Rose coloured glasses
Vrindavana 2001
These rose-colored improvised sunglasses caught my attention. This little girl in her shabby white skirt with folded green plastic bags in her hands, was one of many hundreds of village folk attending a grand two-day mela at Mana Sarovar....
Some years ago I was asked to visit different places in Vrindavana and take photos for a slide presentation.Mana Sarovar was on the list.
Expecting this secluded spot with its quiet lake, surroundings of ancient groves, and two small temples, to be a picture of serenity, I was taken by surprise.
Instead of the expected serenity, there were large noisy crowds of people taking part in a somewhat rowdy festival.Many more were on the way.
Crowds were coming by the tractor loads, as well as on bicycles.
Many stalls were set up making and selling sweets.
Local children were playing everywhere in the sacred dust of that place, as well as climbing and swinging from these ancient trees.
Taken aback, with mixed feelings of discomfort and surprise, I watched them noisily taking bath in the Sarovar.While wandering amongst them, I could not help feeling that their animated good spirits were not entirely stemming from appreciation of the spiritual significance of the place.
But I know not to judge them.
Birth in Vrindavana is not ordinary.
Their hair, clothes and houses are full of the purifying dust that is sought after by pilgrims from around the world, who now knows it's spiritual significance. Only after many births of piety can one take birth in Vrindavana. Surely they are most fortunate.
Nevertheless I prefer coming here alone, or with devotees who want to hear the pastimes which take place here.
Mana Sarovar is the place of Srimati Radharani. Here she exhibits her mood of loving anger, refusing to talk to or see Krishna.
To appease her, Krishna comes disguised and offered His services to please Her.
The many sweet pastimes which take place here eternally are the REAL FESTIVAL to be celebrated at Mana Sarovara.
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