Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Antya 14.86
Govardhana Honors the Lord Through Service
“[Lord Caitanya said:] ‘Of all the devotees, this Govardhana Hill is the best! O my friends, this hill supplies Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, as well as Their calves, cows and cowherd friends, with all kinds of necessities — water for drinking, very soft grass, caves, fruits, flowers and vegetables. In this way the hill offers respect to the Lord. Being touched by the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, Govardhana Hill appears very jubilant.’”
What the purport teaches
- Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu recites words spoken by the gopīs when Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma entered the forest in autumn. The gopīs glorified Their pastimes among themselves.
- Govardhana is praised as the best of devotees. It supplies Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma, Their calves, cows and cowherd friends with water, soft grass, caves, fruits, flowers and vegetables.
- By supplying these necessities, Govardhana Hill offers respect to the Lord. Touched by the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, it appears very jubilant.
Try this today
Read aloud the list of necessities Govardhana supplies, noticing how each is an offering of service.
Ask yourself
What does Govardhana’s example show me about offering respect through practical service?
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.