Radha and Krishna were with Their friends. Together they were in the forest of Vrindavan. Vrinda approached Them with a special request. She spoke on behalf of the six seasons. Each had prepared its own beauty. All wished to offer it in service. They asked Radha and Krishna to see it. The sakhis listened to Vrinda with curiosity. The forest seemed a living garden of gifts. The couple agreed to view the landscape.
Spring welcomed Them with tender buds. New leaves shone on the branches. The fragrance of blossoms filled the air. Bees moved from flower to flower. Cuckoos sang among the trees. Vines adorned the forest arches. Radha looked at the beautiful colors. Krishna showed the landscape to Their friends. Spring offered its wealth. All rejoiced in its freshness.
Further on the summer forest welcomed them. The sun warmed the earth. But the trees offered deep shade. Water brought coolness to the travelers. Ripe fruits appeared among the leaves. The friends found places to rest. Vrinda showed the beauty of that part. Summer too had a gift for Radha and Krishna. Shade and water were part of its care. The couple continued through the garden.
Then the forest of rains appeared. Dark clouds gathered in the sky. Kadamba trees were full of blossoms. Peacocks danced at the sight of the clouds. Raindrops refreshed the earth. Birds and frogs filled the air with sound. Subala showed Them the forest's beauty. Radha and Krishna listened to his words. The scent of wet earth mingled with flowers. The rainy season offered its service.
At the border the autumn forest opened up. The sky seemed brighter and calmer. White flowers were scattered on the ground. Birds could be heard beside the water. Lotuses adorned the surface of the lakes. Kundalata described the landscape to Them. She showed them its quiet beauty. Radha and Krishna looked around. The friends followed Them along autumn paths. Autumn too greeted Them with its gifts.
Parrots gathered beneath a tree of ripe fruit. Some praised Radha as mistress of the forest. Others spoke of Krishna's greatness. Their exchange was full of witty words. The sakhis listened to the birds with joy. The parrots defended their beloved ones. Their voices mingled with the forest sounds. Radha and Krishna enjoyed their play. The birds too had a place in service. Their songs enriched the autumn garden.
The cooler forests of hemanta followed. The morning air was fresher. Fruits and flowers looked different. Soft light fell upon the paths. The attendants showed details of the landscape. Each season brought its own color. They did not all need to look alike. Each contributed what it had. Vrinda saw the whole as an offering. Radha and Krishna accepted it with joy.
In the winter landscape the sun was gentler. Its warmth was dear to the creatures. Kunda flowers beautified the place. Birds sang among the trees. In some places deer rested peacefully. Vrinda shared her descriptions. The friends listened attentively. There was beauty in the cold region too. Service followed the changing season. The forest continued to welcome its guests.
The six seasons differed from one another. But all were united in one desire. They wished to bring joy to Radha and Krishna. Vrinda conveyed their prayer. The sakhis accompanied the journey. Subala and Kundalata shared their own sights. Flowers, fruits, and water became gifts. Birdsong joined the offering. No beauty had to stand alone. All Vrindavan was filled with service.
This retelling comes from Govinda-lilamrita. It follows the forests of the six seasons. Spring brings buds and songs. Summer offers fruits, shade, and water. The rains beautify the kadamba trees. Autumn brings lotuses and playful parrots. The colder seasons offer their quiet beauty. Vrinda shows these gifts with love. Radha and Krishna see them with Their companions. Thus ends the journey through the seasonal forests.