Raskhan’s Realm: A Spiritual Odyssey in the Braj
After a long day in Goverdhan Parikrama. The following day, I embarked on a journey to another enchanting destination in Braj: Raskhan ki Samadhi, a temple-mosque complex nestled near the village of Gokul, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood.
Raskhan: Unraveling the Mysteries of a Poet-Saint:
Scholars have yet to reach a consensus on Raskhan’s birth year, with estimates ranging from 1614 to 1630. However, Mishra Bandhu maintains that Raskhan was born in 1548 and passed away in 1628. Most scholars believe Raskhan was a Pashtun Sardar hailing from Kabul, Afghanistan.
Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, in his book, claims that Raskhan was born Syed Ibrahim and that Khan was his title. Raskhan was the son of a Jagirdar (rich landowner) and lived a life of luxury in his youth. He received a good education and was proficient in both Hindi and Persian. His most notable work was the translation of the “Bhagavata Purana” into Persian.
Raskhan’s Shrine: A Tranquil Haven in Gokul:
Raskhan’s shrine is located in Gokul, near the Yamuna River, at Bhramand Ghat. It is a serene and peaceful place, drawing many Krishna devotees who come to pay their respects and meditate.
The Turning Point: Raskhan’s Divine Encounter:
According to one story, he once travelled to Vrindavan along with his Sufi preceptor. He was purchasing some goods from the shop and he saw a painting of Lord Krishna’s childhood, naked and playing with calves. Curiosity flooded into his veins and he asked the shop owner about the painting, “Who is this blue naked boy playing with the calves in this painting behind you?” The shop owner told him, “This is Lord Krishna, our God.” Raskhan was shocked and surprised at how could someone show their God as naked, little, and playing with animals. The shopkeeper smiled, handed over the goods to him and said, “Welcome to Braj.”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Raskhan was determined to visit Lord Krishna’s temple. However, he was denied entry due to his attire, which included leather garments. Undeterred, Raskhan sat on the temple steps, hoping for a glimpse of Krishna. There, he fell into a trance and experienced a vision of Krishna. From that day forward, Raskhan remained in Braj until the very end. He penned numerous poems and bhajans dedicated to Krishna, earning him a special place in the hearts of all Braj residents (Brajrashis).
Inspired by the great Saint and Poet Raskhan Ji. I tried to write a poem dedicated to Radha-Krishna and an evening in Braj.
Twilight Whispers: An Evening in Braj’s Embrace
An evening in Braj, a tapestry of dreams unfurls,
Where the sun’s golden hues paint the world,
Amidst sacred rivers and blossoming flora’s grace,
Whispers of ancient tales in this timeless place.
Lotus ponds mirror the twilight’s gentle glow,
As peacocks dance, their vibrant plumes aglow,
In the embrace of Krishna’s mythical lore,
Braj’s enchanting eve, we forever adore.
The melodies of flutes serenade the air,
And Radha’s love casts a spell so rare,
Braj’s tranquil evening, a divine embrace,
Where souls find solace, in this sacred space.
Braj’s Enduring Charm: A Love Letter to Home:
The enchanting places, warm-hearted people, and captivating stories have instilled in me a deep love for my Braj, my home, and my birthplace. Whenever I seek respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, I find solace and rejuvenation on the tranquil roads of Braj.
Journey’s End: Returning to Gurugram:
After immersing myself in the rich heritage of this sacred land, reconnecting with cherished childhood friends, and savouring the delectable cuisine of Mathura, I returned to Gurugram on Saturday, my heart filled with gratitude and yearning for a future return.
Click here to read the first part of this blog.
