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Kadamba Van

Surabhi Kunda, Indra Kunda and Airavata Kunda are all in Kadamba Van forest. It is said that Radha and Krishna would meet in this forest and have pastimes here. It is believed that the Kadamba tree is considered dear to Krishna because its yellow color reminds him of the bodily complexion of Srimati Radharani. At the present time there are not many Kadamba trees left in this forest.

After you leave the Apsara Kunda area you can either walk on the dirt path, close to Govardhana Hill, or follow the paved road.

Surabhi Kunda
This place is where Surabhi got Indra forgiven, for the great offense that he committed against Krishna and the residences of Braja. It is a good-size kunda in the middle of the Kadamba Van forest.
Lord Indra asked the Surabhi cow to come with him to ask for the mercy of Lord Krishna, after Indra offended Him. Indra then went before Krishna and offered his obeisances. Then Surabhi approached Lord Krishna and asked Him to forgive Lord Indra.

“The transcendental surabhi cow, who also came with Indra to see Krishna, offered her respectful obeisances unto Him and worshiped Him. The surabhi offered her prayers to Krishna as follows. ‘My dear Lord Krishna, You are the most powerful of all mystic yogis because You are the soul of the complete universe, and from You only all this cosmic manifestation has taken place. Therefore, although Indra tried his best to kill my descendant cows in Vrindavana, they remain under Your shelter, and You have protected them all so well. We do not know anyone else as the Supreme, nor do we go to any other god or demigods for protection. Therefore, You are our Indra, You are the Supreme Father of the whole cosmic manifestation, and You are the protector and elevator of all the cows, brahmanas, demigods and others who are pure devotees of Your Lordship. O Supersoul of the universe, let us bathe You with our milk because You are our Indra. O Lord, You appear just to diminish the burden of impure activities on the earth.” (Krishna Book, Chap 27)

How To Get Here If you are on the inside dirt parikrama path, this kunda is about 1½ km from Apsara Kunda. This kunda is about 30m (100 ft) to the left of the parikrama path, through a few trees. You will see a red sandstone building about 6m (20 ft) high, which is the ghata next to this kunda. This kunda is about 30m by 30m. It is not such an easy place to find.

This kunda is just off the paved parikrama path, on the right.

Indra Kunda (Carana Kunda) and Airavata’s Footprint
It is said that this kunda was made when Indra fell at the feet of Krishna. Tears flowed from his thousand eyes and bathed the feet of Krishna. This water formed this kunda. It is also called Carana Kunda because the tears of Indra washed the lotus feet (carana) of Lord Krishna. Vallabhacarya stated that at this place. Indra offered 56 kinds of delicious food preparation to Krishna (cappan bhoga). This place is near the Doka Dauji Temple.
Just next to Indra Puja is Airavata’s footprint. It is said that at this place Airavata the elephant carrier of Lord Indra, bowed down before Krishna and left his footprint imprinted into the rock on Govardhana Hill.

How To Get Here If you stand with your back to Surabhi Kunda and face Govardhana Hill, this kunda is about a 100m to the right, close to Govardhana Hill. There is not much left of this kunda and except during the rainy season, it can be difficult to find it. This kunda is near the Doka Dauji Temple.

Airavata Kunda
Airavata is the elephant carrier of Lord Indra. Airavata came and put water from the Ganges here, with which he bathed Lord Krishna. This kunda is close to Surabhi Kunda.

How To Get Here This kunda is on your left hand side, if you continue on the inside parikrama path another 250m past Surabhi Kunda. It is a good-sized kunda with a 1m (3 ft) wall around it. It is a very deep kunda, which has almost no water in it. As you walk on the inside parikrama path you pass a large totally broken down building on the left and this kunda is about 100m to the right of this building (if you are facing the building).

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides