The Fragrance of Govardhan - How to remedy our smelling problem?

 The Fragrance of Govardhan

Is it the musk of a deer that perfumes the air of Govardhan? Or is it the scent of the Lord Himself, Prabhuḥ svayam, who plays there again and again? Or perhaps it is the natural aroma, naisargika-svīya-śīla-sugandhaḥ, born from the virtue of the hill itself? No one can say — ūham, only a sacred wonder arises. Whatever it may be, one truth remains — there is fragrance. A sweetness that does not belong to the world.

Life brings its challenges, storms, and strange turns. At such times, Vāsudeva alone is the shelter. Let Him carry this journey; what else can we really do? The world is strange; life is uncertain; padam padam vipadaḥ bhayam hi bhayam — danger at every step. And yet, the Name remains — Śrī Hari, Śrī Hari, Śrīman Nārāyaṇa.

When one stands upon Govardhan, all the senses awaken — that is why it is called Go-vardhana, “the nourisher of the senses.” The eyes (rūpa) behold divine forms — the very shapes of the Divine Couple hidden in rocks and creepers. The skin (sparśa) feels the dust — cool, alive, conscious. The nose (gandha) drinks a fragrance that seems to breathe devotion. The tongue (rasa) tastes fruits and waters infused with sweetness. And the ear (śabda) hears — not merely the flute — but the wind (samīra) itself tracing melodies through caves and leaves.

At Govardhan, every sense becomes spiritual.
Fragrance becomes remembrance.
Touch becomes prayer.
Sound becomes surrender.
And the heart — the heart becomes fragrance itself.