63 - Glory of the Holy Procession: Gundikā Yātrā

Brahma said: 

1. Those who observe Krişhņa, Balarama and Subhadrå seated in a chariot and going in a procession to the Mandapa called Gundikā go to the abode of lord Vişhnu. 

2. Those who visit Krịşhna, Balarama and Subhadrā occu pying the Mandapa for seven days, go to the world of Vişhnu. 

The sages said: 

3. Who initiated the procession to the auspicious Gundika Mandapa? What is the benefit of witnessing this procession? 

4-5. Why do Krishna, lord of the universe, Sarkarşaņa and Subhadrà leave off their (permanent abode and proceed in a chariot, to the Mandapa in a holy shecluded spot on the bank of that lake and stay there for seven nights? 

Brahmā said: 

6-7. O brahmins, formerly lord Vişhnu was requested by Indradyumna: 

O lord of Devas, let there be a procession to the bank of my lake. It will yield worldly pleasure and salvation to us. 

Puruşottama the lord of Devas granted him this boon. 

The Lord said: 

8. O king, there shall be a procession for seven days on the banks of your lake. It will be called Gundikā. It will bestow all desired benefits. 

9-12. O king, the devotees, whether Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, or Sūdras whether male or female shall worship me, Samkarşana and Subhadra occupying the Mandapa. They shall worship with great faith by means of fragrant flowers, scents, incenses, lights, (food offerings), presents, obeisance, circumambulations, shouts of victory, hymns, charming songs, and musical instruments. Nothing is difficult of access to them. O excellent king, whatever benefit is desired by them will certainly befall them due to my favour. 

Brahmā said: 

13. After saying this to him the lord vanished there itself. That glorious and excellent king was fully satisfied. 

14. Hence, O excellent brahmins, one shall by all means visit lord Vişhnu, the bestower of all desires, at Gundikā. 

15. A man if he has no son, obtains sons, if poor, gets riches, if sick, is liberated from ailments. A virgin will get a good husband. 

16. The man derives longevity, glory, fame, intelligence, strength, learning, courage and obtains cattle, progeny and the wealth of handsome features and blooming youth. 

17. By visiting lord Vişhņu a man or woman devotee attains whatever pleasure he or she wishes for. 

18-19. By witnessing Gundika-procession with great con centration, O excellent brahmins, and by visiting lord Krişhna, Rama and Subhadra in the bright half of the month of Aşhadha, the man or woman derives the benefit of fifteen horse sacrifices or even more. 

20-23. He will redcem seven earlier generations and seven subsequent generations of his family-He will be fortunate and handsome as well as heroic. He will be bedecked in all ornaments studded with jewels. He will be served by Gandharvas and Apsaras vying with each other. In an aerial chariot that can go wherever one desires to go the devotee shall go to the city of Lord Vişhņu. He will freely enjoy the desired pleasures. He will be devoid of old age and death. Till the ultimate dissolution of all living beings he will enjoy excellent pleasures. When the merit decreases he will return to this place and be born as a brahmin who has mastered the four Vedas. 

Thereafter, he will adopt Yoga pertaining to Vishnu and attain salvation.