Ancient sites in Braj restored by The Braj Foundation

Shri Radha Bankey Bihari lal ki Jai!

Passionate about decorating transcendental places associated with Shri Shri Radha-Krishna

The Braj Foundation Vrindavan

Delhi

Lucknow

Jaipur

Chandigarh

'The Braj Foundation is doing commendable work by renovating ancient sites of religious and cultural significance.'

Shri Narendra D. Modi, Prime Minister of India March 7, 2015

Ancient Brahma Kund of Vrindavan before and after restoration in 2006-2009 respectively

In the 24th verse of the 24th chapter of 10th canto in Srimad Bhagavatam, 7 years old Krishna says to Nanda Baba: “naḥ purojanapadā na grāmā na gṛhā vayam vanaukasas tāta nityaṁ vana-śaila-nivāsinaḥ” “The cities, the cultured lands nor the villages, nor their houses are ours. We are the forest people dear father, we always live in the forests and on the hills”.

5,000 years back, none of the pastime of Shri Radha Krishna took place in any famous temple or Ashram.

These have come up during the past 500 years.

Rather the pastimes took place at Kunds, Yamuna banks, Forests, and Hills of Braj, which have been in dilapidated conditions for centuries. The Braj Foundation is gradually restoring them all to their pristine glory. You and your family can now experience some of these blissful destinations. For more information, you may contact: Mob: 9927337333 visit@brajfoundation.org To know more about these leelasthalis and to hear interesting stories associated with their restoration, you may watch a TV serial of 19 minutes episodes

Aao Sajayen Kanha Ka Braj at

youtube.com/brajfoundation Anchored by

Mr. Vineet Narain, who is the pioneer of Independent Hindi TV news in India (1989), internationally acclaimed journalist, founder & Chairman of The Braj Foundation, who has made history in India repeatedly

www.vineetnarain.net

Brahma Kund Vrindavan This ancient Kund is located at north gate of famous Rangji Temple in Vrindavan. Here Brahma Ji performed penance to please Lord Krishna, Shiva and Narada Muni attained 'Gopi Bhav' after bathing here. Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Himself glorified the importance of this historic Kund. This has been the meditation place for great saints like Bilwamangal Thakur, Mira Bai, Karmaiti Bai etc. Many miracles occurred at this holy Kund after it was restored in 2009.

Previously a waste disposal yard for 125 years

Member of Parliament Mrs. Hema Malini applauding the beauty of Brahma Kund.

Seva Kunj Vrindavan It is here that Shri Radha Krishna enter into Raas along with the Sakhis every night.

Devotees from all over the world witness miraculous darshan of the scattered paraphernalia on the Lord's bed every morning at Seva Kunj.

Swami Hit Harivansh Ji, who was the incarnation of Lord Krishna's flute, discovered this spot some five decades ago, which is adorned with evergreen vines regarded to be the Sakhis of 'Shriji'. The place has 'Lalita Kund' and groves associated with the pastimes of Shri Radha Krishna with a temple in its centre. Devotees can see an medieval age miniature painting of Shri Krishna massaging the feet of Radharani, when She got tired after dancing.

This sacred place was lying in a state of neglect for decades

The place was restored in 2014 along with the beautification of temple, painting of new frescos, construction of ornamental chhatris, securing the parikrama marg from monkeys, restoring the samadhis, Lalita Kund and groves of this transcendental leelasthali.

Ramtal Vrindavan This ancient site is approximately 1.5 km from ISKCON temple (Vrindavan) on Sunrakh Road.

During the excavation of this site, 2,500 years old water body was discovered. Ramtal is the place where Saubhari Rishi performed austerities underwater for 1,000 years during Satyuga. This is mentioned in the 16th chapter of 9th canto of Srimad Bhagvatam and also in Vishnu Puran and Devi Bhagwat.

A 1.5 inch thick iron sheet was also discovered under the ancient ghats on all the four sides, which attracted Archeologist from throughout the country. Braj Foundation has now developed this site as a scenic destination for tourists. You will feel transcendental bliss at this oasis amongst concrete Jungle.

This sacred site of Satyuga was just a barren land before its renovation in 2016.

Now it is a beautiful tourist destination for devotees all around the world.

Kalia Mardan Temple Jait (Mathura) Lord Krishna did not kill the venomous serpent 'Kaliya' on the plea of his wives. Kaliya was asked to leave Yamuna in Vrindavan forever, on one condition; if he ever looked back towards the holy city, he will be turned into a stone. Due to extreme anxiety, Kaliya looked back at Vrindavan from this place, and was immediately turned into a stone.

Brajawasis believe that the stone tail of the serpent is extended till Vrindavan underneath the ground. The holy place, which was the centre of faith for centuries for saints and Brajwasis, was lying in a dilapidated state. This site is located on NH2 in Jait Village, on way to Delhi from Chatikara turning of Vrindavan.

Kalia Mardan Temple before renovation

Saints and a large number of pilgrims visit this place everyday after its beautification.

Frescos of Kaliya Mardan leela are painted on the ceiling of the dome.

Arti is performed here every morning & evening.

Brahma Van NH-2 Mathura After Pushkar, this is the second temple of Lord Brahma in India. The place got its name because the four-headed Brahma Ji did penance to please Lord Krishna here, hence this village is called 'Chaumuha' (four headed).

Once young Krishna was having His lunch, along with His cowherd friends in this forest and suddenly Krishna noticed that Madhu Mangal was hiding behind a tree. Madhu Mangla was secretly gulping sour butter milk brought from his home, because he did not consider this offerable to Krishna. Realising his hesitation, Krishna hurriedly approached Madhu Mangal and punched his cheeks. Krishna then licked the flowing butter milk from the cheeks of Madhu Mangal out of love for his friend. Wondering how Krishna, the Supreme Lord, could do such act, Brahma Ji decided to test Him and stole away all the cowherd boys and calves when Krishna was taking a nap.

When Krishna woke up, He immediately realized that Brahma ji is testing Him. Krishna then expanded himself into the very same cowherd boys and calves. Neither the gopis nor the cows, could make out the differences.

When Brahma Ji looked back he was perplexed and realised his folly. To repent for this act, Brahma Ji came to this very Brahma Van only for austerities and penance.

Brahma Van had been a barren land till 2015

A lily pond and artistic dioramas of Brahma Vimohan Leela have been installed here which is now surrounded by a lush green forest

Braj Foundation's Camp Office

Chandra Sarovar Chaumuha (Mathura) Chandra Sarovar is located nearby Brahma Van. When Krishna made Brahma realize his folly at Brahma Van, Brahma immediately asked for forgiveness through penance which he did there. Before that he brought Chandrama Ji (Moon God) with him, who built this Chandra Sarovar and in its clean and pure waters Brahma took bath before he began his penance. Brajwasis believe that taking a holy dip in this water body will give a relief from Jaundice.

Chandra Sarovar before and after renovation

Artistic dioramas being installed at Chandra Sarovar after its renovation

Rinmochan Kund Goverdhan According to Brajwasis, when Lord Dwarkadheesh returned to Braj, He paid oblation to His ancestors here along with Nand Baba, mother Yashoda, and elder brother Balaram.

Hence, the Kund has been given the name Rinmochan Kund which means that one got deliverance from obligations to the forefathers by performing shraddh to them. Lord Krishna in his childhood invited all the holy places of India to be present in Braj.

This Kund is considered to be non-different from Gaya Teerth (Bihar). It is located near of Brajwasi Sweets before the Goverdhan Police Station.

As seen the Kund was in a pitiable condition in 2014

The Kund has been developed in Anjauli form with the deity of Lord Dwarikadheesh, who is also in tarpan posture. A rare Darshan of Lord Krishna not seen anywhere else

Sankarshan Kund Goverdhan While coming from the Danghati temple side, this historic Kund can be visited on your right hand side at the Goverdhan Parikrama Marg in Anyor village.

Five thousand years back the great grandson of Lord Krishna, Shri Vajranabh found the deity of Lord Sankarshan from this Kund. The sacred Kund mentioned in ancient scriptures had accumulated squalor and dirt over a period of time. The odor was so strong that the devotees on parikrama could not bear it and would run away by covering their nose.

After renovation, now this heritage site carries a splendid view, where thirty six feet tall, black granite, magnificent deity of Lord Sankarshan has been installed. With gorgeous Goverdhan Hill standing behind this tallest deity of Braj, one naturally gets into meditative mood. This deity was carved by twenty two sculpturist for one year, in Tirupati Balaji. It is open for the devotees to offer their prayers.

Sankarshan Kund before restoration, in 2012

Sankarshan Kund after restoration, in 2017

Rudra Kund Goverdhan Located at the crossing of Jatipura village on Goverdhan Parikrama Marg, this was the place where Lord Shiva sat along with his family and Ganas to witness Annakoot Mahotsav of Goverdhan hill. Shiva was amused to see this unique pastime of child Krishna offering Chhappan Bhog to Giriraj Ji and accepting the same by entering into Goverdhan. Tears rolled out of Shiva's eyes out of ecstasy which formed this Kund.

According to one more tale associated with the place, when Lord Krishna disappeared during Maharas, Shri Radha Rani and Gopis started crying in separation and their tears formed the Kund.

This divine Kund had disappeared because the sewerage disposal and garbage of whole Jatipura used to be thrown here for decades; with dozens of encroachments all around it.

In 2015, this Kund has been reconstructed in the form of Shiva Yantra with a beautiful temple of Kashi Vishwanath in its premises, where you can perform Rudrabhishek

Gahavar Van Barsana Gahavar Van is where Shri Radha Rani would come with Her Sakhis. This place is associated with many pastimes of Hers. Even Lord Brahma Ji and Shiva crave to spend one night at this sacred place. Lord Krishna also sneaks into this private forest of Radha Rani, in a disguise of a gopi, so to have Her divine glimpse.

Swami Haridas Ji, who made Bankey Bihari appear in Nidhi Van of Vrindavan, has beautifully composed several verses glorifying the pastimes of The Divine Couple in Gahvar Van. piyari ju age chal, gahavar van me chal, jahan bole koyal ri, piyari ju........ ati hi vishistha phool patran ki shaiya rachi, piyari ju age chal.........

This protected forest of UP. Govt. was in a pitiable condition in 2003

In 2006, this forest had been restored by a forestation and installation of dioramas depicting the pastime of Shri Radha-Krishna. Pilgrim facilities have been developed to assist thousands of devotees, who come here daily.

Koile Ghat Mathura This is the point from where Vasudev Ji entered Yamuna on Janmashtami night holding infant Krishna in a basket, over his head. When river Yamuna started rising in order to touch the feet of Krishna, Vasudev Ji got scared and started screaming in anxiety “koi le, koi le� which means 'someone hold my child'. Seeing the anxiety of His father, Krishna then lowered his little foot to allow Yamuna to touch it, after which Yamuna was pacified and gave way to Vasudev Ji. Since then it is known as Koile Ghat. This is the most beautiful point from where you can see, Yamuna in a 'U' shape. Gokul, the village where Krishna spent his early childhood is located on the other bank of Yamuna.

You can reach here from the side road of 'Radhika Sweets' via Koile Alipur Village, opposite to 'Refinery Nagar' at NH2.

'Koile Ghat' before and after restoration

In 2009, ghat was renovated, an eight feet tall deity of Vasudev Ji carrying infant Krishna on his head was installed and Yamuna Devi temple along with two carved chhatris were constructed here. This is the best place for 'Yamuna Poojan', where you can park your vehicles in puranik Ruchil Van and perform your ceremonies in transcendental, peaceful atmosphere.

Krishna Sarovar Vill. Baad (Mathura) Young Krishna and Balram once while playing with their cowherd friends felt hungry and came to nearby Talvan, which had several fruit trees, to satisfy their hunger. Talvan was under the control of Dhenukasur (donkey), who was a fierce demon. He started attacking the boys. In response, young Krishna-Balaram slammed Dhenukasur and his army of donkey demons on the trees and killed them. After this, the brothers came to this Krishna Sarovar to take a dip to wash off the sins of killing.

After being neglected for centuries, now the sacred place poses a magnificent look after restoration. It is located in Baad village, near Mathura Refinery on NH2. This place is also associated with the birth of 'Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu' who was a great saint of Braj in medieval ages. Adjacent to the Kund is the grand temple of 'Ashtasakhis', the eight gopis who are dearest to Shri Radha Rani.

Krishna Sarovar during restoration

Now it is a blissful destination

Jal Mahal Vrishbhanu Kund Barsana Father of Shri Radha Rani, King Vrishbhanu got this palace and water body constructed. Radha Rani used to come here with her sakhis everyday for taking a bath. Brajawasis believe that in Her 'nitya-leela' (eternal pastime) She still comes here to perform her daily pastime.

2003 Jal Mahal was in dilapidated condition

In 2004-05, this divine place was restored.

The historic building was revamped including chhatris, floor and terrace.

Many cultural festivals have been organised here after its restoration.

Now effort are on to give a new look to this heritage site.

Yashoda Kund Nandgaon Mother Yashoda used to bring Krishna and Balaram daily here for bathing. It is believed that in nitya leela even today they come here to perform the same pastime. Stone carved unique structure in the shape of half-lion and half-bull known as 'Hau-Bilau' are also located here. Mother Yashoda used them to scare Krishna so that he can be forced to drink milk, which normally a child refuses and creates fusses.

An ancient cave also lies near to this Kund, where many saints have seen Krishna after decades of sadhna.

This pond had been in a dilapidated state for decades

Yashoda Kund during restoration

The Kund and its ghats were restored in 2013-14.

Bilingual inscriptions were installed glorifying this leelasthali

Braj Rakshak Dal A team of dedicated Brajwasi youth engaged in protecting and maintaining Shri Krishna leesthalis After Shri Radha-Krishna leelsthalis have been restored by The Braj Foundation, their maintenance is the biggest challenge. To protect and maintain the environmental and cultural heritage of Braj, Braj Rakshak Dal (BRD) was established in 2002. Several youth volunteers associated with this organisation. Hailing from nearby villages, they protect and maintain the restored sites. These volunteers are trained in workshops on different relevant subjects by the experts on a regular basis e.g. solid waste management, crowd management, traffic management, natural farming, cow protection etc. On major festivals in Braj like Radha Asthami, Hariyali Teej, Mudiya Poono hundreds of youth are pressed into action to help the pilgrims. We require sponsors like you to take care of the boarding, lodging and transport of these youth during such mega events. Their dedication and services have been repeatedly admired by devotees, pilgrims and District Administration.

Please feel free to take an opportunity to sponsor an event. Please contact: Mr. Anand (Mob : 9927337666) Office : Keshav Kunj, Raman Reti, Vrindavan (Mathura) www.brajrakshakdal.org, email : brajrakshakdal@gmail.com

“I have known Vineet Narain for over a couple of decades… He has done excellent work to restore the heritage sites in the Braj region.

In a small way, the Bajaj Group has financially helped the Braj Foundation in their endeavor to restore the cultural sites.

To develop our culture we need to be connected to our past. Braj Foundation has been doing seminal work in this regard.

The Bajaj group is happy and privileged to support this endeavor.”

Rahul Bajaj Chairman, Bajaj Group “The Braj Foundation team approached me some years back for the restoration of heritage sites in Braj region. I was impressed with their in-depth detailed study of Braj.

They have a team of qualified engineers and professionals. They methodically plan each project with minute details and execute them with high quality of efficiency. What is more important that they utilize funds without any leakage. I will continue to support them.”

Ajay Piramal Chairman Piramal Group, Mumbai “What Braj Foundation has achieved in 15 years, against heavy odds and without Govt funding, eighty percent State Tourism Departments have not been able to achieve since independence.”

Amitabh Kant CEO, NITI Aayog

The Braj Foundation's team is continuously engaged in beautifying Braj since 2005.

Braj Foundation has been appointed as the 'City Anchor' for 'HRIDAY Scheme' launched by the Prime Minister of India to revive heritage cities.

In 2008, Braj Foundation drafted the first ever 'Tourism Master Plan' of Mathura for the Uttar Pradesh Govt.

Would you like to support this noble mission of decorating the transcendental places in Braj, associated with the pastimes of Shri Radha and Krishna?

If yes, then whenever you visit Braj, think that this is Krishna's own body. There is no difference in the name, forms, character and abode of the Lord. Every particle of Braj is a bundle of bliss for all of us. Therefore, one should always try to get involved with this devotional service of beautifying the leelasthalis. You need to take following precautions while in Braj: 1.One should not litter around in Braj. Paper, thermocol, plastic waste (bottles, plates, cups, bags, etc.) should be taken back with you, to be disposed beyond the geographical boundaries of Braj 84 Kos. 2. One should neither honk too much nor should play loud music here which disturbs elevated sages who meditate in the form of vines and trees. By not doing so, one will accumulate more sins than punya.

3. Please follow traffic rules and do not try to break the queue in a hurry to reach your destination. This will cause traffic jam.

4. It is suggested to rather walk than taking the cars in narrow lanes. Every step you walk in Braj earns you the benefit of Braj Parikrama.

5. One should be polite towards on-duty policemen and follow their instructions. One should not try to impose one's position and social status on the policemen.

6. One has to remember all the time that God is the savior of the needy, and we should always be humble if we want the Krishna to protect us.

7. Braj is eternally divine, so one should not take alcohol, non vegetarian food, ginger or garlic here as a respect to us Vaishnav town. It's similar to covering your head while visiting Gurudwaras as gesture of respect towards the Sikh community.

8.One should always take care of ones belongings like spectacles, purse, etc. as the monkeys steal them in a fraction of second.

9.May the Divine Couple Shri Radha Krishna Bhagwan shower their causeless mercy upon you. May they keep calling you to Braj.

10.Keep this brochure safe and spread Braj Consciousness by informing your peer groups about Braj Foundation's historic efforts to revive the lost heritage of Braj.

The leelasthalis of Shri Shri Radha Krishna which were in a dilapidated condition for several centuries are gradually being restored by The Baj Foundation. The Foundation was established in the year 2005 by the leading industrialists of India.

Brilliant young minds, passed out from the different national and international colleges, are working day and night to support this noble cause.

Foundation is restoring the 5,000 KM2 area of Braj in a very aesthetic and scientific ways, so that whenever you visit Braj, you get to see the original leelasthalis of Shri Radha and Krishna, thereby getting their blessings to the maximum. Should you want to support this noble cause by means of donations or any other means, please feel free to contact:

Mr. Trikalajna Das B. Tech. (Civil & Marine) England

Director Development

Mob : 9927338555 mail : tk@brajfoundation.org Office : 303 Keshav Kunj, Raman Reti (Opp. ISKCON temple) Vrindavan - 281121 (Mathura)

www.brajfoundation.org

All donations to The Braj Foundation are exempted under section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act.

Hare Krishna !