WELCOME  Srimad-Bhagavatam, the preeminent scripture about Lord Krishna, says that about five thousand years ago He was present on earth for 125 years. He spent His first eleven years in idyllic Vrindavan, enjoying deep loving relationships with everyone there. He then moved to the nearby city of Mathura, where He lived for about two decades. He then created the magnificent city of Dwarka, off the west coast of India, where He spent the remainder of His time – almost one hundred years.

Lord Krishna’s childhood is the epitome of sweetness, and His life in Vrindavan has been celebrated in the culture of India for millennia. In our cover story for this issue, Satyaraja Dasa tells us about Krishna’s royal life in opulent Dwarka and the spiritual significance of His role as a prince and mighty warrior.

Lord Krishna’s time in Dwarka coincides with many of the episodes in the Mahabharata, and in this issue Chaitanya Charana Dasa spotlights Lord Krishna’s great devotee Bhishma, who especially cherished Krishna’s battle mood.

Krishna’s exit from Vrindavan was instigated by King Kamsa, who sent Akrura to bring Him to Mathura. In “The Mood for Entering Vrindavan,” by Gauranga Darshana Dasa, Akrura appreciates his upcoming great fortune to see the Lord in His home village.

Hare Krishna – Nagaraja Dasa

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