Geography of Heaven

Geography of Heaven: Vrindavan
The Embodiment of Earthly Divinity


Morning Edition, November 2, 2005 · The Yamuna River flowing past Vrindavan is considered sacred, and the faithful often make temporary shrines on its shores and float flowers downstream, lit by candles. Krishna is said to have bathed here 5,000 years ago, and it is auspicious to follow in his footsteps.

With all Vrindavan’s past splendor, there is evidence everywhere that belies its spiritual purity. It's not just the pollution -- the waters of the Yamuna are black with pollution -- it is also the poverty.

The Hindi word "vrinda" translates to a devotion to spiritual purity. That devotion is shared by most in the city, regardless of their place in the highly stratified caste system that still rules Indian society. They seem united by their spiritual quest.

"Everybody is suffering," says religious teacher Vrinda Davidasi. "And our ultimate aim is to merge into our beloved -- when we are into that, then no more sufferings. We won’t come into this material body again. Our soul will be merged."

The focus of many worshippers is the Radha Raman Temple, where a black stone statue of Krishna sits enshrined.

The tiny figure, no more than six inches high, is nearly lost in the folds of saffron and maroon robes -- but the sight of the black rock sends the faithful into raptures of joy.

"They surge forward," says Alex Chadwick. "The raise their faces, they raise their arms, they raise a sense of a deep, shared, harmonious bliss -- and they look so happy."

NPR : The Embodiment of Earthly Divinity


Posted October 25, 2005

BY: NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO

Oct 25, WASHINGTON, DC — Alex Chadwick Explores Vrindavan, India, and Its Role on Hindus' Beliefs in the Afterlife

NPR/National Geographic's "Radio Expeditions" Visits Heaven On Earth - The Ancient Indian City Where Krishna Followers Believed He Lived - In Three-Part Series Airing On "Morning Edition" October 31-November 2

Is there really heaven on earth? For the latest NPR/National Geographic "Radio Expeditions" series, "Geography of Heaven," Alex Chadwick explores Vrindavan, India, an ancient town south of Delhi that is regarded by devotees of the Hindu god Krishna as the most sacred place on earth.

"Radio Expeditions: Geography of Heaven - Vrindavan" will air on Morning Edition October 31, November 1 and November 2.

Using state-of-the-art digital stereo audio equipment, "Radio Expeditions'" travels beyond the motorbikes and diesel engines of 21st century Vrindavan and ventures through the city's countless shrines celebrating Krishna and inside the temples built by maharajas to experience Krishna traditions and rituals during the Hindu New Year.

Enriching the three-part series will be an extensive Radio Expeditions section on NPR.org providing additional information, photos, soundscapes and transcripts. Chadwick also shares his Vrindavan experience in a feature in the November 2005 issue of National Geographic magazine.

"Vrindavan" kicks off a long-term "Geography of Heaven" series, airing over the coming year, that will explore the fundamental beliefs shared by billions of people in India, China, Africa, Pakistan and the United States. The series will explore what different cultures and faiths believe about the afterlife and how these beliefs drive their followers' daily existences. Among the features in production is an examination of sacred mountains, regarded as dwelling places of the divine, that will follow along on a ritual pilgrimage to Kawa Karpo mountain in eastern Tibet.

NPR : Geography of Heaven: Vrindavan