The gopis got information that Krsna is coming from Dvaraka, so from Vrndavana they went to see Him. And when Krsna and Radharani met, the Radharani lamented that Krsna — He was the same Krsna and the same Radharani — so “This is not a good meeting place. So if You come to Vrndavana, then I shall be happy.” So it is inviting Krsna to Vrndavana. That is the feeling of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Ratha-yatra. He is inviting Krsna to Vrndavana. So in Jagannatha Puri still the same feelings are there. Krsna, Jagannatha, from the temple goes to Gundica. So Laksmi is angry, that “Krsna is leaving me. He has gone to Vrndavana.” So she was…, she is punishing. That is called Hera-pancami, punishing the servants of Krsna. The maidservants of Laksmi chastising them, threatened them, “Why without permission?” [laughs] So they, out of very fearful condition, offering their respect to Laksmi, “Mother, you don’t be sorry. I am here [indistinct].” So this, this is the play performed, and Caitanya Mahaprabhu associates they saw, and they enjoyed very much when the maidservant of Laksmi was slapping the servant of Visnu. That is mentioned Caitanya-caritamrta. All the servants arrested, brought before Laksmi, and they are punished. [laughs] But they came to invite Krsna, Radharani and other gopis. And actually they do not go at that time. But this Ratha-yatra ceremony means Krsna is coming from Dvaraka to Kuruksetra. This is the history of Ratha-yatra.

Srila Prabhupada — May 20, 1976, Honolulu