Gopashtami is one of the most divine and blissful festivals among all the pastimes of Shri Krishna. On this day, the Supreme Lord Shri Krishna began the divine pastime of herding cows in Braj for the very first time.

The connection between Lord Krishna and cows is profound and integral to His divine identity. The Gochāran Leela, where Shri Krishna grazes the cows in the lush pastures of Vrindavan, is a cherished theme in the poems and writings of rasik saints. Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj beautifully describes this divine scene in one of his poems in his signature literary work “Prem Ras Madira.”

Of all the festivals that have existed since eternity, or will exist in the future, the crest jewel of all these festivals is the festival of Sharad Poornima. Why is this festival so special? It is on this night that Lord Shri Krishna performed the ‘Maharaas.’ To understand its significance, we look at the terms involved: One is ‘Ras’, Another is ‘Raas’. And yet another is ‘Maharaas.’ ‘Ras’ signifies the divine essence, and in this context, it refers to God Himself—Shri Krishna, the embodiment of ‘Ras.’ This is declared in the Vedas. When Lord Krishna bestows the essence of all ‘Ras’ upon individual souls, it is referred to as ‘Raas.’ However, when He engages in ‘Raas’ with countless Gopis, it is elevated to the realm of ‘Maharaas.’

Are Man! Sun Guru-Tatva-Vichār

A sādhak, thoroughly conversant with the knowledge of spiritual principles, addresses his mind…
O Mind! Listen carefully to some reflections on the entity known as the Guru. The verse, guṁ rautīti guruḥ tells us that he who erases ignorance is the Guru. Even though the Vedas