THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME PLACES IN THE PARIKRAMA MARG

Krishna-Balaram Vriksa : At Ramanreti in Vrindavan, a Yamajtree stands on the Parikrama Marg and it is called Krishna-Balaram-vriksa. Its root is one, but trunks are two. One trunk iswhite and another is dark. 

Varaha Ghat : The Varaha Ghat is 0.5 km ahead from Krishna-Balaram Vriksa. At this place, Lord Sri Krshna showed His formof Varaha to His friends, the Gopas. Previously, River Yamunaflowed through this ghat. In the Gautama’s ashram located here,the deity of Varaha Deva is worshipped.

Madan Ter : Ahead of Varaha Ghat on the right side of theParikrama Marg is the place Madan Ter. Once Krishna was playingwith the Gopis when Madan came to Vrindavan and tried to attractLord Krishna and influence Him. Nevertheless, seeing the mostattractive, distinguished and beautiful transcendental form ofKrishna, he himself was so attracted to Krishna that he fainted!This pastime of Lord Krishna happened at Madan Ter. Krishna isknown as Madan Mohan, one who attracts even the Cupid.

Kaliya Ghat : Approximately 1 km ahead of Madan Ter is KaliyaGhat located on the right of Parikrama Marg. This is also calledKaliya-Hrada. This is a bathing ghat on the bank of River Yamuna,but now Yamuna has gone away from here. Kaliya serpent wasliving here in Yamuna. Krishna playfully subdued Kaliya bydancing upon his heads. A old Kadamba tree stands here. TheKadamba tree is believed to be the same from which Krishnajumped off to chastise Kaliya. This Kadamba tree is at least fivethousand years old and it witnessed the pastimes of Krishna.

Madan Mohan Mandir : Moving ahead a little bit from KaliyaGhat through the Parikrama Marg, we reach the Madan MohanMandir, located on the right side. Established by SanatanaGoswami, it is one of the seven temples built in Vrindavan by theGoswamis, the followers of Lord Chaitanya. The original MadanMohan Deity was discovered by Advaita Acarya and he laterentrusted it to his disciple, Purusottama Chaube, who later gaveit to Sanatana Goswami, who installed it in this Temple. The original Deities were moved from Vrindavan to Jaipur to Karoliin Rajasthan.

Sanatana Goswami’s Samadhi : Sanatana Goswami’s samadhiis behind the courtyard of the Madan Mohan Mandir. Behind thesamadhi is the Granth Samadhi, which contains some of theoriginal manuscripts of the Goswamis.

Imlitala : Near the Chir Ghat on the bank of Yamuna is Imlitala,where stands an old imli vriksh. About 500 years ago, SriChaitanya Mahaprabhu performed japa and took darshan ofYamuna sitting below this tree.

Shringar Vat : Close to Imlitala is the place known as ShringarGhat.

Chir Ghat : On the bank of Yamuna lies one of the most importantbathing places known as Chir Ghat. Here, Krishna had once stolethe garments of the Gopis.
Keshi Ghat : Ahead of Chir Ghat on the east is Keshi Ghat. It isthe most important bathing ghat of Vrindavan. Here, Lord Krishnakilled the demon Keshi, who came as a horse.
Dhir Samir : Ahead on the east of Keshi Ghat lies Dhir Samir,where Krishna played flute climbing on the vamshivata.Influenced by listening to the sweet music of His flute, Yamunastood still, wind did not blow, and birds stopped chirping.Jagannath Mandir : In the Parikrama Marg, on the east of DhirSamir, there is an old Jagannath Mandir.

Chaitanya Kuti : Close to Pani Ghat lies Chaitanya kuti, a famousplace for the followers of Gaudiya Vaisnavas. With great honour,the devotees are served here. The Vaisnavas here enthusiasticallyengage in bhajan always.

Shyama Kuti : This is a famous small temple.

Chaitanya Vat : In the Parikrama Marg, there is an old vatavriksa.Chaitanya Mahaprabhu rested at the shade of this tree andtherefore this place is also called Chaitanya Baithak.

Gore Dauji : Located 0.5 km east of Atalla Chungi on theParikrama Marg is Dauji Temple, where a beautiful Deity of Dauji(Lord Balaram) is installed. Here, Vaisnav devotees are welcomedand treated well. Together with the temple is a big goshala as well.

Atalla Chungi : The conjoining place of Vrindavan ParikramaMarg and Vrindavan-Mathura Marg is called Atalla Chungi andit is located on the southern end of Vrindavan.

Radheshyam Kup : Along the Parikrama Marg at Ramanreti,there is an old well and it is known as Radheshyam Kup.

VRINDAVAN TO MATHURA

Krishna-Balaram Mandir : This temple is located at Ramanretiin Vrindavan. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder Acarya of ISKCON, established it in1975. The Deities installed in the three altars of the temple are Gaur-Nitai, Krishna-Balaram and Radha-Shyamsundar. There is a tamala tree inside the temple courtyard. This is the most important among the world famous ISKCON Temples. In the complex, a guest house and a school also exist.
Bhataron (Yajna Patni Sthal) : This place is located 1 km south of the Gore Dauji Mandir. The beautiful temple here is built on ahill side.

While herding the cows, Krishna along with His cowherd friends came here once. They were very hungry, and told this to Krishna. Krishna asked His friends to go and beg for some food from the brahmanas performing a sacrifice nearby. The cowherd boys went there and begged for food, but the brahmanas refused to oblige. The cowherd boys returned disappointed to Krishna. Krishna asked the boys to go again and beg food from the wives of the brahmanas. Krishna’s friends went to the brahmanas’ wives and as soon as they heard the request of Krishna, the wives of the brahmanas filled many pots with a variety of delicious food andrushed here to feed Krishna and his friends. This is the place, where the brahmanas’ wives fed the Lord.

Akrura Ghat : On the bank of Yamuna, 1 km east of the Vrindavan-Mathura Road between Vrindavan and Mathura, the Akrura Ghat is located. A small temple remains here in which the Deities of Krishna, Balaram and Akrura are established. River Yamuna used to flow close to the temple, but now re-coursed herroute a bit far.

Akrura came to Nandgram to bring Krishna and Balaram to Mathura. On his way back to Mathura along with Krishna and Balaram, Akrura stopped here on the bank of Yamuna. Akrura entered in the water of Yamuna to bathe while Krishna and Balaram were seated on the chariot. As Akrura took a dip, he saw Krishna in the form of Mahavishnu and Balaram as Ananta Sesa in the water.

When Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came at Vrindavan, He spent His nights here at Akrura Ghat.

Gita Mandir / Birla Mandir: While entering from the north, the Birla Mandir can be seen. A beautiful Deity of Lord Sri Krishna is established in the temple and it was built by the Birla family.

Mathura : aho madhupuri dhanya vaikunthac-ca gariyasi dinam-ekam nivasena harau bhaktih prajayate “The glory of Mathura is superior to Vaikuntha, where even if a person lives for a day, he will develop bhakti to Lord Hari.” The Lord is always present in Mathura : The city of Mathura is the centre of Vraj and it is located on the Delhi-Agra national highway approximately 145 km south-east of Delhi and 55 km north-west of Agra on the western bank of Yamuna. The city was established by Shatrughna, the younger brother of Lord Ramachandra. For long, the city remained as the capital of theYadus and it is where Lord Krishna took birth. Mathura, is 10 km south of Vrindavan. It is the birthplace of Krishna

MATHURA PARIKRAMA

Vishram Ghat : This most famous ghat is located on the westbank of Yamuna near the Dwarakadhisha Mandir.

After killing Kamsa, Krishna and Balaram came here and tookrest. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also took bath here.

Yamuna-Yamaraj Mandir : This is a small temple at VishramGhat. The deities of Yamuna Devi and her brother Yamaraj areinstalled by Vajranabha, the great grandson of Krishna.

Dwarakadhisha Mandir : This is a very famous temple locatedclose to Vishram Ghat.

Sveta Varaha Mandir : This is an old temple located behind theDwarakadhisha temple.

Pippaleshwar Mandir : Close to the south of Vishram Ghat isthe small temple of Pippaleshwar Mahadev. Four main Shivalingasprotect Mathura from the four sides and this linga is theprotector of Mathura’s eastern quarter. It is said that the sagePippalada was saved by Lord Siva and therefore this Siva-lingagot the name Pippaleshwara.

Bengali Ghat : This is located on the south of Vishram Ghat.

Dhruva Ghat : On the south of Bengali Ghat is this ghat. Withthe mercy of Narada Muni, Dhruva Maharaja was instructed athis tender age of five to go to the forest of Madhuvan and performausterities. During his stay in Madhuvan, he came to take bath here in Yamuna.

Sapta Rishis Mandir : On the south of Dhruva Ghat is the templeof the Sapta Rshis. The seven great sages performed austeritieshere and their deities are in the temple.

Kubja Mandir (Kupa) : This is the house of Kubja, whereKrishna came to fulfill His promise to visit her and accept herofferings. There is also a sacred well also.

Rangeshwar Mahadeva Mandir : On the west of Kubja Mandiris located the Rangeswar Mahadeva Mandir. Kamsa worshippedthe Shiva-linga here before the wrestling match. Rangeswar isthe Southern protector of Mathura. This is the famous temple ofShiva in Mathura.

Rang Bhumi / Kamsa Tila : This is located very close to thewest of Rangeswar Mahadeva Mandir. Here Krishna and Balaramkilled Chanura and Mustika and Kamsa.

Keshava Gaudiya Math : Near to Kamsa Tila on the south liesthis temple. In this Math, Srila Prabhupada took sannyasa fromSrila Bhakti Prajnana Keshava Maharaj. On the altar of the templeis a Deity of Lord Chaitanya, which was personally donated by Srila Prabhupada. This is a very important place to practiceKrishna-bhakti.

Bhuteshwar Mahadev Mandir : This temple is 0.5 km south ofSri Krishna Janmasthan. This is one of the famous Shiva-lingasestablished by Vajranabha.

Sri Krishna Janma Bhumi : This is the birth place of Lord SriKrishna. Here, the Lord appeared in the prison house of Kamsaas the son of Devaki and Vasudev at midnight.

Kesavadeva Mandir : This temple is at Janmasthan.This is whereVajranabha, Krishna’s great-grandson, built the first temple. Here,Kesavadeva was the presiding Deity and in the new temple, abeautiful Deity of Lord Krishna is installed.

Bhagavata Bhavan : This is a magnanimous temple extensivelybuilt. On its walls and ceilings are wonderful paintings andcarvings depicting the lilas of Krishna. The main temple atJanmasthan is famous as the Bhagavata Bhavan.

Jaya Gurudev Mandir : On the south of Mathura beside theDelhi-Agra national highwaythis vast temple is located.

Dhruva Tila : This place is located 1 km south-east of JayaGurudev Mandir. There is a small hill surrounded by bushes andtrees, where Dhruva Maharaj performed austerities and attaineddarsana of Lord Vishnu. On the top of the hill lies the temple andon its altar, the Deities of Lord Narayana, Dhruva Maharaja andNarada Muni are established.

Maholi Village : Maholi village is on the south-west of DhruvaTila Parikrama stay in this village. This is Madhuvan, one of thetwelve celebrated forests of Vraj.In treta-yuga, the brahmanas and sages of this area were disturbedby Lavanasura, the son of the demon Madhu, and they prayed toLord Ramacandra for protection. He sent His brother Shatrughna,who killed Lavanasura and established his capital in Mathura.

Krishna Kunda : In this village Maholi, Krishna Kunda is situated.The kunda became manifested by Lord Krishna strikingHis fluteon the ground to get water for His cows.

Balaram Mandir : On the northern bank of Krishna Kunda is thistemple and a beautiful dark Deity of Lord Balaram is installedhere.

Shatrughna Mandir : This is a small temple in the Maholi villageand the Vrajavasis worship the Deity of Shatrughna in it.

Vallabhacharya Baithak : On the southern bank of Krishna Kunda is the seat of Vallabhacharya.

MADHUVAN TO SHANTANU KUND

Talavan / Tarasi : The small village of Talavan is located 5 kmsouth of Madhuvan and it is called Tarasi. This is also one of thetwelve forests of Vraj and it is here that Lord Balarama killedDhenukasura.

Sankarsana Kunda : This kunda is located on the outskirts of thevillage of Tarasi / Talavan on the west. By the side of the kunda isthe Sankarsana Mandir. Lord Balaram’s Deity is worshipped inthis temple and it was installed by Vajranabha.

Kumudvan : This village lies 3 km on the west of Talavan.Kumudvan is the smallest of the twelve forests of Vraj. Kumudmeans lily or lotus.

Padma Kunda : This kunda is in the Kumudvan village on its north.On the bank of this kunda is a temple for Lord Kapila. Thousandsof years ago, Kapila Muni performed penance and austerities onthe side of the Padma Kund. The Varaha Purana says that anyonetakes bath in this kunda will earn Vedic wisdom.

Shantanu Kunda : This is located on the Mathura-GovardhanMarg 5 km on the west of Mathura in the Satoya village. MaharajaShantanu performed austerities here to receive a son. In the middleof the Kunda, a temple stands on a small mound. The name of theDeity is Shantanu Bihari Krishna. Many childless couples comehere to pray for progeny.

SHANTANU KUNDA TO RADHA KUNDA

Ganeshara : Ganeshara village is 2 Km north of Shantanu kunda on the way to Bati. During Lord Krishna’s pastimes, the Vrajavasis grew fragrant, colourful flowers in this area. Here, Lord Krishna anointed His body with yellow clay.

Gandharva Kunda : Gandharva Kund is located in the Ganeshara village. The Gandharvas and celestial musicians from heavenly planets frequented the kunda and took bath in it Khechari : On the north-west of Ganeshara is the Khechari village. There is a small temple of Hanumanji in this village. This is the birth place of Putana. Khechari refers to a female who can fly in the sky.

Bati / Bahulavan : Bahulavan is known as Bati. It is 1 km northwest of Khechari. Bahulavan / Bati are one of the twelve forests of Vraj. This forest is known after a truthful cow named Bahula celebrated in Vraj. Once Dharmaraja disguised as a lion approached Bahula and said, “I want to eat you.” Bahula pleaded, “Please let me first feed my newborn calf and I will return soon.” The lion agreed and Bahula went to feed her baby. When Bahula returned, she had the darshan of Lord Krishna and Dharmaraja stood in place of the lion.

Bahula Mandir / Bahula Kunda : In the midst of the Bati village, the Bahula Kunda or Krishna Kunda is located. On the southern bank of the Kund, there is a small temple dedicated to the cow, Bahula, and her deity is installed in it.

Ral : This village is comparatively large and famous in Vraj and located 8 Km on the north-east of Radhakund on Vrindavan- Radhakund road.

Vihara Van : Near Ral village is the Vihar Van. Srimati Radharani and Sri Krishna met here often during their stay at Basonti and Chatikara respectively.

Basanti : This village is located 4 km before Radhakund on the Vrindavan-Radhakund Road. Before Vrishabhanu came to live at Barsana, he stayed here for a few years with Radharani.

Mukharai : This village is located 2 km on the south-east of Radhakund. This is the village of the nani of Radharani-Mukharai. Kirtida lived here in her childhood. This is 1 km away on the left side of the main road.

RADHAKUNDA-VILLAGE

Radha Kunda : This is the most important kunda in Vraj and it is known after Radharani.

After killing Arista, a demon came disguised as a bull; the Gopis told Krishna that for killing a bull, the symbol of religion, He should atone by bathing in all sacred rivers. Krishna cleverly dug His lotus foot into the ground and it became a large Kunda, and called on all sacred rivers to fill it. They appeared before the Lord and filled up the kunda with their holy waters and it is called Shyama-kunda. Krishna took bath in the kunda and said to them,

“All of you should bath in this Kunda.” However, Radharani, and Her Gopi friends refused to bath in Shyama Kunda and they broke their bangles and dug a kund using the broken pieces and it came to be called Radha-kunda. In due course of time, The location of Radha-kunda became unknown to people. When Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to Vraja, He discovered Radha-kunda and later it was renovated by Raghunath Das Goswami.

GOVARDHAN PARIKRAMA

Of all devotees, Govardhan was the best. This hill supplied Krishna and Balaram as well as their calves, cows and cowherd friends with all necessities such as sweet water for drinking, tender grass, caves, fruits, flowers and vegetables. Thus the hill offered services to the Lord. Touched by the tender lotus feet of Krishna and Balaram, Govardhan Hill appears very jubilant.

Kusum Sarovar : This is a large and beautiful kund on the Parikrama Marg of Giriraj ap-proximately 2km south of Radhakund. Here, the Gopis picked up flowers for Krishna.

Ashok Lata : Ashok Lata is a kunj situated near Kusum Sarovar. In this kunj, Lord Krishna braided Srimati Radharani’s hair.

Uddhava Mandir : There is a small temple on the south-west bank of Kusum Sarovar dedi-cated to Uddhava. Uddhava remains here in the form of grass.

Narad Kunda : This is a beautiful kund on the left side of the Parikarama Marg. Narada Muni wrote the Narada-bhakti-sutra here.

Manasi Ganga : At the middle of the Govardhan village, the Manasi Ganga is situated. Af-ter Lord Krishna killed Vatsasura, His friends told Him to bathe in the waters of Ganga for purification. Unwilling to travel a long distance, Krishna brought Manasi Ganga here and took bath in it.

Haridev Mandir : Haridev Mandir is located on the southern bank of Manasi Ganga. The temple is made of red rock. Haridev is one of the four presiding Deities in Vraj. It is a fam-ous temple in Govardhan village. Later, the Deity was moved elsewhere fearing the con-quest of the Yavanas. People take darshan of Haridev during the Govardhan parikrama. The Deity is said to have been installed by Vajranabha.

Brahma Kunda : After Brahma stole the calves and Gopas (cowherd boys), Lord Krishna expanded Himself to assume the calves’ and boys’ forms exactly identical to them. Lord Brahma permanently resides here. Bilvamangala Thakura performed austerities here. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda Prabhu visited and rested on the banks of Brahma kunda.

Chakra Tirtha : The Chakra Tirtha is on the bank of Manasi Ganga. The Chakra Tirtha was created when Indra tried to devastate the whole of Vraja with pouring torrential rains. For the entire seven days, Krishna held the hill up and His Sudarshan Chakra generated immense heat of many suns rising up in the sky dried up the flood water.

Danaghati : Danaghati is located at the middle of the Govardhan Village. Here, Lord Krishna begged for milk and yogurt from the Gopis.

Aniyor : This village is located 3 km south of Danaghati on the Govardhan Parikrama Marg by the eastern side of Giriraj. Here, the Vrajavasis at first offered bhoga to Giriraj.

Sankarshana Kunda : Outside the Anyor village is this Kunda. Near to it at Sringar Sthali, Madhavendra Puri found the Deity of Gopal.

Narayana Sarovar : There was a Kadamba tree here before and it was here, that Krishna entered in a cave and lifted up Govardhan Hill.

Govinda Kunda : This kunda is located near the Aniyor village on its south. Here, Indra worshipped Lord Krishna and performed His abhiseka after the lifting of the Govardhan Hill. This kunda was filled with the water from that abhiseka of the Lord. While Madhavendra Puri was living at Govinda-kunda, a beautiful dark boy came near and gave him a pot of milk. Later in a dream, the same boy came and told him where the Deity of Gopal was hidden in a nearby kunj.

Luk Luk Dauji : On the south of Govind Kund and on the top of Giriraj the Luk Luk Dauji temple is there. Devotees don’t go to this temple.

Punchari : This village is in Rajasthan. Punchari is the southern tip of Govardhan Hill. Here, Lord Krishna performed the rasa dance .

Lautha Baba Mandir : On the Govardhan parikrama near the Punchari village is this tem-ple of Lautha Baba. When Akrura took Sri Krishna to Mathura, Lautha, one of Krishna’s friends, asked Him when He would return. Krishna told him He would come soon. Lautha did eat or drink until He returned. Then he arrived at this place and sat down. Lautha Baba still awaiting Krishna here. This is a beautiful temple and in it the deity of Lautha Baba is established. Mathura, Lautha, one of Krishna’s friends, asked Him when He would return. Krishna told him He would come soon. Lautha did not eat or drink until He returned. Then he arrived at this place and sat down. Lautha Baba is still awaiting Krishna here. This is a beautiful temple and in it, the deity of Lautha Baba is established.

Navala Kunda And Apsara-Kunda : The Apsara Kunda is located 100 m away on the north-east of Lautha Baba Mandir. Near to Apsara Kunda is Naval Kunda. Here, Lord Krishna performed rasa dance with the Apsaras.

Shyam Dhak : This is approximately 2 km away from the Parikrama Marg. This is a small forest where Krishna played with the cowherd boys. Near to this is the Gopi Sagara Kunda, where Krishna enjoyed with the Gopis. Parikrama does not touch this place.

Raghava Pandit Gupha : On the north of Apsara Kund is the cave of Raghava Pandit (a close associate of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu), who performed bhajan in this cave. He knew mostof Krishna’s pastimes in Vraja.

Surabhi Kunda& Airavat Kunda : These two kundas are at close proximity and located approximately 1.5 km from Lautha Baba Mandir. Indra, together with Surabhi and Airavat, came here to plead for forgiveness from Krishna. Yatipura : This is a village on the Parikrama Marg path approximately 3km south of Go-vardhan village on western side of Giriraj. Yatipura is named after Madhavendra Puri, who lived here during his visit to Vraja. Yati means a sannyasi and pura means village.

Here is the prime mukharvind of Giriraj where bhoga is offered.

Govardhan : The new Govardhan village is 3km from Yatipura on the north on the Pari-krama Marg.

Uddhava Kund : This is a small and beautiful kund located 3km from Govardhan on the Parikrama Marg. Uddhava lives here forever as a grass.

Radha Kunj Bihari Mandir : This temple was founded by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati in 1935. The puspa-samadhi of Gaura Kishora Das Babaji is located here.

RADHAKUND PARIKRAMA

Among the dear Gopis, Radharani is dearest to Krishna. This kunda is a delight to Krishna like Radharani. Taking bath once in thisKunda, bhakti will arouse soon.

Raghunath Das Goswami’s Samadhi : On the northern bank ofRadha Kunda is this samadhi. Raghunath Das Goswami lived inthis place. For many years, akhanda-kirtan (non-stop kirtan) goeson here.

Radha Gopinath Mandir : This temple is close to SrilaRaghunath Das Goswami’s Samadhi. This is where SrimatiJahnavi saw Gopinath. Originally, Vajranabha installed these Deities in Vrindavan and later Madhu Pandit Goswami worshippedthem.

Jahnava Ghat : Jahnava Ghat is located on the northern bank ofRadha Kunda. This is Jahnava Devi’s bathing place.

Shyama Kunda : Krishna dug Shyam Kunda with his foot. It is eastside of Radha Kunda.

Manasa Pavana Ghat : This ghat is on the north-west bank ofShyama Kunda. Radharani would take bath in Shyama Kunda on thisghat.

Pancha Pandavas : This is located on the northern bank of Shyama Kunda near the Manasa Pavana Ghat. The Pancha Pandavas dwellhere as trees. When Raghunath Das Goswami was excavatingShyama Kunda Maharaja Yudhisthira appeared in a dream and toldhim not to cut down the trees beside Shyama kunda since they existthere as trees and perform bhajan. One among them is visiblenow, but dried up.

Raghunath Das Goswami’s Bhajan Kuti : In this bhajan kuti,Raghunath Das Goswami described the glorious pastimes of LordCaitanya Mahaprabhu every day. He lived at Radha-kunda formore than forty years.

Krishna Das Kaviraj’s Bhajan Kuti : This is between the northof Shyama Kunda and east of Radha Kund. Here, Krishna DasKaviraj wrote the Caitanya Caritamrita.

Three Goswamis’ Samadhis : Three Goswamis- RaghunathBhatt Goswami , Raghunath Das Goswami, and Krishna DasKaviraj Goswami left this world on the same day, in differentyears. Their samadhis are here.

Gopal Bhatt Goswami’s Bhajan Kuti : Sri Gopal BhattGoswami was born in a village near Sri Rangam. He performedbhajan in Vraj for 45 years, mainly at Radhakund. He compiledsome books as well while living here. His bhajan kuti is nearRadha-kunda.

Radha Govinda Dev Mandir : This temple is on the right sideof the Parikrama Marg. The original Deity of Govindadev wasinstalled nearly 5000 years ago by Vajranabha. Lost for years, Govindadev appeared to Rupa Goswami in a dream and revealedthe whereabouts of the hidden Deity. Govindadev was laterbrought to Jaipur in Rajasthan. During the transit preparations, the Deity was kept safely at Radha-kund. The Deity here now isthe replica of its original at Jaipur.

Govardhan Jihva Mandir : Raghunath Das Goswami decidedto dig a well and when the diggers partly dug down, they struck arock and blood flowed from it. That night, in a dream, it was revealed to Raghunath Das Goswami that the stone was the tongueof Govardhan. The same stone is established in this temple.

Bhaktivinod Thakur & Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati’s BhajanKuti : Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s house was used as a bhajan kuti.Their puspa-samadhis are also here. This is located a bit away from the Parikrama Marg on the left, towards the north.

Jagannath Mandir : This is an ancient temple of Lord Jagannathon the Parikarama Marg.

Jiva Goswami’s Bhajan Kuti : Sri Jiva Goswami stayed herewhen he visited Radhakund. This is located near Lalita Kund onthe northern bank of Shyamkund on the right of Parikrama Marg.

Lalita Kunda : Moving a little ahead of Jiva Goswami’s BhajanKuti, we reach Lalita Kund. This is the kund of Lalita. LalitaSakhi is one of eight sakhi of Radharani. This is on the left ofParikrama Marg. The temple of Lalita sakhi is on the bank of thiskunda.

Madhavendra Puri’s Baithak : This is Madhavendra Puri’ssitting place on the eastern bank of Shyama Kunda. This is locatedon the eastern bank of Shyama Kunda and on the right of the Parikrama Marg.

Gopi Kupa : This is an ancient well from where the tongue ofGovardhana was found while digging. This is on the east ofShyama Kunda on the Parikrama Marg. In a small temple here, thefootprints of Caitanya Mahaprabhu can be seen.

Ashtasakhi Mandir : On the eastern bank of Shyama Kunda, theAshtasakhi Mandir is located.

Tamal Tala : This is on the south-eastern bank of Shyama Kunda.There was a tamal tree here and under its shade, Sri CaitanyaMahaprabhu had sat down and chanted.

Sangam : This is the meeting point of Radha Kunda andShyama Kunda.

Nityananda Bhaithak : This is the sitting place of Lord Nityananda Prabhu. Nityananda Baithak located on the south of Radha Kunda.

RADHAKUND TO DEEG

Kusum Sarovar : Kusum-sarovar because many flowersblossom in it. Once bathing in this Kusum-sarovar, Narad Munireceived the form of a gopi.

Chakreshwar Mahadev Mandir : This temple is on the northernbank of Manasi Ganga. This is one among the famous Shiv-lingasinstalled by Vajranabha in Vraj. When Sanatana Goswami cameto Govardhana village, he stayed in this temple. Once whenSanatana Goswami thought of moving away from here, frustratedby mosquito bite, Lord Siva (Chakreshwar) appeared and toldhim that the mosquitoes would no more disturb him. Even nowthis place is free from mosquitoes.

Sanatana Goswami’s Bhajan Kuti : The Bhajan-kuti of SanatanaGoswami is in the premises of the Chakreshwar temple.

Gantholi : This village is on the Govardhana-Deeg Marg 3 kmwest of Govardhana. For someperiod, the Deity of Gopal waskept in this village. During the holi-lilas, the Gopis tied togetherthe clothes of Srimati Radharani and Krishna.

Gulal Kunda : In Gantholi village, Gulal Kunda is located.

Bahaj : This village is 7 km west of Govardhan on the Govardhan-

Deeg Marg : From here begins the Rajasthan State.

Deeg : Deeg is 16 km away from Govardhan. Deeg iscomparatively a large town. It is located in Rajasthan. There aremany ancient forts and palaces here.

DEEG TO BADARINATH

Didavali : This village is located 5 km north-west of Deeg on the Parikrama Marg. There is a temple of Nrisimhadev. In this village there is a beautiful Kunda.

Tankoli : This village is 3 km north-west of Didavali on the Parikrama Marg. It is on the right of the surfaced road.

Khoh : This village is especially famous for milk products. A small temple for Radha-Raman exists in this village.

Kadamba-Kanana : This place is on the east of Alipur village. A grove of Kadamba trees exists in the midst of the hilly terrains and Lord Krishna performed rasa-lila here.

Alipur : This village is located 1 km north east of Badarinath temple. We cross this village while going and returning from Badarinath.

Badarinath : The Badarinath temple is 1 km south-west of Alipur village. Once, Nanda Maharaja and the cowherds wished to go on a pilgrimage to the holy places in the informed them that Badarinath and Kedarnath were manifested in Vraj and the same benefits would be derived by visiting these places. This is the Badrikashram in Vraj.

Tapasya Kunda : This kunda is in front of the Badarinath temple courtyard. This is a very beautiful and placid Kunda. The kunda water is always cool, for it is surrounded by large trees.

Badri Narayan Mandir : In this temple, the Deities of Lord Nara and Narayana are installed. Nara and Narayan Rishis are in deep penance here since time immemorial for the welfare of all living entities.

BADRINATH PARIKRAMA

Trikut Parvat : This is a celestial mountain visible here on earth.

Lakshman Jhula : In the hilly terrains of Badrinath, there is a confluence called Triveni Sangam and Lakshman Jhula is nearby.

Triveni Sangham : Close to Lakshman Jhula is Triveni Sangam. This is the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati.

Haridwar/ Hari Ki Paudi : Behind the Badrinath Mandir is Hari Ki Paudi and it is the Haridwar in Vraj.

Rishikesh : This place is in the middle of the forest behind the Badrinath temple.

Nara Narayan Parvat : These two mounts are here in Badrinath.

Yoga Maya Mandir : This is a beautiful ancient temple of Yoga Maya Devi made of rock. In this small temple, the Deity of Yogamaya Devi is established.

BADRINATH TO KEDARNATH

Alipur : This village is 1 km north-east of Badarinath and falls en-route from Badarinath to Kedarnath.

Pasopa : This village is 5 km north of Badrinath on the Parikrama Marg. There is a beautiful Radha-Krishna temple here on the top of a hill.

Dhau Barauli : This is a beautiful village located 1 km north of Paposa on the way to Kedarnath.

Kedarnath : The Kedarnath temple is on the top of a hill. To reach there we have to climb more than three hundred steps. In the temple, there is a small Siva Linga installed in a small cave.

Gaurikund : At the foothills of Kedarnath is the Gaurikund.

Radha-Krishna Temple : Near Gauri Kund there is one beautiful temple of Radha-Krishna.

KADARNATH TO KAMAVAN

Badali : This is a small village near Kedarnath hill on its north.

Bilond : This is a village 1 km east of Kedarnath on the way to Kamvan.

Charan Pahari : This hill is on the left of the path when we travel from Bilond to Kaman. The left and right footprints of Lord Sri Krishna can be seen atop the hill on a large stone here. Once while Krishna and the cowherd boys were grazing the cows and calves, they were indiscriminately scattered in all directions. As the evening grew near, Krishna and His friends were concerned. Krishna closed His eyes and smilingly played His flute in sweet melody and hearing the call, the cows and calves immediately ran to Him. The sheer ecstasy of the flute music melted the stones here and thus impressions of His lotus feet were cast on the rocks.

Gaya-Kunda : Gaya Kunda is on the western outskirts of Kaman. Nanda Maharaja offered oblations to his forefathers here. This is Gaya Tirth in Vraj.

Kaman : This town is 22 km north of Deeg and 14 km southwest of Nandgaon. It is located in Kamavan. In this town, there are many temples, kundas and places where Krishna displayed His sweet pastimes. Kamavan is one of the most important and beautiful forest among the twelve forests of Vraj. The Pandavas lived here for some time in this forest during their vanvas, exile.

KAMAVAN PARIKRAMA – INTERIOR

Vimal-Kunda : On the south-east of Kaman is Vimal Kunda. This is one of the most beautiful and important kundas of Vraj formed by tears of the daughters of King Vimala. While Krishna was swimming here, the cows grazed on its banks.

Govindadev / Vrindavevi Mandir : This temple is located at the centre of the town and the Deities of Govindadev and Vrindadevi are installed in it. This is the most famous temple of Kaman.

Gopinath Mandir : This temple is also located in Kaman Radha- Gopinath deities are installed in this temple. The King of Varddhaman built the present temple.

Chaurasi Khambha : The celestial architect Vishvakarma built this palace for Maharaja Yudhisthira. The Pandavas lived in it during their vanavas for a while.

Dharmaraj Mandir : This temple is dedicated to Yudhisthira, the son of Dharmaraj. In this temple the deity of dharmaraj is installed. This is located close to the western side of the Kameshwar temple.

Kameshwar Mandir : Kameshwara is one of the famous Shivalingas in Vraj and Vajranabha installed it 5000 years ago. The word kama means “desires” and Lord Shiva is called Kameshwar, because he fulfills all desires. This temple is located on the eastern part of the town.

Pancha-Pandava Mandir : In this temple, the deities of Draupadi and the five Pandavas are installed.

Panchi Tirth / Dharma-Kunda : This kunda is located on the east of the town. On the banks of this kunda, Yudhisthira Maharaja and Yaksha held famous conversations.

Yashoda-Kunda : This kunda is situated less then 0.5 km southwestn of Vimal-kunda. Mother Yashoda often came here to take bath.

Ashoka Vatika : On the west of Yashoda-kund is Ashoka-vatika. It represents the Ashoka garden of Lanka, where Sita Devi was held captive by Ravana.

Rameswaram : Near to Ashoka-vatika is the Rameswaram temple. Imitating Rama-lila, Krishna called on the monkeys and built here a bridge.

Setubandh : Near Rameswar temple setubandh bridge is there.

Lanka : This is located on the south of Setubandh bridge.

KAMAVAN PARIKRAMA-EXTERIOR

Surabhi Kunda & Prabodhanand Sarasvati’s Bhajan Kuti : This is approximately 2 km north-west of Kaman. This is a beautiful kunda with blossoming lotus flowers. There is a bhajan kuti of Prabodhanand Saraswati on the bank of Surabhi Kunda.

Kalavata : The Kalavata village is 3 km north of Kamavan. There is a beautiful temple of Radha-Krishna in this village.

Phisalini-Shila : Outside of Kalavata village on the top of the Indrasen hill Phisalini shila is there. Here, on the side of the hill there is a long and smooth rock slide. Krishna and the cowherd boys played sliding downhill.

Balaram Charanchinh : On a rock located north of Kalavata village, the footprint of Lord Balaram can be seen. In the raging war between Lord Krishna and Vyomasura, the earth started to tremble. To stabilize the earth, Lord Balaram pushed her with His leg and that footprint is seen on the rock.

Vyomasura Gupha : Vyomasura gupha is on a hill north of Kalavata village. Vyomasura stole the cowherd boys and concealed them in this cave. To rescue the boys, Lord Krishna fought with Vyomasura here. On the rock on the hill there are footprints and handprints of Lord Krishna. A rock nearby shows imprints of marigold flowers and Kaustubha jewel fell down from the sky during the fight.

Bhojan Sthali : On the east of Kalavata village is Bhojan Sthali. Crossing the canal approxcimately 1 Km east of Vyomasur-gupha, there is Bhojan Sthali. This is where Krishna often took lunch with the cowherd boys. On a rock here, the imprints of the bowls and plates of Krishna are imprinted.

KAMAVAN TO BARSANA

Kanwada : This village is approximately 3 km east from Kama. Here, Mother Yashoda brought Krishna and got His ears pierced. In this village, Kanva Muni also lived for some time.

Kadambakhandi : Kadambakhandi is 3 km from Kanwada and approximately 6 km east of Kama. There is a samll kund in Kadambakhandi. On the bank of the kund, one kadamba and one tamala trees stand intertwined, which represent Krishna and Radha. This is a place of rasa-lila.

Pachola : This is a village about 200 metres north of Kadambakhandi. The village is also called Naga Baba Gaon.

Sunahara: This village is 2 km north of Kadambakhandi on the Parikrama Marg. Sunahara is the village of Rangadevi and Sudevi, two among the eight sakhis of Radharani.

Chitrashila : This is located on the south-west of the Unchagaon. Here is the imprint of Radharani’s veil on a rock. On the top of the hill and footprints of the Gopis are also there.

Uncha Gaon (Lalita Gram) : This is 2 km north-west of Barsana. This is the village of Lalita sakhi, one among the eight sakhis of Radharani. When Radharani becomes desperate feeling separation from Krishna, Lalita sakhi pacifies Her. On the hill top, there is a temple of Lalita sakhi. In the temple deities of Radha-Krishna and Lalita sakhi are established.

Narayan Bhatt Goswami’s Samadhi : In Unchagon there is a samadhi of Narayan Bhatt Goswami. He established several temples in this area including the Larili Lal temple at Barsana. He compiled a book titled Vraj-bhakti-vilas, a descriptive guide for Vraj. Barsana : Barsana is 8 km south of Nandgaon. This is the village of Vrishabhanu Baba. Radharani grew up at Barsana.

BARSANA PARIKRAMA

Vrishabhanu-Kunda : This kunda is on the eastern part of Barsana and it is named after Vrishabhanu, father of Radharani.

Sankari Khor : On the eastern side of Chiksauli village, there is a Sankari-khor. This is a narrow pathway dividing Brahma hill and Vishnu hill. Here, Krishna asked for milk and yogurt from the Gopis.

Chiksauli : Chiksauli is the village of Chitra sakhi and it is between Sankari-khor and Gahavar-kunda.

Krishna Kunda : On the north-western side of Chiksauli, Krishna kunda is located in Gavahar forest. The kund is also known as Gavahar-kunda. It is covered and surrounded by trees.

Mor Kuti / Mayura Kuti : This is on the peak of a hill east of Gavahar forest. Here, a dancing contest between Krishna and a peacock was held. There is a temple here and a painting made by a blind saint is kept in it.

Managarh : On the west of Gahavarvan, on the top of the hill is Managarh. This is the place where Radharani exhibited ‘Mana’.

Kushal Bihari / Jaipur Mandir : This temple is located on a hill, south of Laldi Lal Mandir. This is a large temple built by a king of Rajasthan.

Ladli Lal Mandir : This is the main temple of Barsana and in it the Deity of Ladli Lal is established. Srimati Radharani and Krishna are lovingly called Ladli and Lal respectively.

Vilas Garh : This is one of the four peaks of Brahma-giri. Here Radha and Krishna performed many pastimes.

Pili Pokhar : Pili Pokhar is a beautiful lake in the north of Barsana. Mother Yashoda loved Radharani very much and she wanted Krishna to marry Radharani. One day when Radharani came at Nandgaon, Mother Yashoda applied turmeric paste on her hand and traditionally it showed the sign of willingness to engage her in marriage. Seeing the yellow hands, Radharani felt shy and she went to this kunda and washed Her hands. The water in the kunda turned yellow. Therefore this kunda is called Pili Pokhar.

Kishori Kunj : Kishori Kunj is located near to Pili Pokhar on its north-west. Many sadhus live here and perform Bhajan.

BARSANA TO NANDGAON

Prem Sarovar : Prem Sarovar is located 1 km north of Barsana. Once, Krishna and Radharani were sitting together. A bee was moving around the face of Radharani. Krishna asked a Gopa friend to chase it away. When the friend drove the bee away and returned, he said, “Madhu is gone.” Madhu means bee and is the name of Krishna as well. Radharani felt Krishna went away and she began to cry. Seeing Radharani’s cry, Krishna also cried, and from the mixture of their tears, the Prem Sarovar was created.

Sanket : This village is located on the Parikrama Marg exactly midway between Barsana and Nadgaon, and here is the temple for Sanket Devi. When Krishna went to herd the cows and Radharani went to pick flowers, sometimes they met here and swung on a swing. Gopal Bhatt Goswami performed bhajan here.

Gopal Bhatt Goswami’s Bhajan Kuti : Gopal Bhatt Goswami’s bhajan kuti is in Sanket village. He performed bhajan here for a long time.

Uddhav Kyari : This place is on the south-east of Nandgaon. Uddhava met the Gopis here when Krishna sent him to deliver a message to them. Srimati Radharani exhibited here Her mahabhava, the utmost symptoms of love.

Nand Baithak : Nand Baithak is a part of Nandgaon in south of Nandgaon. Nand Baba met his friends here.

Yashoda Kunda : On the south of Nandgaon and on the west of Nand Baithak lies Yashoda Kunda. This is the kunda of Mother Yashoda and near to it is a goshala.

Krishna Balaram Mandir : This temple is on the top of Nandishwar hill. This is the main temple of Nandgaon, where the Deities of Krishna, Balaram, Nanda, Yashoda and Radharani are installed. The palace of Nanda Maharaja was here. Nandgaon : Nandgaon is located 8 km north of Barsana and approximately 10 km south of Koshi.

Nandishwar Mandir : This Shiva-linga installed by Vajranabha 5000 years ago is in the premises of Krishna-Balaram Mandir. Lord Shiva resides here and always engages in bahjan. Lord Shiva once came to see Krishna. Seeing his ugly appearance with ashes, bones, and snakes, Mother Yashoda refused to permit him in. Unsuccessful, Lord Shiva went to the nearby forest and meditated on Krishna. At home, Krishna started to cry aloud non-stop. The worried Yashoda thought it must be the result of refusing permission to the mystic yogi. She then sent many people to locate the yogi. When Shiva returned, Krishna immediately stopped crying and smiled. Thereafter, whenever Lord Shiva wanted to see Krishna, he arrived and played his drum, and Mother Yasoda took him in and showed Krishna.

Nrsimha Varaha Mandir : This temple is at the foothills of Nandgaon. Because of demoniac attacks on the inhabitants of Vrindavan, Nand Maharaja began to worship Lord Nrsimhadeva. The Deities here are installed by Nanda Maharaja.

Pavan Sarovar : On the north of Nandagaon is the Pavan Sarovar. One Gopa named Pavan, offered this sarovar to Nandbaba. Mother Yasoda bathed Krishna here and this is one of His favorite kund. Sanatana Goswami’s Bhajan Kuti : On the southern bank of the Pavan Sarovar is the bhajan kuti of Sanatana Goswami. Lord Krishna gave darshan to Sanatana Goswami and said that the Deities of Nanda Maharaja, Mother Yashoda, Krishna and Balaram are shielded in a cave. Sanantana Goswami took these Deities and installed in a temple atop the Nandishwar hill.

Sheshwar Mahadeva Mandir : The Asheshwar Mahadeva Mandir is located 2 km east of Nandgaon. Lord Shiva underwent meditation here to have the darshan of Lord Krishna.

Ter Kadamba : This is a small forest close to the north of the Asheshwar Mahadeva Mandir. Often Lord Krishna climbed on a kadamba tree, blew His flute, and attracted the cows. After grazing, Krishna counted the cows and took them back.

Rupa Goswami’s Bhajan Kuti : Rupa Goswami lived here for some time. Rupa Goswami sat down beneath the shade of a kadamba tree here and wrote his books.

Yavat : The Yavat village is located 2 km north-east of Ter Kadamba. This is the village of Radharani where Abhimanyu, the husband of Radharani, and his family lived. This is also the village of Jatila and Kutila. A banyan tree stands here and below it Lord Krishna decorated the legs of Radharani.

Kokilavan : Kokilavan is a forest 3 km west of Yavat. Here, sometimes Krishna cried out like a cuckoo bird and attracted the Gopis. A beautiful temple of Radha-Krishna is here and near to it is a temple for Shanidev. On every Saturday, they hold a ‘mela’.

Khadiravan : The forest of Khadiravan is located 8 km from Barsana on the Barsana-Chata Marg. This village is also called Khayara. Here is the bhajan kuti of Lokanath Goswami. This is one of the twelve forests of Vraj. Krishna delivered Bakasura in this forest.

Bathain Badi : The Badi Bathain village is located 5 km northwest of Kokilavan. There are two villages in the name of Baithan- Badi Baithan and Choti Baithan. In Badi Baithan there is a temple of Dauji.

Baithan Choti : This village is approximately 2 km north of Badi Baithan. Parikrama will pass through this village on the way to Charan Pahari.

Charan Pahari : Charan Pahari is approximately 1.5 km north of Choti Baithan. There are footprints of Krishna and animals on the rocks here. Once, Krishna and the cowherd boys climbed the hill to watch the cows. Lord Krishna stood on the rock and began playing flute. Soon the gopas and animals gathered. The rocks melted by the flute music and thus the footprints of Sri Krishna and those around Him got imprinted on the rocks here.

Kotvan : This is a village on the Delhi-Agra National Highway.

Karamana : Karamana is one k.m east of national highway towards Sheshashayi right after crossing rail line.

Hatana : Moving approximately 2 km ahead of the Karamana village, we reach the Hatana village.

Sheshashayi Mandir : Sheshashayi is approximately 4 km east of Hatana. Here is a 5,000 year old Deity of Garbhodaksayi Vishnu and Laksmi Devi. These Deities are installed by Vajranabha on the banks of the Ksira Sagara. The Gopis and Gopas witnessed Lord Krishna here in the form of Vishnu. When Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came to Vraj, He came here as well.

Kshirsagar : This is a kunda next to Sheshashayi Mandir.

The waters of Yamuna have become celestially fragrant touching the divine limbs of Radha and Krishna during Their glorious transcendental pastimes and she expresses her ecstatic happiness smiling with foam and splashing water with her wavy hands. My humble prayers to Yamunadevi to bless us the divine bliss.

Paigaon : This is a village on the way to Shergarh.

Shergarh : On the western bank of Yamuna, approximately 20 km east of Koshi, this village is positioned.

Ramghat : On the southern bank of Yamuna approximately 3 km east of Shergarh is the location of Ramghat. One day, Lord Balaram became blissful after drinking some varuni. He then asked Yamuna to come near. Yamuna refused, thinking He was intoxicated. Lord Balaram became very angry and began to scrape the earth with His plow to bring the river close to Him. Afraid of Lord Balaram, Yamuna came immediately and surrendered to Him and begged for pardon.

Khelavan : Krishna and Balaram often played here with the cowherd boys, forgetting even to eat. Yashoda and Rohini often came here and took them back.

Biharvan : Approximately 3 km south-east of Shergarh is Biharvan. This is a very beautiful place surrounded by trees and bushes. In front of the temple, there is a clean water kund. This forest is even today protected. Cows and peacocks live here and there is a big goshala also here.

Garhi Bhima : Garhi Bhima is located one k.m south of Bihar Van. There is a surfaced road to this village from Shergarh.

Kajarot : This village is 2 km south-east of Garhi and it is before Akshayavat. Outside of this village on its east is Akshayavat.

Aksayavat : On the east of Kajarot is Akshyavat. There is a banyan tree here. While herding the cows, Krishna played here with Gopas on the banks of Yamuna and they hung their lunch bags on the banyan tree and at noon they sat down below the tree and ate.

Tapovan : This place is 2 km on the south-east of Akshayavat on the bank of Yamuna. This is where the Gopis performed austerities to get Krishna as their husband.

Chirghat is 2 km south of Tapovan on the western bank of Yamuna. Here, Krishna stole the garments of the Gopis while they were taking bath.

Katyayani Mandir : There is an ancient temple of Katyayani Devi on the bank of Yamuna. The deity of Katyayani Devi was installed in the temple by Vajranabha. The Gopis prayed to Katyayani Devi,

katyayani mahamaye maha-yoginy-adhiswari
nanda-gopa-sutam devi patim me kuru te namah
“O Katyayani, Mahamaye, Mahayogini, Adhiswari, please make
Sri Krishna, the son of Nanda, as our husband. O Devi, we offer our humble obeisances to you

CHIRGHAT TO BHANDIRVAN

Nand Ghat : This village is located 5 km south of Chirghat. It is also called Bhayagaon. While Nanda Maharaja was taking bath in Yamuna one early morning, he was arrested by Varuna’s servants. They brought him before Varuna and accused him of taking bath in Yamuna at the wrong time. Krishna immediately went to the abode of Varuna to rescue Nanda Maharaja. With great respect, Varuna received Krishna, seated Him comfortably and begged pardon for the offense of His servants. This incident caused fear (bhaya) to the residents of Vraj, and therefore this village is called Bhayagaon. Here Parikrama crosses Yamuna by boats. The water is deep and cold, and it is not advisable to cross Yamuna by swimming.

Iroli Gujar : Immediately after crossing the Yamuna, we reach this village located on eastern bank. From here Bhadravan starts.

Bhadrvan : This is one of the twelve forests of Vraj and it is on the eastern bank of Yamuna. Once while Krishna and Balaram were playing on the banks of Yamuna, the demon Vatsasura assumed the body of a calf and mingled with the herd of other calves, intending to kill Krishna. Krishna sneaked behind him, caught the demon’s rear legs and tail, and whirled him up in the sky to death.

Chari : This village is 2 km north of Matt.

Bhandirvan : This is also one of twelve forests of Vraj. Watching Krishna and Balaram playing with Their friends, the demon Pralamba disguised as a cowherd boy, intending to kidnap Krishna and Balaram. While playing, Pralamba carried Balaram on his back far away from Krishna. After a while, Pralamba felt a heavy burden on his shoulders. He couldn’t withhold any more, and assumed his own demoniac form. Balaram could understand what happened and He immediately killed the demon hitting on his head with His fist. Pralambasura fell down at this place. There is a big banyan tree here.

Bhandira Vat : In Bhandirvan there is big a banyan tree. Brahmaji presided in the marriage of Radha and Krishna below the banyan tree here. Sri Radha Ananda Bihari Mandir : In the marriage of Radha and Krishna at Bhandirvan, Brahmaji was the chief priest and the demigods too were present. In a small temple here, the Deities of Radha Ananda Bihari are established.

Venukup : In front of the temple, there is a well named Venukup. It was created by Krishna pushing His flute into the ground.

Vamshivat : Approximately 300 m on the south of Bhandiravat is the place of Vamshivat. There is a banyan tree here and below it are established the holy Deities of Krishna’sfriend Sridama and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Here, a temple exists dedicated to Sridama. When Krishna left for Mathura, He told Sridama that He would come back soon. Sridama still waits here for Krishna’s return.

MATHURA PARIKRAMA

Vishram Ghat : This most famous ghat is located on the westbank of Yamuna near the Dwarakadhisha Mandir.

After killing Kamsa, Krishna and Balaram came here and tookrest. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also took bath here.

Yamuna-Yamaraj Mandir : This is a small temple at VishramGhat. The deities of Yamuna Devi and her brother Yamaraj areinstalled by Vajranabha, the great grandson of Krishna.

Dwarakadhisha Mandir : This is a very famous temple locatedclose to Vishram Ghat.

Sveta Varaha Mandir : This is an old temple located behind theDwarakadhisha temple.

Pippaleshwar Mandir : Close to the south of Vishram Ghat isthe small temple of Pippaleshwar Mahadev. Four main Shivalingasprotect Mathura from the four sides and this linga is theprotector of Mathura’s eastern quarter. It is said that the sagePippalada was saved by Lord Siva and therefore this Siva-lingagot the name Pippaleshwara.

Bengali Ghat : This is located on the south of Vishram Ghat.

Dhruva Ghat : On the south of Bengali Ghat is this ghat. Withthe mercy of Narada Muni, Dhruva Maharaja was instructed athis tender age of five to go to the forest of Madhuvan and performausterities. During his stay in Madhuvan, he came to take bath here in Yamuna.

Sapta Rishis Mandir : On the south of Dhruva Ghat is the templeof the Sapta Rshis. The seven great sages performed austeritieshere and their deities are in the temple.

Kubja Mandir (Kupa) : This is the house of Kubja, whereKrishna came to fulfill His promise to visit her and accept herofferings. There is also a sacred well also.

Rangeshwar Mahadeva Mandir : On the west of Kubja Mandiris located the Rangeswar Mahadeva Mandir. Kamsa worshippedthe Shiva-linga here before the wrestling match. Rangeswar isthe Southern protector of Mathura. This is the famous temple ofShiva in Mathura.

Rang Bhumi / Kamsa Tila : This is located very close to thewest of Rangeswar Mahadeva Mandir. Here Krishna and Balaramkilled Chanura and Mustika and Kamsa.

Keshava Gaudiya Math : Near to Kamsa Tila on the south liesthis temple. In this Math, Srila Prabhupada took sannyasa fromSrila Bhakti Prajnana Keshava Maharaj. On the altar of the templeis a Deity of Lord Chaitanya, which was personally donated by Srila Prabhupada. This is a very important place to practiceKrishna-bhakti.

Bhuteshwar Mahadev Mandir : This temple is 0.5 km south ofSri Krishna Janmasthan. This is one of the famous Shiva-lingasestablished by Vajranabha.

Sri Krishna Janma Bhumi : This is the birth place of Lord SriKrishna. Here, the Lord appeared in the prison house of Kamsaas the son of Devaki and Vasudev at midnight.

Kesavadeva Mandir : This temple is at Janmasthan.This is whereVajranabha, Krishna’s great-grandson, built the first temple. Here,Kesavadeva was the presiding Deity and in the new temple, abeautiful Deity of Lord Krishna is installed.

Bhagavata Bhavan : This is a magnanimous temple extensivelybuilt. On its walls and ceilings are wonderful paintings andcarvings depicting the lilas of Krishna. The main temple atJanmasthan is famous as the Bhagavata Bhavan.

MANSAROVAR TO LOHAVAN

Jarasandha, the king the Magadha, attacked the Mathura city 17 times. Every occasion, he was defeated, and all his soldiers were killed. Nevertheless, on the 18th battle, Krishna ran away from the battlefield and ever since, He is called Ranachora, “the one who ran away from battle.”

Panigaon : This village is 5 km south from Mansarovar on the eastern bank of Yamuna and exactly located on the east of Vrindavan. This is also called Durvasa Muni village since the sage lived here for some time. Near to this village, a fine bridge is constructed, which enables road transport to Vrindavan.

Ainthpura : This village is 2 km on the south-east of Panigaon.

Taharuva : This village is located 3 km south-east of Etham Pura and 2 km north-west of Lohavan.

Lohavan : The forest of Lohavan is 7 km east of Mathura. Here Satrughna, the younger brother of Lord Ramachandra, killed the demon Lohajanghasura. Lohavan is also one of the forests on the outskirts of Vraj.

Radha Gopinath Mandir : It is a famous temple in Lohavan with the Deities of Radha Gopinath.

LOHAVAN TO DAUJI

Nagala Chita : We arrive at this village moving 2 km on the south-east of Lohavan.

Sihora : This is relatively a big village located 3 km south-east from Nagala Cita.

Tarapur : The Tarapur village is 2 km on the south-east of Sihora on the Parikrama-marg.

Kishanapur : The Kishanapur village is 2 km east of Tarapur on the Parikrama Marg.

Bandi Anandi : This village is on the south of Kishanapur and 4 km north of Dauji.

Bandi Anandi Mandir : This temple dedicated to Yogamaya Devi is 4 km north of Dauji outside the village of Bandi Anandi.

Dauji Mandir : This Deity of Lord Balaram installed by Vajranabha is the largest Deity in Vraj. Dauji means “elder brother”. Its another name for Balarama.

Kshirsagar Kunda : Close to the temple is this kund. The name Kshir-sagar means “ocean of milk.” The Vrajavasis made this kunda and filled up with the milk of 100,000 cows and gifted it to Lord Balaram. During the attack of the Yavanas, the Deity of Dauji was hidden in the Kshirsagar. It was revealed to Gokulnath Goswami in a dream that this Deity was in the kunda. Later, the Deity was lifted out and re-established in the temple.

DAUJI TO BRAHMAND GHAT Chintaharan : The place of Chintaharan is 1 km south of Brahmand Ghat on the eastern bank of Yamuna. There is a Shiva temple here and in it a Shiva-linga is installed. Mother Yashoda often worshipped here and extinguished all her anxieties.

Brahmand Ghat : The Brahmand Ghat is 1 km north of Cintaharan on the eastern bank of Yamuna. Atop the hill is a temple. Here sweets made of clay are available. A beautiful hermitage and a school also exist in this place. This place is part of mother Yashoda’s courtyard, where Krishna ate dirt. When Mother Yashoda opened His mouth, she saw the entire universal manifestation in His mouth.

BRAHMAND GHAT TO RAVAL

The capital of Nanda Maharaja had beautiful palaces with surrounding walls and large regal gates and appeared splendid in this great forest. The Lord appeared here.

Ukhal Bandhan : The place of Ukhal Bandhan is 0.5 km north of Brahmand Ghat. Here, Mother Yashoda tied Krishna to a grinding mortar for breaking the pots of the Gopis. Lord Krishna pulled the mortar and delivered the two Yamalarjuna trees.

Mahavan (Gokul) : Gokul is 1 km north of Brahmand Ghat and Krishna spent His early childhood here. At this place, Mother Rohini gave birth to Balaram and Mother Yashoda to Yogamaya. Vasudeva carried Krishna here from Mathura and returned to Mathura with Yogamaya.

Chaurasi Khambha (Nandbhavan Mandir) : In the village of Gokul is this temple originally built by Vishvakarma 5000 years ago. Krishna and Balaram lived in this house of Nand Maharaj.

Sanatana Goswami’s Bhajan Kuti : This is near Nand Bhavan in Gokul, where Sanatana Goswami performed bhajan for some time.

Raman Reti : Approximately 1 km west of Gokul is this place, where the Sadhus built an ashram, a beautiful temple, and a goshala. Krishna played with His friends and rolled on the sand here.

Sapta Samudra Kup : This is the well Nanda Maharaj used.

Raval : The Raval village is located 11 km south-east of Mathura on the eastern bank of Yamuna. This is the birth place of Radharani. Outside the village is a beautiful temple, which houses wonderful Deities of Radha Krishna. One day when King Vrishabhanu went to Yamuna to take bath, he saw a golden lotus flower in the middle of the river and in it was baby Radharani.

RAVAL TO MATHURA Yamuna Par : This village is located on the east of Mathura on the eastern bank of Yamuna. This village is approximately 4 k.m from mathura on the way to Raya.

Yamuna Pul : Travelling through the bank of Yamuna, we reach Yamuna Pul. Parikrama crosses river Yamuna by this bridge.

Smashan Ghat : Right after crossing Yamuna, we turn on our right and getting down from the bridge, we reach Smashan Ghat. This is one of the main cremation groound/ghat of Mathura city.

Dhruv Ghat : We walk less than half k.m in north direction by the side of Yamuna, and reach Dhruv ghat. Dhruva Maharaj took bath here in Yamuna.

Bangali Ghat : Travelling towards north from Dhruv Ghat, we reach Bangali Ghat.

Vishram Ghat : Moving further ahead to the north of Bangali Ghat, we reach the Vishram Ghat. Prikrama devotees here complete their yatra and take their final bath in Yamuna river