During Malmas, the significance of the 84-kos *Parikrama* (circumambulation) of Braj increases manifold. This is precisely why, during these days, a large number of devotees from Faridabad, Ballabhgarh, and the entire Delhi-NCR region have set out towards Braj. While some are performing the *Parikrama* on foot, others are completing this arduous journey alongside their families and companions, singing *bhajans* and *kirtans*. Neither the scorching heat nor the soaring temperatures—reaching 46 degrees Celsius—has been able to waver the devotees' unwavering faith. It is believed that undertaking the 84-kos *Parikrama* of Braj absolves one of the sins accumulated over countless lifetimes, bestowing upon the individual spiritual merit equivalent to that of performing an *Ashwamedha Yajna*.

Mahant Kameshwaranand Vedantacharya of Ballabhgarh explains that, within the 84-kos circuit, the *Parikrama* of Giriraj Maharaj is considered the most paramount. The Lord Himself has bestowed His name upon Malmas; hence, it is also revered as *Purushottam Mas* (the Month of the Supreme Being). The scriptures identify Lord Krishna and Shri Lakshmi Narayan as *Purushottam*. A devotee who undertakes this *Parikrama* during *Purushottam Mas* reaps the spiritual rewards of an *Ashwamedha Yajna* with every single step taken. As the devotee advances along the path, their sins are progressively washed away.

Mahant Kameshwaranand Vedantacharya further elucidates that Braj Bhumi is the sacred land where Lord Krishna and Radharani enacted their divine *leelas* (pastimes). The Vedas and Puranas accord this region a place of exceptional significance. According to the *Varaha Purana*, all 66 billion pilgrimage sites existing on Earth converge and reside within Braj during the period of *Chaturmas*. This is the fundamental reason why the significance of the 84-kos *Parikrama* multiplies manifold during Malmas. Any devotee who performs the *Parikrama* of Govardhan Maharaj and Giriraj Ji is liberated from the sins of countless past lives and attains the ultimate salvation—*Moksha*.

Spanning a distance of approximately 268 kilometers, this *Parikrama* route traverses not only through Mathura but also through villages located in Rajasthan and the Hodal region of Haryana. Along the entire route, approximately 25 designated resting points (*padav sthals*) have been established, providing facilities for devotees to halt, rest, and recuperate. This pilgrimage route encompasses approximately 1,300 villages, 1,100 lakes and ponds, 36 forests and groves, and numerous hills and mountains. Devotees also visit those sites believed to have witnessed the childhood exploits (*Lilas*) of Lord Krishna.

**Walking 40 Kilometers Daily**
Kalicharan Mittal, a resident of Ballabhgarh, shares, "This time, I completed the 84-kos pilgrimage in just seven days. I began my journey from Hodal. This pilgrimage is undertaken every third year during *Malmas* (the intercalary month) and holds immense spiritual significance. We walked about 40 kilometers every day—whether it was morning, afternoon, or evening, we simply kept walking. We would halt for the night around 10:00 PM." Kalicharan Mittal adds, "Due to the scorching heat, I performed the entire pilgrimage wearing slippers. The temperature hovered around 46 degrees Celsius, and the roads remained intensely hot; hence, I opted to wear plastic slippers. I encountered no difficulties along the way. I did not partake extensively in the *Bhandaras* (community feasts) or elaborate dishes; I simply ate one meal a day and drank juice, and that sustained me throughout the journey."

**76-Year-Old Kalicharan Mittal Embarks on the Journey**
76-year-old Kalicharan Mittal remarks, "At this age, completing such a long pilgrimage is nothing short of a divine blessing for me. Given my advanced years, I may not be able to undertake this pilgrimage again in the future. However, this time, the journey was completed very smoothly. Along the route, arrangements were made for mattresses, fans, air coolers, and even air conditioners. We would rest briefly at night and resume the pilgrimage between 3:00 and 4:00 AM. After bathing and freshening up in the morning, we would set out on our journey once again. The entire pilgrimage route was teeming with devotees."

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