To enhance your appreciation of Sri Krishna Janmastami 2009, check out these lectures on the history of Krishna’s appearance, given in the actual place where Krishna appeared on Earth, Vrindavan, India.
These are excerpts from a three-and-a-half hour talk, given (despite laryngitis) by His Holiness Radhanath Swami, recorded at Gokula Mahavan during his Vrindavan Yatra in 2004.
Part One: The Importance of Hearing the Pastimes of Krishna
Considering our vulnerable position in material existence, Maharaja explains some of the outstanding benefits of hearing about Krishna, as well as the dangers of remaining absorbed in prajalpa, or materialistic subjects.
He then introduces the calamitous condition of the Earth that moved the demigods to pray for Krishna’s appearance.
Part Two: the Conditions Under Which Krishna Appears
Just as Lord Balarama appears in the womb of Devaki before Krishna appears—to purify and prepare the atmosphere there—Maharaja explains what has to happen in our own lives before Krishna will appear in our hearts:
“When we take shelter of Krishna in a spirit of devotion, fear the power of maya, and never let go of Krishna’s mercy, never let go of the association of devotees who are saving us at every moment, we become purified.”
We hear the interesting socio-political situation in Vrindavan that resulted in Nanda Maharaja becoming king, and the mystery of how Krishna originally came to Vrindavan.
Part Three: Krishna Appears
How Nanda Maharaj first received news of Krishna’s birth, how the Brijbasis celebrated the occasion, and the arrival (and departure) of Putana.
Part Four: "Just Like a Sweet, Helpless Little Baby"
The "nourishing milk of transcendental wisdom," regarding who is a guru and who is not.
Also, how Krishna dispatched Shakatasura, in the form of a big cart full of pots and pans.
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