Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 5.12
Visiting the Twelve Forests of Vṛndāvana
“After reaching Mathurā, they started visiting the different forests of Vṛndāvana and came to Govardhana Hill. They visited all twelve forests [vanas] and at last came to the town of Vṛndāvana.”
What the purport teaches
- After reaching Mathurā, the pilgrims visited the forests of Vṛndāvana and came to Govardhana Hill. They visited all twelve forests before reaching the town of Vṛndāvana.
- Five forests lie east of the Yamunā: Bhadra, Bilva, Loha, Bhāṇḍīra and Mahāvana. Seven lie west: Madhu, Tāla, Kumuda, Bahulā, Kāmya, Khadira and Vṛndāvana.
- The Vṛndāvana forest extends thirty-two miles from the town of Vṛndāvana to Nanda-grāma and Varṣāṇā. Pañcakrośī Vṛndāvana town lies within this forest.
Try this today
Make two short lists of the forests, grouping them by the eastern and western sides of the Yamunā.
Ask yourself
How does distinguishing the forest from the town help you picture Vṛndāvana?
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.