A Day in Vrindavan and Gokul- Travel Blog 2/2

Radhe Radhe

So after the wonderful day in Barsana, the next spots were Vrindavan and Gokul. I hope you will like this part too.

Kesi Ghat

This lovely place is commemorating the glorious victory of Lord Krishna over the terrifying Keshi demon. Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, Keshi Ghat is counted amongst the most popular tourist attractions in Vrindavan. Legend has it that after slaying the demon Keshi (after which the ghat is named), Lord Krishna took a bath at this ghat. Keshi was the horse demon that was sent by Krishna’s evil uncle Kansa to kill him. Since then, devotees visiting Vrindavan make a point to take a dip in the holy water. In the evenings, a special aarti is performed at the ghat for the Yamuna Devi. Keshi Ghat, now a major bathing center in Vrindavan, is visited by numerous pilgrims and photo enthusiasts on an everyday basis.

Man in the frame- Manoj Kr. Mahali

(p.c. Aditya Bharadwaj)

Historical stories of Krishna at Keshi Ghat

Kesi Ghat is named after the famous pastime of the young boy Krishna, in which he annihilated the demonic horse monster Keshi. Legend has it that Krishna’s evil Uncle Kansa sent the gigantic horse to trample young Krishna to death.

After easily dispatching the demon by grabbing his legs and hurling him away, Krishna was attacked again by Keshi rushing towards him with an open mouth intent on devouring the small child. Krishna deftly thrust his fist into the demon’s mouth suffocating him and causing him to explode. To wash off the filth of the Keshi demon from his pure body, Krishna went into the Yamuna River to bathe. 

Bankey Bihari temple

The Bankey Bihari temple, Vrindavan is amongst the holiest and famous temples of Krishna in India. Shri Swami Haridas got Bankey Bihari Ji appeared in Nidhivan. The idol of Thakur Ji is much older and was worshipped in Nidhivan till 1863. This temple was constructed in 1864 with the contribution of Goswamis. After constructing the temple, Goswamis transferred the idol to this temple. Bankey means “Bent at three places” and Bihari means “supreme enjoyer”. Bankey Bihari Ji is worshiped and looked after as a child. There is a different and unique style of celebrating every festival in the Bankey Bihari temple. The deity is dressed up and offered cuisine (bhog, prasad) according to season. Temple is decorated with lights and various types of flowers according to the festival. There are no bells or conch in the temple because Bankey Bihari does not like the sound of bells or conch, there is the only chant of ‘Radha Naam’. When someone enters the temple, he feels eternal bliss and calm and forgets all misery. As soon as someone meets with Thakur Ji, he becomes dedicating himself to Thakur Ji. Kind-hearted Thakur Ji demolishes his problem and blesses him with His divine grace how far he is.

Prem Mandir, Vrindavan

Also known as the temple of divine love, Prem Mandir, Imbued with elegance, and grandeur is dedicated to Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna, and Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. It was shaped and designed by Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj in 2001, and is sprawled over 54 acres. Considered as one of the most beautiful and elegant structures in Vrindavan, this Italian white marble temple is dedicated to the major events of Lord Krishna’s life and the interiors depict those scenes, including the raising of Govardhan Hill.

A grand music fountain, where a pleasing sound and light show takes place in the evening, is one of the most interesting attractions of this religious site. The pathways through the garden, a restaurant, shop, and fountains are all part of the temple. Prayers and assemblies are held in a large, pillar-less, dome-shaped Satsang hall that can accommodate as many as 25,000 people at a time.

Today, it is run and maintained by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, an international non-profit, educational, spiritual, and charitable trust. It is a much-frequented religious site for couples, young and old, who come here to be inspired by the eternal bond of who are perhaps the greatest examples of love and devotion in Indian mythology.

Made out of white marble and adorned with very intricate carvings, this temple is also famous for its architectural beauty. Statues of Shri Krishna and his admirers, portraying essential occasions surrounding the Lord's life, cover the main temple. Various scenes from Krishna's life, like raising the Govardhan Mountains have been depicted on the periphery of the Prem Mandir. The lighting of the temple further glorifies its spectacular look, especially during the night. The colored water twists and twirls to the tunes of the kirtans of Radha Krishna being played nearby and are an audio-visual delight.

 

Raman Reti

This pious place is believed to have been the sporting place of Laddu Gopal (baby Krishna) in Gokul. Reti means sand and thus in the sand of this sacred place is blessed by the lotus feet of the baby Krishna. Thus this place is revered among the people of Braj. It is believed that at this place Lord Krishna during his childhood used to play with Lord Balram and his other gopa friends. So, due to its association with Krishna, this land has been used by many saints for their meditation. A small shrine by the name of Rang Bihari Ji is located at this place which was established and worshipped by a pious saint Sri Gyandas Ji Maharaj who performed his severe austerities for the blessings of Lord Krishna while fasting at this sacred place of Raman Reti. It is also believed that saint Gyandas founded this place of Raman Reti.

Raman Reti is the sand in which Lord Krishna played as a child. In more recent times, about 200 years ago, the famous Saint, Swami Gyandas Ji did severe penance at Raman Reti for 12 years. Pleased with his devotion, The Lord appeared before him and today you can find a Raman Bihari Ji Temple at that place. Today devotees roll over the sand here and seek the blessings of Lord Krishna.

Some more pictures from the Mathura trip

Most of the beautiful pictures were clicked by Aditya Bharadwaj, who is a professional photographer from GLA University.  You can contact him at 9219780770 or Aditya60bharadwaj@gmail.com for an appointment. For now, have a glimpse of his work

 Thank you very much for stopping by!