Travel-India

Vrindavan

Situated on the banks of Yamuna river, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is Vrindavan, one of the major pilgrimage destinations for Hindus.

Home to around 5000 temples, Vrindavan is said to be the manifestation of the original Golaka Vrindavan Dham, the heavenly abode, of Lord Krishna.

Once famous for its fragrant groves, Vrindavan today is a small, dusty, overcrowded town with narrow lanes dotted with numerous ashrams and dharamshalas.

Hot and sultry in summers, Vrindavan is visited by millions of devotees throughout the year who are daunted by neither the heat nor the grime and come here to find solace in this noisy busy town.

Legend

As the legend goes, Kansa, the King of Mathura, was forewarned by God that he would be killed by his own nephew who would be born to his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva. Terrified, Kansa decided to kill each child born to Devaki. But as was destined, Krishna, an incarnate of Lord Vishnu, was born and saved miraculously.

Krishna was born in Mathura, but was raised in Gokul by his foster parents Nand Raj and Yashoda to safeguard him from his maternal uncle, Kansa.

As per Bhagwat Purana, Krishna’s childhood was well spent here in Vrindavan, where he, alongwith his brother Balrama and cowherd friends, stole butter, grazed cows, played with friends, did the divine dance (Maharaas) with gopis and killed an array of demons.

Things to Do in Vrindavan

Attend evening aarti at ‘Kesari Ghat’ on the banks of river Yamuna. Kesari Ghat is believed to be the site where Lord Krishna killed the Kesi demon and hence symbolises the rule of good over evil.

Visit temples. Vrindavan is known for its numerous and beautiful temples.

Make a ‘parikrama’ around Vrindavan. Its customary for devotees to make a perambulation around Vrindavan and to make it conducive, there is a paved road around the town.

What To Buy in Vrindavan

Colourful and pretty dresses for idols

Incense Sticks

Silver Ornaments

Vrindavan Is Known For

Magnificent Celebration of the festivals of Janamashthami and Holi.

Must Try In Vrindavan

Jaljeera (A spicy drink with digestive properties)

Vrindavan Fast Facts

State : UP

Best Time To Visit Vrindavan: Oct-Mar

Nearest Airport To Vrindavan: Agra

Nearest Railway Station To Vrindavan: Mathura (Well connected to Delhi)

Distance To Vrindavan From Delhi : 135 Km

Distance To Vrindavan From Mathura : 12 Km

Around Vrindavan

Goverdhan (38 Km)

According to Hindu Mythology, Goverdhan Parvat (a mountain) was carried by Lord Krishna on his little finger for 7 days and 7 nights to save the locals from the wrath of Lord Indra in the form of incessant rains.

Gokul (28 Km)

Gokul is a small village, where Krishna was brought up by his foster parents, Nandraj and Yashoda. Gokul is known for its glorious celebration of the festival of Janmashthami and holds two annual fairs, Trinvat Mela and Annakut.

Nandgaon or Nandgram

Nandgaon is the village to which Krishna’s foster father Nandraj belonged. Nandgaon is renowned for its unique traditional way of celebrating Holi. Nandgram is also home to Pan Sarovar, one of the four celebrated lakes of Braj Bhoomi where, as the legend goes Krishna used to water his herd.