The Divine Raas-Ras Sthali
बेनु माई बाजै वंशीवट।
सदा बसंत रहत वृन्दावन,
पुलिन पवित्र सुभग यमुना तट॥
Sri Vanshivat is located on the banks of Sri Yamuna Ji near Keshi Ghat. This place serves as the Venu-vaadan and Raas-vihaar Leela Sthali of Sri Shyama Shyam.
Hence this is the place where, under a huge Banyan tree, Sri Laal Ji plays beautifully on His flute to please Sri Priya Ji — and where both Sri Priya-Priyatam, along with the Sahcharis, enjoy “The Raas Keli Ras”.
चलहि राधिके सुजान, तेरे हित सुख निधान,
रास रच्यो श्याम तट कलिंद-नन्दिनी।
निर्त्तत युवती समूह, राग रंग अति कुतूह,
बाजत रसमूल मुरलिका अनन्दिनी॥
वंशीवट निकट जहाँ, परम रमणि भूमि तहाँ,
सकल सुखद मलय बहै वायु मन्दिनी।
जाती ईषद विकास, कानन अतिसय सुवास,
राका निशि शरद मास विमल चन्दिनी॥
The Maharaas Sthali
In Braj Leela, this is the exact place where Sri Krishna Chandra Ju, under a huge Banyan tree, played His Vanshi and invited each and every Gopi to “The Maharaas” on the full Moon night of Sharad Purnima in the month of Kartika. Hence, this place is known as The Maharaas Sthali.
Even till today, devotees believe that if someone filled with devotion places one of their ears touching the bark of the Vat-Vriksha, they will surely be able to listen to the divine notes of Vanshi being played by Sri Krishna.
A Leela in Chachaji’s Vaani
नमो नमो जै जै वंशीवट।।
प्रिया रिझावन चरत जु तापर।
नचत कला नीकी नागर नट।।
रीझि देत उपरैनी सीस।
नाय प्रशंसत चट चट।।
जय रासेश्वरी जय कुंजेश्वरी।
जय विपिनेश्वरी लगी रही यही रट।।
Here, Chachaji Sri Hit Vrindavan Das Ji in his Vaani Ji describes a very beautiful Leela which he saw at Sri Vanshivat. Chachaji begins by praising The Divine Banyan Tree on which Sri Laal Ji climbs and dances gracefully. All of this just for one purpose —
On witnessing this Leela of Pyaro Laal, Sri Pyari Ju became utterly pleased and granted Her “Upraini” (similar to a dupatta) to Sri Laal Ji as a token of love and affection.