Vrindavan's Geographic Features
Vrindavan's Geographic Features Vrindavan, most important town known as 'Braj' around 15 km. from Mathura is situated on the bank of the holy river Yamuna. It is 135 km. away from Delhi and is connected with railways and roadways. The nearest airport is Agra around 67 kms. from Vrindavan. Vrindavan is a major place of pilgrims attracting about 5 million pilgrims every year. The famous temples and places in Vrindavan are lord Radhavallabh, lord Banke Bihari, Vrindavan Parikarama, Krishna Balarama, Kesari ghat. Govandji, Rangji, Madan Mohan, Radha Damodar, Radha-Gokulnanda, Radha Gopinath, Seva kunj and so many others. The name 'Vrindavan' is derived from 'Vrinda' another name from the basil (sacred Tulsi plant for Hindus) where Lord Krishna as a child and in adolescence used to play and graze his cows along with other shepherd boys and girls. It is here that he performed many of his leelas or games to enlighten the people about his divinity. It is here that great saints and yogis realized the ultimate, not by going through the rigors of Hatha Yoga but through, Bhakti Yoga or complete surrender in love and not submission, that the great saints became one with the supreme in the form of Lord Krishna and his divine better half Sri Radha. A legend has it that the entire place was a tulsi grove at one time. According to another tradition, it was named after Vrinda Devi, one of Krishna's playmates. The great Emperor Akbar of mughal times was taken blindfolded inside the groves where he had a spiritual experience. As a result, he acknowledged the spot as being holy ground.
LOCATION OF VRINDAVAN
Situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh; Vrindavan is around 151 km south of Delhi. The place is just 10 km off Mathura, being a land of peace and serenity. It is well connected by means of road, air and railway. It extends latitude 27°33¢ in the North to longitude 77°44¢ in the East.
CLIMATE OF VRINDAVAN
Vrindavan experiences an extreme climate. The maximum temperature during the summer reaches a high of around 45°C and winters can reach a low of 4°C. Torrential rains come across in the month of July and continue till September. October-March is the appreciated period to visit Vrindavan.
SAGA OF VRINDAVAN
Vrindavan is chiefly a place of temples. Nearly bearing 4,000 temples, which include several private shrines and 'sattras' (houses for the distribution of alms); they are spread on a 10 km stretch. The earliest known shrine in Vrindavan is said to have been built in a large garden called 'Seva Kunj'. This land is known from the legends of Sri Radhavallabh.
OCCASIONS IN VRINDAVAN
Any occasion or event in Vrindavan is a time to rejoice and enchant the name of God. The devotion involved in the celebrations take a devotee from this physical world to the heavenly domicile. Janmashtami/Radhashtami in the months of July/August is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna/Radha and thousands of devotees throng vrindavan from all over the country.
ROUTES TO VRINDAVAN
By Air
There are two air route destinations in order to reach Vrindavan easily. One is the Agra airport which is approximately 67 km away from Vrindavan. Second is the international airport at Delhi, which is connected to almost every important city in the world with major airlines and is around 151km away from Vrindavan.
By Rail
Mathura on the Delhi-Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai main line is the main railway station near Vrindavan. Vrindavan bearing a small self station, three local trains leave Mathura Junction each day (6.30 am, 3.40 pm & 7.40 pm) for the station in the south of Vrindavan.
By Road
Vrindavan bears a direct road link from Delhi to Agra; it is also connected via buses to Mathura as well as these cities. Various tourist vehicles, taxis and mini buses are also available for a trip to this town.
MAP TO VRINDAVAN AND RADHAVALLABH TEMPLE
Madan Teer in Vrindavan
Raas Mandal / Vanchandraji Dol in Vrindavan
Sewa Kunja in Vrindavan
Baad Graam in Vrindavan
Ancient Temple of Harivansh Mahaprabhu Vrindavan
Deoband
Maansarovar in Vrindavan
MADAN TEER:
One of the first places, where 'Sri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu' reached on his arrival at Vrindavan with Sri Radhavallabhlalji, is hardly two kilometers away from the Main Temple. In lush green environment on the bank of Holy Yamuna in the Parikrama Marg (circumbulation path), the place has foot prints of Sri Mahaprabhuji, where the Lord came and rested under the canopy of trees and creepers.
MAANSAROVAR:
This place possesses the power to enhance people a feeling of enlighten. A legend hides the beauty of this place, as Sri Radha had once got annoyed from Sri Krishna and came to this place. It was here where Sri Krishna had pleased her and, since then it is called "Maansarovar"= 'Maan'-anger & 'sarovar'-refers to the lake beside the temple. The place is a wonderful spot to relax nerves of mental stress as the beauty of lake, nature, sounds of birds around is a rare combination to locate. It is just few miles from Vrindavan.
ANCIENT TEMPLE:
Old Temple, reservedly called as "Sri Hit Mandir" by the devotees, is by the side of main gates of the present temple. This temple built in red sandstone, has long attracted favorable attention from visiting archaeologists and art historians. This temple is an exquisite building and of special architectural interest as the last example of the early eclectic style of the sixteenth century. Wilson noted an inscription over the gateway of this temple that now no longer exists, that it was in 1585 A.D., when this temple was constructed. This is adjacent to Radhavallabh Temple in Vrindavan.
PRABHU
VANCHANDRAJI KI DOL:
Very nearer to the Sri Radhavallabh Temple in Vrindavan, towards Holy Yamuna, is Prabhu Vanchandraji ki Dol. Prabhu Goswami Vanchandraji was the eldest son of Sri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu. At this place, "Ras Leelanukaran" (performance of various divine acts of Sri Radhikaji and Sri Krishna by devotional religious performers) could be witnessed daily. The place is revered by each and every devotee. The place is a must visited at the time of "Dadhi Kando"during Radhashtami, by the Goswamis.It is from this place that the Lord accompanied by Sri Radhikaji and 'Sakhis'-'friends' ride on the occasion of Holi.
SEWA KUNJ:
It is a depiction of peace and serenity; the tiled marbles are engraved with scriptures located in Vrindavan. With stunted evergreen bushes which are regarded to be the sakhis of 'Sriji' in the legends and scriptures. Its uniqueness lies in maintaining the time distance for visitors as it is believed that till today 'Sriji' resides there with 'Sakhis'-friends and perform "Raas"(holy dance) at night hours.Evidance(dispersed ornaments)have proved this belief to be true enough to accept.
BAAD GRAM:
The holy birthplace of Sri Harivansh, The legend goes that Sri Vyas Mishra was accompanying Emperor on his march from Agra, his wife Tara, gave birth to a son at the Royal Army Camp at Baad, near Mathura; on 11th day (Ekadashi) Monday of 'Baisakh'(April-May) in the Samvat 1530 corresponding to 10th.It is 15km away from Vrindavan.
DEOBAND:
'Hith
'Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu' spent his childhood at Deoband a place of peace and divinity. Once playing with his playmates; the ball fell in a deep well. Mahaprabhu jumped into the well and came out with a 'Shri Vigraha'(Lord's idol). The well still exists and 'Sriji' placed in the ancestral palace, at Deoband is widely known as "Sri Radha Navarangilalaji".
Here at Deoband, once while asleep, Sri Radha gave Her Holy 'darshan' (enlightment) to Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu in his dream and blessed Him with 'Mantra'(Holy couplet) under a 'peepal' tree. This tree still exists at Deoband in the precincts of temple.
Places and Religious Locations around Vrindavan
Mathura- 15 km. From Vrindavan, the birthplace of lord Krishna and Vishram ghat where Lord Krishna took rest after killing Kansa.
Gokul- 33 km. From Vrindavan, Celebration of Janamashtami is unparalleled for its gaiety & celebrated spot where Lord Krishna reared in nurse.
Govardhan- 26 km. From Vrindavan, young Lord Krishna is said to have held Giriraj on the tip of finger for seven days & famous for pari karma.
Barsana- 46 km. From Vrindavan, named after Brahma, home of Radha famous for 'Latthmar' Holi.
Radha Kunda - 22 km. From Vrindavan large lake where Shri Krishna killed Arista-bull demon.
Nand Gaon- 55 km. From Vrindavan, home of Lord Krishna’s father Nand Baba.
Mahaban- 35 km. From Vrindavan, sacred temple of Mathura Nath, an edifice built of rock & plaster.
Baldeo - 43 km. From Vrindavan, famous fortemple of Baldeo (Dauji) & two annual fair.
Agra - 65 km. From Vrindavan, famous Taj Mahal, a symphony in white marble and fort.
Fatehpur Sikri- 75 km. From Vrindavan, marvelously preserved fort, palaces & tomb of Salim Chishti.
Bharatpur - 40 km. From Vrindavan finest bird park in the world spread over 29 Sq. Kms. having 300 species.
ShaniDev Temple- 41 km. From Vrindavan, every saturday thousands of devotees throng the temple, seeking forgiveness and blessings.