Bilvavana
A Comprehensive Guide to Śrī Vṛndāvana Dhāma
It was at Bilvavana that Balaräma and Krsna ate ripe bael fruits [bilva is another name for bael]. According to the Ädi-varäha Purana, Bilvavana is worshiped by all the demigods, and whoever visits it will also be worshiped in Brahmaloka. It is said that by bathing at Krsna-kunda, situated at Bilvavana, a person can become free of vice. Previously, the Yamunä flowed in a single stream and Mänasa-sarovara was located on the other side of the river. Now, however, the Yamunä has divided herself into two and later meets again at another point, thus creating a circle around Mänasa-sarovara. Krsna performed many picnic pastimes in this area.
Bilvavana forest is 5 meters in circumference and is also known as Srivana because Lakshmidevi performed austerities here. Therefore the temple in Bilvavana has a three-foot Deity of Lakshmi. She is beautiful, with folded hands, praying to one day attain the position of a gopi in order to participate in Krsna's rasa dance; She had been told that she could not participate in the rasa dance in any other form than a Vraja-gopi.
Directions: This forest is 16km from Mathura, on the other side of the Yamuna. It takes about one and a quarter hours to get to Bilvavana from Vrindavana by car. Cross the Mathura bridge, and take Hathras Road (main road) straight to Raya. On reaching Raya, turn left onto the road to Mat, crossing the railroad tracks. Drive for about 8km, until you come to the next road. Make a left (at the busy roadside market)., and take this road for a few minutes until you come to the turnoff to Bilvavana. Follow the turnoff through a small village for approximately one minute. Leaving this village, you will find the Lakshmi temple outside town in the middle of a field.