Tips for pilgrims

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare This is the maha-mantra, the 'great mantra for deliverance'. In this age it is the recommended and most powerful means of spiritual awakening. The holy name is non-different from Krishna Himself.

Chanting is the very life of Vraja. In the holy dham, where every particle is imbued with Krishna's presence, harinama bears fruit swiftly. Pilgrims traditionally do much of their parikrama and darshan with beads in hand, chanting softly throughout the day.

"All victory to the holy name, which is auspicious for the entire world! Just as the rising sun dissipates all darkness, similarly, if the holy name arises just once, it can destroy all of a person's sins." - Padyavali 6, quoted in Sri Harinama Maha-mantra (Gaudiya Vedanta Publications)

Chant on a strand of tulasi beads - 108 beads make one round (mala). Keep the beads in a cloth bag, and on each bead chant the full maha-mantra once, hearing every syllable attentively. Many devotees fix a daily number of rounds (commonly sixteen) and complete them without fail.

"One who is more humble than a blade of grass, more tolerant than a tree, who offers respect to all and expects none for himself - such a person can chant the holy name constantly." - Sri Shikshashtaka 3, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Chant with humility and attention, with a prayerful, hankering heart rather than mechanically.

The essence of japa is shravana - hearing. Let the mind rest on the sound of each name; when it wanders, gently bring it back. Quality of attention matters more than speed - a few attentive rounds surpass many distracted ones.

To chant purely, avoid the ten offences to the holy name: 1. Blaspheming devotees and saintly persons 2. Considering demigods to be equal to or independent of Bhagavan 3. Disobeying sri guru, who reveals the truth of the name 4. Criticizing the scriptures that glorify the name 5. Considering the glories of the name to be exaggeration 6. Considering the meanings of the name to be imaginary 7. Committing sin on the strength of chanting 8. Equating the name with material pious activities 9. Instructing the faithless in the glories of the name 10. Having no faith in the name even after hearing its glories (As given in Sri Harinama Maha-mantra, Gaudiya Vedanta Publications.)

Wear simple, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Traditional Indian attire is appreciated at temples.

Shoes must be removed before entering temples. Many temples have a stall to keep them, sometimes for a small fee.

Vrindavan is a holy town — many areas are strictly vegetarian and without onion/garlic. Avoid meat, alcohol and eggs within the dham.

Vrindavan's monkeys are notorious for snatching glasses, phones and prasad. Hold belongings tightly and avoid eye contact.

Temples like Banke Bihari get extremely crowded. Keep money and valuables secure and stay aware in the throng.

E-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are the easiest way to move between temples. Agree on the fare before you start.