Śrī Māyāpur Dhama Pañca-krośa Virtual Parikramā
By Nandan Das, Mayapur Master Plan Office
A new digital initiative now enables devotees around the world to experience the Sri Mayapur Pañca-krośa Parikrama, a sacred 16-kilometer pilgrimage traditionally performed on foot in Sri Mayapur-dhama. Drawing on scriptural references and guided by the vision of previous Acharyas, the virtual parikrama offers immersive spiritual content, an interactive Google-integrated map, a guided YouTube video tour, and multilingual access—allowing pilgrims to connect with the sacred pastimes of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wherever they may be.
The Sacred Journey of Pañca-krośa Parikrama
The word “pañcakrośa” refers to five krośas—a traditional unit of distance—amounting to approximately 16 kilometers (or 10 square miles). Lord Caitanya regularly performed this parikrama, walking through the sacred pathways of Antardvipa with His associates, immersed in nama-sankirtana.
“Every Ekadasi My Lord went on sankirtana, wandering over the sacred islands. Sometimes He wandered over the five krosas of Antardvipa, and sometimes, according to His desire, He wandered eight krosas. From His house, He went first to Barakona-ghata, then around Ballal-dighi, and then to Sridhara’s house. From there, He would go to the edge of Antardvipa and thus easily complete a five krosa tour.”
(Sri Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya, Chapter 10)
The parikrama begins at Srila Prabhupada’s Bhajan Kutir near the ISKCON Mayapur Gate and proceeds through several sacred sites: Siva-Doba, Vrddha Siva Ghat (Praudha Maya), Gauranga Ghat, Madhai Ghat, Barakona Ghat, Bharadvaja Tila, Jayadeva’s House, Gangadasa’s Tol, Ballaldipi, ISKCON Rajapur, Kholavecha Sridhara’s Angan (Visrama-sthana), Mayamari, and Nandana Acharya Bhavan—the divine meeting place of Nityananda and Caitanya. The parikrama concludes at the ISKCON Mayapur Main Gate and typically takes 3 to 4 hours on foot.
“The sastras say that one who walks around Navadvipa attains the fruit of millions of Asvamedha-yajnas at every step.”
(Sri Navadvipa-dhama Mahatmya, Chapter 1)
Connecting Virtually with the Dhama
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura instructed Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura: “Try to begin the parikrama of Sridhama Navadvipa as soon as possible. Thereby everyone in the universe can receive Krishna-bhakti.” Inspired by this instruction, the Virtual Sri Mayapur Pañca-krośa Parikrama extends the sacred experience of pilgrimage to devotees around the world. For those unable to travel or undertake a long-distance parikrama, it offers a meaningful opportunity to explore, experience, and connect with the transcendental pastimes of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Immersive Content: Discover each holy place through deity darshans, scriptural stories, and inspiring spiritual pastimes shared by senior devotees.
Interactive Map: Navigate the sacred route with a Google-integrated map aligned with the traditional parikrama path.
Multilingual Access: Experience the pilgrimage in your preferred language with Google-integrated translations.
Video Tour: Meditate on the divine journey of the Pañca-krośa Parikrama through a guided YouTube video tour.
Whether walking the sacred path in person or opening your heart to this journey through a screen, this pilgrimage invites every sincere soul to receive the unlimited mercy of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. We humbly encourage you to include this virtual parikrama in your Ekadasi sadhana—as a heartfelt offering of devotion to the Lord and Sri Mayapur-dhama.
Let the World Hear of Mahaprabhu’s Mercy
Śrīla Prabhupāda said, “Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes are all uncommon. Whoever listens to His activities becomes glorious, and his life becomes perfect.” (CC Madhya 16.201)
This project serves as a gateway to inspire hearts to connect with Sri Mayapur-dhama. Every share, every visit, and every viewer becomes a recipient of Mahaprabhu’s mercy. With your blessings and support, we can work together to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s vision—to spread the glories of Mahaprabhu to every town and village across the planet.
We welcome your feedback and blessings at: masterplan@mayapur.ngo
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