90 The Nectar of Instruction
devotees; therefore it is even more difficult for ordi-
nary devotees to attain. If one simply bathes once
within those holy waters, one’s pure love of Krsna is
fully aroused.
PURPORT

Why is Radha-kunda so exalted? The lake is so exalted
because it belongs to Srimati Radharani, who is the most
beloved object of Sri Krsna. Among all the gopis, She is the
most beloved. Similarly, Her lake, Sri Radha-kunda, is also
described by great sages as the lake that is as dear to Krsna
as Radha Herself. Indeed, Krsna’s love for Radha-kunda and
Srimati Radharani is the same in all respects. Radha-kunda
is very rarely attained, even by great personalities fully
engaged in devotional service, not to speak of ordinary devo-
tees who are only engaged in the practice of vaidhi bhakti.

It is stated that a devotee will at once develop pure love of
Krsna in the wake of the gopis if he once takes a bath in
Radha-kunda. Srila Ripa Gosvami recommends that even if
one cannot live permanently on the banks of Radha-kunda,
he should at least take a bath in the lake as many times as
possible. This is a most important item in the execution of
devotional service. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura writes in
this connection that Sri Radha-kunda is the most select place
for those interested in advancing their devotional service in
the wake of the lady friends (sakhis) and confidential serv-
ing maids (mafjaris) of Srimati Radharani. Living entities
who are eager to return home to the transcendental kingdom
of God, Goloka Vrndavana, by means of attaining their
spiritual bodies (siddha-deha) should live at Radha-kunda,
take shelter of the confidential serving maids of Sri Radha
