Narada Muni's Visit to Dvārakā: A Glimpse into Divine Multiplicity
Witness the Miracle of Krishna in Every Palace – Through Narada’s Eyes
The story is retold and decolonized by Jeffrey Armstrong Kavindra Rishi
Download the decolonized PDF: HERE free
Listen to the full audio class here: nominal donation
Narada Muni's Visit to Dvārakā: A Glimpse into Divine Multiplicity
In this captivating episode from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (10.69), Narada Muni visits Dvārakā and is astonished to see Shri Krishna simultaneously present in all 16,108 palaces, each time engaged in a unique, intimate exchange. Jeffrey Armstrong uses this divine pastime to reveal Krishna’s boundless nature—showing how the Supreme engages personally with every ātma, transcends space and time, and responds directly to devotion. A powerful reminder that bhakti opens the door to experiencing the mystery of the Divine.
When the great sage Nārada learned that Śrī Krishna had married sixteen thousand wives following His victory over the demon Narakāsura (also known as Bhaumāsura), he was astonished. Even more incredible was the news that Krishna had expanded Himself into sixteen thousand distinct forms, marrying each queen simultaneously and residing with them in separate palaces. Curious to witness this divine feat for himself, Nārada set out to visit Krishna’s many homes.
Upon arriving in the divine city of Dvārakā, Nārada was greeted by a vision of unmatched beauty and abundance. The city was adorned with vibrant gardens and parks, where colorful flowers bloomed in profusion and orchards bent under the weight of ripe fruits. Birds of every kind sang melodiously, and peacocks called joyfully. The ponds were covered with blooming blue and red lotuses, and some were filled with an array of delicate lilies. Elegant swans and cranes glided across the lakes, their calls echoing throughout the city.
Dvārakā shone with the brilliance of over 900,000 grand palaces, each constructed from pristine marble and adorned with silver gates and doors. The pillars sparkled with precious gems—touchstones, sapphires, and emeralds—while the polished floors glowed with radiant luster. The city’s broad avenues, winding lanes, street crossings, and bustling marketplaces were all tastefully decorated. Every corner of Dvārakā, from residential homes and assembly halls to mandirs, displayed unique and exquisite architecture, contributing to the city’s celestial splendor.
The streets and thresholds of every home were spotless, with landscaped gardens lining both sides of every path. Towering trees had been planted at regular intervals along the avenues, offering shade and comfort to all who passed. Truly, Dvārakā stood as a radiant and divine city, befitting the presence of Śrī Krishna.
In this radiant and resplendent city of Dvārakā, Shri Krishna, the Supreme Being, resided in many majestic palaces. Kings and princes from across the world would travel there to honor Him and pay tribute. Each of these palaces had been designed by Viśvakarmā, the celestial architect of the Devas, who poured his full mastery and divine creativity into their construction. There were more than sixteen thousand such residences—each a magnificent home for one of Shri Krishna’s queens.
Download the decolonized PDF: HERE
