Varsana

Varsana

Varsana is one of the main places of pilgrimage in district of Mathura (near Vrndavan), also known as Vraja-mandala. Vraja-mandala-parikrama, a pilgrimage which is annually held in this area, will definitively lead you also to this holy place. (by clicking on pictures you will get three times bigger ones in new window) Varsana is situated 42 km north from Mathura and there is 7 km long parikrama road around it. It was a residence of king Vrsabhanu and his family. Srimati Radharani was a daughter of Maharaja Vrsabhanu and many pastimes of Radha and Krishna took place there. Padma Purana tells how Brahma, the first created being in this universe prayed to Lord Krishna that he could assist Him in his pastimes in material world... ...Krishna told him to take a form of a hill with four peaks, representing his four heads. Nearby area is rather flat and Varsana with its four peaks is quite dominant even from distance. Entrance to Varsana. On the first peak is Larily Lal Mandir (Shriji) and Radha Krishna Deity was installed by Vajranabha. Beautiful paintings on the walls and ceiling of Larily Lal Mandir depict the pastimes of Radha and Krishna. Since the main Deity was installed by Vajranabha, it is at least 5000 years old. Larily Lal Mandir is really an important place to visit. Opulent offerings of delicacies are also given to Govardhana Hill. If you are fortunate enough to get a qualified guide, his explanations can introduce you to many secrets of holy places that brings a life to yours vision of different scenes. In Varsana you can find for instance pond Pila Pokar. Srimati Radharani washed Her hands in this pond and its waters turned yellow according to Her golden hue. "Pila" means "yellow" and the pond has until now golden-yellow water. In another place, in Mayor Kutir (Mor Kutir), Krishna competed in dancing with peacock. Radharani was the judge in this occasion. In small temple of Mayor Kutir there are beautiful paintings of Krishna dancing as peacock. One of the painting was made by local blind saint. The Divine Couple - Sri Sri Radha Krishna.

English texts, selection of images, design:
Tattva-darsi das
Most texts are based on the information from Jada Bharata's book Holy Places of India,
which contains many additional information useful for travelers. It can be found on:
www.spiritualguides.net

Photographs from his travels:
Radha-raman das