VRINDAVAN FOREST
Restoring the original forest of Vraj
Restoring the original forest of Vraj
In keeping with our idea of “Vrindavan within Vrindavan,” we decided to plant a forest on the property consisting of the species of plants that grew here during the time of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. To do this, we studied the sastras that describe the flora of Vraja, conducted serious field research, and compiled a list of 46 species of native Vrindavan trees and shrubs. In addition, we found out how the plant communities that are characteristic of Vraja are structured
Interestingly, not many (according to our observations, no more than 20) of the original Vrindavan trees and shrubs that we discovered can be found in the immediate vicinity of Govardhan. The rest (including those that are actively planted by the Indian government and private companies) are introduced or even invasive. Yes, they grow faster, but at the same time they often disrupt the balance of ecosystems and prevent them from functioning properly.
Among the "guests" brought by man which act to displace the "hosts", the most unceremonious was vilayati babul (Prosopis juliflora). This thorny, spreading bush outlives local species by taking all the light and water and releasing special toxins into the soil. Vilayati babul is well known to those who visit Govardhan: it is the main source of large splinters for those who perform parikrama.
To restore the Vrindavan forest, we partnered with Afforest and Maruvan, specialists in natural forest restoration in India. We were interested in methods that would allow us to grow dense natural forest more efficiently.
In October 2021, we planted our first forest plot. Here are some facts about it:
All these plants were selected based on several studies conducted in the forests of Vraja. Srila Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, Srila Sacinandana Swami and other exalted Vaisnavas personally participated in the planting.
Most of the plants we planted, although they used to grow everywhere in Vraja, are not available in local nurseries. The new generation of Vraja residents no longer recognizes many of the original species because of their rarity. And this is due to the destruction of local ecosystems by human activity.There are very few nurseries that specialize exclusively in local plants; there are no more than ten in all of India!
Our goal was to make the forest planted by human hands identical to a wild forest that grew spontaneously, so we carefully studied all the trees in natural conditions. Some prefer to grow in the shade, some in the sun. There is friendship and mutual assistance among plants, and sometimes there is incompatibility. Plant friends form communities, trying to settle together in order to help each other. There are even plants that literally cannot live without their friends, and there are those that never grow nearby.
Plant communities where everyone has their place form a healthy, self-regulating ecosystem. Together with the Afforest and Maruvan teams, we discovered several common communities. For example, we saw pilu (Salvadora Oleoides) plants surrounded by adushi (Adhatoda vasica), gangeti (Grewia tenax) and mishwaka (Salvadora Persica) more than once. So we realized that pilu is best planted in such company.
Another reason to plant a real wild forest on our land, and not just to create a beautiful landscape garden with neatly trimmed lawns, is that forest communities are home to local fauna, primarily birds and insects.
Just six months after planting, our forest attracted around 40 species of birds to the site, which fly here to feast or build nests. As soon as the first forest flowers appeared, wild bees immediately flew in for their aroma. Having become permanent inhabitants of the forest, the bees pollinate the plants, helping them to bear fruit.
Some may wonder: why are we so happy about the birds and insects in our forest? After all, some of them harm the plants! We respond that in nature, everything is arranged very sensibly and harmoniously: forest trees still survive, and insects support the life of birds. There is no need for a person to interfere with this process. There is no need to scare away the birds, spray forest dwellers with poisonous substances - the system regulates itself and does not need human intervention.
Today, our forest has become mature enough to bear seeds. We carefully preserve these seeds in order to plant them throughout Vraja. Especially valuable are the seeds of endangered plant species that have taken root in our forest.
Our forest surrounding the kunja:
Within the forest belt there is a kunja - a beautiful garden with a total area of over 5,200 m2, consisting of more than 350 species of plants, about 70 of which are mentioned in the shastras. Thus, we have a garden full of "uddhipanas" - plants reminiscent of the pastimes of Radha and Krishna in Vrindavan. And these are not only the well-known tamala and kadamba. A large number of trees mentioned in Krishna's Vrindavan pastimes are little known (for example, the mysterious rare mandara - the subject of special care of our gardeners).
We have tried to recreate the atmosphere of the original Vrindavan, and in order for devotees to be able to immerse themselves deeper in this meditation, we are going to put signs with QR codes next to the main plants, by which one can find the name and description of the green pastime participant, look at photographs of its flowers and fruits, and get acquainted with quotes from the shastras.
Small mud houses are hidden in the thickets of kunja - the kutiras of the six Goswamis. Each kutira contains a murti of one of the Goswamis.
The selection of plants surrounding the kutiras was not the easiest task! The six Goswamis are the six manjaris, the maidservants of Srimati Radharani, who descended to the material world following the desire of their Mistress to show Her love and compassion for the fallen conditioned souls here. In the spiritual world, each manjari has her favorite flower and favorite plants. We tried to surround the pavilion of each Goswami with the favorite flowers of this manjari, so that they bloom all year round: some fade, others bloom. Thus the kunja around the kutir of Srila Sanatana Goswami became bright red, the lawn around the kutir of Gopala Bhatta Goswami became yellow, and the kunja of Raghunatha dasa Goswami was surrounded by different types of white flowers.
"Sri Rupa Seva Kunja" is an educational project, and this applies to everything we do, even tree planting. First we did serious research, then we learned to apply the knowledge we gained in practice, and now we are ready to share the knowledge with anyone who would like to restore the forests of Vrindavan.
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