What’s So Interesting About Brajutpad – Products of Braj ?

ब्रज की आकर्षक दैनिक पूजा में उपयोगी उत्पाद- श्रंखला

Brajutpad – Products of braj have important place in the daily worship of a devotee who visits Braj. Brajbhumi or Braj (ब्रज) is a place where everyone wishes to come at least once in his lifetime. This is because of its association with Shri Krishna. There are many cities and towns famous in Braj where Shri Krishna lived and did Bal Lilas. Mathura and Vrindavan are the two traditional famous cities having many Temples dedicated to Shri Krishna pilgrims do not miss to have darshan. As regards the Brajutpads the items mostly used in daily worship. Also preserved as Souvenirs or gifted to friends and relatives by devotees. These are sold in Mathura and Vrindavan Markets. Some of these items manufactured or assembled here are Rosary Beads mainly Tulsi Mala used for wearing known as Kanthi mala and for Japa, Brass and Copper items to be used in daily worship, Shringar or dress to be offered to Laddu Gopal (Idol of Child Krishna), Goumukhi ( Bag used for keeping Japa mala), Asana used for sitting in Puja, Brass and Ashtadhatu idols of Krishna Radha and various other Gods to be used in temple or Home, Brass Lamps, Wooden Handicrafts, Incense sticks, Women bangles and delicious sweets made from Milk.

Where to Buy these Puja Products or other Brajutpads ?

Mathura is the centrally located traditional religious city of Braj well connected with almost all the Metros and other cities in India. It is a famous railway junction. Vrindavan is another important religious centre of Braj located 10 km away from Mathura. There are traditional markets and Modern Shopping Centres in Mathura and Vrindavan where you can do the shopping for all the Brajutpads described in the previous paragraph. In Mathura, the famous markets are Bengali Ghat, Tilak Dwar Market, Chatta Bazar and Krishna Nagar. In Vrindavan, these items can be purchased from the shops in Loi Bazar, Shri Bankey Bihari Market, Rangji temple market and Iscon Temple market. Markets in Vrindavan also offer a lot of products having religious significance almost similar to Mathura. There are some shops in Vrindavan selling paintings and pictures depicting the Rasleela and Childhood Leelas of Shri Krishna.

Products of Braj – Brajutpad Mostly Purchased by Pilgrims

TULSI MALA :

Tulsi or Basil is a Holy plant found almost in every Hindu house. The Sanskrit name of Tulsi is Vrinda (वृंदा). The name Vrindavan a very famous town of Braj is derived from Vrinda. The meaning of Vrindavan is Forest of Vrinda or Tulsi. Hindus Particularly Gaudiya Vaishnavas wear Kanthi made from Tulsi on their neck always which is given to them at the time of Diksha from their Gurus. Malas for Japa is also made from Tulsi beads. Tulsi Mala and Kanthi making is a village Industry of braj. Mostly village women generate income by making Tulsi Mala.

Goumukhi

As per custom, the Japa mala is to be covered. For covering a Mala bag is used. This is known as Goumukhi. Goumukhis are made from Cloth. Mostly Cotton or Silk cloth is used. The Gomukhi has a standard size and is mostly made in Red and Yellow colours printed or plain cloth. The index finger is not to be used in Japa of a Mantra hence Goumukhi has a hole to keep the Index finger out. Goumukhis are also manufactured in the Villages of Braj. Village women make a Self Help group where collectively the Gomukhis are manufactured and later supplied to the stores in Mathura and Vrindavan.