2024.11.15 (Vrindavan Today News): Goswami Shri Naryan Bhatt ji’s Gopal ji led two day long Ashta Sakhis’ village parikrama on Thursday – Friday. In an awe-inspiring display of devotion and cultural revival, the cherished deity of Braj, fondly known as Thakur Ji, embarked on a sacred pilgrimage through the villages of the Ashta Sakhis (the eight principal companions of Radha) alongside the native Brajwasis. The event, marked by traditional Braj folk songs and devotional dances, celebrated the enduring spiritual heritage of the region and brought alive the legends of Krishna and his eternal companions.
This ancient pilgrimage, re-established centuries ago by Goswami Shri Narayan Bhatt Ji, revered as an incarnation of Narada, continues to honor the legacy of Krishna’s great-grandson Bajranabh, who first restored Braj after its disappearance post-Krishna’s era. The two-day, seven-kos-long Ashta Sakhi Parikrama commenced on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima under the guidance of Goswami Upendra Narayan Bhatt, the head of the Brajacharya Peeth, and the management of Padam Fauji, a renowned social worker and representative of the local council.
The Pilgrimage Route and Spiritual Milestones
The journey began at the sacred Priya Kund in Barsana, with hundreds of devotees chanting the glories of Thakur Ji and Narayan Bhatt Ji. The first day of the pilgrimage saw devotees visiting key spiritual sites, including:
Gulab Sakhi’s Chabutra and Gopal Ji Temple in Ghazipur,Prem Sarovar and Sudama Kuti, Katyayani Temple in Sanketvan,Temples dedicated to Indulekha Sakhi in Ajnokh, Champakalata Sakhi in Karhala, and Vishakha Sakhi in Kamai.
Pilgrims also paid homage at the Samadhi of Ghamandevacharya, before concluding the day with prayers at the iconic Radha Rani Temple in Barsana.
On the second day, the Parikrama resumed with the darshan at the Ladli Ji Temple in Barsana, followed by stops at:
Chitra Sakhi’s temple in Dabhala, Rakauli, the site of Radha and her companions’ divine play, Temples of Girraj Gendua, Murli Mandir, Ratan Kund, and Chhoti Kadam Khandi, The revered Pushkar Koop and Chhappan Katora, concluding at the Samadhi of Shri Narayan Bhatt Ji and the Triveni Koop at Priya Kund.
The pilgrimage concluded with offerings and prayers at the Lalita Sakhi temple, Dauj Ji temple, and Mata Maiya temple.
A Festival of Faith and Community
The journey was a profound confluence of devotion, music, and community spirit, drawing thousands of devotees from across Braj. The atmosphere resonated with the melodies of traditional bhajans and the sights of joyous Brajwasis immersing themselves in the timeless tales of Krishna and his divine pastimes.
Prominent figures participating in the Parikrama included Govind Munim, Rohit Bhatt, Goswami Thakur Prasad, Arun Bhatt, and Goswami Dinesh Narayan Bhatt. Their presence highlighted the unity and commitment of Braj’s spiritual custodians in preserving its sanctity.
Preserving Braj’s Spiritual Legacy
This Parikrama serves not only as a reminder of Braj’s sacred geography but also as a celebration of its timeless heritage. It reinforces the region’s central role in Indian spiritual traditions while inspiring the next generation to cherish and uphold its divine legacy.
As Kartik Purnima came to a close, the devotees returned to their homes, their hearts filled with devotion and the sacred stories of Radha and Krishna, ensuring that the spiritual light of Braj continues to shine brightly across the world.
This article is sponsored by ‘Krishna Bhumi’ Group
