Kumudvan
Kumudvan is one of the 12 sacred forests of Braj and is the smallest among them. This forest, once full of natural beauty, has now completely disappeared and is replaced by a small village. The name “Kumudvan” comes from two words: “Kumud,” which means water lily flower, and “Van,” which means forest. The forest was named after the bright red Kumud flowers that used to grow here in abundance.
Pastimes at Kumudvan
One day, Shri Krishna told His friends, “Tomorrow we will take the cows to Kumudvan for grazing. Everyone should bring their packed lunches from home.”
The next day, Krishna and His friends came to Kumudvan with their lunches. After grazing the cows, they sat together to eat. One of Krishna’s friends, Shri Dama, arrived late, and by the time he came, all the food was gone.
Shri Dama said to Krishna, “Kanhaiya, I am still hungry.”
Krishna smiled and said, “Look, there’s a little curd on my palm. Lick it off.”
When Shri Dama licked Krishna’s palm, he felt divine nectar and bliss as if he were wandering in a heavenly realm.
Kamud Kund
In Kumudvan, there is a sacred pond called Kamud Kund. Shri Krishna, Shri Balram, and their friends often played here. Krishna would call the cows to drink water from the pond with sweet words like “Tiri tiri!” and “Chun-Chun!” The cowherd boys made garlands from the beautiful Kumudini flowers that grew around the pond and decorated each other.
According to the Adi-Varaha Purana, anyone who bathes in Kamud Kund gains ten times the spiritual benefits of visiting Shri Gangasagara. It is also believed that bathing here grants the knowledge of the Vedas.
Temple of Lord Kapil
On the bank of Kamud Kund is a small temple dedicated to Lord Kapila, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Kapila Muni, a great sage, meditated and performed austerities here. Because of his presence, Kamud Kund is also known as Gangasagara Kunda.
Charan-Chinha of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Near the banks of Kamud Kund is a small shrine called Charan-Chinha, where the impressions of the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are worshiped. This shrine marks Lord Chaitanya’s visit to Kumudvan during His parikrama of Vraja Mandala in the year 1515.