How Radha's Parents Became Fortunate to Have Her

Shri Radha was born from the womb of Kirti. Vrishabhanu was her father. Their house was located in a beautiful garden near the Yamuna river. It was the month of Bhadrapada and the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha. The gods showered flowers from the sky. When Shri Radha came, rivers became pure. A cool breeze with a lotus smell filled the air. Kirti gave birth to the most beautiful girl. She felt great joy. Even the greatest gods longed to see her. 

But what did Vrishabhanu and Kirti do in their past life to have such fortune?

In the past life, Vrishabhanu was King Suchandra. His wife was Kalavati. They did a long penance by the Gomati River. They prayed to Brahma for twelve years. Brahma came and said, 'Ask for a boon.' Suchandra wanted to go to Swarga.  Kalavati said, 'If my husband goes to Swarga, I will be left alone. I cannot live without him. Please give me the same boon.' Brahma said, 'Do not worry. You will go to Swarga with your husband. Later, you will both be born again on earth. You will have Shri Radha as your daughter. Then, you both will attain moksha together.'

Kalavati and Suchandra were born on earth as Vrishabhanu and Kirti. Kalavati came out  from the yajna kunda  of King Bhalandan. Suchandra was reborn in the house of Surabhanu and was called Vrishabhanu. Both remembered their past life. Anyone who hears the story of their past life will be free from sins and become one with Lord Krishna.

Lessons -

1. Penance brings blessings: Vrishabhanu and Kirti did long penance and were blessed with Shri Radha as their daughter. This shows that sincere devotion leads to great rewards.
2. Devotion leads to moksha: Kalavati and Suchandra were promised moksha after their life as Vrishabhanu and Kirti. Their devotion to each other and to the gods granted them spiritual liberation.
3. Divine destiny: The story highlights how destiny is shaped by past actions and divine blessings. Shri Radha's birth was a result of the couple's penance and God's grace.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi