Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura meditates on Ritudvipa

“When will I wander about the island of Ritudvipa, seeing the beauty of the forest and remembering these pastimes of the Lord? Suddenly I will catch a glimpse of the pastimes being performed at Radha-kunda and will become completely stunned by such a wonderful vision. Here on the bank of the Manasaganga, Balarama and Krishna along with Their cowherd boyfriends herd countless calves to secluded forests. While sporting numerous pastimes and playing tricks, all the boys sing the glories of Krishna. The cowherd boys then sit down and engage in various types of funny conversations. Meanwhile, the calves keep grazing and grazing until they wander off to distant woods. Losing sight of them, all the boys become alarmed, but at the sound of Krishna’s flute the calves immediately came running back.

While I am observing this pastime with full attention, suddenly the scene vanishes and I fall to the ground unconscious. Regaining my awareness after some time, I shall rise up and then continue wandering slowly and sadly throughout the forest. ‘O Gauranga! O Krishnacandra, ocean of mercy! You are the wealth of the wretched and poor, and I am the lowest rascal!’ Saying this and weeping continuously, I will move onwards till suddenly I come to Vidyanagara.” (Navadvipa-bhava-taranga)

ritudvipam tato gatva
drishtva sobham vanasya ca
radha-kundadikam smritva
ruroda saci-nandanah  

“Arriving at Ritudvipa and seeing the beauty of the forest, Saci-nandana started crying while remembering Radha-kunda and other sacred places.” Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura (Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, Pramana-khanda 4.44)