Vaijayanti mala is a special garland that Krsna wears around His neck. It is made of five different kinds of flowers and reaches down to His knees. It has many meanings and significance in the spiritual tradition of Vrindavan.
Vaijayanti Mala as a Symbol of Victory
One meaning of vaijayanti mala is “a garland of victory”. The word vaijayanti comes from the Sanskrit root “vai”, which means “special”, and “jayanti”, which means “victory”. This garland represents the victory over birth and death, which can be achieved by the grace of Krsna. It also represents the victory over good and evil, which can be attained by following the path of bhakti or devotion to Krsna.
By meditating on Krsna’s vaijayanti mala, one can overcome the bondage of material existence and attain liberation. By gazing into Krsna’s eyes, one can overcome the lust and desire that keep one entangled in the cycle of rebirth. By focusing on Krsna’s lotus feet, one can find relief from any difficulty or distress. Krsna’s lotus feet are the source of all auspiciousness and happiness.
Vaijayanti Mala as a Symbol of Love
Another meaning of vaijayanti mala is “a garland of love”. The word vaijayanti also comes from the Sanskrit root “vai”, which means “special”, and “jaya”, which means “love”. This garland symbolizes the love between Krsna and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani. Radharani is also known as Vaijayanti, because She is the conqueror of Krsna’s heart. She is the embodiment of pure love and devotion for Krsna.
Krsna wears the vaijayanti mala to remind Him of His eternal bond with Radharani. He always thinks of Her, just as She always thinks of Him. The garland is a sign of their mutual commitment and affection. The flowers in the garland also represent the different aspects of Radharani’s personality and beauty.
Vaijayanti Mala as a Symbol of Godhood
A third meaning of vaijayanti mala is “a garland of Godhood”. The word vaijayanti also comes from the Sanskrit root “vai”, which means “special”, and “jaya”, which means “conqueror”. This garland signifies that Krsna is the supreme personality of Godhead, who has conquered everything by His power and opulence. He is the source of all creation, maintenance and destruction. He is the master of all living beings and planets.
However, in Vrindavan, Krsna does not display His Godhood. He hides His majesty and glory behind His sweetness and charm. He plays as a simple cowherd boy, who enjoys the company of His friends and lovers. He does not act as God, but as a lover. He is not controlled by His own will, but by the will of His devotees. He is not the ruler of Vrindavan, but the servant of Vrindavan.
In Vrindavan, the real God is not Krsna, but prem or love. Prem is the king and conqueror of Vrindavan. Prem is what binds Krsna and Radharani together. Prem is what attracts everyone to Krsna. Prem is what makes Krsna dance and sing. Prem is what makes Vrindavan a place of bliss and joy.
Thus, vaijayanti mala means a garland of prem.