VRINDAVAN – The city of Gods
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” “Travelling first leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller.” Quotes after quotes, sayings after sayings we can go on but still we won’t be able to fully express the happiness and the rush travelling gives us. It is unique in its own way and is worth cherishing again and again.
About The City :
Vrindavan, situated on the banks of Yamuna River about 150 km to the south of Delhi, is one of the oldest cities in the country and just right to give a traveler his rush once again.
A place which once served as Lord Krishna’s childhood abode, Vrindavan is a popular religious tourist attraction and considered to be a very sacred place for the Hindus.
The city’s name is derived from the words vrinda meaning tulsi (or basil) and van meaning grove and most likely refers to the two small groves at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. While Seva Kunj is believed to be the place where Krishna performed Raaslila with Radha and the Gopis, Nidhivan is said to be the place where the divine couple rested.
It may not look like it but there is much to do in this sacred city of Vrindavan but to our surprise the phrase “FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON” holds no meaning over here.
There are countless things a person would do or like to do when they start exploring this beautiful yet magical city.
Places To Visit :
The centres of attraction of Vrindavan are its majestic, beautiful temples which, battling time unlike the Ozymandius statue, are standing elegantly and fill the tourists with a sense of happiness and belonging. Unfortunately the seemingly endless list of temples in the town may confuse a tourist so to make it easier here are the one’s which one should genuinely visit.
Madan Mohan Temple : This temple is one of the most ancient temples of the town established by Srila Sanatana Goswani at a time when Vrindavan was just a forest. The original deity, of Madana Mohana was found by Advaita Acharya, at the base of an old Banyan tree. Upon discovering the deity, he entrusted the worship of the deity to his disciple, Purushottama Chaube, who in turn handed over the deity to Sanatana Goswani. On the present date, the deity of Madana Mohana is worshipped along with Radharani and Lalita.
Sri Ranganatha Temple : This temple is built like the quintessential South Indian temple with a height of 30 meters with three gopurams (gateways, a tall Shikhara (crown) and gold-plated decorations. It was built by the wealthy Seth family of Mathura in 1851 and is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu lying down on the Sess Naga(the divine serpent). It is one of the largest temples of Vrindavan surrounded by high walls. It is also famous for Brahmotsava, which is a grand 10-days Rath Yatra(car festival) during the month of Caitra (March-April).
ISKCON Temple : Also known as Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, this temple was built in 1975 on the instructions of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is the founder-acharya of ISKCON. The core objective of this temple was to increase awareness about the Vedic scriptures and the Bhagavad Gita. Even today, it is regarded as one of the most popular temples in Vrindavan.
Food :
After visiting all these places one would feel really hungry. The food services provided here are brilliant and the food served is of course palatable. The food in Varanasi is only pure vegetarian and often even without any onion or garlic. However the city’s platter has much flavor, color and richness to lose oneself in. A typical platter here is incomplete without Aloo-Puri, Pakoras and Lassi. The town also houses quiet a variety from traditional snacks and delicacies on the street to global cuisines with the finest cheesecakes, salads and lasagna. The other relishes of the town that one must try, include Hing ki Kachori, Kachori-Sabzi, Chana- Bhatura, Chhole-Poori as well as sweets such as Pedhe, Laddos, Rabri, Jalebi, Kheer, Kalakand, Khurchan, Balushai and many more.
Janamashtami :
The only festival one cares about.
In a place where each and every person is a disciple of Lord Krishna it is obvious that his birthday would be celebrated with an unmatched zeal and grandeur. Janamasthami celebrations that happen in Vrindavan are unique and people from all over the world gather to see the rituals and events and take part in the celebrations. The celebrations start 10 days prior to the day of birth. Most devotees spend the day in Vrindavan witnessing the events and celebrations and go to Mathura in the evening to commemorate the birth of the lord.
How to reach :
The nearest railway station is at Mathura (12km) and the nearest airport at Delhi (142km). Taxis are available for transport. State buses connect Vrindavan to other neighbouring cities. One can easily get sharing auto-rickshaws to and from Mathura at all times – these charge only around Rs. 40 per trip.
Best Time to Visit :
October to March are the best months to visit Vrindavan.
Where To Stay:
Vrindavan has a lot of options to stay, but it’s best to book your room in advance. Most of the rooms here are simple and are available at very cheap prices (starting from Rs.300 per night for a double bedroom). However, resorts and luxury hotels are also available in Vrindavan.
