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CHAP. 42. The form of Sri Krishna, as seen at Vrindavana, is
constant. Mathura, Vrindavana, Yamuna, the Gopa girls, the Gopa
boys, Sri Krishna as an Avatara are all constant.
The Gopis are the Srutis (forms invoked by Vedic Mantras),
Deva girls and devoted Rishis, desirous of liberation.
The Gopa boys are Munis, full of the bliss of Vaikuntha.
The Kadamba tree is Kalpa Vriksha, (a divine tree that gives
all that is desired).
The Siddhas, Sadhyas and Gandharvas are the Kokilas
(cuckoos) of Vrind^vana.
Govardhana is the eternal servant of HarL
CHAP. 43. Arjuna wanted to know the mysteries of VrindcU
vana and of the Gopis.
Krishna said they were unknown to BrahmA even. He then
advised Arjuna to worship the goddess Tripura-sundari, as through
her favor only he could know all he asked about. The goddess asked
Arjuna to bathe in a tank called Kulakunda. She then gave direc-
tions which were duly performed by Arjuna. The goddess then took
Arjuna to the real, constant Vrindavana, whfch is placed over Goloka.
With the divine vision, given by the goddess, Arjuna saw the
mysteries of Vrindavana, and became full of devotional love. He
then asked the goddess what to do next. She then asked him to
bathe in another tank, and, when Arjuna did so, he became a female.
A divine voice said, ' Go back to the former tank. Touch its water
and you will attain your object. There you will find your compan-
ions."
The Gopis gathered round Arjuna out of curiosity. One of
them Priyamuda asked: "Who art thou? How hast thou come
here?" Arjuna related his story.
To satisfy the curiosity of Arjuna, Priyamuda said: "We
are all the dear companions of Krishna. Here are the girls of
Vraja. Those are Srutis and these are Munis. We are Gopa girls.
Some appeared here from the body of Krishna. They are con-
stant, keeping constant company with Krishna and moving all
over the universe. Of them, this is Purna-rasa, this is Rasa Man-
thara (and so on). Then of the Srutis, this is Udgita, this is Sugita
(and so on). Then of the Munis, this is Ugra-tapas, this is Priya-
vrata, this is Suvrata (and so on). Amongst us, the girls of Gopas,
this is Chandravali, this is Chandrika, this is Chandra-rekha (and so
on). You will have all these for your companions. Come bathe on
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