Gopi Prem Diwas: True Love That Transcends Time and Space

Prem Roopa Ras Sindhu Dou Shyama Shyam.
Jo Bhee Pyaasa Maange Vako Deya Binu Dam.

                    - Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj, Shyama Shyam Geet

Shree Radha & Krishna are the ocean of love, beauty and nectar which they shower on any yearning soul without any cost.

Valentine’s Day is often celebrated as a day of romance, chocolates, and flowers. But beyond the commercialized festivities lies the deeper, more profound meaning of love—one that is eternal, selfless, and unwavering. Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, chose to celebrate the selfless devotion of the Braj Gopis for their beloved Shree Krishna on this day, naming it Gopi Prem Diwas. He also explained that love (Prem) exists in two forms: one is the love offered to God, and the other is the love received from the Guru, inspired by God.

In the sacred traditions of Bhakti, love is not just an emotion; it is a divine connection. The story of Shree Krishna and the Gopis, particularly as narrated in the episode of Uddhav’s visit to Vrindavan, encapsulates the very essence of true love. Their love was not bound by worldly expectations or fleeting desires—it was pure, unconditional, and beyond material existence. This Valentine’s Day, let’s take a journey through this extraordinary tale to understand what it truly means to love.

The Love of the Gopis: A Testament to Devotion

The Gopis of Vrindavan are revered as the epitome of love. Their love for Shree Krishna was not transactional; they did not seek anything in return. They did not love him for his divine status or his miraculous powers. Their love was simply for him—his presence, his essence, and the joy of being in his company.

When Shree Krishna left Vrindavan for Mathura, their hearts shattered, yet their love did not waver. Instead of diminishing, it intensified. Their longing for him was so profound that their very tears created streams leading into the Yamuna.

Modern day lesson for us: In today’s world, love often comes with expectations. We measure relationships by what we receive in return. But true love—whether romantic, familial, or spiritual—is about giving without conditions. It’s about loving someone, not for what they can do for us, but simply because we feel an unbreakable connection with them.

Uddhav’s Arrival: A Test of Philosophy vs. Experience

Shree Krishna sent his learned disciple Uddhav to Vrindavan. Uddhav was a scholar, a man of wisdom, well-versed in the highest philosophical concepts of Vedanta. He encountered a group of women called the Gopis who were experiencing deep separation from their beloved Krishna. Uddhav, confident in his intellectual understanding, attempted to console them with philosophical wisdom. What unfolded next offers us timeless lessons about the nature of true love. He believed in the formless, impersonal aspect of God and sought to educate the Gopis on the idea that Krishna was omnipresent and there was no need to lament his physical absence.

The Gopis' response to Uddhav's philosophical discourse was remarkable. They weren't interested in abstract concepts or intellectual reasoning. Their love was pure, direct, and transformative. When Uddhav suggested they should transcend their feelings of separation through philosophical understanding, they responded with profound wisdom wrapped in simple questions that challenged his entire worldview.

One Gopi asked, "If everything is one unified reality as you say, then who are you teaching?" Another pointed out that their minds had already merged with Krishna - they couldn't use their minds for philosophical contemplation because their consciousness was completely absorbed in love. These weren't just clever retorts; they were expressions of a love so complete that it transformed their entire way of being.

As Uddhav arrived and witnessed the Gopis’ unwavering devotion, he realized he was in the presence of a love far beyond intellectual comprehension. The Gopis smiled at his philosophical arguments. They did not need scriptures to tell them that Shree Krishna was omnipresent—they lived that reality every moment. To them, Shree Krishna was in the wind, in the trees, in every breath they took. Love was not an abstract concept; it was their lived experience.

Modern day lesson for us: In our modern relationships, we often seek logic and validation. We want proof of commitment, assurance of loyalty, and visible demonstrations of affection. But the highest form of love transcends logic. It is not about proving, justifying, or analyzing—it is about feeling and believing.

The Divine Vision: Love Beyond Separation 

One of the most touching moments of this tale is when the Gopis tell Uddhav that Krishna never left them. “Look,” they say, “he is right here.” Uddhav looks around but sees nothing. They laugh and explain, “You cannot see him because you do not believe in his personal presence.”

This is the power of true love—it does not depend on physical presence. It exists beyond time and space. Shree Krishna was far away in Mathura, yet in their hearts, he had never left.

Modern day lesson for us: Many people experience love and loss—whether through distance, breakup, or even the passing of a loved one. But true love does not fade with absence. It stays, grows, and transforms. It is in the memories we cherish, the lessons we learn, and the essence that remains with us forever.

Uddhav’s Transformation: From Logic to Love 

The story concludes with Uddhav taking six months to return from a two-hour journey because he was so transformed by the love he witnessed and left as a devotee. His logical mind surrendered to the overwhelming power of love. He had come to teach but ended up learning. The Gopis’ love for Shree Krishna showed him a higher truth—that love is not to be understood, but to be felt. He returned to Shree Krishna not as a messenger, but as someone who had been transformed by the divine power of love.

Modern Day Lesson for us: Love is the greatest teacher. It humbles the proud, softens the hardened, and opens the eyes of those who are blinded by intellect alone. When we truly love, we do not need words, explanations, or reasoning. We just know.

Bringing True Love into Our Lives 

The Gopis' love wasn't about philosophical concepts or social conventions - it was about pure, unfiltered devotion and connection. In our modern world, where relationships often feel commodified and superficial, their example encourages us to seek and nurture authentic love that transforms us from within.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate not just romantic love, but the highest form of love—one that gives without expecting, one that sees without physical eyes, and one that endures beyond this lifetime.

For in the end, true love is not just an experience. It is the very essence of life itself.

Call to Action

Join us in celebrating Gopi Prem Diwas at the Radha Krishna Temple on February 14! Immerse yourself in the divine love of Krishna and the Gopis through devotional music, discourses, and a heartfelt community gathering. Experience the joy of unconditional love and devotion. Learn more and participate by visiting Radha Krishna Temple Events.

Resources

JKYog Gopi Prem Diwas Celebrations | Special Message by Swami Mukundananda | Cultural Programs