There are 4 spots known as Vrindavan in Vraj
- Chandra Sarovar, Which is known as Adi Vrindavan. It is at the base of Shri Giriraj.
- Kamvan is also known as Bag Vrindavan.
- The present Vrindavan is known as Vasant Vrindavan.
- The surrounding area of Nandgaun is known as Central Vrindavan.
In all these 4 places Shri Krishna has done [gaucharan and played Ras) .
What is Shrinathji's Charachowki?
From Vraj, Shrinathji went to Mewar (Nathdwara). On the way there he halted at several places. All these places, starting from Shri Giriraj to Shri Nathdwara, are called his 'Charanchowki'. With the 'bhav' that Shriji still dwells in these places, his seva is done in each and every place.
BAITHAKJI
What is the meaning of the word ' baithak'?
In ordinary colloquial parlance, the word 'baithak', means a place to sit. When there is a music programme, it is called 'sangeet (music) baithak'. When kings used to meet with their ministers and noblemen to discuss important matters, that was also called a 'baithak'.
In our 'Pushtimarg' the word 'baithak' is not used in this context. Then what does it mean?
You all know that Shri
Mahaprabhuji is the founder of our 'Pushtimarg'. You also know that He
started His pilgrimage (yatra) of Bharat, at the age of 11 years. As you
are aware that he always walked barefoot. He walked extensively from Badrinath
to Himalayas, Rameshwar in the South, Jagannath Puri in the East and Dwarka
in the West. This, he accomplished thrice in his life time, on barefoot
with certain vows. During the time between these yatras, He usually preferred
to camp out in the open. He used to choose a place on the outskirts of
a village or town. A place which was close to a river or lake, and he
would rest under a tree, so, as you can see, he loved Nature and a peaceful
environment.
Now, in many of these place, He used to read the Bhagvat, as a 'Parayan'.
This would take at least 3 to 7 days. In many places He had also read
Valmiki's Ramayan, and the holy Geeta. This reading of religious books
before an audience or alone within a limited period is called 'parayan'.
Shri Mahaprabhuji stayed for longer periods at most of these places and
did 'parayan'. It is the place, the particular spot, where he did 'parayan',
is called 'baithak'.
What is the total number of Shri Maha-Prabhuji's 'baithaks'?
Totally there are 84 well known baithaks of Shri Mahaprabhuji. But after reading his biography, we understand that there are more than 84 baithaks.