Download - Shri Krsna
People from all over the world come to India for
spiritual or cultural tourism
Varanasi, Vaishno Devi, Haridwar, Tirupati Balaji, Jagannath Puri, Rameshwaram, Golden
Temple, Bodh Gaya, St. Xavier’s Church of Old Goa, Ajmer Sharif, Nizamuddin, Braj-
Vrindavan are some sought after destinations
While most destinations are shrine-centric, Braj Bhoomi spreads across 5000 sq km and
has a lot to offer
50 million tourists come to Braj annually
Taj Mahal receives merely 6 million tourists a year
Braj is the land of Lord Krishna, propounder of world famous
Srimad Bhagvad Gita
Despite this Braj is grossly neglected …
… it needs facelift to become
a world class
tourism destination
Historic efforts to restoreHeritage sites in Braj
by
The Braj FoundationNew Delhi Vrindavan Lucknow Jaipur
www.brajfoundation.org
Brahma Kund, VrindavanHad become garbage dumping ground for 200 years
Brahma Kund, Vrindavanafter restoration
“It is a tribute to what can be done with people’s participation. An excellent initiative, it would be our effort to support it in all possible manner.”
Chief Secretary Govt. of UP
“I had the opportunity to see the restoration of a heritage site (Brahm Kund) done by The Braj Foundation. It is a commendable work done with great sensitivity”
SecretaryPlanning Commission of India
Where is Braj?
Located some 115 Kms from Delhi on the Delhi – Agra national highway
The entire region lies well within the Golden triangle of Delhi – Jaipur – Agra
Spans across the Mathura district of UP, Bharatpur district of Rajasthan and Palwal district of Haryana Raj.
Haryana UP
How big is Braj ?
Covers an expanse of 5000 sq. Km
centering around Vrindavan
Comprises of over 1300 villages
Over 1000 traditional water bodies
(Kunds)
137 sacred forests (Van)
18000 acres of Hilly terrain with
numerous sacred heritage sites
Major tourism centers of Braj
Mathura
Vrindavan
Gokul-Mahavan
Baldeo
Barsana
Nandgaon
Goverdhan
Deeg
Kaman
Hodal etc.
Braj’s Key Assets
Kunds
Forests
HeritagesHills
Unique Rural society
Land of vibrant cultural traditions and festivals
The villages of Braj are replete with innumerable festivals showcasing the rich culture and tradition of the region round the year.
These festivals should be made the basis of all tourism activities in the region.
The Braj Foundation has an extensive documentation of these festivals literary, video recordings and other formats.
HOLI NAUKA UTSAV
RADHA ASHTAMI CHHAPAN BHOG
Over 6000 magnificent temples and holy shrines associated with Sri
Radha Krishna
Braj had 137 transcendental Groves
Darshan Van, Badhauta Gahvarvan, Barsana
BelvanBhandir Van
All these groves are associated with the numerous leelas of
Sri Radha & Krishna
Brahma Hill, Barsana
The Majestic Landscapes of Braj
Heritage Sites spread all over the hills of Braj
Ashtasakhi Hills, Barsana
The splashing beauty of Braj
Radha Baoli, Vrindavan
Patit Pavan Kund, Gokul
Chandra Sarovar, Goverdhan
Kishori Kund, Bijwari
Braj – the Cultural Capital of India
All forms of Indian music, literature, arts - dances, architecture, cuisine, crafts, theatre and other aspects of culture have distinct influence of Braj.
Mohini AttamOdissi
Manipuri Kathakali
KuchipudiKathak
Kalamkari
TanjorePata Chitra Miniature
All the sacred hills mentioned in Indian scriptures are situated in
Braj
Gangotri, BadrinathGandhmadan Parvat
Nar ParvatGoverdhan Hill
All these hills are connected to one or the other pastimes of
Krishna
GangotriYamunotri
BadrinathKedarnath
All the pilgrim centers of India have their prototype in Braj
Fisalini Shila Saugandhini Shila
Bhojan Thali,
Leela sthalies on hills of Braj
Picturesque ghats of river Yamuna
Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan
Vishram Ghat, Mathura
Numerous leelas were preformed at the banks of Yamuna
Unfortunatelythis vast heritage is lying neglected, widely ignored and is nearing extinction
Hills were being blasted out
The Times of India, New DelhiFriday, February 4, 2005
Rajsthan PatrikaAlawar 2 April, 2005
Plight of Ancient Kunds Out of over 1000 only 20% have survived
Lalita Madhav Kund, LodholiNayan Sarovar, Kaaman
Subhadra Kund
Brahma Kund, Vrindavan had been encroached
Sordid condition of Rudra Kund Dilapidated Jalmahal, Barsana
Poor state of Braj grovesOnly 3 of 137 have survived
Gutter gushing out in Yamuna
Ancient Ghats encroached upon
Sewage all around banks
Drains flowing out in the river
The sordid state of Yamuna10 million times more polluted than it’s tolerance limit
Devotees spend crores of rupees in temples.
But they ignore the fact that the transcendental pastimes
of the Divine Couple Sri Radha Krishna were not performed in the famous
temples, posh ashrams or guest houses of Braj-Vrindavan
They were rather performed in the Forests on the banks of river Yamuna
at the numerous Kunds on the holy hills
Hills & Groves are the real temples of Braj
na: purao janapda na ga`amaa gaRhavayama\
ina%yaM vanaaOksatat vanaSaOlainavaaisana:
EaImad\Baagavat 10.24.24
“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”.
Krishna to Nand Baba
Krishna - the primordial environmentalist
Eating Mud - Earth Punishing Kaliya - Water Drinking forest fire - Fire
Killing Trinavarta - Air Killing Vyomasur - Space
Devotees of Krishna should follow His footsteps and restore
the environment and cultural heritage of Braj.
So, what isthe way out
?
Restoration of over 1000 Kunds, Revival of 137 forests, Protection and forestation of hills, Dredging & restoration of river
Yamuna, Conservation of heritage buildings Promotion of organic farming Development of tourist infrastructure
An all round development of Braj comprising of :
The Braj FoundationHeritage, Community, Environment
Vision: To restore the pristine glory and grandeur of Braj as a model rural society
Founders
Mr. Alfred FordDirectorFord Motor Foundation Detroit, USA
Mr. Suresh NeotiaChairman,Gujarat Ambuja Cement, Kolkata
Mr. Hrishikesh MafatlalCEO,Arvind Mafatlal Group, Mumbai
Mr. Kamal MorarkaChairman, Gannon Dunkerley & Co. Mumbai & Ex Minister PM Office
Mr. Vineet NarainSr. Journalistwww.vineetnarain.net
Chairman, Vineet Narain, (www.vineetnarain.net), New Delhi – Vrindavan
Exe. Dir. (Tourism), Sanat Kaul, IAS (1971), Ex-CMD, Delhi Tourism Dev. Corp.
Exe. Dir. (HRD), Abhijit Gupta, B.Tech (IIT), M.Tech (USA), MD, Case New Holland
Const. Equip. India Ltd. Indore
Exe. Dir. (Corp. Affairs), Rajat Jain, IIT (D), IIM (A), MD Xerox India Ltd.
Exe. Dir. (Legal & Admin. Affairs), Rajneesh Kapur, New Delhi
Project Director, R K Gautam, B Tech. Civil, Vrindavan
Project Manager, Bipin Vyas & Bhupender Mathuria, Vrindavan
Project Coordinator, Gaurav K Gola, B. Sc. (Hons), MBA, New Delhi – Vrindavan
Architect, Shalini Dasgupta, M. Arch. (SPA), New Delhi
Landscape Designer, Shyam Singh, M. Arch. (SPA), Horticulturist
Executive Team
The Developmental ModelAn all round integrated development of Braj comprising of :
Strategic Partnerships
Accomplishments so far….
1.Restoration of 46 Ancient Water Bodies in
different stages
2.Revival of 2 Groves, work on 4 more in
progress
3.Protection of Hills & Regeneration of Green
Cover
4.Master planning of Braj for UP Govt.
5.Restoration of 3 heritage buildings
6.Audio-visual documentation of Braj culture
7. Drinking water supply projects in some
villages
8. Exhaustive scientific survey of Braj
region
9. World-wide awareness campaign about
the plight of Braj
10.Nine grand Braj Mahotsavs in different
parts of the country
11.Special legislations for Braj protection
Kund restoration
The Braj Foundation wins 2nd time the best NGO award supported by UNESCO for revival of water bodies
Distinguished Water NGO 2012-13
Best Water NGO 2012-13
Best Water NGO 2010-11
The Braj Foundation’s
Kund Restoration Process Mobilizing the local community Necessary permission & go-ahead from
District Administration Survey of the Kund site Preparation of detailed restoration plan Pumping out the dirty water, if any De-silting of the Kund Repair/ construction of side walls, ghats Plantation Beautification
Professional Planning ApproachStep 1: Listing of Sites
Step 2: Satellite Imagery Analysis
Step 3: Revenue Map Analysis
Step 4: Physical Land Survey Step 5: Hydrological Plan
Step 6: Architectural Plans
Kunds of Braj are plotted on satellite map
by The Braj Foundation
More than 46 Kunds in different stages of restoration
Gomti Ganga, Kosi Pawan Sarovar, Nandgaon Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana Dohini Kund, Chiksauli Sangam Kund, Khayara Vihval Kund, Sanket Nayan Sarovar, Seu Chandrasarovar, Chaumuha Kamdev Kund, Hatana Padma Kund, Kumudvan Gaya Kund, Kaman Roop Kund, Barsana Jai Kund, Jait Mohan Kund, Vanchari Gadbadri Kund Vimal Kund, Kaman
Madhuvan Kund Lohvan Kund, Lohvan 2 Kunds at Kamai Ratna Kund, Dabhaala Garud Govind Kund,
Chhatikara Radha Sarovar, Manpur Mansa Kund, Pasauli Govind Kund, Vrindavan Madhuri Kund Brahm Kund, Chaumuha Vihar Kund, Chiksauli Brahm Kund, Vrindavan Ratnakar Kund, Kosi Ramtal, Sunrakh Rudra Kund, Jatipura Jawahar Kund, Sakitara Suraj Kund, Julhendi
………
Gomati Ganga, KosiFinancial support by Dr. Ramjilal Shastri & citizens of Kosi
Before
After
Total Expenditure Incurred: Rs 40 lakhs
Proposed plan of Gomti Ganga
Shiv Taal, Mathura
During restoration
After restoration
Radha Sarovar, Barsana
Restoration work at Mohan Kund Vanchari (Hodal,
Haryana)
Restoration work at Roop Kund, Barsana
Anjani Kund, Bhulvana, Haryana
Before
After
Jalmahal,Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana Before restoration
Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana
Before
Financial support by Shri Rajeev Shukla, Shri B P Singhal, Shri Balbir Punj (Members of Rajya
Sabha) & Mafatlal family,
After Total Expenditure incurred: Rs 35 lakhs
Organizing Festivals at restored Kund sites
Barsana Mahotsava 2006 Barsana Mahotsava 2007
Sharad Mahotsava 2006 Barsana Mahotsava 2007
Before
Desilting: 2,360 cum
Govind Kund,
Vrindavan
After
Jai Kund, Jait
Before restoration
During restoration
Desilting: 25,500 cum
Jai Kund, Jait
After de-silting
Proposed plan for Jai Kund
Dohini Kund, Chiksoli Financial support
Shri Kamal Morarka, Ex Minister PMO
Before
After Restoration
Dohini Kund, Chiksoli
Developed with the financial support of Govt. of India
Brahma Kund, Vrindavan
Before
Had become garbage dumping ground for 200 years
After restoration
Financial support Shri Ajay Piramal, Mumbai
This Kund was turned into a field
Chandra Sarovar, Chaumuha (NH-2)
Lord Brahma, appeared before Krishna and begged forgiveness
74
Chandra Sarovar restoration work in progress
Development plan of Chandra Sarovar
Proposed bird eye view of Chandra Sarovar
Krishna Sarovar, Baad (NH-2) Lord Krishna bathed here with Balarama after killing Dhenukasur
and took rest under the banyan tree
This Kund was turned into a field
Krishna Sarovar restoration work in progress
Development plan of Krishna Sarovar
Proposed bird eye view of Krishna Sarovar
Rudra Kund, Jatipura (Goverdhan)
Before
Work in progress
Restoration work in progress
Encroachments of Rudra Kund being removed
Restoration work in progress
Foundation stone of Rudra Kund being laid
Rudra Kund development plan
Development plan of Rudra Kund
Shadow of Rudra Yantra in kund water
Work in progress
De-silting in progress
Demolition of unauthorised constructions
at Rudra Kund
De-Watering of
stagnant dirty water
in the Rudra Kund
Historic well un-earthed after de-silting and the same is being restored
De-silting at the Rudra Kund in full swing
Wall repair work
Marking for the construction of ghats
Construction of Ghats
Construction of Ghats at Rudra Kund
Construction of nallah for
diversion of drain water of Jatipura village
Construction of Ghats at Rudra
Kund
Fixing of Chain Link fencing at
Rudra Kund
Construction of Ghats at Rudra Kund
Sankarshan Kund, Anyor, GoverdhanPlight of the site
Inauguration of the Restoration
Temporary tank for collection of village dirty water at the corner of the kund
Diversion of village’s dirty water drain falling into the kund
Chairman TBF, inspecting work progress in Feb 2013
4 Kms long Kachcha Drain to carry out dirty water of the kund
Sankarshan Kund, Anyor, Goverdhan de-watering work in progress
Earth movers in action removing muddy silt
Thick layer of plastic (non disposable waste) at the
base of kund
De-silting work in progress
Foundation’s JCBs submerged 7 times in the muddy bed. Heavy Duty Cranes were pressed
into action to pull them out
De-silting in progress
Media person and village leaders discussing the encroachment issue in May 2013
Sankarshan Kund, Anyor, Goverdhan marking work in progress
Sankarshan Kund, Anyor, Goverdhan masonry work in progress
Kund’s Toe Wall construction work in progress
Work in progress
Villagers discussing the problem of encroachment with the
Chairman of The Braj Foundation
7’x 5’ size Chain Link Fencing Frames (286) are being installed at the boundary wall of the kund to protect and beautify the Kunds
Heavy rains hamper the work
Construction of Ghats
Sankarshan Kund taking shape
Another view of the kund
Proposed Development Plan
15 Meter wide public Ghat
Kund parapet wall section design
Fencing desin
Rain water harvesting design
Proposed Development Plan of Sankarshan Kund
Proposed Development Plan of Sankarshan Kund
Airavat Kund, Goverdhan
Foundation’s earthmovers removing siltBefore de-silting
Collecting garbage Splashing water after de-silting
Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon
Yashoda Kund, NandgaonInauguration
Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon
Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon
Restoration work in
progress
Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon
Restoration work in progress
Yashoda Kund, Nandgaon
Restoration work in
progress
Architectural Drawing
Architecture & landscape drawing
Kund area = 4191.87 Sqm
Plantation area = 7838.00 Sqm
Parikamapath = 442.00 Sqm
Ram Taal, Sunrakh (Vrindavan)
Before De- silting During De- silting
2700 years old Kund emerges after digging
Shri Kamal Morarka, the donorinspecting de-silting work
Ancient wall excavated Mediapersons visiting the site
Ram Taal, Vrindavan After De-silting
Rain water being filled from catchment area
Foundation’s equipments in action
Donated by Mr. Kamal Morarka
Historic surveys done of Braj region
Survey of over 2000 acres of heritage sites completed, and detailed technical survey of over 400 ancient water bodies completed, more ongoing.
The Braj Foundation is working for the
Restoration of groves
Survey of Groves
The survey of the 48 prominent groves of Braj has been completed by The Braj Foundation
The survey of remaining 89 groves of Braj is being done by the foundation.
A task no official agency has ever undertaken
Darshan Van
The Braj Foundation has identified and
located all the 137 sacred groves of 4
different categories in Braj
Gahvarvan, Barsana Before restoration
This has been the condition of protected forest of UP Govt. before its restoration
During restoration
Gahvarvan, Barsana
During restoration
Gahvarvan, Barsana
Pathway being laid
After restoration with the financial support of Indian Oil Corporation
Gahvarvan after revival
164
Gahvarvan after revival
Leela Dioramas in Gahvarvan
Restoration of Seva KunjBefore restoration
During restoration
Restoration of Parikrama Path, Seva Kunj Vrindavan
Before restoration
During restoration
After restoration
Before restoration
During restoration
Restoration of Lalita Kund, Seva Kunj
After restoration
Restoration of Lalita Kund water fall, Seva Kunj
Before restoration During
restoration
After restoration
Restoration of Lalita Kund ChatriBefore restoration
After restoration
Restoration of Seva Kunj, Vrindavan
Middle path before restoration
After restoration
Restoration of Seva Kunj
Mr. Ajay Piramal, Chairman Piramal Group looking at Seva
Kunj restoration work
Exterior of the boundary wall being face lifted
Proposed plan of restoration
Proposed bird eye view of Sevakunj
Heritage Buildings of Braj
Innumerable heritage buildings of Braj are in a dilapidated condition and on the
brink of destruction due to decades of neglect and blatant land grabbing. The
Braj Foundation is working towards systematically surveying, documenting
and restoring these structures.
Jal Mahal at Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana Restoration
Successfully restored Koile Ghat of Yamuna from where Vasudev ji on the night of Janmashtami took infant Krishna across Yamuna to Gokul.
Yamuna started rising to touch the feet of Krishna. Vasudev ji screamed for help “Koi Le – Koi Le”. Someone hold my child. Hence the ghat is known as Koile Ghat. It was neglected for centuries.
Koile Ghat of Yamuna
Restoration of Koile Ghat, Mathura
Inaugurated on 29th Sept 2009
by Mrs. Ranjana Kumar, Member, CVC of India
The Braj Foundation’ crusade against illegal mining in the heritage hills of
Braj
The Braj Foundation got done the satellite study of the entire Braj region by experts of IIT Roorkee & NRSA Hyderabad.
Mass mobilization of Brajwasis to save Braj Hills
After a prolonged struggle of five years, Braj Foundation finally succeeded in getting the 72 sq Km area of Braj hills declared as protected forest by the Rajasthan Govt.
Hills of Braj got declared as reserve forests
Satellite mapping of the heritage sitessituated on the Hills of Braj
Ratnagiri Hill Restorationfinancial support by UNDP
The Costs Involved
The estimated cost for the development of 1 acre of hilly terrain into a green pasture comes out to be around Rs 1,00,000
Economics of Hill Restoration The foundation’s study
reveals that the hills of Braj have a sloping area of around 72 sq. kms which translates into 17,800 acres.
At an average cost of Rs 1Lakh per acre these hills can be developed into pasture lands
With an investment of Rs 180 crores, out of which the majority of the amount would be spent on human labor, the fodder worth 19 crore will be produced annually
Braj Foundation in association with Illinois University (USA) did an exhaustive study of Goverdhan hill and is now pursuing the UNESCO to declare it as World Heritage Site.
Goverdhan development
Traffic Management
Vision:To develop a corridor by optimising connectivity (pedestrian and vehicular) capitalising on transportation/mobility options and rationalising parking with the high load of pilgrims on festival days.
Problem identification:• Vehicular road over giriraj ji not justified • heavy congestion of traffic• Same road for parikrama and vehicular
movement leading to chaos and accidents.• Lack of designated parking facilities• Air pollution • noise and environmental hazards.
Planning strategies:• Designated parking facilities on major roads
leading to giriraj ji.• Develop a peripheral rail network around
giriraj ji.• Reducing vehicular load on parikrama path.• Realignment of road network so that there
is no vehicular movement over giriraj ji.• Defined parikrama path with civic facilities.
Road re-alignment
VEHICULAR ROAD
PARIKRAMA PATH
PROPOSED CONNECTING ROAD
Parikrama Path
Present Condition
Proposed
Charanamrit Kund
Open Drain Near Charanamrit Kund
Developmental Plan
Section
Present Condition
Proposed development plan of Charanamrit Kund
Tackling the drinking water crisis in Braj
85 % of the ground water in Braj is saline. Unfortunately the salinity starts from the upper layer of water table
TBF’s Drinking water supply Project Chiksauli & Manpur villages (Barsana)Financial support by IOCL & OIDB
Villagers enjoying the safe drinking water after 60 years of independence
Creating world-wide awareness about Braj
Culture
A presentation to the Chief Election Commissioner of India,Chief Vigilance Commissioner, Secretary General Rajya Sabha & other senior
officials at New Delhi
Organizing cultural evenings showcasing
the Braj Culture
Successfully organized Nine high profile Braj Mahotsavs across India for building awareness and promoting culture of Braj.
Braj Maahotsav
Braj Maahotsav
H.E. Mr. Narsimhan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh
inaugurating Braj Mahotsav, Hyderabad -2011
Folk Artists from Braj performing Raas Lila in Braj Mahotsav
Hyderabad -2011
Braj Maahotsav
Folk Artists from Braj performing Flower Holi Lila
Braj Mahotsav (Hyderabad -2011)
Kawwals performing Krishna Bhajans composed by Muslim devotees,
Braj Mahotsav (Hyderabad -2011)
Braj Mahotsavs
Presentation to Cabinet Ministers
Mr. Kapil Sibal Mrs. Ambika Soni
Mr. C. P. Joshi Mr. Salman Khurshid
Presentation to Political leaders
Mr. Narendra Modi Mrs. Sushma Swaraj
Mr. L K Advani & others Mr. Rajnath Singh & others
Meeting with C.M. Akhilesh Yadav U.P.
Foreign diplomats watching PPT in TBF’s office
Mr. S. Shimamori, Cultural Attaché of Japan
Dr. Benedictt Alliott, Cultural Attaché of France
Ms. Vyantimala, Deputy Head of Mission, Republic of Surinam
Mr. Carl G Svensson, Counsellor (Head), Development Coorperation
Section, Embassy of Sweden
A presentation at Raj Bhawan, Bangalore
Mobilizing the local community
Prabhat pheris have started off in over 780 villages out of 1300. The remaining villages are being
covered.
Volunteers of the foundation
managing public events.
Produced several films and serials depicting Braj culture by training rural
youth.These programmes have been aired on DD I & other channels
Master Planning of Braj
TBF is now inspiring the governments of Haryana & Rajasthan for the same.
To conserve precious heritage & ensure planned development,TBF inspired UP Govt. to prepare a Master Plan for Braj in 2008.
TBF prepares Tourism Master Plan of Braj
Approved by the Govt. of UP, deeply appreciated by Secretary Planning Commission of India & other top experts of the country
UP Govt. has started implementing TBF’s recommendations for the Rs. 2000 Cr Master Plan!
Integrated Development of Braj
The Braj Foundation’s Delhi office
C-6/28 SDA, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110016 Tel: (011)-26566800 & 26519080
The Braj Foundation’s Vrindavan Office303, Keshav Kunj, Raman Reti, Vrindavan-281124
Tel: (0565)-2540084 & 9927337111
Braj Foundation’s workshop at Vrindavan
Sri Ramesh Baba ji of Gahvarvan, Barsana
the most belovedsaint of Brajwasis,
who never leaves Braj,accepts no disciples,
shuns opulence &composes and sings
classical & folk bhajans
Our Inspiration
How can you support us?
Please forward our website
www.brajfoundation.org
to all those who may appreciate our work.
Please donate generously through cheque/DD in favor of
The Braj Foundationpayable at New Delhi.
Please write to us if you would like to volunteer
your time or skills for the Braj cause at
The Braj Foundation C 6/28, Safdarjung Development Area
Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110016Ph: 011- 26566800,
Email: [email protected]: www.brajfoundation.org
Thanks for your kind attention
www.brajfoundation.org