The difference between Ayodhya and Vrindavan is not just about Lord Shri Krishna and Lord Shri Ram, but also about the behavior of the people there. Not just the people, even the monkeys behave differently.
Ayodhya’s Monkeys: Gentle and Innocent
The monkeys in Ayodhya are simple and innocent, and everyone knows them. When you start eating something, you get some sweets (revdi), and only then will a monkey come—gently snatching it from you or grabbing it. It takes what it wants and leaves, as if saying, “Jai Shri Ram.”
Vrindavan’s Monkeys: Clever and Playful
But in Vrindavan, things are different. The monkeys there are always lying in wait. If you are wearing glasses, one of them will try to snatch them from your head. And you can’t get them back until they get some goodies! Sometimes, they are even smarter—one monkey will distract you by taking something sweet, while another will start bargaining with you.
One day, we asked a saint, “Premanand Maharaj Ji, why are the monkeys in our Ayodhya so simple and innocent, while the monkeys here are so clever?”
The saint smiled and replied, –
“Just as your Ram Ji is, so are the monkeys there; and just as our Shyam Ji is, so are the monkeys here!”
Vrindavan’s Monkeys: Mischief or Divine Play?
You should not think of the monkeys in Vrindavan as merely mischievous or unruly. They are not like that. These are the same monkeys who once played with Thakur Ji (Lord Krishna).
The monkeys here will engage with you in such a playful way that you will truly feel you are in the divine abode of the Lord. They might take your glasses, and in return, they will expect you to offer them some food. Consider it as their way of seeking an offering.
Read More - Most Popular Adventure Sports in ShimlaIf you come here wearing glasses, understand that to them, it is just another offering. It’s like what the tribal children say—”If you won’t give it willingly, we will take it this way.” These monkeys are so skilled that with just a slight push, they can snatch away hundreds of glasses.
Now, if you lose your glasses, you’ll have to negotiate a trade. Since you are an outsider, you’ll probably eat at a hotel, have some street food, and in return, the monkeys expect their share.
And if you ignore them, they’ll go even further. Sometimes, they will climb higher and wait, throwing things at you from above, or they might even snatch something straight from your pockets.
But remember, all of this is part of the divine play of Lord Krishna. These monkeys are not just ordinary animals; they are part of his divine presence and devotion.
