See Braj, Save Braj, Serve Braj

The Braj - Its Problems and The Possible Solutions

Our Braj Bhoomi is a very sacred place on the earth for us Hindus. It is a heart of our Hindu religion where our dearest lordships Shri Shri Radha Krishna perform their eternal pastimes. Thousands of devotees all across the world visit Braj Bhoomi each day to reestablish their devotional energy and feelings.

Braj is the culturally vibrant region associated with the pastimes of Shri Shri Radha Krishna. It spans the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, portions of Bharatpur district of Rajasthan and Faridabad district of Haryana. and lies well within the golden triangle of Delhi-Jaipur-Agra.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t know its current physical condition. The following prime components of Braj are in extreme sorry state. Their contineous degradation has dire environmental consequences for both highlands and lowlands of Braj. The most serious environmental degradation issues are: damage to water quality and quantity; loss of biodiversity and vegetative cover; and the atmospheric effects of pollution and global warming.

Present Grave Situation of Braj Bhoomi

Yamuna Ji (Thankur Ji’s Patrani) is in a pathetic state. It has been declared a “dead river” by the Ecological Dept of India, because of the excessive amount of chloroform, and other pollutants. If one visits Yamuna ji, and desires to take “Aachman”, a sip of holy water, he or she has to think twice.

Heritage Hills with numerous marks of Radha Krishna’s Leelasthalis are being vanished by mining. These hills are central to the ecology of the region and ensure appropriate rain.

Over 1000 historic Kunds (Ponds) which are over 5000 years old exist in Braj. Only 300-350 are visible but in pathetic condition. Others have either dried up due to silting for centuries or have been converted into garbage dump yards and sludge tanks. 

Under the guidance of various spiritual leaders, the Brajwasis (people of Braj) are devoted to restoring the original swaroop (divine form) of the Braj Hills, Kunds (ponds), Vans (forests) and the Yamuna River and are, thus, unknowingly dedicated to the highest principles of spiritual environmentalism. In addition, on an annual basis these Brajwasis and much of the international community, composed of all factions of society, dance and sing through the entire region of Braj in elaborate spiritual Yatras (journeys). As one would expect, with each passing year, less and less of the original swaroop remains. Many sites of Sri Sri Radha Krishna’s pastimes are seen on these Yatras but, every year, the geological wounds deepen and the original splendor is less visible. The Brajwasis have grown tired of fighting the cruel, convoluted political machines of India and leaders continue to turn a blind eye to the outcries of these humble devotees. It is truly a rare and shameful atrocity to witness such modern devastation occurring to people many deem to be of a gentler, purer Yuga (age).

The problems in Braj Dham are not unique, or strictly just for Hindu's, but they have a global impact. Shri Maan Mandir Sewa Sansthan with the blessing of Shri Ramesh Baba Ji Maharaj, has taken on the huge task of saving Braj Dham, and bringing it back to its original “Swaroop”. It is our responsibility as a devotee of Shri Radha Krishna to help them with this cause.

The reality is that Shri Shri Radha Krishna acted out their leelas(pastimes), in the hills, mountains, rivers, and forests of Braj Dham. These pastimes were not acted out in lavish ashrams or mandirs. In the 10th chapter, 24 canto and 24th verse of Srimad Bhagvatam, Krishna says to Nand Baba:

“The cities, the cultured lands nor the villages their houses are ours, we are the forest people dear father, we always live in the forests and on the hills."