Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra

The Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra takes believers on a holy trek across the Braj region where Krishna played and grew up. This 84 Kos (300 km) walk goes through many villages and spots linked to Krishna’s time there making it meaningful to all who join. “Chaurasi Kos” means 84 kos, with one kos being about 3.2 km.

Braj, or Vraja Bhoomi stands as the core of Krishna’s actions. Temples, river steps, and ponds dot the area echoing stories from Krishna’s life. The Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra, a custom that’s centuries old, gets mentioned in old holy books and writings.

The trek dates back to the Dvapara Yuga when Krishna himself blessed the land. For hundreds of years holy men and fans have gone on this trip to gain spiritual rewards feeling Krishna’s godly presence in the places he once walked. As the quote from Braj Ke Sevainya aptly describes:

“ब्रजभूमि मोहनी, जा चौरासी कोस ।

श्रद्धा सहित पगधरे, पाप सब कर खौय।।”

This translates to:

“Braj’s land is enchanting, with its 84 kos.

“Anyone who walks it with faith will have their sins cleansed.”

The Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra goes beyond a physical journey. Committed followers and new learners use rituals to boost their spiritual connection:

1. Parikrama (Circling): Travelers circle holy places often without shoes, to show dedication and seek forgiveness. This act cleans the soul and brings them closer to God.
2. Bhajan and Kirtan: People sing songs and hymns to praise Krishna during the trip. These heartfelt tunes create a holy atmosphere lifting the mood of the travelers.
3. Daan (Giving): Giving food, clothes, and other needs to the poor is seen as good. Travellers think helping others is like serving Krishna himself.
4. Satsang (Spiritual Talks): Hearing about Krishna’s teachings and stories from wise people strengthens belief and trust.
5. Anusthan (Religious Acts): Many followers do special things during the trip, like not eating, saying prayers, or doing certain rituals.

The Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra takes you to many important places linked to Krishna’s life and his divine acts. Each spot has its own special tale and meaning adding to the colourful mix of Krishna’s adventures.

Also Read: Meaning of Banke Bihari:- बांके बिहारी जी क्यों बोलते है? 

1. Vrindavan: This town serves as the heart of Krishna’s childhood. You’ll find lots of temples here, like the well-known Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple, and Radha Vallabh Temple. The town’s small streets and quiet riverbanks make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time surrounded by a spiritual atmosphere.

– Banke Bihari Temple: People respect this temple in Vrindavan. It has a statue of Banke Bihari, which is a form of Krishna. The temple does something peculiar – it closes the curtain every few minutes during viewing times. They do this to protect visitors from the strong spiritual energy coming from the statue.

– ISKCON Temple: Many know this place as the Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir. It plays a key role for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Devotees travel from across the globe to see it. The temple stands out for its energetic communal singing and festivities.

– Radha Vallabh Temple: This shrine honours both Radha and Krishna. It highlights Radha’s significance in devotional practices.

2. Govardhan Hill: Gurus of Indian histories say’s Krishna raised this hill on his pinkie to shield villagers from Indra’s heavy rainstorm. Devotees walk the Govardhan Parikrama, a 21-kilometre path around the hill, to ask for blessings and godly protection.

– Kusum Sarovar is a stunning sandstone structure near Govardhan, with rich botanical gardens all around. People believe Radha and her companions used to pick flowers here.

– Mansi Ganga: A holy lake close to Govardhan Hill. People think Krishna made this lake with his thoughts to cleanse his adoptive parents.

3. Gokul: The town where Krishna grew up with his adoptive parents Nanda and Yashoda. Many believe the Raman Reti area in Gokul saw Krishna at play with his friends.

– Nanda Bhavan: The home of Nanda Maharaj, Krishna’s adoptive father. The Nand Bhavan Temple here draws many pilgrims.

– Raman Reti: A revered sandy area where Krishna played with his pals. Followers roll in the sand hoping for blessings and to purify themselves.

4. Barsana: Radha’s birthplace where Krishna’s love grew. The Radha Rani Temple sits on a hill giving visitors a wide view of the town and drawing many devotees.

– People also call the Ladli Mahal the Radha Rani Temple. It stands on the Bhanugarh hills and lets you see the beautiful sights of Barsana.

– Sankari Khor is a tight path between two hills. People believe Krishna and his friends played here.

5. Krishna’s foster father, Nanda Maharaj, lived here. Many pilgrims come to visit the Nand Bhavan Temple.

•  Nandishwar Hill: The hill on which Nandgaon is situated, provides a stunning view of the surrounding region.
• Yashoda Kund: A pond where people think Yashoda, Krishna’s foster mother took baths.

6. Krishna was born in Mathura. You can find the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in the jail cell where Krishna came into the world.

• The Dwarkadhish Temple stands out as one of Mathura’s most popular temples. It catches the eye with its impressive design and lively festivals.
• Vishram Ghat: A holy bathing spot on the Yamuna River’s edge. People believe Krishna rested here after he ended Kansa’s life.

7. Kusum Sarovar, is a good-looking sandstone structure close to Govardhan, with green gardens all around it. It is believed that Radha and her friends used to collect flowers here.

Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra is filled with nostalgic tales, legends, and tales that bring Krishna’s leela’s back to life. Every site visited during the yatra has its own narrative, based on antiquity and legendary tradition passed down centuries.

1. Uddhava Gufa: Udhawa ji visited the cave known as Haridev to meet Krishna in order मिलने उधावों at Raas Leela! The sadhana cave is famous for a variety of mutual conversations, which he had conversed with Arjun at Kurukshetra. A somewhat similar arati thal was done even here also. Fast Name- [The Legend Of Lifting Govardhan Hill] Yah yatra Prabhu Shrikrishna ne Giriraj govadan uthaye jane ki mansik janakari dene vale naatak (legand) ke karan prassidha hai,. The story mentions that the inhabitants of Braj were used to praying Indra, who was the god of rain so as they could get good rainfall during cultivation. Krsna said to pray the Govardhan Hill: because it was giving them everything necessary for their life. Enraging him their furiously Indra flooded the village rinse it out but stream. Krishna lifted the hill on his little finger and so saved the villagers along with their cattle for 7 days. This is commemorated by the pilgrims who circumambulate the hill singing praises of Krishna.
2. The Raas Leela: Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna’s dance of love with gopis (cowherd girls), which is known as Raas Leela. In essence, this spiritual dance is the soul offering itself to God. On the night of Sharad Purnima, When the Moon Shines Full and bright, Krishna Played his flute and invites all Gopis to Dance with him in Vrindavan Forest. The endless night of dancing with Krishna in a way that only divinely inspired love can be allowed.
3. Makkhan Chori [The Butter Theft]: Most of the people must have known Gokul for butter stories in which Bal Krishna himself began doing accidental pranks at an early age where some Fatso walked around eating stuff from other kitchens. Among devotees, the story of butter stealing by Krishna from Gokul homes is famous and portrayed in various art forms like Krishna’s plays. Meanwhile, in the houses of gopis, they are grabbing butter and falling into messes. And Krishna along with his gangs run away from where he get caught red-handed every time Despite his naughtiness, he was so sweet and innocent that all the people of the village like him.
4. Radha and Krishna’s Sacred Bond: Barsana where everyone say Radha was born, has lots of stories about their holy love. Their timeless romance gets celebrated in many festivals and rituals in Barsana. One such event is Lathmar Holi where women hit men with sticks acting out the fun teasing between Krishna and the gopis.
5. Overcoming Kaliya: Many gurus from Mathura tells how Krishna beat the snake Kaliya in the Yamuna River. The story goes that Kaliya had made the river toxic, so no one could live there. Krishna jumped into the river, fought the snake, and won, making the river clean again and winning the villagers’ loyalty.

The Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra is a very personal and spiritually transformative journey for most pilgrims. Here are some experiences commonly shared by devotees:

1. Pure Devotion: Pilgrims are filled with immense devotion at this divine place as they walk barefoot over the holy soil of Braj, sing kirtans in Krishna’s praise, and visit all the religious sites. Each of these rituals is said to purify the soul and draw one closer to Krishna, with circumambulating around the sacred sites, especially Govardhan Hill, being a profound expression of devotion.
2. Social Bonding: The yatra is made in groups, fostering a sense of community and fellowship among the pilgrims. Sharing stories, singing bhajans together, and performing communal rituals heighten the collective spiritual experience. The bonds formed during the yatra often endure for some time, creating a network of spiritual partners.
3. Divine Encounters: Many pilgrims recount experiencing a deep connection with Krishna during the yatra. These divine encounters, through dreams, visions, or a deep sense of presence, have a big impact on their spiritual journey. Some devotees say they experience Krishna’s presence in temples, hear his flute in the forests, or see him in the eyes of others.
4. Inner Transformation: People believe the Yatra cleanses the soul and changes the heart. Devotees often come back with a new sense of purpose stronger devotion, and a better understanding of Krishna’s teachings. The trip through the sacred sites, along with the spiritual practices and stories, leads to an inner change that stays with the devotees long after the yatra ends.

Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra is a pilgrimage you can do all year, but some months make the journey even better:

1. During Holi: The colour festival is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show in Braj, which sizes this to celebrate the yatra. Vrindavan and Barsana are well-known regions for their vibrant Holi celebrations nodes. The colours, music and dance in the air create an aura of a celebration of the divine.
2. Janmashtami: On Janmashtami, people celebrate Krishna’s birthday in Mathura, Vrindavan. The temples are decorated brightly, and many rituals and cultural events illustrate a depiction of the birth manifestation.
3. Radhashtami: The birthday of Radha in Barsana and Vrindavana Temple is decorated with flowers. She is sung in hymns by her followers.
4. Sharad Purnima – It is believed that on this full moon night, Krishna performed his Raas Leela with the gopis of Vrindavan. People congregate in Vrindavan to celebrate this mystical night with music, dance and spiritual discussions.

The whole trip takes about 40 to 45 days. But you can visit places on your own if you have less time. Many people go to the main sites as the holy books say, while others take shorter trips to connect with Krishna’s energy.

– Places to stay: You can find pilgrim rest houses (Dharamshala), ashrams, and hotels all over Braj. These places fit different needs and budgets, from basic rooms to nicer ones.

– How to get there: Road / Train (By car and train from other parts of India. From Vrindavan and Mathura, generally, everybody starts their trip. For travelling to other sites, you can use auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and buses.

– Guided Tours: The inclusion of a local guide or joining an organized pilgrim tour can enhance the value of your yatra, offering explanations of history and geography at each site visited along with well-managed transport. Pilgrim centres and all the temples provide necessary information about yatra and maps.

While making the pilgrimage, travellers are advised to bring necessary provisions in a small pack such as sturdy, well-worn shoes suited for unpredictable terrain and lightweight bottles to sustain hydration during arduous treks. Prudence dictates maintaining supplies for unexpected injury along the route. Of utmost importance is respecting the locale’s cultural traditions and preserving the solemnity of sacred areas by showing deference. Periodic rests help replenish pilgrims’ stamina, especially vital under the sweltering sun. All who visit these hallowed grounds would be prudent to observe established practices and sensitivities.

Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra is a pilgrimage of faith, conscience, and encouragement. Pilgrims get to walk in the footsteps of Lord Krishna and feel the deific romance, beholding enchantment within the air of Braj. As expressed by Braj Ke Sevainya:

“ब्रज भूमि मोहिनी है, जो भी जीव श्रद्धा भाव से चौरासी कोस में पग धरता है उसके समस्त पापों का निश्चित ही नाश होता है।”

This translates to:

“Braj is an enchanting land. Whoever walks its 84 kos with devotion will certainly be freed from all sins.”

This yatra is more of a spiritual endeavor rather than just another physical journey, giving a sense of divinity that reflects the eternal love of Krishna towards his followers. Pilgrimage in Braj brings purification, deepens devotion, and fosters a profound connection with Krishna. Whether you are a true devotee or a seeker, this spiritual yatra of Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra leaves an essence in the heart and soul, fulfilling a lifetime of reverence.