What is the Braj 84 Kos Parikrama?

Have you ever thought about going on a spiritual journey that takes you through ancient lands, where stories of gods and legends still resonate in the air? If yes, then the 84 Kos Parikrama might be something you'd want to know about. It's a deeply spiritual journey through Braj, the land where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. This pilgrimage isn't just about covering a certain distance—it's about connecting with Krishna's divine presence, reflecting on his teachings, and experiencing the serene beauty of this sacred region.

What is the 84 Kos Parikrama?

The Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage covering approximately 84 kos. A kos is an ancient unit used for measuring distance, where 1 kos equals approximately 3 km across the Braj region. The land provides a glimpse of the life journey and the leelas of Lord Krishna. How did he grow, or where did he mostly play?  

But why Chaurasi Kos? The number 84 is also spiritually symbolic in Hinduism, linked to the 84 lakh (8.4 million) life forms one must pass through before attaining a human birth. It’s believed that doing the Chaurasi Kos Yatra allows to purify one’s soul and help break that cycle (samsara).

The Spiritual Significance

The Parikrama is much more than a walk. It is a means of cleansing your mind and soul. Each of the 84 towns has its own significance associated with the life of Krishna. Walking around the Parikrama is a way to surrender where each chant and each step brings you closer to Krishna’s divine energy.

In Vrindavan one often hears, "Where there is Krishna, there is no sorrow." The 84 Kos Parikrama is a means of letting go of one’s worries and achieving peace. The physical tiredness of the journey, and spiritual fulfillment of that journey, makes the heart acknowledge a relationship with Krishna’s love with each passing moment.

A Simple Itinerary of the 84 Kos Parikrama:

• Day 1-3: Vrindavan to Gokul Start in Vrindavan, the birthplace of Krishna’s divine play. Visit the Banke Bihari Temple and the Yamuna River before heading toward Gokul, where Krishna spent his childhood.

• Day 4-5: Mahavan to Nandgaon Move on to Mahavan, where Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill, and then to Nandgaon, the place of Krishna’s birth and early life.

• Day 6-7: Barsana to Radha Kund Visit Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, and then Radha Kund, the sacred water body believed to cleanse the soul.

• Day 8-10: Kos and Return to Vrindavan As you near the end, visit Kos and other villages before returning to Vrindavan, completing the full circle of the Parikrama.

• 
  

For More Detailed Itinerrary Check Out: A Complete Guide to the Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra

Tips for the Journey

Comfortable Shoes: This is a long walk, so make sure you wear shoes that will keep your feet comfortable.

Stay Hydrated: The weather can get pretty hot, especially in summer, so keep a bottle of water with you.

Take It Slow: The parikrama isn’t a race. It’s about soaking in the surroundings, reflecting on Krishna's stories, and enjoying the journey.

Respect Local Traditions: These are sacred places, so always be respectful of the customs, rituals, and people along the way.

Comfortable Vehicle:  Most people prefer to do this yatra on foot, but there are other options too. If you are a traveller from Delhi, then you can simply book a tempo traveller on rent that are comfortable for such long journeys. 

Why Should You Take This Journey?

The 84 Kos Parikrama is one of those experiences that stays with you long after it’s over. It’s not just about visiting holy places, but about connecting with Krishna’s spirit and understanding his divine love and wisdom. Each place you visit brings you closer to Krishna, and as you walk through Braj, you feel a sense of peace and purity.

This journey offers you much more than physical exercise—it’s a spiritual cleanse. Walking this path is a chance to leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with something much bigger than yourself. It’s a journey of faith, devotion, and inner transformation.

Final Thoughts

The 84 Kos Parikrama is a journey of the heart. It’s a chance to reconnect with the divine, retracing Krishna’s footsteps in the land he once graced. Every step, every chant, every temple you visit brings you closer to Krishna’s eternal love. “Krishna's divine play is the heart's eternal melody.” Whether you walk the whole route or just visit a few towns, the experience will stay with you forever, filling you with peace and devotion.