History, Importance, Timing, Festival Celebration, Interesting Facts, 1st Bethakji of Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji, Yamuna River, Gokul, Mahaban, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
Bethakji are the holy site for the followers of the Pushtimarg tradition of the Vaishnava Sampradaya. These sacred places are located across the India and associated with Shri Vallabhacharyaji – Mabhaprabhuji who lived in 15th century, the founder of Pushtimarg and his descendants. There are total 142 Bethakji, in which 84 Bethakji of Shree Mahaprabhuji, 28 of his son Viththalanath Gusainji and 30 of his seven grandsons. Shri Govindghat Baithakji located in Gokul is among the first one of the 84 Bethakji of Shree Mahaprabhuji.
Thre are three Bethakji of Mahaprabhuji are located in Gokul, the childhood place of Lord Krishna. The first bethakji of Mahaprabhuji is situated under the Chhonkar tree at Govindghat, located on the banks of holy river Shri Yamunaji. It is said that Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji had praised Yamunaji with Yamunashtak here at Govind Ghat and Shri Yamunaji appeared here in person. Then on Shravan sud 11, Shri Thakorji himself appeared in front of Shri Mahaprabhuji and ordained him with the initiation of Brahmasambandh. At this place bethakji of Shri Mahaprabhuji and Shrinathji are located together.
Interesting legend associated with Govind Ghat Bethakji and Shri Mahaprabhuji who stayed here during his first pilgrimage of Gokul. Once he reached here at Gokul, he asked his disciple named Damodaardas Harsani, “He Damal, is this the Gohat of Govind or of Thakurani? To answer this question, young woman adorned with divine ornaments appeared immediately and said that this is Govind Ghat and Thakurani Ghat is to your right, and disappeared. Then Shri Mahaprabhuji told to Damala, Shri Yamunaji herself came here to differentiate the two Ghat and this is here kindness goddess Yamuna on us. To answer the question of Damal about importance of two Ghat, Shri Mahaprabhuji replied that from Mahavan to Govind Ghat is Lord Krishna’s boundary while from Rawal to Thakurani Ghat is Shri Radharani’s boundary and this tree here represent the Lord Brahma – the creator of universe.
On the eleventh day of the Shukl Paksha of holy month Sravan, aShri Mahaprabhuji was thinking about how divine souls could reunion with Lord Shri Krishna. To answer this thaught, Shrinathji appeared in front of Shri Mahaprabhuji and said, that why are you so disheartened, the answer is very simple, those who are initiated by you will have their five main sins removed, namely, related to birth, nature, time, connection, and touch. I will personally takecare for the upliftment of those who take Brahma Sambandha.
Very next Morning, Shri Mahaprabhuji asked Damala had you hear any conversation last night? Damala told with humble that I had heard something but how could agyani man like me understand the words of the supreme Lord? Then Shri Mahaprabhuji had explained lord’s divine message of Brahma Sambandha to Damala. Then Damala requested to be initiated and Shri Mahaprabhuji had accept him and gave him the holy formula and establishing the path of grace within his heart. This is how Damodar Dasji Harsani was the first person who received the Brahma Sambandh.
How to Reach Govind Ghat, 1st Bethakji of Mahaprabhuji, Gokul, Uttar Pradesh, India
Govind Ghat is located near Brahmand Ghat in Gokul where lots of devotee visits around the year. Gokul being one of the major pilgrimage center and tourist destination, of Uttar Pradesh located just 10 km from Mathura where people across the world visits around the year. It is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Mathura has major railway junction just at 10 km from Gokul from where you can get train to almost all region of India. Agra Airport and Delhi Airport are the nearest airport at distance of 65 and 170 respectively from Gokul. From where you can get flight to all major cities of India and across the globe. You can find private taxi and public transport as well from both airport to reach to Gokul. It is located at just 24 km from Vrindavan, 10 km from Mathura, 58 km from Barsana, 35 km from Jatipura, 36 km from Govardhan hill, 53 km from Agra, 187 km from Delhi. You can get direct buses from Agra, Delhi etc. to reach Gokul.
