Geography of Heaven: Vrindavan

Radio Expeditions explores how shared beliefs of the afterlife shape thge life of the faithful. The journey begins in Vrindavan, the Indian city where the Hindu faithful believe the god Krishna once took human form. (1)"The Streets of a Holy Hindu City." Among the constellation of Hindu deities, Krishna is the truest expression of God. The faithful believe Krishna assumed human form in Vrindavan thousands of years ago and lived a single life as a man. For countless generations since, the town and the miles of low hill countryside surrounding it have been considered sacred. Reminders of the Hindu faith are everywhere in Vrindavan -- countless temples line the streets and pilgrims march in devotion. There is also stark, third-world poverty and suffering. But for the faithful, the city is a manifestation of heaven, here on Earth. (2)"Pilgrims on the Path of Krishna." The heart of Vrindavan pulses to the beat of its pilgrims -- thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom make an arduous, month-long circuit of all of the area's holiest sites on foot and often sleeping outdoors. Framed by the stones of ancient temples and bathing pools, marching Hindu pilgrims chant praise to Krishna and his consort, Radha. They touch the holy water of the Yamuna River and walk barefoot down the same paths they believe Krishna himself once trod. (3)"The Embodiment of Earthly Divinity." 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. The focus of many worshippers in Vrindavan is the Radha Raman Temple, where a black stone statue of Krishna sits enshrined and wrapped in saffron robes. Many consider the small stone statue to be Krishna himself. 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.