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Plate 190

Lord Caitanya Is Welcomed in Vṛndāvana

When Sa Caianya Mahapralbhu pased hrough Vṛndāvana, herdo of graing cowesaw Him pass and, immediately surrounding Him, bégan to moo very loudly. Seeing the herds

approach Him, the Lord was stunned with ecstatic love. The cows then began to lick His body in great affection. Coming out of His ecstatic trance, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu caressed the cows, and the cows, unable to give up His company, followed Him. Only with great difficulty could the cowherd men restrain them.

When the Lord chanted the holy name, all the deer heard His sweet voice and approached Him and began to lick His body. Not at all afraid of Him, they accompanied Him along the path. Bumblebees and birds like the parrot and cuckoo all sang loudly on the fifth note, and the peacocks danced in front of the Lord. Upon seeing Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the trees and creepers of Vṛndāvana became jubilant. Their twigs stood up, and they shed tears in the form of honey. Overloaded with fruits and flowers, the trees and creepers bowed down at the lotus feet of the Lord and greeted Him with various presentations as if they were friends. Thus all the moving and nonmoving living entities of Vṛndāvana became very jubilant to see Lord Caitanya.

Painting by MURALĪDHARA DĀSA (1975)

Lord Caitanya Is Welcomed in Vṛndāvana