Pili Pokhar (Priya Kund)
🔹 📍 What is Pili Pokhar (Priya Kund)?
Pili Pokhar, also called Priya Kund, is a sacred pond in Barsana (Mathura district), Uttar Pradesh, India. The name “Pili Pokhar” literally means “yellow pond” in Hindi because of the legend associated with its water turning yellow.
It is one of the important devotional places in the religious town of Barsana, which itself is famous as the birthplace and childhood area of Shri Radharani (the divine consort of Shri Krishna).
🔹 📜 Historical & Mythical Significance
According to Hindu tradition and local lore:
Once, Radharani came to this place after visiting Nandgaon (Krishna’s childhood home) with her friends.
Krishna’s mother Yashoda, deeply impressed by Radharani’s graceful beauty and behavior, wanted Krishna to marry her and applied turmeric (haldi) paste to Radharani’s hands — a customary gesture in old marriage traditions.
While returning to Barsana, Radharani felt shy because of the turmeric color on her hands. She washed her hands in this pond — and the water turned yellow (pili). That is why this water body became known as Pili Pokhar (“Yellow Pond”).
It’s also associated with stories of Radha-Krishna’s playful pastimes, and the surrounding pilu trees are believed to be where Radha, Krishna, and their friends used to play and pick fruits.
Because of this, the place is deeply symbolic of divine love and cherished by devotees of Radha-Krishna.
🔹 🙏 Religious Importance
Pili Pokhar is considered:
A holy site for pilgrims visiting the Braj region and the 84 Kos Parikrama trail.
A location where many devotees feel the presence of divine pastimes of Radha and Krishna.
A spiritual stop during festivals like Lathmar Holi, where traditional rituals involve stopping here before proceeding to cultural celebrations in town.
🔹 📌 Where is Pili Pokhar & How to Reach
Location: It’s situated in Barsana town, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India — about 1 km from the main Radha Rani Temple area.
🗺️ Nearby Landmarks
Close to Rangeeli Mahal and Gahvar Van areas.
The town of Barsana itself is approx. 44–50 km from Mathura city.
Reaching Barsana:
By Train: Nearest major station is Mathura Junction (about 45 km).
By Road: Regular buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws connect Barsana with Mathura and other cities.
Once in Barsana, the pond is walkable from major temples and neighborhoods.
🔹 🛕 Visit & Ritual Experience
Devotees often visit in the early morning or evening for a peaceful darshan.
People offer prayers and may take a holy dip or sprinkle water as a mark of devotion.
It’s especially visited during festivals, pilgrimages, and traditional celebrations in the Braj region.
🔹 Nearby Devotional Attractions in Barsana
When you visit Pili Pokhar, other sacred places in Barsana to explore include:
Radha Rani Temple
Rangeeli Mahal
Maan Mandir
Gahvar Van forests and KundsThese together form part of the divine heritage sites of Radha-Krishna’s leelas in Braj.