The narrow alleys and pathways, ancient structures and dilapidated buildings and havelis, the slow paced and the carefree human life staring at you, the occasional soothing chimes from temple buildings – both old and new, mischievous monkeys - though adorable but far from friendly, the river Yamuna – both calm and confused at the same time, the honky calls of the rickshawallah’s and the footprints of the darling God of all Hindu Gods – the naughty and the very endearing Lord Krishna... this is precisely what our next pilgrimage is all about... an eclectic mix of chaos, buzz, peace and antiquity cluttering everywhere in between.
Braj Bhoomi, it is. Yes the twin towns of Mathura and Vrindavan that are situated at the bank of the River Yamuna in the state of Uttar Pradesh and collectively known as Brajbhoomi. A historic town of numerous shrines and temples, the sacred land of Braj has been kind enough to beckon me multiple times, 5 to be precise, and every time I was there, it has taken away one more piece of my heart... I am glad, as this has only ensured that I am right there again... again, and again.
It’s been quite a while since we returned actually, but the memories that I have of this trip have declined to get buried in the veils of time. The other day, as I was browsing through the photographs stacked in one of my drives; I was pretty pleased to realize how all those small little moments... of me wandering down those chaotic alleyways, of me strolling down the markets and taking in all the aromas or of me praying quietly in one of the temples... were acutely engraved in the confines of my heart - some fresh, others fudgy but all of them, very much there.. integral and intact! I felt a strong urge of reliving all of it, once again; though not possible by travelling actually but definitely very feasible by traveling virtually, here in My Yatra Diary...!
So then, here I am, ready again to embark on a new yatra series – The Braj Yatra! And here’s hoping to have your company all along too!
Braj Bhoomi, it is. Yes the twin towns of Mathura and Vrindavan that are situated at the bank of the River Yamuna in the state of Uttar Pradesh and collectively known as Brajbhoomi. A historic town of numerous shrines and temples, the sacred land of Braj has been kind enough to beckon me multiple times, 5 to be precise, and every time I was there, it has taken away one more piece of my heart... I am glad, as this has only ensured that I am right there again... again, and again.
Braj Bhoomi - The Land of Lord Krishna
It’s been quite a while since we returned actually, but the memories that I have of this trip have declined to get buried in the veils of time. The other day, as I was browsing through the photographs stacked in one of my drives; I was pretty pleased to realize how all those small little moments... of me wandering down those chaotic alleyways, of me strolling down the markets and taking in all the aromas or of me praying quietly in one of the temples... were acutely engraved in the confines of my heart - some fresh, others fudgy but all of them, very much there.. integral and intact! I felt a strong urge of reliving all of it, once again; though not possible by travelling actually but definitely very feasible by traveling virtually, here in My Yatra Diary...!
So then, here I am, ready again to embark on a new yatra series – The Braj Yatra! And here’s hoping to have your company all along too!
42 Comments
Hi Arti,
ReplyDeleteIt wonderfull you are going on a braj bhoomi yatra ... I am eagerly looking forward to all your future posts.
luv
Satya
My roots lie here and is a place of annual pilgrimage. A big thanks again Arti:)
ReplyDeleteThis is sure to be interesting. Hope to make a real tour soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your wishes. :)
Superlike to be on another of your divine journeys :)
ReplyDeleteand loved the first photograph :)
Thank you very much Arti,for informing me about beginning of
ReplyDeleteyour virtual Braj Yaatra.I think you have tried to comment on my blog several times.But your comments are not being reflected on my blog for the reasons I don't know. However,your comment is reflected on my mail.
You are most welcome to start your yatra and all the good wishes to you for the beginning of new year(sanvatsar).
I would try to post my new post by
31st March.Sorry,for the delay.
Reasons are my suffering from typhoid and pressrure of work to be completed by 31st March.
Looking forward to your Braj Yatra, Arti.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Mathura and Vrindavan and both of the places looked mystical to me.
ReplyDeleteNow I am very eager to read your Yatra about it.
Thanks again Arti for making us do virtual pilgrimage through your blog :)
Marvelous and fascinating post as always, Arti! And you will certainly always have my company along the way! Hope you have a beautiful weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Wow!! Looks like we r in for a treat!! Lord Krishna's Mathura & Vrindavan has always been one of my favourites.. I m sure to learn more about these places from ur blog...
ReplyDeleteI always like traveling with you, Arti - you're the perfect hospitable guide.
ReplyDeleteI will certainly be here for the (virtual) journey! If you remember it as well as you do it is sure to be wonderful. (As of course all your travels are memorable!)
ReplyDeleteOf course I will be along for the journey Arti! Wouldn't miss it!
ReplyDeleteWow.. Looking forward to it eagerly for I will myslef be venturing into one such sojourn in the future..!
ReplyDeleteNice. I'm looking forward to reading your future posts. :)
ReplyDeleteAwaiting the New Braj Yatra, Arti!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward too. In fact I visited Mathura along with my departed better half but could not make it to Vrindavan as she got tired and confused visiting so many places in one go.
ReplyDeleteEagerly looking forward to the virtual trip to brajbhoomi :)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend Arti.
@Arti Good morning.Thanks a lot.We waiting for posts on Braj Bhoomi Yatra.So beautiful photograh on post.Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteInteresting and exciting .....
ReplyDeleteWaiting here for the next story ,
ReplyDeleteHappy Gudhi Padwa Arti, new year, new day, new pilgrim journey episode..
God Bless You and your family..
will be interesting to see your take on it.....im not a religious person and dont usually go on religious tours....
ReplyDeletehttp://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/
Thank you Arti, for taking us along with you ~ I look forward to travelling virtually on your new series of The Braj Yatra.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend
Hugs
Carolyn
We will surely be along you...Looking forward to the next parts of the journey...
ReplyDeleteRadhe Radhe
ReplyDeletenice pic
ReplyDeletesure this virtual trip will be enjoyed by everyone.
you sure will have my company, arti. i am looking forward to reading about your new yatra.
ReplyDeletewaiting for your photos and detailed posts of your new yatras ....
ReplyDeleteSure, i'll be watching the Braj Yatra here Arti! And - i LOVE virtual journeys as well ...
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of "Braj yatra" before, so definitely looking forward to your series to learn more!
ReplyDeleteReliving memories of the past in real life sounds like you will have an amazing trip.
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to your future posts. Hope you enjoy your yatra :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day :-)
wish you very well in your journey, looking forward to your next posts
ReplyDeleteNice post! Planning a trip soon... thanks for the great info!
ReplyDeleteSounds like we're about to embark on a wonderful new journey!
ReplyDeleteExcited to read
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your posts Arti.
ReplyDeleteWill surely be following you (virtually - through your post) all around Arti! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Journey.
Wow! I can't wait to see your next posts. I'm a fan of yours to I'll be joining you in all your trips.
ReplyDeleteStay safe. Enjoy, my dear friend.
This is really shotting place.
ReplyDeletei've been to Vrindavan when i was 6. this post brought back all those memories i faintly remember today considering the age i visited this holy place.
ReplyDeleteawesome click. i am stealing it for my desktop wallpaper :-)
cheers
rahul
Loved yr description of Ramanreti Gokul(Mathura).I am interested in Navvdwip(Chaitnya Mahaprabhu) & Rishikesh.I live in Delhi
ReplyDeleteradhe radhe
ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
If you have asked a question, please give me at least 2 days to reply back. Thank you :)