DWARKADHISH KI JAI!
I have visited Mathura and Vrindavan, also known as Brij Bhoomi twice in the last five years. Both the trips have been very satisfying and memorable. I now want to share my latest experience with you.
In the month of May 2019, we had the good fortune of yet another visit to Brij Bhoomi. We made all bookings on our own. Our group consisted of my parents, wife, daughter, uncle, aunt and me, of course.
We had earlier planned on going in March and had made all bookings, but had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. But now everything was fine and we were going! I will now give you a day-by-day account of our journey.
We stayed at Girdhar Murari Dharamshala near Vishram Ghat in Mathura for the entire duration of our trip. The place was clean and well maintained. Their vegetarian restaurant served delicious home-like food, so we had most of our meals here.
DAY ONE
The Yamuna is nearby and one can sit near the ghat and view the pristine river flow by. You could sit here for hours together without wanting to move. Just a few meters away from Vishram ghat is the ancient and highly revered Dwarkadhish temple. On the very first day itself, we were able to witness the ‘Rajbhog’ darshan. This was an amazing experience and gave us peace of mind that is not definable.
The Vishram Ghat Yamunaji Aarti
The main attraction in Vishram ghat is the Yamunaji aarti. We went for the aarti at 05:45 in the morning and 07:30 pm all the days we were in Mathura. It is a spellbinding and mesmerizing experience to witness. The Vrajvasis perform the aarti with two feet tall lit diyas. The flames were unmoved by the wind! Is this not a sign of Yamuna Mata’s divine power? I would not like to miss this for anything.
Morning Aarti at Vishram Ghat
Evening Aarti at Vishram Ghat
DAY TWO
The next day we left for Gokul, to visit Govind Ghat. Shri Vallabhacharyaji’s first Baithak is located here. Doing puja, performing rituals and rites of serving ‘Bhog’ and ‘Jal’ to Shri Vallabhacharya and Pushtimargs’s first Vaishnav Shri Damodardas Harsanji was nothing less than a Divine experience.
Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya’s Baithakji in Govind Ghat, Gokul
After darshan at Govind Ghat, we visited various places in Brij Bhoomi such as Nandgaon (Sri Krishna’s village) and Barsana which is Radha’s village. The famous Radha Rani temple is located in Barsana. The ‘lassi’ available outside the temple gates is not to be missed!
We also visited Raman Reti, Brahmand Kund and the famous Daoji temple. Raman Reti is where Sri Krishna played on the sand with his friends. We sat on the sand, and though the outside temperature was 40 degrees Celsius, we did not even feel it. The Lord always looks after His devotees.
Radha Rani Temple
DAY THREE
We left early in the morning to go for the ‘Govardhan Parikrama’. This is something not to be missed at any cost. The parikrama begins in Jatipur, where we soon reached. We had arranged for a local guide through my father’s contacts. The guide was in his 60s but was more energetic than any of us. He was very enthusiastic and patiently answered all our queries. He gave detailed information about each important point of the parikrama as we approached it. Some of the principal points along the parikrama are – Kadam Van, Jan-Ajan tree, Radha Kund, Daan Ghati, Mansi Ganga, Anyor, Baithakji, Punchri ka Lota and Gokulnathji Mandir. He explained everything so eagerly and lovingly that it made me think – ‘How devoted and satisfied these Vrajvasis are! Their life revolves around Sri Krishna and the Lord’s seva is their one aim in life’. The parikrama ended at Govardhan temple, where we did Govardhan Puja.
Govardhan Parikrama Govardhan Parbat
DAY FOUR
Our last day in Brij Bhoomi. We went to Vrindavan and learned it is called the ‘Land of a thousand Temples’. We visited as many temples and sacred sites as we could. Among the places we visited were – Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, Madhuvan, Bansivat, Chandra Sarovar, etc. Madhuvan is of special mention, as it is the place where Sri Krishna played ‘Raas-Garba’ with Radha and other gopis. Chandra Sarovar is the place where Sri Krishna played ‘Maha-Raas’ with 16000 gopis.
Banke Bihari Mandir Vrindavan ,Prem Mandir Vrindavan
My personal summary of our trip
The trip was absolutely thrilling and I felt purified after visiting these sacred places in Brij Bhoomi. It was a complete departure from our busy pell-mell lives in Mumbai city. I did not feel like going back! This trip had more meaning in my life for another reason too. My father had particularly enjoyed the trip and was asking me to take him there once again! Sadly, before we could plan another trip, he left us alone in this miserable and materialistic world.
The fruits of this trip to Brij Bhoomi are incalculable. It resulted in self-satisfaction, increased enlightenment of inner senses, peace of mind and a change in perception of worldly matters.
If you have not visited Brij Bhoomi until now, I strongly urge you to go. You are missing something unique in your life.
Such a very good devotional blog mangal.