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Syama Vana and Syama Kutir (Ratna Simhasana)

Syama Vana (Syamavana) is known as the black forest (syama means “black”). At Syama Kutir (also known as Ratna Simhasana) there is a kunda called Ratna Kunda. This kunda is said to mark the spot where the demon Sankhacuda (Sankhasura) carried off Radharani, who was sitting on the Ratna Simhasana (jeweled throne). Radharani would sit on this beautiful jewel covered throne surrounded by thousands of gopis. It is said that he carried the Ratna Simhasana to Lagamohan Tirtha and left it there, in fear, because Krishna was pursuing him.

The concrete circle with a seat on it was pointed out to me to be the place where Krishna and the gopis would perform the rasa dance. If you go to the backside of the temple building, there is a small room, which I was told marks the spot of the Ratna Simhasana.

Right outside of the entrance to the ashrama, about 7m (20 ft) to the right into the trees, is the imprint of Krishna’s left foot. The rock that is embedded into the ground here is painted red where the footprint is located.

Syama Kutir is also the first place that you can see Govardhana Hill first coming out of the ground.

How To Get Here This place is in the woods, across from the Sant Nivas Ashrama, about ¾ km from Kusuma Sarovara. Sant Nivas Ashrama is the first good-sized building that you will see on your left and is a fairly active place. Just before you reach Sant Nivas there is a dirt road (which is the first of two) that goes off into the woods. You walk 120m into the woods and then you make a right turn onto the path that goes to the right. You walk 115m and there is an ashram and temple directly in front of you, which at first may seem totally deserted.

About 7m (20 ft) before the entrance to this ashram, about 7m (20 ft) to the right into the trees is the imprint of Krishna’s left foot.

Story of Sankhacuda (Sankhasura)
“At that time, while they were so much absorbed, almost in madness, a demon associate of Kuvera (the treasurer of the heavenly planets) appeared on the scene. The demon’s name was Sankhasura because on his head there was a valuable jewel resembling a conchshell. Sankhasura though since he belonged to the rich community of Kuvera, he, not Krishna and Balarama, should enjoy the company of so many beautiful girls. He therefore decided to take charge of them. He appeared before Krishna and Balarama and the damsels of Vraja and began to lead the girls away to the north. He commanded them as if he were their proprietor and husband, despite the presence of Krishna and Balarama. Being forcibly taken away by Sankhasura the damsels of Vraja began to call the names of Krishna and Balarama for protection.

The two brothers immediately began to follow them, taking up big logs in Their hands. ‘Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid,’ They called to the gopis. ‘We are coming at once to chastise this demon.’ Very quickly They reached Sankhasura. Thinking the brothers too powerful, Sankhasura left the company of the gopis and ran for fear of his life. But Krishna would not let him go. He entrusted the gopis to the care of Balarama and followed Sankhasura wherever he fled. Krishna wanted to take the valuable jewel resembling a conchshell from the head of the demon. After following him a very short distance, Krishna caught him, struck his head with His fist and killed him. He then took the valuable jewel and returned. In the presence of all the damsels of Vraja, He presented the valuable jewel to His elder brother Balarama.” (Krishna Book, Chap. 34)

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides