Every day at ISKCON temples throughout the world (and often at other Gaudiya-Vaishnava temples), the song Jaya Radha-Madhava by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur (1838-1914) is sung during the morning worship services. This song, originally written in Bengali, depicts the sweetness of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krishna's appearance as a cowherd boy in the village of Vrindaban, India, some 5,000 years ago, and hints at His loving pastimes with His devotees.

Bhaktivinode explained: "Krsna is the lover of Radha. He displays many amorous pastimes in the groves of Vrindaban. He is the lover of the cowherd maidens of Vraja, the holder of the great hill named Govardhan, the beloved son of mother Yashoda, the delighter of the inhabitants of Vraja, and He wanders in the forests along the banks of the River Yamuna."

In 1988 Jaya Radha-Madhava was rewritten with English lyrics by Umapati Swami and titled Vrindaban's Woods and Groves. It was subsequently orchestrated by Hrishikesh Das (Henry Doktorski), accompanied by the musicians of the New Vrindaban Temple Orchestra, and sung at nearly 3,000 New Vrindaban morning services from 1988 until 1994.

This new recording, sung by the long-time New Vrindaban resident cantor Bhavisya Devi Dasi, is very much like the original version sung at the New Vrindaban temple--with the addition of an elaborate flute cadenza/introduction.

Bhavisya Devi Dasi sang professionally with the popular vocal group The Vogues for six years before joining the New Vrindaban Community, where she lived for fifteen years. Hrishikesh Das, who has a Master of Music degree from Duquesne University, served at New Vrindaban for sixteen years in various capacities, including principal organist, choirmaster, orchestra director and composer-in-residence.

Chorus members in this recording include current and former New Vrindaban residents Damodar Das, Krpamaya Das, "Dutiful" Rama Das, Terry Logan, Janaki Devi Dasi, and Pundarika Devi Dasi, as well as more than a dozen Christian friends from several Pittsburgh-area church choirs. The musicians who played on this recording (two violins, viola, cello, double-bass, harp, flute, piccolo, and percussion) include one member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and members of other Pennsylvania and Ohio orchestras.

Vrindaban's Woods and Groves English lyrics by Umapati Swami Music by Hrishikesh Das Within Vrindaban's woods and groves, Lord Krishna and Radha unite To taste the joys of spiritual love. All glories to this holy sight! Lord Krishna's beauty thrills the soul, defeating even Cupid's darts. The boy who lifted Govardhana has won away the Gopis' hearts. Yashoda-mata's darling son, Yamuna River's pride and joy; The treasure of all devotees; all glories to this cowherd boy!

Hrishikesh explained, "This recording of Vrindaban's Woods and Groves is our humble attempt to glorify our Lord Krishna and provide pleasure for the worldwide community of Vaishnavas. We believe that Srila Prabhupada approved of the translation of the songs of the Vaishnava acharyas into vernacular languages and their presentation in local musical traditions, and we hope that those who live in English-speaking countries--by hearing Vrindaban's Woods and Groves--will develop greater appreciation for Bhaktivinode's original Jaya Radha-Madhava and increase their love for Krishna. Our aim is to preach Krishna Consciousness--to present Krishna in a way which will be attractive to many people, especially Westerners. Krishna, by definition, is 'all attractive,' and we hope that listeners will come to appreciate Krishna's all-attractive qualities by hearing this song."

To purchase a compact disc of the entire song Within Vrindaban's Woods and Groves, Click Here.