What Is Parikrama and Why Braj Is Walked
Parikrama, the act of walking in a circle around a sacred object or place, is a familiar devotional practice at temples across India, where devotees circle the inner sanctum as a mark of respect. In Braj, the region encompassing Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Govardhan and Barsana, this practice extends far beyond a single temple. Here, devotees consider the entire land sacred, believing it to be the eternal playground of Krishna's leelas, and so they walk parikrama around towns, hills and even the whole region.
This reflects a devotional idea unique to Braj, that the ground itself, its dust, its trees and its rivers, are worthy of reverence, not only the deities enshrined in its temples.
The Main Parikrama Routes of Braj
Several distinct parikramas are traditionally undertaken by devotees in this region.
- The Vrindavan Parikrama circles the town itself, covering many of its major temples and sacred sites in a single walking route
- The Govardhan Parikrama takes devotees around Govardhan Hill, the mountain Krishna is said to have lifted to protect the people of Braj, a walk of many hours often done barefoot as a mark of devotion
- The Mathura Parikrama covers the city's own sacred sites connected to Krishna's birth and early life
- The Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama is the most extensive of all, a pilgrimage of roughly eighty-four kos, traditionally covering the greater Braj region and taking about a month to complete on foot
Why Devotees Undertake These Walks
For devotees, parikrama in Braj is treated as an act of surrender, where the body's effort becomes an offering alongside prayer.
- Walking barefoot is common on many parikramas, seen as a way of directly touching and honouring the sacred land
- Devotees believe that the dust of Braj itself carries blessings, often touching it to their forehead during the walk
- Groups often sing bhajans and chant Krishna's names throughout the parikrama, turning the walk into moving worship
- Completing a difficult parikrama, especially the 84 kos yatra, is considered a significant spiritual milestone in a devotee's life
Best Time and Practical Guidance
Most devotees prefer undertaking parikrama during the cooler months of the year, from autumn through early spring, when walking long distances is more comfortable. Kartik month, in particular, is considered especially auspicious for parikrama in Braj, and sees large numbers of pilgrims undertaking the Vrindavan and Govardhan routes together in groups.
Comfortable, simple clothing, adequate water and an unhurried pace are generally recommended, since the emphasis in Braj's parikrama tradition has always been on devotion rather than speed.
Joining a Parikrama in Mathura or Vrindavan
Devotees arriving in Mathura or Vrindavan can easily find local groups undertaking the shorter town parikramas, often starting near major temples or ghats, with guides and fellow pilgrims to walk alongside. Mathura Junction is the region's main railway hub, well connected to Delhi and Agra, while Agra serves as the nearest airport, making Braj an accessible base for those wishing to experience even a short stretch of this tradition.
A Simple Prayer and the Takeaway
Devotees walking Braj's parikrama often chant Jai Jai Shri Radhe or Braj Rajkumari Radhe Radhe with each step, keeping their mind fixed on devotion throughout the journey.
The parikrama tradition teaches that faith is not only expressed in stillness before a deity, but also in movement, in the willingness to walk, however far, for love of the divine. Worship here, as everywhere, is an act of devotion and humility, not a transaction.
Common Questions From Devotees
What is the Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama?+
It is the most extensive parikrama of the Braj region, a pilgrimage of roughly eighty-four kos covering the greater area of Mathura, Vrindavan and surrounding sacred sites, traditionally taking about a month on foot.
Why do devotees walk parikrama barefoot?+
Walking barefoot is seen as a way of directly touching and honouring Braj's sacred land, and as an act of humility and physical devotion offered alongside prayer.
When is the best time to do parikrama in Braj?+
The cooler months from autumn through early spring are generally preferred, with the month of Kartik considered especially auspicious for undertaking parikrama.
About the author
Pandit Ravindra Sharma · Vedic Rituals & Bhakti, 22+ years
Pandit Ravindra is the Vandnaa editorial team's resident specialist on aarti, chalisa, and daily devotion. He has performed home and temple pujas across Varanasi and Delhi for over two decades and contributes the bhakti-focused articles on this site.
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