been given full rights to do anything with the public. The Shastras talk about how a king must behave with proper conduct. But look at that demon king!"

Shyamala makes a hushed sound. "Careful, Brahmi. His men are everywhere now. We cannot speak ill of him."

Brahmi turns her face away. "But this is sheer injustice. A place where a woman is insulted can never prosper."

Shyamala brings two plates. Brahmi angrily serves rice on both the plates--one for her mother and one for herself. Shyamala whispers, "Yes, but he can't even show mercy to his sister. Will such a man care about other women?"

Brahmi moves her finger around the hot rice on her plate. "I wanted to argue. Pranava held my wrist tightly and stopped me."

"It was the right thing to do by him then. You would be thrown into prison. Nobody, not even your Baba could get you out."

"So we keep tolerating this?"

"Yes, until our saviour arrives."

Brahmi gulps her food. "This endless waiting will only bring us ruin. We should first help ourselves and then God will help."

In the beautiful land of Vrindavana that boasts of lush green forests, green pastures and abundant Tulsi plants, Mathura's hero bids farewell to his house, his parents, his friends and his childhood sweetheart.

"I must head towards my karmabhoomi, O people of Vrindavana. Bid me farewell with your blessings instead of your tears."

Brahmi lays on her cot and looks up at the night sky. The moon shines brightly, its gentle moon beams falling over her. Now a young age of fourteen, a little wiser and bolder, Brahmi thinks about the future of her homeland.

A cool wind blows. She hears a knock on her door. Unlocking the latch, she finds her father, smiling at her with exhaustion marring his face. "You didn't sleep, Brahmi?"

"I will go to sleep in a while, Baba. Come in. Maa is waiting for you with hot dinner prepared."

She watches her parents talk with each other as Shankara slowly eats his meal. Brahmi thinks about her childhood conversation with her Baba.

"Baba, will this Krishna be my friend too when he comes back?"

"He is Vishnu. He accepts everyone."

"What did he really vanquish all those demons?"

"Yes, Brahmi. He is supreme strength personified, my child. He is God in a mortal's body.

Brahmi crosses her feet and sighs, her eyes drinking in the beautiful silvery light of the moon. Her mind replays her father's description about Krishna as narrated by Devaki and Vasudeva who heard it from secretly visiting sages and messengers.

She whispers in the dark to the silent confidante, the sparkling moon. "You will be the prince of Mathura like the rightful heir you are. Here everybody sees you as Mathura's saviour, as their protector and the upholder of Dharma. Baba might make me meet you so I may see you as the glorious God in mortal form. He says he has been a witness to your divinity. I haven't. You could be God, true, but in case if you want a friend here, I hope you find me."

Shyamala peers from the window. "Oh, you wild wild girl, come inside. Don't sleep in the open. Bad spirits will come to you and tie that hair."

Brahmi groans and braids her hair.

***

@krishna-priyatama @krsnaradhika @krishakamal @ma-douce-souffrance @jukti-torko-golpo @prettykittytanjiro @thegleamingmoon @krishna-sangini @chaliyaaa @kaal-naagin @ramcharantitties @inexhaustible-sources-of-magic @desigurlie @piyatosenainanalaagere

[forgotten-bharat]

Let's talk about the idolized Aurangzeb. What he did and why is he considered great?

We will be focusing on the destruction of temples and hindu genocide done by him to debunk claims deny that this.

By the order of Aurangzeb (1645 AD) according to Mirãt-i-Ahmadî, Temple of Chintaman situated close to Sarashpur (Gujarat) and built by Sitaldas jeweller was converted into a mosque named Quwwat-ul-lslam (might of Islam) (1645 AD.) A cow was slaughtered to 'solemnize' the 'ceremony'.

Slaughtering a cow was a heinous choice, cow being one of the holiest animal in Hinduism. As well as, Hinduism prohibits animal slaughter, to do it right where their place of worship used to be where now stands a Mosque was simply to mock and destroy the souls of the indigenous population. The Pandits and Cows were always their main targets.

This was done before he even became the king, he was just a prince at this point.

When he became the king he sent Mir Jumla on an expedition to Cooch Bihar. Mir Jumla demolished ALL temples in that city and erected mosques in their stead. The general himself wielded a battle-axe to break the image of Narayana.

Mirãt-i-Ahmadî continues, In 1666 AD, he ordered the faujdar of Mathura to remove a stone railing which had been presented by Dara Shukoh to the temples of Keshav Rai. He explained: “In the Muslim faith it is a sin even to look at a temple and this Dara had restored a railing in a temple!”

You can still argue that Islamic Colonization simply had a political motif and not a religious one, if that would have been the case, none of the indigenous people would have been harmed, none of them would have been forcefully converted, their heritage would not have been destroyed right in front of their eyes, their schools and texts would have been burned. This is downright evil and was done in the name of Allah by all the Mughal tyrants.

“The richly jewelled idols taken from the infidel temples were transferred to Agra and placed beneath the steps leading to the Nawab Begum Sahib's (Jahanara's) mosque in order that they might be “pressed under foot by the true believers”. Mathura changed its name into Islamabad and was thus called in all official documents.”

In the same year, Sita Ram ji temple at Soron was destroyed as also the shrine of Devi Patan at Gonda. News came from Malwa also that the local governor had sent 400 troopers to destroy all temples around Ujjain.

According to Muraqat-i-Abul Hasan, civil officers, agents of jagirdars, karoris and amlas from Cuttack in Orissa to Medinipur in Bengal were instructed as follows:

“Every idol house built during the last 10 or 12 years' should be demolished without delay. Also, do not allow the crushed Hindus and despicable infidels to repair their old temples. Reports of the destruction of temples should be sent to the court under the seal of the qazis and attested by pious Shaikhs.”

(1672 AD) several thousand Satnamis were slaughtered near Narnaul in Mewat for which act of 'heroism' Radandaz Khan was tided Shuja'at Khan with the mansab of 3000 and 2000 horse.

(1675 AD) Guru Tegh Bahadur was tortured to death for his resistance against the forcible conversion of the Hindus of Kashmir. The destruction of gurudwaras thereafter is a well-known story which our secularists have succeeded in suppressing because the Akali brand Sikhs have been forging ties of friendship with Islam as against their parent faith, Hindu Dharma.

Mirãt-i-Ahmadî goes ahead: “On 6th January 1680 A.D. Prince Mohammad Azam and Khan Jahan Bahadur obtained permission to visit Udaipur. Ruhullah Khan and Yakkattaz Khan also proceeded thither to effect the destruction of the temples of the idolators. These edifices situated in the vicinity of the Rana's palace were among the wonders of the age, and had been erected by the infidels to the ruin of their souls and the loss of their wealth”. Pioneers destroyed the images. On 24th January the king visited the tank of Udayasagar.

His Majesty ordered all three of the Hindu temples to be levelled with the ground. On 29th January Hasan AN Khan made his appearance' and stated that “172 temples in the neighbouring districts had been destroyed.” His Majesty proceeded to Chitor on 22nd February.

Temples to the number of 63 were destroyed. Abu Tarab who had been commissioned to effect the destruction of idol temples of Amber, reported in person on 10th August that 66 temples had been levelled to the ground.’ The temple of Someshwar in western Mewar was also destroyed at a later date in the same year. It may be mentioned that unlike Jodhpur and Udaipur, Amber was the capital of a state loyal to the Mughal emperor.

Khafi Khan records in his Muntakhab-ul-Lubab: ‘On the capture of Golconda, the Emperor appointed Abdur Rahim Khan as censor of the city of Haiderabad with orders to put down infidel practices and innovations, and destroy the temples and build mosques on the sites.’ That was in 1687 AD. In 1690 AD, he ordered destruction of temples at Ellora, Trimbakeshwar, Narasinghpur, and Pandharpur.

Aurangzeb also destroyed, Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Kashi, Uttar Pradesh - which considered as the most scared hindu temple and land.

In 1698 AD, the story was repeated at Bijapur. According to Mirat-i-AhmadT: 'Hamidud-din Khan Bahadur who had been deputed to destroy the temples of Bijapur and build mosques there, returned to court after carrying out the order and was praised by the Emperor.' As late as 1705 AD, two years before he died, 'the emperor, summoning Muhammad Khalil and Khidmat Rai, the darogha of hatchet-men' ordered them to demolish the temple of Pandharpur, and to take the butchers of the camp there and slaughter cows in the temple.' Cow-slaughter at a temple site was a safeguard against Hindus rebuilding it on the same spot.

The saddest part is, all of this information, the bloodiest part of Indian History is never shown to the people, they grow up learning, Mughals were great emperors that built great things. When none of that holds any ounce of truth. It should be said without any censorship, these tyrants destroyed the culture, tradition and religions of India.

With all this information, if you're still defending these tyrants, if you still "want them around", if you still insist "it wasn't that bad", you absolutely do not care about "human rights", every activism you take part in is just performative. And I do not respect you or your opinion on any social issue.

[thereader-radhika]

1- The Exile

And after he had walked a long way through the dark green forest, Thirumalai saw the little derelict hut standing near the guava trees. Though he couldn't see anyone in the vicinity, the two still-dripping, wet sarees spread over the clothesline gave him much-needed consolation. He slowly opened the door, which was only bolted from outside, and helped himself to some water from the earthen pot. He took the package of kozhukkattai from his bag and started to munch on it.

"Has pillaiyar started feasting on his modakam?"

He nearly dropped the kozhukkattai. Why does she have to sneak on him like this? Memories of happy old times made him feel even sadder. The woman standing before him looks quite different from the sister he brought up. In fact, she looks older and more deranged than the mute queen who used to wander in Lanka. Nandini placed a basket with tubers in one corner of the hut. She took one kozhukkattai from the banana leaf package and wrinkled her face as she took a bite.

"Eww, it tastes too sweet".

"That's because you don't eat any sweet food anymore."

"Hmmm . . . When will Arulmozhi be back?'

Thirumalai felt anger and curiosity simultaneously. Every time he walks all the way here, she has only this one thing to inquire about.

"Nandini, do you have any concern about this poor annan? Do you know that I turned 50 in the last Aippasi? Come with me. We can go to Haridwar and Mathura".

"Didn't you just visit Dwaraka with gurunathan? Take some rest, anna. As you said, you are getting old".

Thirumalai hesitated to say anything more. It was with great difficulty that he convinced her to settle down here. There are some small villages and even a Tirumal kovil in this area. He had tasked a woman with buying groceries for her, and she carried out the task happily for a few gold coins. He feared that she would run away if he offended her, and he wouldn't see her again.

"Will Arulmozhi visit Chola desam before the margazhi thiruvizha?"

Thirumalai sighed. He debated whether he should relay the happy or sad news to her. The trouble was that he didn't know what would be happy news for Nandini and what wouldn't be.

Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar and Nandini weren't on good terms, but she has always respected him, perhaps grudgingly. Should she be informed that he has attained the lotus feet of his Parameswaran? Let her remain blissful in her ignorance. The other news was even more confusing. Ilaya Pirattiyar is adamant that Nandini always loved her husband and would have snatched him away if she had the opportunity. Maybe this will give her some happiness.

"My dear, something interesting is going to happen soon."

"Is Arulmozhi coming back for this?"

"Oh, not that. Do you think there aren't other people in Chola Desam? Arulmozhi, Arulmozhi, Arulmozhi... Listen to this. This is about Vanthiyar".

"Who?"

"Our friend Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevar, the Vanarkula-veeran".

Nandini gazed into the darkness absent mindedly and hummed. Thirumalai recognised her absent-mindedness and disinterest. She always did that when he spoke about things she wasn't interested in but didn't bother enough to stop him.

"He is getting married again. Perumal hasn't blessed them with a child yet. How long will he wait? Isn't he the last of his line?"

Nandini's face lit up, which confused Thirumalai even more. The last time she fell in love with a man, she dragged him from temple to temple, crying and singing pasurams. She has never asked him anything about Vallavarayan since he was exonerated of all charges. Is this the maturity that comes with age or is it because it is the misfortune of her sworn enemy, Ilaya Piratti?

"Ponniyin Selvar won't miss the wedding of his brother-in-law, will he?"

This girl! 

"You know what? I concede defeat, and no, I don't think he will attend the wedding."

Thirumalai washed his hands and told Nandini that he was feeling tired and sleepy. Ponniyin Selvan rarely spent any time in the Chola country after the death of his parents. The people seemed to have calmed down after they realised that their favourite wouldn't get to rule anytime soon. Even his sister ilayapiratti has shifted her affections to her nephew. It looks like this obsession is the only inheritance Nandini received from her unfortunate mother. 

Part 2 , 3 , 4

@favcolourrvibgior @willkatfanfromasia @celestesinsight @ambidextrousarcher @sakhiiii @sambaridli @whippersnappersbookworm @harinishivaa @sowlspace

[sambhavami]

Ehi Murare - Satyabhama (Part 3)

Satyabhama, the daughter of Satrajit; the most beautiful maiden in the three worlds stood awestruck behind a curtain of vines staring as her brothers led Krishna, the newfound Yadava prince towards the Sun temple in her father's quarters. She had heard the rumours, but never imagined he would be this handsome! As he walked up the long hallway, she ran parallelly carefully concealing herself behind the twisted vines. She felt her heart skipping a beat every time he threw back his head, laughing at a rogue joke, or carelessly adjusted the crown on his head which stubbornly kept slipping down.

She had often found herself at the centre of showers of praise, as others raved upon her unparalleled beauty. Every man who visited her father, old or young, was usually left slack-jawed upon seeing her. They would bring her expensive gifts, dresses and jewellery from faraway lands, waiting hours for even a half-hearted smile. Her father was relentlessly badgered with a never-ending stream of suitors asking for her hand. Sometimes, they would even ambush Satyabhama in a garden or at the temples. Satyabhama would smile and turn all of them down. After all, her father had promised not to marry her off without her consent.

Usually, she enjoyed all the attention she received, yet after seeing Krishna she was bewildered. "Sakhe, devis and apsaras from the heavens must be lining up to have but a glimpse of him, and here I am, being so close but could not still fall at his feet! Oh, how wasteful must be my beauty for he did not even throw a careless glance at me, and admired only the wretched Syamantaka!" She cried, back in the privacy of her personal grove. Her maids gasped at her comments, "Satye, hush your voice! That what you call the wretched gem is the source of your father's pride! You have lost yourself in your pining, for you do not know anymore what is right and what is wrong!" They admonished her.

Satyabhama knew very well of the blessings of the magical gem. Her father had been a lowly accountant in Mathura during Kamsa's reign. Only after he had found this gem on a hunt of his, had their family found their fortune. Now, her father was the richest non-royal person in the kingdom, which earned him a place in the parliament as well! Still, she couldn't help but feel jealous of it. "I don't know how but I will marry him! By hook or by crook!" She announced, as she stormed off, throwing an invaluable necklace against the wall, which promptly broke, scattering hundreds of pearls across the floor.

---

"Krishna! Huh, that cowherd prat! I saw the greed in his eyes when he ogled at my gem! Give it to me for safeguarding. Safeguarding, my foot! I had refused him then and there! I'm telling you he is the one who stole it!" Satrajit shouted at Krishna, the next morning. The magical gem had gone missing the previous night. Satrajit had openly accused Krishna of stealing it when the latter had come to offer support for retrieving it.

Balarama, the elder prince, roared in anger. Krishna was holding Balarama back with all his strength it seemed. Gasping, Satyabhama retraced a few steps. How could he?! What had she heard the previous night then? Behind the heavy curtains at the entrance to her father's chambers? She looked at Krishna. He looked more hurt than angry. He was shaking his head, trying wordlessly to communicate his innocence.

Making up her mind, Satyabhama wiped her tears ran towards the main exit and waited behind an elephant-shaped bush. Soon Krishna and his brother stormed out. Thinking fast, she threw a flower in his direction. Stopping in his tracks, Krishna gestured for the rest of their party to move ahead while he approached the elephant. For a moment she almost turned on her heels, but steadied her feet and steeled her heart. Pulling him close behind a pillar, she whispered, "I don't know if this will help, but my father is lying. Please don't make me speak against him, I cannot stoop any lower." Krishna was staring at her silently. Gulping, she continued, "Yesterday night my father gave the Syamantaka to my Uncle Prasena."

Krishna nodded seriously, "Where do I find him?"

"Go towards the Eastern forests. He likes to go hunting there. He must be there. And..." She dropped her head in shame.

Krishna smiled at her kindly as he whispered, "That's enough for me, Satyabhame. I promise to keep your honour. I will take care of this; you just wait for me."

---

So, she waited. Krishna left for the forests with his friends and brothers. The official story was that they too were going hunting. Only she knew why they actually went into the Eastern forest. With bated breath, she lay awake the entire night, tossing and turning, pondering whether to confront her father or not. Surely, once Krishna tracked down Uncle Prasena, it'll all be good? However, after the cruel words that her father had spoken to Krishna, Satyabhama seriously doubted the possibility of her ever getting close to him. Surely he wouldn't want to do anything to do with her!

The next day, Krishna returned with the corpse of her Uncle Prasena. He had been mauled by a lion on his hunt. The gem remained lost. Either the lion had carried it off or someone had stolen it off the poor man's body. Satyabhama could barely hold in her emotions. She wasn't very close to her Uncle, but she could see this absolutely crushed her father. He was inconsolable. Krishna stood off to a corner of the salon as Satrajit screamed clutching his brother's body to his chest. Then he turned towards Krishna, "You! You killed him, didn't you? You found him in the forest and killed him, then passed on the blame to a voiceless animal!" Turning to his family he moaned, "You all see my Prasena, don't you? How can a mere animal cause so much damage to a skilled hunter? Haven't we all heard about Krishna's magic? That weapon he has, what do you call it? A chakra?! He must've killed my brother and hid my Syamantaka somewhere, and now he's come to offer his phoney condolences!"

Satyabhama felt her throat clench as her eyes met Krishna's. She felt a profound pain sear through her chest as she saw the look of pure dejection on Krishna's face. Looking around, she was horrified to see that even Krishna's own royal guards were eyeing him with suspicion. Looking back, she realized Krishna had understood the same. His expression had turned steely, as he spoke directly to her father, "I have not taken your gem, Srimanta. I am excusing this offence because I respect the grief that clouds your judgment. If this gem is so important to you, that you would attack my reputation so flippantly, then I will bring it back for you." With that, he turned and walked out of their house.

From her friends, Satyabhama learned that he had walked into the deep forest only with a select group of friends. She cursed herself when she learnt that he had refused to eat or drink anything at home till he found the gem and brought it back. What's more, he had had a huge fight with his brother, who also grew suspicious after the whole ordeal. After all, Krishna did have a reputation for thievery, even as a child, or so people said!

As the days turned into nights, Satyabhama found the urge to just go to either Krishna's brother or his wife and confess nearly irresistible. She stopped herself only with the thought that this would utterly destroy her father's reputation, and Prince Balarama would definitely murder him for maligning his little brother's reputation. Her nights were marred by spotty sleep and nightmares. Most nights, she just spent staring out into the night sky.

Every day, Satyabhama would go to the royal temple. She would spend many minutes just standing outside the main hall, staring at Princess Rukmini, Krishna's wife, and the fair Princess Revati, Balarama's wife, sitting before the Goddess's idol, both praying incessantly. Satyabhama, overcome by shame, would offer her prayers from outside the temple and return to pray in the privacy of her own room.

One day, one of the princess's attendants beckoned Satyabhama into the temple's prayer room. It was a small private chamber from where the queens and princesses preferred to attend the worship meetings during public festivals, away from the prying eyes of the citizens. Satyabhama had never been invited to this private room, though she always attended such festivals surrounded by bodyguards. She found Rukmini, wearing a flowing wine-red saree, adorning only the auspicious necklace and nose ring.

"I'm sorry-" Satyabhama started, but was stopped by Rukmini as she raised a hand to call for silence. After dismissing all her attendants, she spoke, "I see you return every day without offering your prayers inside the temple. Are you ashamed? Why, did you do this? Nevertheless, this is a public temple, you have as much a right to pray to the Mother Goddess as me." Satyabhama nodded silently.

Rukmini continued, "I have only one question for you. Did your father lie?"

Satyabhama lowered her head in shame, plucking at the hard ground with her fingernails. She was much taller than the princess but she suddenly felt so small before her. Slowly, she nodded her head up and down. Then, she looked up to meet the princess's eyes. She was surprised to see not reproach but sympathy in her eyes. Rukmini sighed, "It hurts the worst when your family lets you down, doesn't it? And you still just cannot give up on them, even though at some point you must, right?" Satyabhama was taken aback by her response. How did she know that Satyabhama was not also a part of her family's conspiracy? How did the princess say out loud the exact thing she herself was thinking?

Rukmini sniffled, "I won't make you come forward, but if you choose to do so, and in doing so lose your family, remember, I will always have a room for you in the palace." Smiling sadly, she left, leaving Satyabhama in deep thought.

---

After eight days, all of Krishna's friends returned. Without him. Her heart trembling, Satyabhama watched as they relayed the news of losing him there. They had waited in front of a dark cave for eight days straight, where Krishna had insisted on leaving them behind. Finally, they had lost hope and returned. She watched as her father remained torn, as his paternal instincts clicked back and he pondered what a terrible fate he had sent a young boy to suffer. Clutching onto a minuscule sliver of hope, however, she waited.

After her conversation with Rukmini, she ensured to visit the temple every day, offering her, basically begging the Goddess to keep him safe. Today, she walked into the temple, to find Rukmini seated before the idol. She wasn't praying anymore, she sat there staring into the distance. Before her, was laid a sole diya, flickering happily. Satyabhama realized with some shock that the princess was wearing the same saree as the last day. Had she not even moved from her seat since then?

She sat down beside the princess, cautiously laying a hand on her shoulder. Rukmini jolted as if waking from a dream. "Why did you send him there?" She asked, tears streaking her face. Satyabhama found herself at a loss for words. Rukmini cleared her throat, as if just realizing who she talking to, "Sorry, didn't mean to accuse you. You lot might given up on him, but I know him! I've seen him in a fight! Well," She laughed, "Good luck to his enemies! I'm just worried, you know. He is so finicky, with his food and the bedding and room decor! I wonder how he must be managing wherever he is stuck! And..." she trailed off, laying a hand longingly on her belly.

Suddenly, it hit Satybhama. The princess was expecting! "Does he know?" She whispered. Rukmini shook her head, "I thought I'd tell him, once this Syamantaka nonsense blew over. But now, who knows when his highness will brighten our doorsteps! All I can do is pray, right?"

Satyabhama nodded. She was happy for Krishna and the princess, but could also not ignore a pang of jealousy. Surely, if he was already a father, he would not want to marry again? Even if he did, would the princess allow it? Surely, she would have some sway on his decisions now, as mother of his firstborn? Shaking off these thoughts, she whispered, "But, then, princess, shouldn't you be resting, in such a delicate condition?"

Rukmini smiled, "I know. I just made this vow to the Goddess, that this diya wouldn't be extinguished till Krishna brought back the gem successfully."

Satyabhama thought for a second. Then, she smiled. "You vowed, the diya must not be extinguished. Not that you have to sit here pouring oil into it day and night!" Clasping the princess's palms, she said, "Let me: it's the least I can do!"

Rukmini peered into her eyes, finally nodding weakly.

As the princess left, Satyabhama was left alone in the temple, surrounded only by her thoughts, as she poked occasionally at the wick of the diya. Then it hit her, she had really let Krishna just walk into whatever danger lay in wait for him, instead of coming forward and clearing his name. The princess might not blame her, but how could she forgive herself? Satyabhama found herself rapidly chanting all the prayers that she knew, some to the Goddess, some to the lamp. She would never even talk to Krishna again, she wouldn't be jealous even if he had a hundred more wives, she would retire to the forest if necessary, only if the Goddess returned him to his wife safe and sound. Satyabhama imagined Rukmini telling Krishna about their unborn child. She could almost feel the tears of joy that Krishna would shed at the news! Only if he would not dally this way, causing pain to all who loved him, and return at the earliest!

After twenty and one agonizing days, the drums at the gate of Dwarika sounded again.

"He has come!"

"He is victorious at last!"

Ripples of Jaya-dhhwani tore apart the grief in the sky of the city as laughter and happiness cascaded down the ether and down Satyabhama's cheeks. He had returned at last. Glorious, the Syamantaka bouncing off his chest, tied in a flowery garland, his new wife in his arms. Strangely opposed to her daydreams, Satyabhama did not feel even a hint of jealousy. Instead, she joined Rukmini, the crown princess, as they shed tears of overwhelming joy together and rushed in unison to witness this triumph of the man that they had both accepted as their Lord.

In a special parliament meeting, Krishna explained his delay and relayed the full account of his adventures. They had ventured into the Eastern forest to find Prasena. Instead, they had found his mangled, lifeless body. A lion had attacked him mid-hunt, killed him and ripped his right arm off along with a jewel clenched in it. A few miles further, they had found the carcass of a lion, and following strange foot-marks had found the entrance to the land of Jambavan, the king of the Bears. Krishna had left his companions at this gate and ventured in alone. Satyabhama sat close to her father, listening enraptured to this fascinating tale. Slightly amused, she noticed, Balarama had an arm around Krishna's waist. He still seemed pretty shaken from the ordeal. It seemed as though he did not want to let him go out of his sight again.

He continued his story. Inside the cave, he had been challenged to a duel by King Jambavan and after a furious battle of twenty-nine days, he had finally defeated the bear-king and returned with the gem and princess Jambavati. His friends had returned after only eight days, thinking him to be a lost cause. Satyabhama was mildly annoyed at this but decided to stay quiet so as to not draw any further attention to her already guilty father.

Right as the sabha broke up, her father took Satyabhama's hand and led her to Krishna and requested his attention. Krishna smiled back at them with not even the slightest hint of anger or gripe.

"Please my son, Krishna," said Satrajit, "Accept this gem. I do not deserve to be the owner of this. Not after all I put you through!"

Krishna shook his head, laughing shyly. "Please, Sir. You keep it. I have no interest in keeping it. I just asked to take it to safeguard it in the royal treasury. But I have understood now, nobody can take it from your home unless you yourself are willing."

Satrajit folded his hands, "Taunt me as much as you like. I deserve it but please let me do something! Yes! Accept my daughter's hand in marriage then?!" Satyabhama was stunned. She had all but given up on the idea by now. "Please, my child. I will not consider myself forgiven unless you accept her!"

Krishna turned to her with an incredulous expression as she felt herself go beet red. In shame, she hid her face in her palms. "You too, Satyabhama?!" He cooed, laughing a little. "Guess you truly are the better gem in your father's house! Mind coming to mine?" Blushing she vigorously nodded her head as her father enclosed her hands in his.

[thesaffronmuse]

Namaste!

Allow me to introduce myself. I am The Saffron Muse. I am new to Tumblr and new to blogging so you must excuse me if there are any errors on my part.

A little bit about me...

I was born in the exquisite country of India but raised in the beautiful valleys of California. I have always found writing to be refreshing since I was a young girl and have been writing whenever I could about random thoughts in my journal. But I only recently I decided to combine my passion in Indian culture and religion with my writing.

I grew up in an orthodox Hindu family where we practiced many different traditions and rituals despite it being a little difficult living in the United States. Both of my parents worshipped God every day that my brother and I, eventually, learned and followed. They would tell us interesting and simple stories of the Ramayan and the Mahabharat instead of the common bedtime stories. These stories always kept me intrigued. As I grew older, I started to read books on the Gods/Goddesses, scriptures and other things that are important to practicing Hindus.

When my brother and I were in school, we would visit India for summer break as a family and travel within India to holy places like Tirupati, Shirdi, and Mathura. On the car drive to these cities, our grandparents would tell us about the stories behind the significance of the temples. Although standing in lines was exhausting and draining, in the end it was always worth it.

I still continue to learn as much as I can about Sanatana Dharma. I love to conduct my own research on certain rituals that our elders encourage us to participate in. Growing up, there were many incidents where my parents or grandparents had no idea when questioned about the significance of some rituals and customs. They just did what they were told to do. I did not want to be that way.

Currently, I live with my husband of two years. We both enjoy traveling, cooking and watching movies together. My husband observed that I am really passionate when it comes to learning about our culture (and other cultures too). He has been encouraging me to share my knowledge and interest with the world, but I had not felt good enough to do so. However, I told myself that it’s now or never. So, here I am!

~ The Saffron Muse

[mathuravrindavantour1]

Agra to mathura vrindavan tour | Mathura vrindavan tour | Two days mathura vrindavan tour

Agra to Mathura Vrindavan Tour: Explore the Land of Krishna - Embark on a memorable journey from Agra to the enchanting towns of Mathura and Vrindavan, steeped in mythology and spirituality. Our tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and religious significance of these revered destinations.

[atulsrivastav-blog]

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Today in Christian History

Today is Wednesday, March 22nd, the 81st day of 2023. There are 284 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History:

1556: Cardinal Reginald Pole is consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury, restoring Catholicism to England for a brief time between the Protestant reigns of Edward VI and Elizabeth I.

1593: Arrest of John Penry, an independent Welsh pastor, who will be hanged for sedition. He had criticized Church of England leaders for their neglect of Wales and among his papers was found the draft of a strongly worded letter to Queen Elizabeth.

1621: Hugo Grotius, a Dutch Arminian imprisoned by Calvinists, after spending an hour on his knees praying, steps into a book box by which he will escape prison.

1641: The Archbishop of Armagh convenes a provincial synod at Kells which almost unanimously pronounces the war undertaken by the Catholics of Ireland against the English “just and lawful.”

1720: John Gill is solemnly ordained as a Baptist pastor in Horsleydown in a lengthy public ceremony which involves much prayer and soul searching. Gill will remain at Horsleydown for 51 years and gain recognition as a great controversialist, sharply critical of Wesley’s theology because it placed the decision to follow Christ in a person’s own hands.

1758: Death in New Jersey from smallpox of Jonathan Edwards, Christian pastor, theologian, scientist, and educator.

1814: Beheading of the Orthodox monk Euthymius in Constantinople. He had abandoned Christianity for Islam in his youth but soon regretted it, returned to faith, became a monk on Mt. Athos, and practiced great austerities. Eventually he traveled to Constantinople where he testified of his faith.

1874: Ordination in Calcutta of Mathura Kath Bose, who will minister to the Chandal people of Gopalgunge near the Ganges, winning many to Christ. He lives on a meagre income, having relinquished opportunities for commercial advancement by becoming a Christian.

1918: Death in Berlin of Alexander Merensky, who had served as a missionary to the Transvaal, South Africa, and written many books about missions.

1920: Death in Guayaquil, Ecuador, of George S. Fisher, founder of the Gospel Missionary Union. He had contracted typhoid fever while visiting the work in Ecuador.