Krishna’s Playground in Suburban Haryana
The Braj Foundation’s restoration of ancient Mohan Kund in Haryana

In the recent past Haryana Government was seen spending a considerable amount of time, effort and money on a concerted effort towards the revival of Kurukshetra as a site of historic and cultural importance, where the epic battle of Mahabharata was fought. But the same Haryana administration is oblivious to the fact that in Hodal district of Haryana, a huge area comes within the revered 84 kos (Braj Chaurasi Kos) of Braj.  It is this holy land on which the young cowherd Krishna took his cows to graze, entranced the Brajfolk with the beautiful magic of his flute, and did endless transcendental leelas.

Vanchari village of Hodal is home to one such historic site. It is here that according to locals, an ascetic named ‘Mohan baba’ spent years in tap. His sanmadhi is also here and a popular local fair is held every year, in which people come from far off corners of Braj also participate.

Mohan Kund, a site that can be traced back to Krishna’s times is also located in Vanchari. It is an important resting point during the Braj chaurasi kos yatra. Mohan Kund and its surrounding environs are said to be sacred because Krishna used to roam here, take his cows to graze and rest at the banks of Mohan Kund with his friends. Like the hundreds of other historic kunds lying neglected and forgotten in the Braj region, Mohan Kund was in no better state.

The Braj Foundation began the restoration of this historic kund a couple of years back. For several months two earthmovers continued excavation and digging at the site. The villagers too showed ample interest in the restoration work. The survey team of The Foundation used a Total Station machine to create extensive maps and developmental plans for the area. The desilting and digging is now complete. Now the kund has been filled with water, and soon extensive aforestation will be undertaken by The Foundation in the areas adjoining the kund. Since this is a rest stop for pilgrims, The Foundation is also planning to develop rural tourist help centres and guest houses. For this The Foundation needs the cooperation and help from Haryana State Tourism Department.

Braj Foundation CEO Shri Vineet Narain says that if we do get cooperation at this level from the villagers and the government then soon Vanchari village and along with it Hodal will become a prominent tourist and pilgrim attraction as a heritage Krishna site.