12 Van of Braj
Madhuvan-
Madhuvana (Maholi)
Madhuvana, now called Maholi, is one of the sacred forests of Braj Mandal, renowned for its divine associations and lush natural beauty. The forest derives its name from Lord Madhusudana (an incarnation of Vishnu) and madhu, meaning nectar or honey, symbolizing sweetness, purity, and divine essence. Madhuva...
Talavana
Talavana (Tarsi)
Talavana, now commonly known as Tarsi, is one of the sacred forests of Braj Mandal, historically dense with tal trees — tall, graceful palms that bear sweet and nourishing fruit. This forest is particularly significant for its association with Lord Balarama, who is said to have slain the demon Dhenukasu...
Kumudavana
Kumudavana (Kumudi Forest)
Kumudavana, also known as the Kumudi Forest, is one of the twelve sacred forests (Dwadasha Vanas) of Braj Mandal, celebrated for its lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and abundant kumuda flowers (water lilies) that once filled its wetlands with vibrant color and fragrance. The forest holds deep spiritu...
Kamyavana
Kamyavana (Kamy Forest)
Kamyavana, also known as the Kamy Forest, is one of the twelve sacred forests (Dwadasha Vanas) of Braj Mandal, celebrated for its serene beauty, fragrant flora, and deep spiritual significance. The name Kamyavana comes from the Sanskrit word “Kamya,” meaning desirable or wish-fulfilling, an...
Bahulavana
Bahulavana (Bahula Forest)
Bahulavana, also called the Bahula Forest, is one of the twelve sacred forests (Dwadasha Vanas) of Braj Mandal, celebrated for its dense groves of bahula trees and fragrant flora. This forest is closely connected with the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna and Balarama, who spent time here playing w...
Bhadravana
Bhadravana (Bhadra Forest)
Bhadravana, also called the Bhadra Forest, is one of the twelve sacred forests (Dwadasha Vanas) of Braj Mandal, celebrated for its dense groves, tranquil ponds, and serene natural beauty. The forest is closely associated with Lord Krishna and Balarama, who spent joyful moments here during their chil...
Khadiravana
Khadiravana (Khadira Forest)
Khadiravana, also called the Khadira Forest, is one of the twelve sacred forests (Dwadasha Vanas) of Braj Mandal, renowned for its verdant groves of khadira (Acacia) trees and tranquil surroundings. The forest is closely associated with Lord Krishna and Balarama, who spent their childhood here, pl...
Mahavana
Mahavana (Maha Forest)
Mahavana, also called the Maha Forest, is one of the twelve sacred forests (Dwadasha Vanas) of Braj Mandal, renowned for its vast trees, dense groves, and serene natural beauty. The forest is closely associated with Lord Krishna and Balarama, who spent joyful moments here during their childhood, playing...
Lohavana
Lohavana (Loha Forest)
Lohavana, also called the Loha Forest, is one of the twelve sacred forests (Dwadasha Vanas) of Braj Mandal, known for its dense groves, serene ponds, and rich vegetation. The forest is closely associated with Lord Krishna and Balarama, who spent joyful moments here during their childhood, playing with c...
Baelvana
Baelvana (Bael Forest)
Baelvana, also called the Bael Forest, is one of the twelve sacred forests (Dwadasha Vanas) of Braj Mandal, celebrated for its groves of bael (Aegle marmelos) trees, fragrant flora, and serene natural beauty. The forest holds deep spiritual significance as a site where Lord Krishna and Balarama spent th...
Bhandiravana
Bhandiravana (Bhandira Forest)
Bhandiravana, also called the Bhandira Forest, is one of the twelve sacred forests (Dwadasha Vanas) of Braj Mandal, celebrated for its dense groves, serene ponds, and lush greenery. The forest is deeply associated with Lord Krishna and Balarama, who spent joyful days here during their childhood,...
Vrindavana
Vrindavana (Vrinda Forest)
Vrindavana, also known as the Vrinda Forest, is one of the twelve sacred forests (Dwadasha Vanas) of Braj Mandal and is celebrated as the most famous among them due to its deep association with Lord Krishna’s childhood pastimes. The forest is named after Vrinda, a sacred plant, and is renowned...
