Page 9 - OPIHI (English)

Introduction

The Çrémad-Bhägavatam and other authorized scriptures laud Bhärata-
bhümi (India) as the most important land in the universe for making
progress toward the ultimate goal of life, namely attaining pure devotion
to the lotus feet of Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Among
the many unique facilities that Bhärata offers for cultivation of spiritual
life, her holy places are prominent.

The articles collected herein first appeared in Back to Godhead, the
magazine of the Hare Kåñëa Movement. Sometime in 1992 His Holiness
Jayädvaita Swami, then editor of Back to Godhead, asked me for articles
on holy places. My mind turned toward India’s innumerable sanctified
areas, from little known shrines to pilgrimage hubs frequented by millions.
For Gauòéya Vaiñëavas, the followers of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, most
important are Mäyäpur, Våndävana, and Puré. Yet as these had been
frequently featured in Back to Godhead, I decided to head for lesser known
locations connected with the worship of Lord Viñëu.

First stop was Nathdwara. Although among the most popular pilgrimage
towns of India, it was at that time largely unknown to iskcon devotees.
Over the next few years, I visited several holy places with my camera-
toting companion Mahä-Viñëu Prabhu, in an effort to transmit something
of the atmosphere of these ancient sacred sites to Back to Godhead readers
throughout the world. That Lord Kåñëa blessed our endeavors seems
apparent from the highly positive response we received. Better still, these
articles have inspired many devotees to journey to these pristine spots, and
thus iskcon devotees are now often seen and welcomed in hitherto obscure
localities such as Karauli. These articles are presented as they appeared in
Back to Godhead, with just a few corrections and revisions.

Here, then, is a little tour of sacred India that may be undertaken from
the comfort of an armchair. It is not exhaustive or systematic. Nor is it a
complete collection of such articles from Back to Godhead, for many have
been penned by others. Yet it is another small contribution from a small
soul in service to his great and glorious master. May Çréla Prabhupäda be
pleased with this effort.

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