Chapter 1: The Vow of Devotion

The air was filled with the haunting strains of ancient melodies as the special presentation from Mirchi: Times of the Past began. The music seemed to carry whispers from another era, setting the stage for tales of divine love and devotion.

In a secluded corner of her home, Radha sat with a heart heavy with longing. Her eyes, usually so full of life, were now clouded with a deep sadness. "I have lost my honor," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. "I have been insulted. Someone tried to deceive me." Her words were a plea, a warning, "Don't trust him, Radha. And don't say another word against Krishna. I won't listen to anything more. If you don't listen to me, see what happens to you."

As the music swelled, a soothing voice filled the air, "You are listening to stories of Krishna, based on the works of Maharshi Vedavyasa's Shrimad Bhagavat Mahapurana and the Garg Samhita. Today, you will hear about Krishna in disguise. Hari Om."

In the quiet sanctuary of her room, Radha's mother approached her, concern etched across her face. "Mother, you haven't eaten anything all day," she said softly. "The maid said you refused all the food. Why, dear? What's wrong? Why are you fasting? Tell me, dear."

Radha looked up, her eyes resolute. "I'm observing a vow, Mother. Until I fulfill this vow, I won't eat anything. Please don't ask me to eat, Mother. Bless me so that I can succeed."

Her mother's brow furrowed with worry. "What vow? I've never heard of this before. What vow are you keeping, Radha?"

"I'm observing a vow for Goddess Tulsi, Mother," Radha replied, her voice filled with conviction. "Until she is pleased, I won't touch food or water."

Her mother sighed, a mix of admiration and concern in her voice. "Really! Why are you going through so much trouble, dear? What's happened? What do you want? Tell me, dear."

Radha shook her head gently. "I can't reveal my wish, please. Don't stop me, Mother. Let me continue my devotion."

Her mother nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "What else can I say? May Goddess Tulsi bless you and fulfill your desires."

Since the day she first saw Krishna, Radha's heart had been ensnared. She had lost interest in everything else, and her thoughts were consumed with visions of Shyam Sundar. Yet she was bound by her duties—her home, her society, her husband, and her honor. She could not abandon them all. In her heart, she believed there was only one way to be united with Krishna—through the blessings of Goddess Tulsi.

"Who is Tulsi Devi, Rishivar?" a curious voice asked in the distance.

"With Tulsi Devi's grace, one can reach Lord Hari," the sage replied. "He holds Tulsi dear. Lord Hari himself became a stone to keep her in his heart. Have you heard of the Shaligram stone, Parikshit?"

"Yes, Rishivar, I have heard," the young prince Parikshit responded eagerly. "To honor Tulsi Devi's words, the Lord himself became a stone, yet he never abandoned his devotee."

"Is there a connection between Vrindavan and Tulsi Devi, Acharyadev?" Parikshit inquired further.

"Yes, Parikshit, there is," the sage confirmed. "Wherever Lord Hari is present, Tulsi will be there too. A forest of Tulsi plants was created there. Tulsi's other name is Vrinda. The forest of Vrinda is called Vrindavan, isn't it?"

Radha's devotion was unwavering. She sought the blessings of Goddess Tulsi with all her heart. Her prayers were answered when the radiant, four-armed goddess appeared before her, her eyes as luminous as poetry. "Oh Vrinda, Tulsi, beloved of Keshava, giver of devotion to Vishnu, I bow to you," Radha whispered, her voice trembling with reverence.

The goddess smiled warmly. "Oh Vrinda, Tulsi, Radha, open your eyes. Your penance has pleased me, dear one. Ask for a boon. What do you wish for?"

Radha bowed her head, her heart overflowing with hope. "Oh Goddess Tulsi, please accept my respects. If my penance has pleased you, then grant me the boon of attaining Krishna, dear Goddess."

"So be it, you shall have Krishna, Radha. He has come for you," the goddess declared before vanishing into the ether.

With the goddess's blessing, Radha broke her fast, but her soul remained restless. Day and night, her mind called out for Krishna. Her once vibrant spirit seemed to fade, and she withdrew into herself, speaking to no one. Her friends called her, but she remained silent, her eyes fixed on the horizon, waiting for a glimpse of her beloved.

The wise sage pondered her plight. "What is she thinking, Queen Radha? 'Oh Krishna, show yourself. Listen, oh Shyam Sundar, she is calling you. Show yourself. I sit here calling you, Madhav, just come once. Oh Krishna, oh Krishna.'"

And so, the music played on, echoing the eternal longing of a heart bound by devotion.

Chapter 2: The Mysterious Visitor

Radha sat by the window once more, her eyes scanning the horizon in silent longing. The gentle breeze played with her hair, but her heart was heavy, yearning for a sight of her beloved Krishna. Just then, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts, and a maid entered the room.

"Your friend has come, Princess. She wishes to see you," the maid announced with a respectful bow.

Radha turned, curiosity piqued. "Which friend has come? Is it Lalita, Vishakha, or Chandravati?"

The maid shook her head. "No, Princess, it's none of them. I don't know her. She only said she is your happy friend."

Surprised by this unexpected visit, Radha quickly made her way to her chamber. There, she found a young girl standing gracefully. The girl was adorned with karabi flowers in her hair, a small pearl ornament on her nose, and she wore anklets, bangles, toe rings, and a necklace. Her skin was a dusky shade, and her anklets chimed melodiously as she moved. Radha had never seen her before.

"I haven't seen you before," Radha remarked, intrigued. "Are you a cowherd girl from Braj? Where do you live, sister?"

The girl smiled warmly. "I live in Vrindavan. You've heard of King Nanda's house, right? I live to the north of that house."

"What is your name?" Radha asked, her curiosity growing.

"I don't really have a name. Everyone calls me Gopa Devata. You can call me that too."

"Alright, I'll call you that," Radha agreed, finding comfort in the girl's presence.

"You know, sister Gopa Devata, I feel like I've seen you somewhere before. Why does it seem so? You remind me of someone. Have you been here before?"

"No, I am here for the first time," Gopa Devata replied. "I've heard so much praise about you from Lalita and Vishakha that I came to see you with my own eyes. I've wanted to come for a long time, you know? I couldn't come before. I hope you don't mind. Today, I just couldn't resist. So, I came."

Radha's heart warmed at her words. "What are you saying, dear Gopa Deity? Have you come to see me? I've been watching you all this time. I've never seen such beauty, such gentleness, and such brilliance like yours anywhere. All my friends would fade in comparison to your radiance. And as for me, let's not even talk about it. Among the stars, you shine like a bright star. Such beauty you have!"

Gopa Devata blushed, her eyes twinkling. "Even in Indra's kingdom, there is no beauty and talent like yours. That's why I came here after hearing about you. Now I see you are more beautiful than gold. No words are enough for you, Radharani. Will you be my friend?"

"I am your friend. Why else would I come?" Radha assured her. "Seeing you has chased away all my sadness. My heart is filled with joy. Look, look, I have goosebumps. Why is Brajeshwari sad? Did someone hurt your gentle heart?"

Radha sighed deeply. "What can I say, friend? Nanda's son has stolen all my happiness and emotions. Ever since I saw him, I've been like this. You live near Nanda's house, don't you? You must know him. Just seeing him once made me forget the whole world. I feel like I'm alive but not living."

Gopa Devata nodded understandingly. "Alright, I'll tell him about you when I see him. Okay, I should go now. I have a long way to travel."

"Why do you want to leave, friend? Stay with me today. You won't have any trouble here. Everything I have, everything I like, I will give to you," Radha pleaded.

"Really?" Gopa Devata asked, touched by Radha's offer.

"Yes, really. You will be happy, friend. You won't lack anything—food, comfort, or luxury. Won't you stay? We can spend the whole day chatting. Will you stay, friend?"

Gopa Devata looked regretful. "I have to return. I have no choice. But don't be sad. I'll come back to you early tomorrow morning and stay for a long time, okay? I should go now."

Radha felt a pang of sorrow but nodded. "I don't have the strength to stop you, friend. Go then, I'll be waiting for your return."

As Gopa Devata left, a wise sage who had been observing from a distance turned to the king beside him. "Why did Lord Krishna come to Shri Radha in the form of a woman, my lord? Why didn't he reveal his true identity?"

The king pondered this, a smile playing on his lips. "It's all part of the divine play, my king. Just as Radha is madly in love with Krishna, Krishna is equally bound by love for Radha. In new love, people do all sorts of things, isn't that right, my king? Without tricks, secrets, and mysteries, how can the sweet play be complete?"

And thus, the mysterious visit became another thread in the intricate tapestry of love and devotion between Radha and Krishna.

Chapter 3: The Heart's Longing

The wise sage continued, his voice gentle yet firm, "But there’s another aspect to this, my king."

"What is that, my lord?" King Parikshit leaned in, eager to grasp the deeper meaning.

"To approach nature, one must become nature, my king. Without becoming nature, one cannot reach the supreme nature. Embracing the essence of nature is the greatest part of spiritual practice," the sage explained patiently. "Don't just listen to the Vrindavan tales as mere stories, Parikshit. Many spiritual mysteries are hidden within these tales. Do you understand, my king?"

King Parikshit nodded thoughtfully. "I understand, Lord. Only by solving that mystery can someone truly be worthy of hearing about these divine plays."

The sage smiled, a hint of approval in his eyes. "You’re right, King. Otherwise, with a clouded vision and mind, this sweet land seems much smaller."

"May I also gain that clear sight, Lord. Please bless me so that I can fully enjoy this sweetness, wise sage," Parikshit implored earnestly.

"Of course, you can," the sage assured him. "A devoted soul like yours is rare in this world. You have every right to hear the stories of Krishna. But remember, King, a person’s mind must always remain pure, so I remind you again and again. Listen with a calm heart, without any restlessness."

With newfound clarity, the king replied, "With your blessing, I am now calm and focused. Teacher, please kindly tell me, did Lord Krishna visit Radha early the next morning?"

The sage nodded, his eyes twinkling with the tale. "Yes, he did, Parikshit. But thinking about when he would come kept me awake all night. The next morning, the sky was just turning red. He stood in his garden. Who knows, if he wasn’t seen, maybe the friend would leave. Waiting all night, his patience was nearly at its end."

At that moment, Radha saw the new friend. She ran to her, her face alight with joy as she clasped her hand. "Oh divine one, you’ve come? I couldn’t sleep all night, wondering if you would come."

The friend laughed softly, her presence as comforting as a gentle breeze. "Oh my, why wouldn’t I come? I promised you, and I always keep my promises. But why does your face look so pale today, friend? Are you unwell? Did someone say something to you? Did your parents or in-laws criticize you? Please tell me, friend."

Radha sighed, her heart heavy with unspoken words. "What’s the use of telling you? What can you really do?"

The friend’s eyes widened in surprise. "What are you saying, friend? I can do anything for you. Except for the Brahmins devoted to Krishna, I can punish anyone else. Are you serious?"

"Yes, truly, listen, divine one. I give you all my precious jewels. In my palace, there are many fast horses, huge elephants, and countless cows like Kamadhenu. I give them all to you. Now, won’t you smile, Lord of Braj?"

The friend shook her head gently, her smile unwavering. "I don’t want any of your treasures. They should remain yours. These riches cannot make me happy."

"Then what are you missing, friend? Tell me," Radha urged, curiosity mingling with concern.

"Will you listen? I lack respect. My honor has been lost. I have been insulted," the friend confessed, her voice tinged with sorrow.

Radha’s eyes flashed with indignation. "Who insulted you, divine one? Who dared to do such a thing? In this land of Braj, no one has such audacity. Tell me their name."

"The one you think of day and night, he insulted me. That son of Nanda, Krishna. He has wronged me greatly today," the friend revealed, her words hanging heavy in the air.

Radha gasped, disbelief shadowing her features. "What are you saying? The enchanter of Braj?"

"Hey friend, what did your Madanmohan do wrong? I was getting ready to sell milk, yogurt, and cream early in the morning. That's how I make a living. Oh my, on the way, I saw him standing in the middle of the road with a flute tucked in his waist. As soon as he saw me, he said, 'Stop. Where are you going? No one can pass here without paying me a tax. Don't you know that?'

'I was surprised! 'Who are you? Why should I pay you a tax? I only pay taxes to the king. Move aside and let me pass.'

'You won't pay me a tax? Then watch what I do to you.' And with that, he snatched the pot of yogurt from my hands and smashed it. He drank the milk and cream himself. He even took some for his friends, you know? I couldn't sell anything. Can you imagine how much I lost? What a greedy and naughty boy. And yet, you've fallen for him."

Radha's heart ached, torn between loyalty and the truth she heard. "No, dear friend, don't speak like that about him. I won't say anything against him..."

"Yet he has no respect, no manners, no sense of decency. The one you've given your heart and soul to is nothing but a cowardly rogue. Nothing more. Leave him, Radha, forget your beloved Krishna today," the friend urged, her voice a blend of concern and frustration.

Radha looked away, the morning sun casting long shadows as she pondered the words of her friend, her heart still tethered to the divine mischief-maker of Braj.

Chapter 4: The Divine Encounter

"Be careful, dear friend," Radha said, her voice firm yet gentle. "Don't say another word against Krishna. I won't listen to any more. Are you criticizing him? Do you know who he is? He has come to this world to destroy evil and protect the good. Even Lord Shiva remembers him day and night. That's why he remains calm despite having deadly poison in his throat. Even after ages of meditation, sages and saints cannot see him. You are criticizing the very Lord Hari himself."

Her friend looked puzzled. "Really? How do you know all this, Radha?" she asked, her skepticism evident.

"I learned it through meditation, through devotion," Radha replied, her eyes shining with conviction. "You should be devoted too. Then you will understand."

The friend crossed her arms, still unconvinced. "If your Krishna is so great, why did he ruin my goods in the middle of the road? I couldn't earn a single coin today."

Radha placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "Don't be sad, friend. He loves his devotees dearly. The fact that he asked you for food means you must have done great deeds in your past lives. To him, no one is dearer than a devotee. Lord Hari can do anything for his devotees. He follows them wherever they go."

"No, Radha, I can't agree with you," the friend insisted. "If your Lord Hari really appears here right now, then I'll believe what you say."

Radha smiled softly. "Alright, let it be so. If he truly comes, then tell me what blessing you would ask for."

"First, let him come, then we'll talk about the rest," the friend said stubbornly.

As they talked, time slipped by unnoticed. Back at Vrishabhanu's house, everyone was looking for Radha. Eventually, Lalita, Vishakha, and other friends arrived, but Radha did not speak to them. Instead, she went to her room with her new friend and sat down to meditate.

"Om Shri Keshavaaya Namah, Om Shri Keshavaaya Namah, Shri Keshavaaya Namah," Radha chanted with closed eyes.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called her. "Radha, wake up, Radha, open your eyes."

Radha's heart skipped a beat. She opened her eyes to see Krishna standing before her, a radiant figure in the morning light. "Look, I have come," he said with a gentle smile.

"Krishna, Krishna, Krishna," Radha whispered, overwhelmed with joy. "I heard your call. You call me with all your heart, and how can I not come? I left Gokul, Vrindavan, the Banyan tree, and the Yamuna, and rushed to you, Radha. Tell me, what should I do now?"

Radha's friend looked around in confusion. "Gopa Deity, Gopa Deity, where did he go? He was just here."

Krishna turned to her with a knowing smile. "Who are you looking for? Who is this Gopa Deity?"

"Oh, I understand," the friend said, realization dawning on her face. "I saw a young girl leaving when I arrived. Look for her. Understand, friend, never trust a deceiver. Whether she is a celestial being or a spirit, she came to trick you. Do not trust her, Radha."

Radha, however, was lost in the moment. "Madhava, you really came, Madhava. I can hardly believe it."

"Why can't you believe it, Radha?" Krishna asked, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "How can I not respond to the call of someone as beautiful as you? Among the girls of Braj, you are the most beautiful. You have beauty, grace, and dignity. How can I not come to you? But you didn't say why you called me, Radha. Tell me, what service can I do for you?"

Radha's voice was soft and filled with devotion. "Oh, what more can I say, what more can I ask for? May I always have the right to serve you."

"Please grant me this boon, Krishna," she pleaded.

Krishna shook his head gently. "No, O Queen of Braj, do not say that. I have come to Braj just to serve Shri Radhika. Finally, the goddess has shown her grace, grant me the right to serve you, Radharani. Here I am, sitting before you with open hands, bless me, dear Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Krishna."

As the divine music filled the air, Krishna lifted Radha with both hands, wiped her tears, and lovingly seated her beside him. The friends gathered around them, their voices rising in a joyful song. Hearing the enchanting melody, how could the flute player stay still? He too began to play his flute.

Shri Radhika's dream had come true. All her sadness disappeared. Like a beautiful crescent moon, she shone beside Shri Hari. Seeing the divine pair of Radha and Krishna, the friends were filled with joy. They adorned them with garlands and sandalwood, and together they sang the glories of Radha and Krishna.

The music of their hearts echoed through Braj, a melody of love and devotion that would be remembered for ages to come.

Chapter 5: The Awakening of Inner Vision

As the gentle breeze rustled through the leaves of Braj, the air was filled with a sacred anticipation. In a quiet corner, a devoted disciple sat before the wise Acharyadev, his eyes wide with wonder and reverence.

"I was eagerly waiting to hear about this divine union, Acharyadev," he confessed, his voice a mixture of awe and gratitude. "Ah, my human life is blessed. My hearing, my mind, my understanding, all are blessed."

He bowed deeply, expressing his profound respect. "I bow to you, Lord, I bow to you. King Parikshit, truly you are blessed, King," he continued, his admiration evident. "Without good fortune and the grace of Shri Hari, no one can hear such divine tales. You are one of those rare devotees of Hari, King."

The disciple paused, his eyes glistening with the light of newfound understanding. "It is all the unconditional grace of the Supreme Lord, otherwise, how could a sinful, foolish person like me have such a rare opportunity to hear these sweet pastimes from a divine person like you?"

As he spoke, the disciple felt a transformation within. "My sins, my pride, my fears, and my shame are all being washed away, Lord. By your grace, Lord Hari himself is residing within me. I can feel it clearly."

Acharyadev nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "If any change truly happens within you, it’s not for me, O King. That change has come for Lord Hari himself. Don’t forget this, Parikshit. There is no difference between Lord Hari and his words. Do you know that?"

Parikshit shook his head, curiosity lighting up his features. "No, wise sage. I didn’t know that. This is the first time I’m hearing it. What does it mean? Please explain it to me, Lord."

Acharyadev leaned closer, his voice rich with the wisdom of ages. "Listening to God’s words brings joy. You know, O King, the thrill and excitement you feel are signs of joy, right?"

"Yes, Lord, I feel great joy," Parikshit replied, nodding eagerly. "It feels like these words should continue forever."

Acharyadev's eyes twinkled with understanding. "This endless, infinite feeling is the essence of God. God himself is endless joy, and this feeling is present in his words too. When people see God, they feel emotions. Listening to his words gives the same touch of feeling. So, where is the difference? Lord Hari himself and his words carry the same essence. Isn’t that right, Parikshit?"

"Yes, O teacher, you are absolutely right," Parikshit agreed, a sense of peace enveloping him. "There is no substitute for this joy. Nothing compares to it."

Acharyadev continued, his voice a gentle melody. "Now imagine the joy that spread through the paths of Vrindavan. Even the gods would disguise themselves to taste that joy."

"They would come as trees, flowers, vines, leaves, or animals in Vrindavan," Acharyadev explained. "Yakshas, Gandharvas, sages, and hermits would blend into the sky, air, water, and land of that great pilgrimage place, hoping to feel Lord Hari’s touch at least once and see him with their own eyes."

Parikshit marveled at the vision painted by Acharyadev's words. "How amazing, O teacher! Everything in Vrindavan is alive then. Everything is divine."

"Yes, O King," Acharyadev affirmed. "What cannot be seen with the outer eyes must be seen with the inner eyes. Only then can you see this divine abode."

Parikshit, eager to learn more, asked, "How do we develop the inner eye, wise sage?"

Acharyadev's response was gentle yet profound. "It doesn’t need to be developed, O King. Everyone has it. It just needs to be awakened. Some can do it, some cannot. Those who can, see the divine Shyam and the divine abode."

"How can it be awakened, Lord? Please tell me," Parikshit implored, his heart yearning for deeper understanding.

"When you hear words of love, that eye opens on its own, O King," Acharyadev explained. "The outer eye opens with desire, and the inner eye opens with renunciation. The more love for Hari grows, the more diseases, sorrows, and desires will vanish, and the clearer the inner vision will become."

Parikshit felt a warmth spreading through him, a lightness he had never known. "Parikshit, it will become bright. Ah, what wonderful words I’ve heard!" Acharyadev's voice was a soothing balm to his soul.

"Yes, O King, with that eye, you can see Vrindavan. Just as I see now, the people of Vrindavan are preparing to worship King Indra. But, but Krishna does not agree with this. He has gone to complain to Nanda Maharaj."

The sage leaned forward, inviting Parikshit into the unfolding drama. "Do you want to hear what he says? Come, Parikshit, come and listen."

With a sense of anticipation, Parikshit leaned in, eager to hear more about Krishna's adventures.

Krishna, with his playful wisdom, had decided not to let the people worship King Indra. He voiced his objections clearly to King Nanda, and soon, everyone in the village agreed with Krishna. But Indra, in the heavens, was shocked. His pride wounded, he became very angry and upset, determined to teach the villagers a lesson.

"What did King Indra do?" Parikshit wondered aloud, his curiosity piqued.

Acharyadev smiled mysteriously. "We'll come back with that story in the next episode."

The promise of more to come lingered in the air as the story, rooted in the ancient writings of the great sage Vedavyasa in the Shrimad Bhagavata Purana and the Garga Samhita, continued to unfold.

[Music]

Main roles: Sukhdev as Shubhajit Chatterjee, Parikshit as Spandan Das, Tulsidevi as Amrapali Ghosh, Mitra as Kirti Gargi Chattopadhyay, Maid Lalita as Adhya Saha, Young Krishna as Gairik Dasgupta.

Chapter 6: The Promise of Legends

The promise of more stories hung in the air like a sweet melody, as Acharyadev's mysterious smile hinted at the adventures yet to come. The tales, deeply rooted in the ancient writings of the great sage Vedavyasa in the Shrimad Bhagavata Purana and the Garga Samhita, were far from over.

As the music gently faded, the scene was set for a new chapter in the epic saga. The roles were cast with care, each character bringing life to the age-old legends that had been passed down through generations.

Sukhdev, portrayed by Shubhajit Chatterjee, was ready to delve deeper into the wisdom of the ages. Parikshit, played by Spandan Das, would soon face trials that would test his courage and resolve. Tulsidevi, brought to life by Amrapali Ghosh, was prepared to guide and inspire with her unwavering devotion.

Mitra, depicted by Kirti Gargi Chattopadhyay, stood ready to support with loyalty and strength. Maid Lalita, portrayed by Adhya Saha, brought warmth and humor to the tapestry of tales. And Young Krishna, played by the talented Gairik Dasgupta, was poised to enchant and captivate with his divine playfulness.

The adaptation of this timeless tale was crafted by Mahua Banerjee, whose pen wove magic into every word. The sound recording and effects, masterfully handled by Satyajit Sen, brought the world of the story to vibrant life. Sound design and mixing by Sabhyasachi Mukherjee added depth and richness, making the mythological world feel as real as the pages it was printed on.

Directed by Shaoli Majumdar and guided by the creative direction of Indrani Chakraborty, every scene was a visual feast, a testament to the power of storytelling. Produced by Pastel Entertainment and brought to audiences by Times of Puran on the Mirchi Bangla YouTube channel and Gaana app, the tale was set to reach eager listeners far and wide.

As the curtain fell on this chapter, anticipation buzzed in the air, leaving the audience eager for the next episode, where ancient legends would once again come alive, whispering their timeless secrets to all who would listen.