17th January, 2025 (Vrindavan Today News): The sacred land of Braj is set to witness a major infrastructure and pilgrimage development with the proposed construction of the Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama Route. The project has been taken up on priority by Mathura MP Hema Malini, with efforts underway to ensure that construction begins within the current year. Braj Bhoomi is revered for being imbued at every step with the divine pastimes of Shri Krishna and Radha Rani. Devotees traditionally undertake the 84-kos parikrama seeking spiritual merit, peace, and prosperity. Recognizing its immense religious and cultural significance, the Central Government will develop the parikrama route, while the Uttar Pradesh Government will construct and manage the designated halt points (padav sthals).
Route Length and Structure
The proposed Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama Route will span approximately 297 kilometers. Of this:
234 km will lie in Uttar Pradesh (primarily within Braj region, with some portions in Aligarh),
60 km in Rajasthan, and 3 km in Haryana.
The parikrama path will have a total width of 30 meters, including:
12 meters of paved (pucca) road,
6 meters of unpaved (kachcha) pathway,
Remaining space on both sides reserved for footpaths, drainage, water outlets, and other utilities.
Padav Sthals and Facilities
A total of 37 padav sthals (halt points) are proposed along the route: 29 in Uttar Pradesh, 7 in Rajasthan, and 1 in Haryana.
Each padav sthal will be equipped with basic amenities for pilgrims, along with dedicated stages for cultural and devotional performances, reflecting Braj’s rich spiritual heritage.
The major proposed halt points include:
Maholi (Madhuvan), Talvan, Kumudvan, Shantanu Kund (Satoha), Bahulavan (Wati), Radha Kund, Mukharai, Chand Sarovar (Parasoli), Jatipura, Bahaj, Deeg, Sehu, Khoh, Pasopa, Kedarnath, Kaman, Barsana, Karahla, Nandgaon, Kokilavan, Batain Kalan, Kotvan, Sheshshayi, Kosi Kalan, Paigaon, Shergarh via Vihar Van, Cheer Ghat (Syaraha), Bachhvan via Sei to Basai Buzurg, Bhadravan–Bhandir Van, Mant Van, Vrindavan, Lohvan–Karav, Baldev, Mahavan (Chintaharan Ghat, Brahmand Ghat), Gokul–Rawal, concluding at Mathura.
Priority Project
Emphasizing the importance of the project, MP representative Janardan Sharma stated that Hema Malini has accorded top priority to the Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama Route. “Efforts are being made to get the project sanctioned and initiated within this year,” he said.
Once completed, the project is expected to significantly enhance pilgrimage infrastructure, preserve Braj’s sacred geography, and boost religious tourism while maintaining the spiritual essence of the region.
