What is Bahulastami?
Bahulastami is the day on which the holy Radha Kunda manifested. It takes its name from Bahula, a cow whom Lord Krishna saved in the forest where the kunda lies. In 2027 it falls on Saturday, 23 October, in Kartika, the month also called Damodara.
Significance
Once a tiger attacked Bahula. She asked to see her calf one last time, promising to return afterwards and be eaten, and the tiger agreed. Her brahmana master and the calf each offered to take her place. Then Lord Krishna appeared with His discus in hand, blessed the tiger and set them all free. Pleased with her truthfulness, He named the forest Bahulavana.
Radha Kunda lies within that forest. When its place had been forgotten, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu rediscovered it in two paddy fields and bathed there. The Nectar of Instruction speaks of its waters:
If one simply bathes once within those holy waters, one’s pure love of Kṛṣṇa is fully aroused.
Nectar of Instruction 11
How to observe it
At midnight, devotees at Radha Kunda gather to offer lamps, sweets and garlands and to bathe. Away from Vraja you can read the story of the cow Bahula, remember Srimati Radharani's pond and chant the holy names late in the evening.
Questions
When is Bahulastami in 2027?
Bahulastami falls on Saturday, 23 October 2027, the eighth day of the waning moon in Kartika.
Why is it called Bahulastami?
The day is named after the cow Bahula, who kept her promise to a tiger and was saved by Lord Krishna. He also named the forest Bahulavana after her.
Who rediscovered Radha Kunda?
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu rediscovered it. The Caitanya-caritamrta (Madhya-lila, chapter 18) tells how He came upon Radha Kunda and Shyama Kunda in two paddy fields and bathed in them.
Reviewed by ISKCON Kurukshetra · Updated
Key facts
- Date
- Saturday, 23 October 2027
- Named after
- The cow Bahula
- Forest
- Bahulavana
Seva for this day
Feed devotees and visitors on this holy day, or begin the Bhagavad-gita course with us.