A Braj Foundation Initiative in Mathura
Little Krishna had performed many leelas in Braj. Similarly, His elder brother Balram too had divine powers. Once, while playing with their cowherd friends, they all felt hungry and came to nearby Talvan, which had several fruit trees, to satisfy their hunger. Talvan was under the control of Dhenukasur (donkey), who was a fierce demon. He started attacking the boys. To this, young Krishna-Balram slammed the demon and his army on the trees and killed them. Post this, the brothers came to this Krishna Sarovar to take a dip to wash off the sins of killing.
This place is also associated with the birth of ‘Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu’ in the year 1530. He was a great saint of Braj and believed to be the incarnation of the flute of Lord Krishna. Mahaprabhu was a great devotee of Shri Radha Rani and was the founder of ‘Radha Ballabh Sampradaya’ of Braj.
During the British rule, this was a huge reservoir spread over several acres of land. Though the reservoir was not in a good shape, Brajwasis had great reverence towards it because of its association with Lord Krishna. Later on the British Government levelled half of the pond to set up a railway line over it. Remaining half portion of the pond was also lost over a period of time.
In the year 2006, The Braj Foundation did its survey on the request from Baad village and saints of the Samradaya. That time this place was nothing but a barren land. The restoration works started on 14 May 2017, with the blessings of Rajendra Das Ji Maharaj, in the presence of many saints and Brajwasis. Post survey, the Foundation’s team desilted the ancient pond and installed barbed wire fencing around it, with the financial support from Mr. Kamal Morarka of Mumbai. During the excavation, the team of Braj Foundation also found ancient ghat and walls of old Krishna Sarovar.
Later on a DPR was prepared for its complete renovation. The same was sent for grants from the Tourism Dept. of Govt. of India, after getting it approved from the Tourism Dept. of UP Govt. It was with these grants only that this lost leelasthali of Lord Krishna is getting restored. Foundation is also approaching Border Security Force to get additional support for the beautification and greenery of the ancient site.
The ancient water body is already in the process of getting revived by the Foundation. Two ghats will also be constructed (male & female) so that the devotees can take a holy dip in the Sarovar. The ground has been levelled so that the beautification and greenery work can be started. A ‘parikrama marg’ (peripheral path for circumambulation) will also be constructed around the water body.
The premises will be decorated with beautiful dioramas of Krishna, Balram and their cowherd friends, depicting the leela occurred at the place 5,000 years back. Landscaping will also be done to make a blissful atmosphere for the devotees visiting there. A lily pond, fountain and a bridge over the water body, with a wooden look, will also be constructed for the pleasure of the visitors. Foundation is also planning to develop an ethnic food court so that the devotees can enjoy a family meal while enjoying the beauty of Krishna Sarovar. An amphitheatre is also getting constructed to organise cultural festivals in the beautiful premises. Ornamental lightening will also be installed so that the site can gleam at night.
The Brajwasis of Baad village are extending their wholehearted support towards the project because they see potential for their economic growth with this project.
We are a non-profit organization, established in December 2005 to restore and revitalize the environmental and cultural heritage of Braj Bhoomi (land of Braj)
