BRIJ DARSHAN

The heavenly Brajbhoomi mesmerizes the devotees with the true reflection of God. The epic of
the divine love of Shree Krishna and Shrimati Radha Rani is apprised by every alley and boulevard
of this celestial land. The holy Brajbhoomi is divided by river Yamuna into two parts. The eastern
part intertwines hallowed places viz. like Baldeo, Mahavan, Gokul, Mat, Mansarovar and
Bhandirvan while the western part includes Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nangaon, Nand Ghat,
Giriraj Hills, Kusum Sarovar, Govardhan and Kokilavan. All these places have the aura of Lord
Krishna as he spent his childhood here. In fact, the sentience of Murli Manohar can be felt here
as you enter this revered land.

Brijdarshan deems to empower you to grow in your faith for Shree Radha Krishna and be
enchanted with the divine love. Coming to Brij is like landing to the cradle of God and be it Mathura
the birthplace of Shree Krishna or Vrindavan where he took his cows for gazing or Nangaon where
he lived or Barsana the native land of Radha or other places of Brij where Kanha Ji spent his
childhood days and did many endeavors to save the life of Brijwasis, the mist of spirituality can
be felt everywhere.

Lord Krishnas eternally loved land Brajbhoomi lies in the golden triangle between Delhi, Agra and
Jaipur. Detailing it a bit, this blissful place starts from Kotvan which 95 km away from Delhi and
stretches till Runkta which is famous for its connection with Surdas who was the close friend of
Lord Krishna and his poems in Braj language. There is unique mystic energy in this area which
hails millions of devotees to Mathura from all around the world. This holy city is amongst the
seven cities of India which can offer you moksh and this is the reason many disciples of Shri
Radha Krishna stay here till they are alive. Banke Bihari Kanha Ji has given many reasons to
celebrate life and it is truly reflected here with nine months long festivals which are celebrated
back to back. So you may go to different religious places all around the globe but nothing can
match the vibrancy of Mathura and environs. The temples and ghats are always overwhelmed
by the pilgrims, singing the enthralling bhajans of Shree Radha Krishna which make the air even
more hypnotizing. Yamuna bank on which the Mathura city resides has its own magic and offers
a treat for eyes and soul.

Apart from all the mythological sites in Brajbhoomi, there are various leela sthalis all over the
land. You just have to behold the spiritual essence which Lord Krishna has been pampering the
Brajbhoomi with. For that devotion, faith and love for Supreme power, Radha and Krishna should
be in your hearts. We at Brijdarshan believe that when you think to come into the arms of Lord
Krishna and Goddess Radha, petty issues like conveyance, accommodation and other similar
constraints should not bother you. We consider soaking all your stress and enrich your captivating
experience of visiting this blessed land. As you enter Brij we open the door for all the services
which you may require, viz. conveyance facility in your choice of vehicle, Accommodation in luxury
hotel/ Guest House/ Lodge, Brij food and sweets, Guided tour to temples and aid you with your
Pooja requirements.

Have you seen how pigeons make their nests bringing twigs from remote areas, likewise, when
you try to nest in the arms of Shri Radha Krishna, Brijdarshan, like the pigeons lend a hand to you
so that your spiritual journey in Brij is not hassled by any inconveniences.

FOREST OF BRAJ

According to the Hindu epic Varaha Puran, the entire Braj Mandal is described as 20 yojans. Thus
taking one yojan as 7 miles, 20 yojans would be nearly equal to 84 Kos, the distance travelled by
the pilgrims while performing the sacred parikrama (circumambulation) of Braj Mandal. This
perambulation includes almost all the most popular shrines and holy places of Braj Mandal. Braj
is the sacred land of sri Vrajeshwara Sri Krishna who relished his pastimes in the land of Braj.
Within this 84 kos area of Braj Mandal there are about 133 vans (forests) including the 12 major
forests, 12 up-vans, 12 Prati-vans, 12 Adhi-vans, 5 Sevya-vans, 12 Tapo-vans, 12 moksha-vans, 12
Kama-vans, 12 Artha-vans, 12 dharma-vans, 12 Siddhi-vans. Thus Braj is said to have the forest
culture. As also said by the lord Krishna in verse 10.24.24 of Shreemadbhagvata to his foster father
Nandbaba that:

According to the famous Hindu epics, there are 12 major forests in the Braj Mandal which are
located on the eastern and western banks of Yamuna and are blessed by divinity of Lord Krishna
and Balram. These are: Mahavan, Kamyavan, Madhuvana, Taalvana, Bhandirvana, Vrindavan,
Bahulavana, Kamudavan, Khadiravana, Lohvana, Bhadravana and Bilvavana. Out of these five
forests Bhadravana, Lohvana, Bilvavana, Mahavana and Bhandirvana lies on the eastern bank of
Yamuna and comes under the patronage of Lord Balram and the other seven namely;
Vrindavana, Khadiravana, Taalvana, Madhuvana, Kamudavana, Bhaulavana and Kamyavana
are located on the western bank of Yamuna and comes under the Jurisdiction of Lord Krishna.
These forests provide the lush green grass to the cattle, fruits and other necessary things for the
people and have witnessed the transcendental pastimes of Lord Krishna.

An ancient city with a golden past, Mathura has a long history and tradition associated with the
life of Shree Lord Krishna 8TH Avatar of Lord Vishnu and a much-loved god of the Hindus. Dotted
with myriad big and small temples in every nook and corner, this town is major crowd-pullers
and attract number of history buffs, holidaymakers and pilgrims. The birthplace of the Hindu God
Krishna, Mathura is a blessed land, located on the banks of river Yamuna.
The stretch of the sacred Yamuna River is lined with 25 Ghats, best seen at dawn, when many
people take their holy dip, and just after sunset, hundreds of candles are sent floating out onto
the river during the evening ritual. Beholding many ancient temples in its boundaries, Mathura is
one of the most visited places for pilgrims.

Some of the sacred temples to visit in Mathura are:

Krishna Janm Bhoomi or Kesava deo temple: This mural filled temple occupies the room believed
to be the prison where Lord Shree Krishna was born some 3500 years ago. It is the main and
most sacred Hindu temple for devotees.
Gita Temple: Built with serene marble, Gita Temple has the entire Bhagavad Gita inscribed on its
walls.

Dwarkadheesh Temple: Built in 1814, Dwarkadheesh temple is the main temple of Mathura.
Hundreds of devotees come here to celebrate the festivals associated with the life of lord Krishna
(Janmashtami, Holi, and Diwali). It has beautiful paintings all along the walls depicting the
mystical life of lord Krishna.

Vishram Ghat one of the most important Ghats of the 25 Ghats lying on the banks of river
Yamuna. The traditional parikrama starts and ends at this Ghat. According to the legends, Lord
Krishna rested here after killing the tyrannical King Kansa.

Sati Burj: Beside the ghat is the 17m Sati Burj, a four-storey tower built by the son of Behari Mal of
Jaipur in 1570 to commemorate his mothers sati (self-immolation on her husbands funeral
pyre).

VRINDAVAN

Vrindavan is just a few miles away from Mathura, built on the forest where lord Krishna spent his
youthful days in the company of cattles, maidens, and cowherds. This favorite romantic haunt of
Radha Krishna - the divine couple, exudes the quietude of the countryside and sanctity of a holy
place. Each meandering alley has traces of holiness and temples dedicated to Radha Krishna
boasting of innumerable flashes from the historical pages. As sweet as the Peda of Mathura is to
the tongue, so is the Radhe Radhe of Vrindavan to the ears. Inarguably one of the popular
pilgrimage destinations in North India, Vrindavan lets its people experience the spiritual
illumination.

A must see in Vrindavan:

Madan Mohan Temple the oldest temple built in Vrindavan by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. It is
associated with Saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Banke Bihari Temple Constructed in 1864, Banke Bihari is the most visited and attractive temple
of Vrindavan. Banke means bent in three places and Bihari means supreme enjoyer. The main
attraction here is the mesmerizing black idol believed to be a charming image left by Lord Krishna
himself after appearing in person to one of his devotees Swami Haridas.

Nidhivan & Sewa Kunj Nidhi means Treasure and Van means forest Nidhi van is a mysterious
treasure land of Vrindavan; from the shape and size of the trees to the sounds of Ghunghroos
that makes the hearer believe the myth of Lord Krishna performing Ras leela each night. Amidst
this forest, is Seva Kunj temple, decorated with beautiful paintings depicting spiritual activities of
RadhKrishna.

Shree KrishnaBalrama temple - Built in 1975 by the founder acharya of ISCKON, Krishna Balrama
temple is gorgeous looking Iskcon temple erected with marbles. This world famous temple is a
magnet for devotees and vacationer from all over the globe. In and around the Vrindavan temple
there are numerous notable province and temples Shahji Temple An artistic temple made of
beautifully twisted marble pillars. The brothers Shah Kundan Lal and Shah Fundan Lal built it in
1835.

GOKUL

Located 16 kms from Mathura, Gokul is a quaint town offering fascinating mythological stories
from Lord Krishna's childhood resplendent in its glorious places, structures, temples and elements.
The two must visit sites here are Gokulnath Temple and Ramanreti whose sacred sands (reti)
are redolent with the stories of a bygone era when Lord Krishna frequented to engage in divine
plays (raman) with his brother, Balarama and his cowherd friends. Today many pilgrims roll on
the sands to seek blessings from Lord Krishna.

BALDEV

Located about 25 kilometers from the city of Mathura, there is a small town known as Baldev
which originates its name from the famous temple of Baldev or Dauji (elder brother) located in
the centre of the town. Near to the temple there is an eighty yards square tank built up of bricks
known by the name of Ksheersagar or Balbhadra Kund after Lord Balram. The Gosain Gokulnath
was told by the god in his dream about the deity of lord Baldev being concealed in the Kund.
Search was made and a large beautiful deity about 7 feet high made up of black stone was
found from the Kund. This deity of Balram is believed to have been established by king Vajranabh
about 5000 years ago. During the course of time the deity was lost and Pratibhu Vigraha
(replica) of the original deity now worshipped in the Dauji temple. Dauji is famously known for its
holi celebrations known by the name of Huranga where devotees from all parts of the world come
to play colours with lord Dauji (Balram). It is basically celebrated on the 2nd day of the dark
fortnight in the month of Chaitra (March-April). Baldev has its spiritual reverence due to its Dauji
temple and Ksheersagar Kund.

GOVARDHAN

Placed at a distance of 23 km to the west of Mathura, Govardhan hill is associated with lord
Krishna. Legend has it that lord Krishna saved the people of Braj from torrential rain by lifting this
mountain as a canopy on his fingertip for seven days & nights, to vanquish the pride of the great
god Indra. In the year 1520, Seth valabhacharya constructed a temple on the summit of the hill
to commemorate this event.

The town is famous for its 21km long Parikrama around the holy Govardhan hill bringing eternal
blessings to pilgrims. After Krishna protected the inhabitants of Braj from the wrought of Lord
Indra, he commanded them to worship this pious hill. One of the most important days of
Govardhan is Guru Purnima. On this day millions of devotees, come here to perform the scared
ritual of Parikrama for self-purfication.

The other attractions of Govardhan are 400 years old Har Deva ji temple, the red stone Haridev
temple and the Kusum Sarovar with intricately carved Chatris of Raja Surajmal of Bharatpur.

BARSANA

Around 40 km northwest from Mathura is a beautiful, enchanting and a very popular pilgrimage
site for the Vaishnav sect called Barsana. Once the playground of the ever charming and
beautiful goddess Radha, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna, today Barsana is mainly flocked for
its ancient temples, divine lakes dazzling in the playful stories of childhood love as depicted by
Radha-Krishna.

The village is ensconced in two hillsBrahma and the Vishnu Hillthat rise adjacent to each
other. Numerous temples dating many centuries back lay scattered on the 4 peaks of the hills,
draping the entire landscape of the town in a divine charisma that is as alluring as it is fascinating.
One of the most famous and a must-visit temple among all these temples is the Ladliji Mandir
or the Shriji Temple atop the Bhangarh peak dedicated to the deity Shriji or Ladliji (Goddess Radha
or The Beloved One) which was enshrined by Vajranabh almost 5000 years ago. Magnificently
ornate with curvaceous arches, lofty domes and evocative pictures of Radha-Krishna, the temple
resonates in a soulful spiritual vibe all-round the year gaining further momentum during festivals
like Radhashtami and Holi, which is a celebration unique in style and tradition to this particular
region.
RAVAL

Raval is known for its spiritual sanctity due to its association with the divine goddess Sri Radharani.
It is actually the birth place of Sri Radharani. Formerly the village was known as Mukharvali. It is
located about 4Kms to the south of village of Gokul (Mahavan), the birth place of Lord Krishna.
There is a small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha by the name of Larily lal. The deities
of the temple are , believed to have been established by Vajranabh about 5000 years ago.

According to legends, Nand Maharaj (foster father of Krishna living in Nandgaon) and
Vrishabhanu Maharaj (father of Radha) were both good friends and had no child. Both of them
decided to move close to the banks of river Yamuna. So Nand ji moved from Nandgaon to Gokul
and Vrishabhanu Maharaj shifted from Barsana to Raval which was very close to Yamuna. One
early morning, when Vrishabhanu Maharaj went to river Yamuna to have his bath, he saw a
beautiful lotus flower in the centre of the river and on that lotus flower was laying a small and an
extremely beautiful girl child. The brilliance of her golden complexion was overshadowing the
brightness of millions of sun. Vrishabhanu Maharaj was completely mesmerized by the beauty of
that child and desired to reach her. Suddenly, Lord Brahma appeared before Vrishabhanu
Maharaj and explained him that, in his previous life he was Suchandra and his consort Kirtida was
Kalavati and both of them had performed severe austerities for thousands of years desiring to
have goddess Laxmi in the form of their daughter. Pleased by their prayers, Lord Brahma blessed
them with the benediction. So, in order to fulfill their desire Goddess Laxmi has appeared on this
earth in the form of their child (Sri Radharani). Blessed by Lord Brahma, Vrishabhanu Maharaj
brought that girl child to his home and handed her to his wife Kirtida, who was overjoyed to see
this little angel. The couple soon, arranged for the religious rituals for making donations to
Brahmans and other prayers in the honour of the birth of their beautiful child. Soon, everyone
noticed that the girl child could not open her eyes and made any sound or perhaps she was
blind, deaf and dumb.

Suddenly, Narada Muni came to Raval to have the pious sight of Srimati Radharani, the perfect
manifestation of love and devotion. On having the sight of Radharani Narada Muni paid his
obeisance to her and performed circumambulation round his gem studded cradle. He bowed
his head in front of that divine child and with loving emotions in his heart and tears in his eyes,
enchanted the glory of Sri Radharani. Knowing of the concern of Vrishabhanu Maharaj regarding
the child, Narada Muni advised him to organize a huge ceremony, celebrating the birth of girl
child. He also instructed him to invite everyone from Gokul and Raval in the celebrations.
Vrishabhanu Maharaj invited everyone including his dear friend Nand along with his family. On
the day of celebrations, Nand Maharaj came to Raval along with his consort Yashoda and his
child Krishna to congratulate the fortunate parents on the birth of such a lovely child. When both
the parents were discussing their matters, soon the little Krishna crawled to the cradle of Sri
Radharani and put his lotus face before Sri Radharani. Noticing the face of her beloved Krishna
in front of her, Sri Radharani opened her eyes, because she didnt want to see anyone else in this
materialistic world other than her beloved Krishna. Filled with an ecstatic feeling of love she
started crying and when everyone over there saw this wonderful pastime of Lord Krishna and
Radha they were all overjoyed with happiness and celebrated the birth ceremony of Sri
Radharani.

NANDGAON

Nandgaon is located about 8.5 km to the north of Barsana. Nandgaon is located about 50 Kms
on the north west of Mathura. This place is named after Krishnas foster father Nand ji and mother
Yashoda who had their permanent residence built at this place after moving from Gokul. During
his kumara-Lilas (youth pastimes) Krishna lived in this village of Nandgaon along with his foster
parents. Its believed that after the disturbances created by the demons sent by Kansa to kill
Krishna, Nand Raeji left Gokul and shifted to Nandgaon after staying for some time at Chhatikara,
Dig and Kamyavan. This Village of Nandgaon is located on the top of Nandishwar hill. Nandraeji,
the king of the cowherd men built his palace at the top of the Nandishvar hill and all the cowherd
men built their houses at the foot surrounding the hill.

Nandishvar means the lord of Nandi, and is another name of the supreme lord Shiva. Thus, the
name Nandishvar is derived its existence from the personality of Lord Shiva who is believed to
reside here in the form of hill relishing the transcendental pastimes of Lord Krishna. According to
Hindu epics, once Lord Shiva performed the severe austerities to please Lord Krishna and asked
him for the benediction of witnessing the childhood and youth pastimes of Lord Krishna. Pleased
by Shivas prayers, Lord Krishna instructed him to stay at this place in Vrindavan in the form of hill.
Thus lord Shiva took the form of Nandishvar hill and resided here at Nandgaon thus enjoying the
transcendental pastimes of Lord Krishna. Nandgaon is considered as one of the sub-forest or
Upvans of Vrindavan and comes within the boundaries of Vrindavan. It is the place where the
father (Parjanya) of Nand Raeji lived along with his family earlier, but because of the terror
caused by Keshi demon he had moved to Gokul. Nandgaon is having many temples dedicated
to the pastimes of Lord Krishna.