Today is the seventh day of the Chandan Yatra, concluding the first special seven days of this divine summer festival, where each day, our beloved Lords are adorned in unique and exquisite vesas (outfits) as part of their cooling sandalwood pastimes.
Our beloved Madhava and Chota Madhava appeared today in the majestic Chakra Narayana Vesa, completely draped in blue — a vision reminiscent of Sri Krishna in Vrindavan Dham, immersed in the transcendental moods of the divine forest.
Alongside this, we reflect on a heartfelt prayer from Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī (Padyāvalī):
“The elephant of my mind is drowning in the waters of material illusion. Strongly held by the ferocious crocodile of the threefold miseries, it anxiously cries with fear in its heart. O Lord Hari, please rescue it with Your glowing Sudarśana cakra, which cuts the sufferings of the demigods to pieces.”
Let us offer the struggles of our minds at the Lord’s feet and remember His Sudarśana, which can dispel all darkness and suffering.
Today is also the final day of the Boat Festival for Chota Radha Madhava, who have delighted us for seven nights with Their blissful boat pastimes. Their gentle swaying upon the sacred waters has touched the hearts of thousands.
But the celebrations continue! Very soon, we will welcome the Boat Festival of Lord Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe!
Just yesterday, Lord Jagannatha was dressed in the stunning Govardhana Vesa, draped in blue — symbolizing His mighty pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill and sheltering the Vrajavasis.
May these first seven days of Chandan Yatra forever cool our hearts, purify our minds, and deepen our love for the Lord. The journey continues, and so does the joy!
Jaya Jagannatha! Jaya Radha Madhava!
Today, the Lords appear in Their Khat Doli Vesa, gracefully enjoying Their eternal swing pastimes beneath the lush groves of Vrindavan. As the golden swing sways gently from a flowering tree, Their transcendental beauty captivates the hearts of all who behold Them.
As described in Bhakti Ratnakara by Pundarika Vidyanidhi:
“Krishna is enjoying the beauty of Radha-kunda.
The kunda is full of pure water and lotuses.
Bumblebees hum amongst the lotuses, and the gentle wind causes small ripples in the water.
Aquatics move pleasurably through the water.
The banks of the kunda are decorated with different kinds of gems.
The covered terrace on the bank is decorated with painted pictures.
The abode of Cupid bows its head, feeling inferior.
The birds and peacocks sing and dance as Radha and Krishna swing on a golden gem-studded swing hanging from the tree.”
Today’s darshan invites us into this beautiful realm of Chota Radha Madhava — where the divine love swings to the rhythm of birdsong, and every breeze carries the scent of eternity.
Sri Radha Madhava Ki Jai!!!
Click for Darshan Photos
Today, our beloved Lords appear in Their enchanting Vana Bihari form — the divine forest wanderer, delighting in sweet pastimes beneath flowering trees and along the cooling banks of the Yamuna.
Adorned with fresh sandalwood paste, vibrant forest garlands, and the aroma of Vrindavan’s wilderness, They remind us of playful moments spent with cowherd friends — laughter echoing through the groves, the soft murmur of bees and birds, and the sacred joy of divine companionship.
As described so sweetly in the Garga Samhita:
“After rescuing the calves and gopas from the death in Aghasura’s mouth, Sri Krishna went to the Yamuna’s shore and spoke the following delightful words:
‘O gopas, let us go to this beautiful and pleasing riverbank of soft sands, which is flooded with pollen from the lotuses blossoming in autumn, fragrant with a breeze carrying three scents, and filled with trees, vines and the humming of bees.
And now that three hours have passed and it is time for lunch, let us take our lunch here. I see that this place with soft sands is a very good place for our lunch. The calves will drink the water here, and then they will go to the new grasses there.’
Hearing Krishna’s words, the boys said, ‘So be it’. They all sat down on the riverbank to take lunch.”
— Sri Garga Samhita, Ch 7, Texts 3–7
Such is the sweetness of Krishna's company — where every leaf whispers love, every breeze carries joy, and every moment becomes a divine festival.
Today’s Chandan Yatra vesa brings to life a thrilling and deeply meaningful pastime from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (SB 10.12) — the killing of Aghāsura, the monstrous python demon.
“One day, Krishna desired to enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest with His cowherd boyfriends. As they wandered, laughing and playing with their calves, a terrifying figure awaited them – Aghāsura, the younger brother of Pūtanā and Bakāsura.”
Sent by Kaṁsa, Aghāsura took the terrifying form of a massive python, his mouth stretching from the earth to the heavens. He lay still on the forest path, his appearance deceptively blending in with the surroundings. The innocent cowherd boys, seeing the demon’s gaping mouth, mistook it for a cave or play structure, and — completely fearless due to Krishna’s presence — they entered inside, laughing and joking.
Their faith in Krishna’s protection was unshakable. Though they suspected danger, they knew Krishna would save them — and indeed, He did. After they were swallowed, Krishna entered the demon’s mouth Himself. There, He expanded His form, suffocating the demon from within and bursting Aghāsura’s body, liberating him and saving His dear friends.
This pastime is not only awe-inspiring but filled with lessons of:
Faith in Krishna’s protection
The Lord’s loving nature toward His devotees
How even a great demon, upon contact with Krishna, can be liberated
Let us reflect on the sweet confidence of the Vrajavāsīs — how their simple faith and childlike trust in Krishna became the cause of their protection and joy.
As part of today’s Chandan Yatra darshan, Their Lordships are dressed in a stunning vesa remembering this divine pastime — inviting us all to enter the spiritual world through remembrance, darshan, and śravaṇam.
