Vrindavan Slideshow Part Two

(Part Two) In April our Hinduism Today India correspondent Rajiv Malik and photographer Arun Mishra spent almost two weeks in the Vrindavan/Mathura area just south of Delhi. Their work generated two feature stories for Hinduism Today, the first in the Oct, 2016 issue and the second in January, 2017. The area is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. It is revered by all Hindus, but is especially sacred to those of the Vaishnavite traditions. The entire region is called "Braj" and is the boyhood home of Lord Krishna where many of His "leelas" or adventures took place as recorded in the Bhagavata Purana and other scriptures.

Main deity of Gopeshwar Mahadev temple

Bangle seller in Barsana

The feet of Radha and Krishna at Radha Kund, Barsana

Radha Kund, a central sacred reservoir in Barsana

Temple to Radha along the bank of Radha Kund

Thakur Shri Girija Ji Maharaj Daan Ghati Temple, Govardhan. Above the front entrance is a huge representation of Govardhan hill, lifted by Lord Krishna to save the villagers.

Kusuma Sarovar Kund in Goverdhan

Residents of Vidhwa Mahila Ashram in Vrindavan, a home for widows.

Ashram resident praying

Chhatikara Dham home for widows, one of the more upscale of such places.

Kashi Ghat, Vrindavan

With a huge influx of pilgrims, these street vendors do a booming business, especially on weekends when Delhi resident descend on the area in large numbers.

traditional door and window.

Shahji Temple, Vrindavan

It\

s ornate, Italian-style pillars did not prove too stable, as evidenced by the iron clamp holding together the second from left.'

Nandgaon Temple in Matura, in honor of the family of Lord Krishna

Face painting is popular for Holi celebrations

The children have a grand time during Holi

We\

re told the Hindi on the man\'s cheeks says \"Happy Holi\" in English in transliterated Hindi script.'

Devotees dressed as Radha and Krishna, Nandgaon

Devotee dressed as Vishnu for Holi

Holi in Nandgaon Village

This is called Lathmar Holi, where the women beat the men (protected by shields) with long sticks. It is celebrated in many towns here, and is in commemoration of a tiff between Radha and Krishna where She and the gopis chased Him away with sticks.

Entrance of Krishna Janma Bhoomi temple in Mathura, only recently rebuilt in this form. Several earlier temples were repeatedly destroyed by Muslim invaders.

Potra Kund, Mathura. Every such place in this area has a story associated with Krishna--it is said that His parents used to come to this place.

Shrine as Vishram Ghat, Mathura

Vishram Ghat

Holi celebration at Dwarka Dhish Mandir in Mathura

Young and old alike celebrate

Holi devotees

Gaushala Nagar Vrindavan Shri Golok Dham Ashram at Vrindavan

More Holi revelers

This is Prem Mandir just outside old Vrindvan. The new temple is currently the most popular pilgrimage destination in the area.

The temple\

s grounds have various tableux of the stories of Lord Krishna here.'

Here is depicted the lifting of Govoerdhan Hill

In the evening, the temple light show changes colors every few seconds

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