In the rich tapestry of Sanatan Dharma, the Braj region holds a sacred place, with its heart situated in the divine town of Vrindavan. Spanning an impressive eighty-four kos, this revered land is where Lord Shri Krishna engaged in numerous divine pastimes. According to ancient scriptures and Puranas, this area is divided into twelve major forests and twenty-four sub-forests, each steeped in spiritual significance. These forests are not mere patches of greenery; they are hallowed witness to the childhood adventures and Ras-Leelas of Lord Krishna. For devotees, the act of circumambulating these forests is a vital component of the Braj Yatra, a pilgrimage believed to bring immense virtue. In this article, we will explore the profound importance of these twelve forests and the benefits of visiting them, as highlighted by Astrologer Radhakant Vats of Vrindavan.

The Twelve Sacred Forests of Vrindavan

The twelve forests of Vrindavan, collectively known as ‘Dwadash Van’, are revered spaces that attract countless pilgrims. It is believed that while many may journey to Vrindavan, only those blessed by Shri Radha Rani and Shri Krishna are granted the opportunity to explore these sacred woods. The twelve forests of the Braj Mandal include:

• Madhuban: Known as the oldest forest in Braj, it is here that Dhruva performed his penance.
• Talvan: This forest is characterized by its abundance of palm trees.
• Kumudvan: Named after the beautiful lotus flowers that bloom here.
• Bahulavan: This forest tells the tale of the cow mother ‘Bahula’, showcasing integrity and devotion.
• Kamvan: A place where wishes are said to be fulfilled, featuring the temple of Kamyeshwar Mahadev.
• Khadirvan (Khidrvan): Noted for its Khair and Kandab trees.
• Vrindavan: Named after Tulsi (Vrinda Devi), it is the center of daily divine activities of Radha and Krishna.
• Bhadravan: A beautiful forest renowned for its beneficial properties.
• Bhandirvan: The site of the divine marriage of Shri Krishna and Balram under the famed Bhandirvat tree.
• Belvan: Full of vine trees, it is believed to be the penance site of Goddess Lakshmi.
• Lohavan: The location where the demon Lohasur was vanquished.
• Mahavan: Once the largest forest in Braj, it was a playground for Krishna during his childhood.

Also read: How did Char Dham come to Vrindavan? Know what is the result of their darshan

The Enchanting Tales of the Twelve Forests

The narratives surrounding the twelve forests of Vrindavan are intricately woven into the fabric of Lord Shri Krishna’s divine play and the spiritual legacy of the Braj region. In the Dwapar era, these forests were lush and vibrant, filled with a variety of trees and flora, such as Kadamba and Tamala.

• Childhood Pastimes: Many tales from these forests revolve around the playful exploits of young Krishna. For instance, in Madhuban, the devotee Dhruva performed penance and had a divine vision of God. Nand Baba and Yashoda Maiya resided in Mahavan, where Krishna displayed numerous miracles in his childhood.
• Raas and Love Stories: Vrindavan is the eternal epicenter of the love saga between Radha and Krishna. Sub-forests like Nidhi Van and Seva Kunj are integral parts of Vrindavan, where it is believed that Raasleela continues to unfold even today.
• Confronting Demons: The names of several forests are entwined with tales of Krishna defeating demons. For example, Dhenukasura met his end in Talvan, and Lohasur was vanquished in Lohavan, while Bakasura was expelled from Khadirvan.
• Connections to Other Deities: Belvan is recognized as the site of Goddess Lakshmi’s penance, while the Pandavas are said to have taken refuge in Kamavan during their exile.
• Significance of Bhandirvan: Under the sacred Bhandirvat tree, Lord Brahma is believed to have conducted the marriage of Krishna and Radha to fulfill the desires of the Gopis.

Also read: Unique Temple: Why is a sick old woman worshiped along with Shri Krishna in this temple?

The Spiritual Benefits of Visiting the Twelve Forests

The land of Vrindavan, along with its twelve forests, is imbued with the divine presence of Lord Krishna. Pilgrimage to these forests offers profound spiritual tranquility to devotees. As they traverse these sacred sites, they experience liberation from worldly anxieties and forge a direct connection to the divine pastimes of God.

This spiritual journey acts as a purifying force for the mind, fostering feelings of devotion, love, and detachment. It is believed that a mere touch of the sacred soil of these forests, known as Raj in Braj, absolves all sins, as this ground has been sanctified by the feet of Krishna.

The most significant blessing these forests offer is the cultivation of love for Krishna. These woods bear witness to the deep love shared between Radha and Krishna. Visiting places like Vrindavan and Bhandirvan allows devotees to experience the divine love known as ‘Prem Bhakti’. According to legend, Radha and Krishna continue to dwell in every nook and corner of these forests. When a devotee circumambulates these sacred grounds with genuine devotion, they feel an intimate closeness to the divine, which deepens their faith and propels them toward salvation—the ultimate goal of life.

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FAQ

Which ponds are there in Vrindavan?

The sacred ponds of Vrindavan include Radha Kund, Krishna Kund, and Shyam Kund.

What are the benefits of circumambulating Vrindavan?

Circumambulating Vrindavan leads to spiritual advancement, erases sins, and provides liberation from the cycle of birth and death.