Krishna went toward Radha-kunda with His companions. The path passed through Vrindavan's beautiful forests. Flowering branches leaned over the way. The fragrance of blossoms filled the air. Birds sang among the green trees. His friends noticed the many colors around them. Krishna walked with Radha in His thoughts. Vrinda knew the place toward which they were going. Her attendants cared for the gardens there. A shelter was being prepared for the cherished meeting.
As they approached, Radha-kunda came into view. The water shone among the gardens. Lotuses opened on its surface. Beautiful steps stood along its banks. Adorned bathing places led down to the water. On the other side lay Shyama-kunda. A passage connected the two sacred lakes. The wooded landscape surrounded both waters. Fragrance and birdsong filled the place. Krishna joyfully observed its beauty.
Many kunjas stood around the lake. These were hidden gardens among trees and vines. Their arches offered a pleasant shade. Flowers adorned their entrances and paths. In some places swings hung from the branches. Other corners were prepared for rest. The gardens held different colors and fragrances. Nature seemed to change with the seasons. Each kunja was arranged with particular care. The whole landscape was a place of service and beauty.
The account mentions the gardens of the sakhis. Lalita had her own place for loving service. Vishakha also tended her garden. Chitra, Indulekha, and Champakalata are mentioned too. The other sakhis also had beautiful kunjas. Each contributed her own taste and care. Some gardens were adorned with delicate flowers. Others were known for their trees and fruit. The different places served Radha and Krishna. Their variety was part of Vrindavan's joy.
Vrinda and her attendants knew those places. They gathered flowers and ripe fruits. They prepared the paths and floral decorations. They cared for the beauty of the banks. In the kunjas they arranged welcoming places. They performed each task with attention. Their care was quiet but constant. They saw their service as an expression of love. The flowers were carefully chosen for their service. The whole landscape was prepared for the divine couple.
Vrinda approached Krishna beside the lake. She bowed and greeted Him with love. She offered Him two flower buds. Then she showed Him the prepared gardens. She knew which path led to each shelter. She spoke to Him of the kunjas' beauty. Krishna listened to her words. His friends looked around the landscape too. Vrinda guided them through her dear forest. Each sight deepened their anticipation.
Among the gardens was Vishakha's kunja. Her attendants had taken care of its decoration. Manjumukhi had helped with the preparations. Vrinda showed the place to Krishna. Flowers and greenery made it pleasant. There He could wait until Radha came. Krishna appreciated the care in every detail. The sakhis rejoiced to be able to serve. Their work prepared the coming meeting. At this moment that meeting was still awaited.
Krishna spoke to Dhanishtha. He asked her to take a message to Lalita. Lalita was to help Radha come. The path to the garden needed attention too. Dhanishtha accepted the entrusted task. Each friend could help in her own way. Vrinda knew the hidden paths. Lalita was a close companion of Radha. Through their care the plan moved forward. Krishna continued to wait for Radha.
Madhumangala was there with his friend Krishna. He wished to taste ripe bananas. His request brought cheer to the preparations. Krishna asked Vrinda to take care of him. Vrinda accepted this small task too. Friendship was part of the forest's joy. Each had a place in the shared lila. The gardens were beautiful through their care as well. Krishna remained waiting for His beloved. Birds and flowers accompanied the quiet preparations.
This part of Govinda-lilamrita celebrates Radha-kunda. It describes the lakes, gardens, and kunjas. It mentions the sakhis who care for them. It shows Vrinda as an attentive guide. Dhanishtha carries the message for the meeting. Madhumangala brings the cheer of friendship. Krishna waits while the preparations continue. In this retelling Radha has not yet arrived. Each flower and task is offered with love. Thus ends this retelling of the seventh chapter.