Gopastami

Gopastami is the eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight in Kartik, celebrated when Lord Krishna transitioned from tending calves to herding cows (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.15.1).

One significant pastime on this day involves Srimati Radharani. Once, Jatila, her mother-in-law, restricted her from performing puja at Surya Kunda, fearing she was meeting Krishna. Radharani felt deep sorrow in separation from Krishna. Meanwhile, Krishna, also feeling intense separation, asked His dear friend Subala for help. Subala, resembling Radharani, devised a clever plan: they switched clothes, allowing Radharani to leave disguised as Subala with a calf, while he stayed back pretending to be a sick Radharani. The ruse worked, and Radharani reunited with Krishna, leading to joyful pastimes.

In Mayapur Dham, Gopastami is marked by special celebrations. Sri Radha Madhava receive new outfits, and the lotus feet of Radharani and the gopis are visible as they lift their skirts to avoid mud. Devotees gather at the goshala to worship and serve the cows, dressing as gopas. The festival features katha, yajna (signifying Krishna’s transition to herding cows), and a special arati for the cows, followed by feeding them treats. The event concludes with a feast for all participants, celebrating the glories of cows and this special pastime.

In Chaitanya Charitamrita it is found that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu referred to Govardhan as Haridev. So he never rose above Govardhana and did not visit Gopal Deva, little Krishna. That Gopal Deva is still living in the village of Annakut, installed by Madhavendra Puri on the mountain of Govardhana. Srila Rupa and Sanat Goswami following the footsteps of Mahaprabhu, also never went on top.

Adapted from: Srimad Bhagavatam, HH Sivarama Swami’s Nava Vraja Mahimamrta, Vedabase.