Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 18.34
Govardhana Serves With All Kinds of Necessities
“ ‘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
- The gopīs praised Govardhana Hill as the best of all devotees. They spoke among themselves when Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma entered the forest in autumn.
- Govardhana supplies Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, Their calves, cows and cowherd friends with water, soft grass, caves, fruits, flowers and vegetables. By providing these necessities, the hill offers respect to the Lord.
- Touched by the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, Govardhana Hill appears very jubilant. The gopīs glorified Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma for Their pastimes.
Try this today
List three things Govardhana provides, and reflect on how each serves Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma.
Ask yourself
How does Govardhana’s provision of necessities help you understand offering respect through 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.