Kamyavan
The fourth among the twelve forests of Braj-mandal, Kamyavana will be recreated at Krishna Bhumi as one of the beautiful forests surrounding the iconic Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir. Kamyavana is said to have been the most beautiful of all the vanas of Vrindavana where Lord Krishna performed his enchanting pastimes. It is also said to be resided by one of the five Mahadevs of Vraja Mandala, Kameshwar Mahadev. Besides, Kamyavana is where goddess Vrinda, one of the four most worshipped Devis of Braj Mandal is said to be residing.
The name of the forest Kamyavana derives its origin from the word ‘Kamya’, which means “extremely beautiful” or “well adorned”. The forest of Kamyavana is home to many beautiful lakes, wells, trees, creepers, flowers and fruits. Adding to that there are various species of beautiful birds in this forest. According to the Vishnu Purana, there are eighty-four sacred ponds, eighty-four temples and eighty-four pillars in Kamyavan. It is said that a famous king named Shri Kamasena established them all.
Kamyavana is also home to countless small and large kundas as well as a fourteen mile long Parikrama. Some of the prominent kundas in this fascinating forest are Vimala Kunda, Kama Kunda and Dharma Kunda. The most famous among all the temples in Kamyavana is the Radha Govinda Temple. The deity of Vrinda Devi is installed is this temple which is also the oldest deity in the whole world. In the Puranas, Kamyavan is also said to be the forest where the innermost desires of the soul are fulfilled.
1. DEEG PALACE (DEEG MAHAL)
Deeg Fort which encompasses the famous Deeg Palace was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1730. Capital of the Jat rulers and located 32 km from Bharatpur, the Deeg Palace was built as a summer mansion and was heavily inspired by Mughal architecture. Being constantly under threat by the Mughals, Maharaja Suraj Mal built a large quadrangle shaped fortress around Deeg Palace to protect it from the invaders.
2. ADI BADRI
As soon as Shri Krishna left the earth, Kali began to spread its shadow. After 260 years of Kali, When Narada saw Bhakti Maharani with her sons Gyan and Vairagya in a dilapidated state, he recited the Vedas, Gita to them, but even after this, he could not overcome the unconscious state of Gyan and Vairagya. Narada Ji decided that “I will meditate here”, so there is Tapovan (place of meditation) here. When Narad decided to meditate, he saw
Tawaddarsha Puratah Sankadinmunishwaraan. Kotisuryasamabhasanuwach munisattamah.
In front of the Gandhamadan mountain, Narad got darshan of Sanakadik sages and the interaction between Narad Ji and Sanakadik has happened here. Here, the glory of Shrimad Bhagwat has been revealed through Sanakadik. This conversation is mentioned in Bhagwat Mahatmya of the 2nd chapter of Padma Purana.
3. GANGOTRI
Kamyavan is fourth among the twelve forests of Vraja-mandala. The word kamya means “extremely beautiful”, “well adorned” or “highly attractive”. This forest within Vraja-mandala is a most charming pastime place of Shri Krishna. Many pleasant lakes, wells, ponds, trees, creepers, flowers, fruits and species of birds contribute to its extraordinary beauty. Hence, it is called Kamyavan. This is the place where Krishna performed many of His childhood pastimes. According to the Vishnu Purana, there are eighty-four sacred ponds, eighty-four temples and eighty-four pillars in Kamyavan. It is said that a famous king named Shri Kamasena established them all. Kamyavan has countless small and large kundas (small reservoir of water), as well as a Parikrama of fourteen miles. Some of the prominent kundas are Vimala Kunda, Dharma Kunda and Kama Kunda
4. ADI KEDAR TEMPLE
When the parents of Shri Krishn desire to visit Char Dhams outside Braj, Shri Krishn told them, why are you going anywhere else? I will invite all the Dhams in Braj Dham only.
This way Kedarnath appeared in Braj Dham at Kamyavana. This is really special, almost a miracle to see the hills in the forest of Kamyavan which is surrounded by various fields.
Location: Shri Kedarnath, Braj located at Kamyavan which is the largest forest among the twelve forests of Braj.
5. MAHAPRABHU JI KI BAITHAK
Baithakji of Shri Ballabh Mahaprabhuji
6. KAMYESHWAR MAHADEV
Parvati Ji inquired about Shri Radha from Lord Shankar, this story was narrated by Lord Narayana to Narada. Lord Shankar was narrating the incident of Raas to Sanatkumar. Both Sanatkumar and Parvati Ji were listening with love. Parvati Ji inquired about Shri Radha, when asked earlier, Shankar Ji did not tell, so now she is asking fearfully. “In the Shrutis, there is the praise of Yugal Sarkar Shri Radha Krishna in Kanvashakha, sung by Vyas Ji, please tell us.
7. VIMAL KUND
This is one of the most beautiful kunds of Braj formed by the loving tears of the daughters of King Vimal while playing Ras Leela with Shri Krishn here. As per Bhavisya Purana, Their strong desire to be with Krishna fulfilled at this place and that is why this kunda is called Vimal Kunda.
विमलस्य च कुण्डे च सर्वपापप्रमुच्यते ।
यस्तत्र मुञ्चति प्राणान् मम लोकं स गच्छति ॥
In the Adi Varaha Parana it is said that by bathing in Vimal Kund, all sins are destroyed.
