The Braj Bhoomi Yatra... Begins!

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.


Mathura Vrindavan - Land of Lord Krishna
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!

Post a Comment

42 Comments

  1. Hi Arti,

    It wonderfull you are going on a braj bhoomi yatra ... I am eagerly looking forward to all your future posts.

    luv

    Satya

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  2. My roots lie here and is a place of annual pilgrimage. A big thanks again Arti:)

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  3. This is sure to be interesting. Hope to make a real tour soon.
    Thanks for your wishes. :)

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  4. Superlike to be on another of your divine journeys :)
    and loved the first photograph :)

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  5. Thank you very much Arti,for informing me about beginning of
    your 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.

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  6. Looking forward to your Braj Yatra, Arti.

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  7. I have been to Mathura and Vrindavan and both of the places looked mystical to me.
    Now I am very eager to read your Yatra about it.
    Thanks again Arti for making us do virtual pilgrimage through your blog :)

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  8. Marvelous and fascinating post as always, Arti! And you will certainly always have my company along the way! Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

    Sylvia

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  9. 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...

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  10. I always like traveling with you, Arti - you're the perfect hospitable guide.

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  11. I 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!)

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  12. Of course I will be along for the journey Arti! Wouldn't miss it!

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  13. Wow.. Looking forward to it eagerly for I will myslef be venturing into one such sojourn in the future..!

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  14. Nice. I'm looking forward to reading your future posts. :)

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  15. Awaiting the New Braj Yatra, Arti!

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  16. I 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.

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  17. Eagerly looking forward to the virtual trip to brajbhoomi :)
    Have a lovely weekend Arti.

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  18. @Arti Good morning.Thanks a lot.We waiting for posts on Braj Bhoomi Yatra.So beautiful photograh on post.Have a nice weekend.

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  19. Waiting here for the next story ,

    Happy Gudhi Padwa Arti, new year, new day, new pilgrim journey episode..

    God Bless You and your family..

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  20. will be interesting to see your take on it.....im not a religious person and dont usually go on religious tours....

    http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/

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  21. Thank you Arti, for taking us along with you ~ I look forward to travelling virtually on your new series of The Braj Yatra.

    Have a great weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  22. We will surely be along you...Looking forward to the next parts of the journey...

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  23. nice pic
    sure this virtual trip will be enjoyed by everyone.

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  24. you sure will have my company, arti. i am looking forward to reading about your new yatra.

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  25. waiting for your photos and detailed posts of your new yatras ....

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  26. Sure, i'll be watching the Braj Yatra here Arti! And - i LOVE virtual journeys as well ...

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  27. I've not heard of "Braj yatra" before, so definitely looking forward to your series to learn more!

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  28. Reliving memories of the past in real life sounds like you will have an amazing trip.

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  29. I am really looking forward to your future posts. Hope you enjoy your yatra :-)

    Have a lovely day :-)

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  30. wish you very well in your journey, looking forward to your next posts

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  31. Nice post! Planning a trip soon... thanks for the great info!

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  32. Sounds like we're about to embark on a wonderful new journey!

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  33. Looking forward to your posts Arti.

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  34. Will surely be following you (virtually - through your post) all around Arti! :)

    Happy Journey.

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  35. 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.

    Stay safe. Enjoy, my dear friend.

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  36. i'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.

    awesome click. i am stealing it for my desktop wallpaper :-)

    cheers
    rahul

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  37. Loved yr description of Ramanreti Gokul(Mathura).I am interested in Navvdwip(Chaitnya Mahaprabhu) & Rishikesh.I live in Delhi

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