Two questions confound many devotees:
1) Can we live in Radha Kunda?
2) Can we bathe in Radha Kunda?
As there are many men and many minds, there are many different viewpoints and answers regarding these questions. So how to establish the final word, the correct answer, and the proper path of action?
An Iskcon publication titled Prabhupada Lilamrta vol.6, quotes Srila Prabhupada saying: “My books will be the lawbooks for the next 10,000 years. Whatever I have to say, I have spoken in my books.” Thus to answer these two questions, it makes sense that we should consult the lawbooks, accept their conclusions, and then follow the laws laid down therein.
In his “lawbooks”, Srila Prabhupada beautifully and perfectly answers these questions with very reassuring and inspiring words. Please carefully read these excerpts from the lawbooks, and then “do the needful” as Srila Prabhupada used to say.
1) Can we live in Radha Kunda?
In the translation to the lawbook titled, Nectar of Instruction v. 10, Srila Prabhupada said, “Indeed, those who execute devotional service on the banks of Radha Kunda are the most fortunate people in the universe.”
Concluding his purport to this verse, Srila Prabhupada said, “Therefore everyone interested in Krishna consciousness should ultimately take shelter of Radha Kunda and execute devotional service there throughout one's life.”
Further, Srila Prabhupada said, “Living entities who are eager to return home to Goloka Vrindavana, by means of attaining their siddha-dehas, should live at Radha Kunda.”
2) Can we bathe in Radha Kunda?
Now let’s hear what the lawbooks say about bathing in the prema-giving, supremely sanctifying, transcendental nectar water of Sri Radha Kunda.
In his purport to v. 11 of Nectar of Instruction, Srila Prabhupada glorifies this powerfully purifying practice of bhakti saying: “It is stated that a devotee will at once develop pure love of Krishna in the wake of the gopis if he once takes a bath in Radha Kunda. Srila Rupa Goswami recommends that even if one cannot live permanently on the banks of Radha Kunda, he should at least take a bath in Radha kunda as many times as possible. This is a most important item in the execution of devotional service.”
“If, by great fortune, one gets an opportunity to come to Radha Kunda and bathe even once, he can develop his transcendental love for Krishna, exactly as the gopis did. one should bathe in radhe kunda regularly and give up all material conceptions, taking shelter of Sri Radha and Her assistant gopis.”
Conclusion: Srila Prabhupada gives so much hope, support and encouragement in his concluding words regarding living and bathing in Radha Kunda.
Srila Prabhupada said, “After giving up the body he will return back to Godhead to serve Sri Radha in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Radha Kunda. The conclusion is that to live on the banks of radha kunda and to bathe there daily constitute the highest perfection of bhakti.” (NOI 11) Srila Prabhupada ki jai ho!
Let the truth ring loud, clear and forever in the hearts of the sincere seekers of love divine.
Shyama-kunda ki jai! Radha Kunda ki jai! Giri Govardhana ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe!
By Mahanidhi Swami