Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 13.39
Protect reverence for Vṛndāvana and Govardhana
“You should remain in Vṛndāvana for only a short time and then return here as soon as possible. Also, do not climb Govardhana Hill to see the Gopāla Deity.
What the purport teaches
- The Lord instructed Jagadānanda Paṇḍita to stay in Vṛndāvana only briefly and return as soon as possible. Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura advises short visits for those who have not attained spontaneous love for Kṛṣṇa.
- A long stay may lead one to lose proper respect for Vṛndāvana’s inhabitants. The purport recalls the saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.”
- Govardhana Hill is identical with Gopāla, so one should not step on it or touch it with one’s feet. Rather than climb the hill, one may see Gopāla when He goes elsewhere.
Try this today
Write down one way to preserve respect during a visit to Vṛndāvana, including not stepping on Govardhana Hill.
Ask yourself
Where might familiarity be weakening my reverence?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.