Devotees Embark on 84-Kos Parikrama During Malmas
The Spiritual Journey of Parikrama
During the auspicious period of Malmas, the importance of the 84-kos *Parikrama* (circumambulation) around Braj significantly increases. This has led many devotees from Faridabad, Ballabhgarh, and the broader Delhi-NCR area to embark on this sacred journey. While some choose to walk the entire distance, others are accompanied by family and friends, singing *bhajans* and *kirtans* along the way. Despite the extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 46 degrees Celsius, the unwavering faith of these devotees remains unshaken. It is believed that completing the 84-kos *Parikrama* can cleanse one of sins accumulated over lifetimes, granting spiritual merit akin to that of performing an *Ashwamedha Yajna*.
Significance of Giriraj Maharaj
According to Mahant Kameshwaranand Vedantacharya from Ballabhgarh, the *Parikrama* of Giriraj Maharaj is the most significant part of the 84-kos circuit. The month of Malmas is particularly revered, known as *Purushottam Mas* (the Month of the Supreme Being), as it is associated with Lord Krishna and Shri Lakshmi Narayan. Devotees undertaking this *Parikrama* during this month are believed to earn the spiritual rewards of an *Ashwamedha Yajna* with each step, gradually washing away their sins.
The Sacred Land of Braj
Mahant Kameshwaranand Vedantacharya elaborates that Braj Bhumi is the holy land where Lord Krishna and Radharani performed their divine *leelas* (pastimes). The Vedas and Puranas highlight the exceptional significance of this region. The *Varaha Purana* states that all pilgrimage sites on Earth converge in Braj during *Chaturmas*, amplifying the importance of the 84-kos *Parikrama* during Malmas. Devotees who complete the *Parikrama* of Govardhan Maharaj and Giriraj Ji are liberated from the sins of their past lives and achieve ultimate salvation—*Moksha*.
The Journey's Route
The *Parikrama* spans approximately 268 kilometers, passing through Mathura and extending into villages in Rajasthan and the Hodal region of Haryana. Along this route, around 25 designated resting points (*padav sthals*) have been established, offering facilities for devotees to rest and recuperate. The pilgrimage encompasses about 1,300 villages, 1,100 lakes and ponds, 36 forests, and numerous hills and mountains. Devotees also visit sites believed to be associated with Lord Krishna's childhood exploits (*Lilas*).
Kalicharan Mittal's Experience
**Walking 40 Kilometers Daily**
Kalicharan Mittal, a resident of Ballabhgarh, shares, "This time, I completed the 84-kos pilgrimage in just seven days, starting from Hodal. This pilgrimage occurs every third year during *Malmas* and holds immense spiritual significance. We walked about 40 kilometers daily, regardless of the time of day. We would rest for the night around 10:00 PM." He adds, "Due to the intense heat, I wore slippers throughout the pilgrimage. The temperature was around 46 degrees Celsius, and the roads were extremely hot, so I opted for plastic slippers. I faced no difficulties and chose to eat minimally, sustaining myself with one meal a day and juice."
A Remarkable Journey at 76
**76-Year-Old Kalicharan Mittal Embarks on the Journey**
76-year-old Kalicharan Mittal reflects, "Completing such a long pilgrimage at my age feels like a divine blessing. I may not have the chance to undertake this journey again. However, this time, everything went smoothly. Arrangements were made for mattresses, fans, air coolers, and even air conditioning along the route. We would rest briefly at night and resume our journey between 3:00 and 4:00 AM, setting out again after bathing and freshening up in the morning. The entire pilgrimage route was filled with fellow devotees."
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