Vrindavana Parikrama

Vrindavana Parikrama involves circumambulating the sacred town of Vrindavana, visiting numerous holy sites along the way.

Vrindavana is a famous sacred pilgrimage site for the devotees of Lord Sri Krishna. The holy city of Vrindavana is located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. This beautiful city is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is the most significant religious place in Braj Mandal, where spirituality and devotion exist together.

The word Vrindavana is the combination of 2 words, “Vrinda” and “Van,” where Vrinda refers to the sacred Tulsi plant and van means forest. Vrinda Devi is the main deity and guardian of this enchanting forest. Without the grace of Vrinda Devi, no one can enter this divine spot.

Vrindavana is a beautiful forest where Lord Sri Krishna performed many leelas. Raas leela is the most popular leela, performed by Lord Sri Krishna with Radha Rani and Gopikas. It is the most enchanting dance, which is even witnessed by celestial beings.

Even today, the Nidhivan forest is closed at night, and no one is allowed to enter this area. Because it is believed that Lord Krishna visits this place at night and performs Raas leela.

There are more than 5000 temples in the town of Vrindavana, where each is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Hence, this city came to be known as the “City of Temples.”

Parikrama Path

Vrindavana Parikrama, also known as Pancha Krosi Parikrama, refers to the traversal of a circular path undertaken by devotees to visit the holy spots in Vrindavana. The parikrama or pradakshina usually takes place in a clockwise direction. It is a tradition for every devotee to walk barefoot by chanting Krishna’s name. This elevates the person to the spiritual realm.
The devotees need to walk 15 Kms to complete the Parikrama path. It takes around 4 to 6 hours to go around Vrindavana by walking. This parikrama starts at the ISKCON temple or Keshi Ghat at the Yamuna River.

If you are unable to walk to complete the Parikrama path, you can opt for cycling, autorickshaws, bike rides, cars, etc.
While circumambulating along the path of Vrindavana Parikrama, you can visit many sacred places on the way. Madhan Ter, Kaliya Ghat, Madhana Mohana Temple, Imli Tal, Sringara Vat, Keshi Ghat, Banke Bihari Temple, Nidhivan forest, Seva Kunj, Yamuna River, Radha Raman Temple, Gokul, Govardhan Hill, Radha Kunda, and Shyama Kunda are the must-visit places in a lifetime. The spiritual ambience of this place cleanses the mind, body, and soul. Each place reminds us of different pastimes performed by Lord Sri Krishna and Balarama, along with the Gopas and Gopikas.

Significance of Vrindavana Parikrama

The sacred Vrindavana Parikrama helps an individual to overcome five vices that help them to reach the kingdom of Lord Krishna. A devotee can overcome five vices, such as anger, pride, greed, lust, and attachment, by association with the divine energy. The parikrama of Vrindavana brings a lot of benefits to an individual; it brings a lot of happiness, peace, prosperity, and spiritual elevation into one’s life.

Any pilgrim who performs Vrindavana Parikrama will be relieved from the cycle of birth and death and will attain the state of nirvana.

How to Prepare for Vrindavana Parikrama

Devotees are recommended to start early in the morning so that they can avoid the scorching heat at noon.
Before you embark on the Vrindavana Parikrama, carry essential items like comfortable footwear, snacks, water bottles, and sunscreen.
Always wear modest, loose, comfortable clothing to make your parikrama easy and to maintain the sanctity of the place.

Best Time for Vrindavana Parikrama

October to March is the best time for the Parikrama of Vrindavana. The pleasant winter weather makes this place a huge pilgrimage-attracting site and comfortable for long walks.
Vrindavana experiences less crowding during the rainy season and summer season. During the rainy season, there is a smaller crowd of devotees due to the rainfall. Also, during the summer season, the number of devotees is less because of the scorching heat. If you are willing to travel to Vrindavana for a less crowded experience, then the rainy and summer seasons are the best options.
It is also advisable to avoid extreme heat or heavy rainfall weather conditions; it makes Parikrama very difficult and uncomfortable.
On the special occasions of Ekadashi, Holi, Diwali, Akshaya Tritiya, and Adhikmas, they are considered the best time for Vrindavana Parikrama. The festival mood enhances the positive vibe of the place and also brings in auspiciousness.

How to Reach Vrindavana

If you plan to visit Vrindavana and other sacred places, consider taking Tirtha Yatra’s World’s leading Vraja Bhumi Yatra. All arrangements are well taken care of. We provide extra special care for senior citizens.

If you wish to travel by yourself, here are a few options.

By Air: The nearest airport is Kheria Airport in Agra (55 Kms away) and Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (130 Kms). From here, pre-paid taxis can be hired. Even bus facilities are available.

By Railway: The nearest railway station is Mathura Railway Station. From here, taxis or autos can be hired.

By Road: Frequent buses leave from Mathura Bus Stand to Vrindavana city. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporations (UPSRTC) buses are also regularly available.