Brij Bhoomi is where Lord Krishna performed several amazing acts 5000 years ago. It covers an area of 2325 sq. km. It extends from Banchari in the north to Agra in the south. The Brij Bhoomi consists of 12 forests (vana) and 24 groves (upavanas) and all of them are considered places of pilgrimage. Each place is of historical significance and associated with various incidents that took place in Lord Krishna's life.
Mathura is considered to be the heart of Brij Bhoomi, since it is at the centre and also happens to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The important towns to the east of Mathura are Raval, Baldeo, Gokul, and Mahavan which are located on the other side of River Yamuna. Adjacent, and to the north of Mathura, is the temple town of Vrindavan. On the other side of Mathura is Madhavan. To the west of Mathura are Radha Kund and Goverdhan. To the northwest are Barsana and Nandagaon. The River Yamuna flows through the heart of Brij Bhoomi. There are many who consider Yamuna to be more sacred than Ganga because Lord Krishna sanctified Yamuna during His childhood days by playing and swimming in it.
 |
| Brij Bhumi |
Brij Bhoomi narrates the eternal love tale between Radha and Krishna. People here believe that you can reach Krishna only through Radha. This could be the reason why Radha is held in very high esteem in the Brij region. It is probably the most commonly used word by the man on the street. The word Radhe has different meanings, depending on the context! If you are travelling through the narrow lanes of Vrindavan in a cycle-rickshaw, the driver may loudly say Radhe! Radhe! to the passers-by who are blocking him. When two people meet, they greet each other with a cheerful Radhe! Radhe! When the same two depart, they bid farewell with Radhe! Radhe! When someone arrives at your doorstep, don't be surprised if they enquire Radhe? Radhe? I realised that the holy name Radhe' stands for excuse me', hello', 'goodbye', 'is anyone there? and probably has many more meanings! There are numerous places in Brij Bhoomi that are witness to the eternal friendship between Radha and Krishna. As you walk through the lanes of the dusty towns or cut across the fields, you can feel Their divine presence. They seem to be present everywhere.
Every year, during the month of Shravana, to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, Brij Parikrama is held along with colourful celebrations. Thousands of devotees, from all over India, come to Brij Bhoomi and perform the sacred Parikrama, which encompasses the 12 forests, 24 groves, River Yamuna, Goverdhan Hill and all the important towns associated with the life and times of Lord Krishna.
The 12 forests are Bahulavan, Bhadravan, Bilvan, Bhandiravan, Kamyavan, Khadiravan, Kumudavan, Lohavan, Madhuvan, Mahavan, Talavan, and Vrindavan. The 24 groves are Gokul, Govardhan, Barsana, Nandagram, Sanket, Paramadra, Aring, Sessai, Mat, Uchagramn, Kelvan, Sri Kund, Gandharvavan, Parsoli, Bilchhu, Bacchavan, Adibadri, Karahla, Ajnokh, Pisaya, Kokilavan, Dadhigram, Kotvan, and Raval.
Vishramn Ghat in Mathura is the starting point of the Brij Parikrama. The devotees bathe in Yamuna at Vishram Ghat and Commence their Parikrama. Many of them perform the entire Brij Parikrama barefoot.
Post a Comment
Do not post any spam link here.