Twelve forests of Vraja are the sacred lands where Lord Sri Krishna performed His divine lilas. Also known as Vraja Bhumi, Braj, or Braj Bhumi, this sacred land is described in the Padma Purana as having twelve enchanting forests and numerous sub-forests, with the river Yamuna meandering through its entire expanse.
Of the 12 forests, seven are situated in the eastern side of Yamuna – Madhuvana, Talavana, Kumudavana, Bahulavana, Kamyavana, Khadiravana and Vrindavana. The remaining five forests—Bhadravana, Bhandirvana, Baelvana, Lohavana, and Mahavana—are located on the western side of the Yamuna.
1. Madhuvana:
The sacred forest of Madhuvana is the first among the twelve prominent forests of Vraja. It is the place where Lord Sri Krishna performed His divine lilas across the four yugas. It is presently renowned as Maholi.
In Satya-yuga, He appeared as Lord Madhusudhana and killed demom Madhu who had captivated the forest and causing annoyance. In the same yuga, He appeared as Lord Prishnigarbha to bless Dhruva Maharaja, who performed severe penance.
In Treta-yuga, He appeared as Shatrugna, brother of Sri Ramachandra, and killed demon Lavanasura who is a son of demon Madhu.
In Dwapara-yuga, Lord Sri Krishna appeared as Himself and played His lilas with Gopikas and Gopalaka Balakas.
In Kali-yuga, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu took a holy dip in Krishna Kunda which is situated in this forest.
2. Talavana
It is one of the twelve enchanting forests of Vraja Bhumi, this forest is located on the western bank of the Yamuna River. It is considered as the second among the twelve sacred forest, it is where Sri Krishna and Balarama defeated the demon Dhenukasura, who took the form of an ass. Krishna also performed many lilas with the Gopis here. It is a forest where tall tal or palm trees grow in abundance.
3. Kumudavana
Kumudavana is revered as the third among the twelve prominent forests and is the smallest, measuring only 1 km. Lord Sri Krishna and the cowherd boys would bring the cows here for grazing and enjoy water sports in Kumuda Kunda or Padma Kunda. Kumuda Kunda is a beautiful pond known for its bright red Kumuda or Kumudini flowers, a special kind of water lily. On its banks, there is a deity of Kapila Maharshi.
As per Varaha Purana, if anyone takes bath in Padma Kunda will acquire all the Vedic Wisdom. Additionally, this place holds the imprints of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s lotus feet.
4. Kamyavana
It is the fourth among the twelve forests of Vraja Bhumi. The word ‘Kamya’ means ‘extremely beautiful.’ The most famous temple in this forest is the Radha Govinda Temple. This enchanting forest is one of the places where Vrinda Devi is worshiped. Lord Sri Krishna had performed His childhood lilas in this vana. Vrajnabha, the great-grandson of Sri Krishna, installed the deity of Kameshwar Mahadeva here.
5. Bahulavana
This is the fifth forest among the twelve forests of Vraja Bhumi. Currently, this place is known as Bati. Located between Radha Kunda and Vrindavana, it is the dwelling place of Sri Krishna’s Sakhi, Bahula.
Bahulastami is the most celebrated festival. On this auspicious day, large numbers of devotees come to bathe in Sri Radha Kunda.
According to local folklore, there was a cow named Bahula known for her honesty, courage, and selflessness. One day, while drinking water from the pond, Bahula was attacked by a tiger. She promised the tiger that she would return to her master, a Brahmana, feed her hungry calf with milk, and then offer herself as food. After returning home, Bahula insisted that her calf drink the milk to its satisfaction, but the calf, feeling bad for its mother, did not drink and followed her back. Hearing about Bahula’s plight, the Brahmana decided to offer himself to the tiger instead.
When all three arrived at the tiger, each was ready to sacrifice themselves. Lord Sri Krishna intervened, saving them all. The tiger, feeling guilty, let them go home. The Brahmana returned with Bahula and her calf.
Even now, beside the Sudarshana Kunda, there is a statue of a brahmana, cow and, calf, installed remembering the glory of Bahula.
6. Bhadravana
It is the sixth vana among the twelve forests of Vraja Bhumi. This is the forest where Lord Sri Krishna and Lord Balarama went to graze the cows. This enchanting forest is named after Lord Sri Balabhadra, another name for Lord Balarama, as it was His main playground. The main places of worship here are Bhadra Sarovara and Gocharana Sthala.
According to the Bhavishya Purana, those who bathe in Bhadra Sarovara will obtain unlimited wealth and bliss, and ultimately attain prema bhakti to Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama.
7. Khadiravana
The seventh among the twelve main forests of Vraja Bhumi is the forest where Lord Krishna would often bring cows for grazing. This is also the forest where Lord Sri Krishna killed the demon Bakasura. The name of the forest comes from the word ‘Khayara,’ which means ‘eat.’ It is home to Sangam Kunda, also known as Madhurya Kunda, the meeting place of Krishna and the Gopis.
8. Mahavana
It is the largest among the twelve forests of Vraja Bhumi, also known as Gokul. This forest is where the house of Nanda Maharaj and Yashoda were located. In this sacred place, Krishna performed many childhood lilas. When the demon Putana, disguised as a Gopika, came to Nanda Maharaj’s house to see the infant Krishna, He killed her and granted her Moksha. It was also here that little Krishna revealed His Vishwaroopa to mother, Yashoda.
9. Lohavana
This is the most enchanting forest where Lord Krishna performed His lilas. Adorned with various kinds of attractive flowers, it is the forest where Jarasandha and his army were defeated 18 times. Lord Krishna also killed the demon Lohasura, also known as Lohajangha, who had an iron thigh. He tore the demon into two parts.
In this forest, Lord Krishna performed His divine lila as a boatman. Disguised as a boatman, He would ferry young gopis to the middle of the river and ask them to drop the milk and curd from their pots, or else the boat would sink.
10. Baelvana
Also known as Bilvavana, this forest was abundant with Bilva trees during the lilas of Lord Sri Krishna. It is the place where Lakshmi Devi performs her Tapasya to cross the Yamuna River and enter the raasa-leela. Hence, this vana is called Sri Vana, as it is the dwelling place of Lakshmi Devi.
11. Bhandiravana
This is the place where Sri Krishna performed His lilas. It is the forest where Krishna swallowed the forest fire called Munjatavi or Isikatavi. Bhadra Sarovara and Gocharana Sthala are the most important places to visit here.
Lord Sri Krishna killed Vatsasura, a demon sent by Kamsa who took the form of a calf to harm Sri Krishna. However, Lord Krishna saved the Gopas and cows by killing Vatsasura. This forest also witnessed the pastime of Balarama killing the demon Pralambhasura, who came disguised as a cowherd boy.
12. Vrindavana
Vrindavana is the forest of Vrinda, another name for Tulsi. It is the most important vana among the twelve forests of Vraja Bhumi, where the most significant lilas of Krishna took place, including the Raas-leela.
Vrindavana is the topmost destination in the hearts of devotees. In fact, devotees of Krishna always carry Vrindavana in their hearts. Krishna never steps out of Vrindavana, not even one foot. Thousands of devotees perform the parikrama of Vrindavana every day to show their respect for this great forest. Important places of darshana include Nidhivana, Seva-kunja, Kaliya-daha, the seven temples established by the six Goswamis, Vamshi-vata, the temple of Gopishwara Mahadev, Brahma-kunda, Davanala-kunda, and more.
How to Reach Twelve Forest of Vraja.
If you plan to visit the Vrindavana and other sacred places, consider taking Tirtha Yatra’s World famous Vraja Bhumi Yatra. All arrangements are well taken care of.
If you wish to travel by yourself, here are a few options.
By Air: Kheria Airport in Agra (55 Kms away) and Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (130 Kms) are the nearest airports. From here, pre-paid taxis can be hired, and bus facilities are also available.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Mathura Railway Station. From here, autos or taxis can be hired.
By Road: Frequent buses are available from Mathura Bus Stand, which is well-connected to major cities. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses operate regularly.
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