Vrindavan and Braj Parikrama Pilgrimage Routes

Parikrama is one of the most religious types of devotion in Braj, and Vrindavan in particular. Thousands of devotees walk along these religious ways on a day-to-day basis in order to feel the supernatural power of the Shri Radha Krishna, and to revert to the antique period that can be found in the scriptures. These religious tours are a blend of devotion, meditation as well as the eternal tradition of Braj.

Vrindavan 11 km Parikrama, Govardhan 11km Parikrama, Barsana Yatra, the potent Braj 84 Kos Yatra and the safety and cleanliness regulations are included in this manual as part of the respectable pilgrimage.

Vrindavan 11km Parikrama: The Devotional Walk

It has the most popular and spiritually useful route 11km Parikrama of Vrindavan. It is done on bare feet and the holy names of Krishna are said.

Route Overview

The path takes one around the holy town with woods, ghats, temples, ashrams, and ancient destinations connected with the leelas of Krishna.

Significant Destinations and Landmarks in travelling the route:

• Yamuna Ghat: The prayers are then initiated by devotees to the sacred Yamuna Mata, who is deemed to purify the mind and soul.
• Madan Mohan Temple: It is one of the ancient wave temples, which is of Sanatan Goswami.
• Kaliya Ghat: This is the location where Lord Krishna managed to tame the serpent Kaliya and also blessed him.
• Keshi Ghat: This is the place where Krishna killed Keshi, and is said to have a golden vision of the sunrise.
• Jugal Ghat and Raman Reti Points: Areas which symbolize the luscious delights of Radha-Krishna.
• Jaigurudev Temple Road: A peaceful place where one can meditate and chant.

Route Map (Highlights)

• Starting Point: Yamuna Ghat
• Madan Mohan Temple
• Kaliya Ghat
• Keshi Ghat
• Jugal Ghat
• Parikrama Marg Forest Trail
• Turnaround: ISKCON Side / Goda Vihar.

Hiking Time: 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the speed and the traffic.

Govardhan Parikrama: The Hill of Divine Grace of infinity

Govardhan Parikrama is a sacred area where one walks around the Giriraj Govardhan, the supernatural hill Krishna had lifted when the people of Braj were in danger, to lift them when Indra had thrown her storm.

The 21km path brushes along the sacred sites of Radha Kund, Kusum Sarovar, and Govinda Kund, and leaves behind a very peaceful and spiritually realigning experience for every pilgrim.

Parikrama Distance

• Full Parikrama: 21 km
• Half Parikrama ( Mansi Ganga to Govinda Kund): 7 -8 km

Key Places & Significance

• Mansi Ganga: It has supposedly manifested itself in the thoughts of Krishna (Mann se Ganga).
• Kusum Sarovar: The beautiful lake with the divine sports of Radha and Krishna.
• Jatipura: It is one of the key places where Giriraj is fed (Annkoot traditions are still maintained).
• Govinda Kund: It pertains to the revelation of Lord Indra about the supremacy of Krishna.
• There are only a few steps in Parikrama: Puchhri Ka Lotha, which means the ultimate devotional step.

Walking Time: 5 to 7 hours

Barsana Yatra: Within the Country of Radha Rani

Barsana, the holy birthplace of Shri Radha Rani, is a very religious worship place and a godly allurement.

Key Highlights

• Radha Rani Temple: This is a temple located in Radha village, located some five miles south of Mathra.
• Rangili Mahal: A colourful ashram with the chanting and kirtans.
• Mor Kutir: Fixed to the dance of the peacock of Radha-Krishna.
• Sankari Khor: This is a little road upon which Lathmar Holi is held.

Walking time of pilgrimage: the local pilgrimage route is 1.5-3hours.

Braj 84 Kos yatra: The complete Pilgrimage of Braj Bhoomi

The Braj 84 Kos Yatra is a path which is nearly 268km long, and in it all the major and minor holy places are encompassed in regard to the divine leela of Krishna.

Yatra Overview

• It enclosed 12 larger forests (Dwadash Vans).
• Has holy cities: Mathra, Vrindavan, Barsana, Govardhan, Nandgaon, Gokul, Radhakund, etc.
• The pilgrims used to take 7-10 days to complete.
• Has temples, kunds, groves and old hills.

Important Stops

• Mathura: The place of birth of lord Krishna.
• Vrindavan: City of godly mischief.
• Gokul: Krishna was raised in his infantile years.
• Nandgaon: Nand Baba Home.
• Radhakund and Shyamkund: It is the place where Radha-Krishna bhakti is the most prevalent.
• Barsana: Land of Radha Rani
• Govardhan: Sacred mountain of Godly mercy.

The pilgrimage is meant to have a deep inner cleansing and spiritual enlightenment.

Cleanliness and Safety Guidelines for Devotees

Safety Tips

• Take water, oral rehydration salts, and first aid drugs.
• Never forget to put on clothes that are labelled as long-walking.
• Late evening walks alone should not be taken.
• Do like the smart folks when the crowds are great.
• Place shoes in the designated areas.

Cleanliness Guidelines

• Do not litter up any of the Parikrama paths–brush away dustbins where possible.
• Plastic bags and disposable things should not be used.
• Sacred groves and meditation places are to be kept silent, or spoken lowly.
• Shake not wild animals nor old trees.
• Worship temple garments and practices.
• The religious experience of all is ensured with a purified and serene Parikrama.

Conclusion

Vrindavan Braj pilgrimage and Parikrama roads grant life life changing experience.

You have 11 km Parikrama around Vrindavan, around the sacred Govardhan hill, a journey around the divinely sceneries of Barsana, the 84 Kos Yatra; every step that you make is devout, historic and bountiful.

It makes your pilgrimage in Braj a very fruitful spiritual experience through good guidance, observing traditions, awareness of safety and cleanliness, etc.