I have been visiting Shani Mandir since last 15-20 years. Last I had gone was like some 3 years back. Have been craving to go since long but wasn’t able to as kids were small and didn’t want to stand in long queues with them. From last time’s experience and good hope, I took a chance again to visit the temple. Glad that we made it. We started by 8 am and reached Shani Mandir by 12.30. It was a nice weather in mid December. Thankfully no queue and no rush. We straight away entered the temple after taking a packet of stuff for ceremony in the temple. It was a new scene this time. I could see Shani Dev’s statue on all 4 sides for the ease of pilgrims. People were coming and going fast. After Darshan, we headed to Lord Shri Krishna’s temple and after visiting the same, we worshipped people tree and returned to our cab . There was a feeling of satisfaction.
Statue of Shani Dev outside Shani Mandir
With a peaceful heart, we headed for Vrindavan where we had booked a room in an Ashram called Radhey Shyam. It was 3.30 already and after having tea, we pushed off for Banke Bihari. There also, it was less rush. So we all and kids were able to do the Darshan nicely.
As we were very tired by now, just wanted to have food and sleep. Food was delicious at Radhey Shyam Ashram. There was an overall degradation in hospitality though and cleanliness of rooms and bathrooms.
We went to Nand Gaon and to see he temple where Shri Krishna used to stay. This is tge place where Shri Krishna was brought up. It is said that the whole family statue was recovered from underground. There is a belief that a cow used to eat and drink very well but never yielded milk. When people followed it , they realized that the Cow used to yield milk at the place where the whole family statue was recovered.
On the way to Nand Gaon
Then we went to see the Govardhan Parvat which doesn’t seem to be a parvat any more. Though there is a boundary line but I could never imagine a parvat decaying to ground.
Kusum Sarovar on the way to Govardhan Parvat
All my fascination about the story of lifting Govardhan Parvat by Shri Krishana vanished in a second. However, I felt good to atleaset see it. Many pilgrims visit it bare foot some even do the rounds by lying down fully on the ground at every step. Such an exercise and faith.
Mustard or Sarson Farms
Overall a graeat experience ! Loved it.
Some tips
- Preferred day to visit is Saturday but around festivals, very crowded
- Banke Bihari temple is in between narrow lanes which are very crowded and sometimes slippery. Also beware of monkeys
- Since Vrindavan is a pilgrimage town, one must experience stay in Ashrams it Dharamshala
- Better to reach Kosi during daylight
Nidhi KM
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