Veṇu-gītā - The Song of the Flute

Veṇu-gītā, The Song of the Flute, is based on the Twenty-first Chapter of the Tenth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and the writings of the previous ācāryas.

We hear about the narcotic effect of Kṛṣṇa’s notorious flute on the various residents of Vraja, both moving and non-moving. Lord Caitanya compares the flute song to a bird that enters the gopīs’ ears and creates a nest. This nest obstructs all other sounds and subdues their ability to concentrate on other things. Some gopīs stand by a stove stirring milk that is boiling over, they give senseless replies to questions by in-laws, stand like stone statues in open courtyards, or speak of intimate topics in a public place.

We also hear of the reaction of Kṛṣṇa’s flute playing from deer, cows and calves, the birds of Vraja, the rivers, the Pulindīs (tribals), and Girirāja Govardhana, amongst others.

The gopīs also talk about their suspicion of and rivalry with the flute, since it has access to the most prized of all possessions. This leads them to also question the appropriateness of the relationship between Kṛṣṇa and the flute, since both are masculine. We also hear of how Kṛṣṇa first acquired his most faithful companion.

Thus Veṇu-gītā is filled with delightful descriptions of the land of Vṛndāvana and the pastimes of its inhabitants, the beauty of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the forest of Vṛndāvana, glorifications of Kṛṣṇa’s most beloved Rādhārāṇī and His dear servant Girirāja, talks between Śrīmatī Rādhikā and Her gopī friends, and much more. This is a wonderful book of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental pastimes, suitable for all audiences.

576 pages
Hardbound
136x208mm / 5.3x8.2in

Also available in e-book format.

Sample chapter from the book: