MISSION/PURPOSE:
To educate and engage visitors about the transcendental nature of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s pastimes, which have transformed various locations into “Sacred Sites” worthy of “Heritage Site” designation, the “Parikrama Project” will promote these sites as a unified pilgrimage experience to enrich devotees’ lives. By His grace, pilgrims will experience the “Forest of New Vrindavan” and its residents—trees, plants, and animals—as non-different from Lord Krishna’s sacred Vrindavan, fostering a deep spiritual connection.
PRABHUPADA'S HERITAGE SITE:
To honor the spiritual transformation of New Yamuna Valley, sanctified by Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental presence through his walking, touching, chanting, and worshiping, we designate these areas as “Sacred Sites,” akin to Vrindavan’s Govardhan Hills. Special features, including railings and visual displays, will highlight his divine interactions, guiding pilgrims to chant Hare Krishna and forge a profound connection with Krishna’s presence in this sacred grove.
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY:
Srila Prabhupada, the eternal Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, New Yamuna Valley, fulfilled Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s prophecy by spreading Lord Caitanya’s teachings worldwide. These sacred sites, blessed by his direct presence and pastimes more than any other Western locations, embody ISKCON’s purpose to establish holy places of transcendental pastimes.
NEW VRINDAVAN IS VRINDAVAN
With the cost and the discomfort of a long journey to India not everyone is able to personally visit sacred sites like Vrndavan or Mayapura. Srila Prabhupada understood this when he created his vision for New Vrindavan as a transcendental place of pilgrimage in the West. New Vrindavan is already attracting 70,000 pilgrims annually and we believe the “New Yamuna Valley Project” will enhance the activities they partake in. ISKCON gurus, sannyasis, senior devotees, and new devotees will also increase their group pilgrimages with their followers.
A TRANSCENDENTAL STORY
We will create a walking Parikrama Tour consisting of visual displays featuring historical photos, artwork, text from Srila Prabhupada’s letters and books, etc. to reveal Srila Prabhupada’s significance in regard to transforming New Yamuna Valley into a bona-fide “sacred site” of pilgrimage with actual spiritual potency. We will include a welcome area, various gallery style pavilions and natural outdoor visual displays.
WALKING TRAILS
Walk along a trail walk through the New Vrindavan forests immersed in Krishna's holy names and pastimes. Cows graze calmly as trees and creepers frame the path. Walk alongside the New Yamuna River amidst birds singing, bees buzzing and creeks trickling. Feel the forest’s goodness deepen your peace, connecting your heart to the divine through the maha-mantra and Prabhupada's personal presence.
PARIKRAMA/PILGRIM SUPPORT:
Over the last years we have seen ISKCON gurus such as Radhanatha Swami, Indradyumna Swami, and others take larger groups of devotees on Parikrama’s to places like Mayapura and Vrindavan. We believe that the special nature of New Yamuna Valley as a pilgrimage site could be developed into a major “destination spot” to facilitate these devotees encouraging them to make annual trips with their groups here. The area would be developed to provide simple lodging such as yurts, glamping facilities, bathrooms, outdoor cooking facilities, firepits, etc.
CHILDREN'S FOREST ADVENTURE:
We will create a unique children’s adventure area where being out in nature is not only fun but also a learning experience. We will teach love, respect and affection for all forest inhabitants by highlighting Lord Krishna’s Forest pastimes and his direct personal relationship with all the living beings found in the many different kinds of bodies like the trees, animals, and even insects – A friend of Krishna’s is a friend of ours – kindness, service and love.
OTHER FEATURES:
-Twilight Kirtan Parikrama/Sunset Lighted Forest
-Multi-purpose Presentation/Communication Center
-Guest Lodging & Parking
-Srimati Tulsi Devi, also known as Vrinda Devi, holds a revered place of prominence as a direct expansion of Srimati Radharani and the quintessential devotee. She orchestrates every aspect of Krishna’s divine forest pastimes, facilitating the loving exchanges between Krishna and Radharani, as well as with all forest inhabitants.