Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama In Hinduism - Braj 84 Kos Parikrama – Walking Through Places Associated With Child Krishna

The Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama in Hinduism is an important religious journey undertaken in the Braj region associated with Bhagavan Sri Krishna. This journey is approximately 252 kilometers and includes more than 200 sacred sites. Let's learn about the significance and other essential details of the Braj 84 Kos Parikrama.

The Braj Region

Braj Mandal is the place where Lord Shri Krishna performed many childhood pastimes (Bal Lilas). Vrindavan, Mathura, Gokul, Nandgaon, Barsana, and Govardhan, including all those places where Lord Shri Krishna spent his childhood, are part of the 84 Kos (Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra). Its great importance has been described in the Vedas and Puranas.

Significance of the Journey

The Varaha Purana describes that the earth contains approximately 66 billion sacred pilgrimage sites (Tirthas), which come to reside in Braj during Chaturmas (the four holy months). This is why the 84 Kos Parikrama is performed during Chaturmas (July to November).

There is also a story that once, Mother Yashoda and Nanda Baba expressed a desire to visit the four major pilgrimage sites (Char Dham Yatra). Then Lord Krishna summoned all the sacred places to Braj so that they could see them.

It is believed that any devotee who sincerely completes the 84 Kos Parikrama is freed from the cycle of 84 lakh (8.4 million) births and attains salvation (moksha). Furthermore, undertaking this journey destroys all of a person's sins.

Best Time to Perform the Parikrama

The 84 Kos Parikrama is mainly performed during Adhikmas (the intercalary month) and Chaturmas. Besides these, the Parikrama is also considered especially significant during the months of Chaitra and Vaishakh. The Parikrama journey is performed once a year, from Chaitra Purnima to Baisakh Purnima. However, some people also begin the Parikrama after Vijaya Dashami in the month of Ashwin. The timing of this Parikrama is considered differently among Shaiva and Vaishnava communities, according to their own beliefs.

The Parikrama Process

The 84 Krosh Parikrama can be completed in two ways: on foot or by vehicle. Most people prefer to perform this Parikrama on foot. Completing this journey on foot can take a month or more. The journey concludes at the same place where it begins. During this Parikrama, approximately 1100 ponds (Sarovar) and 36 groves/mini-forests (Van-Upvan), hills, mountains, etc., related to the divine pastimes (Lila) of Lord Krishna are encountered.