Reflections on the Bahulaban Heritage Project

Bahulaban — one of the sacred forests of New Vrindaban — carries within its name and spirit the memory of Bala, the beautiful cow whose sacrifice, honesty, and purity continue to inspire generations. Just as her story reminds us of truth and devotion, Bahulaban stands as a living testament to the integrity and sincerity that built New Vrindaban.

It was in these forests that so many foundational memories were made — memories of the early devotees who lived simply, cared for cows, raised families, and laid the groundwork for the spiritual heritage that continues to grow today. These were years of humble beginnings: cold water baths, cooking over open fires, sharing small rooms, and building a community on faith alone.

Now, decades later, a group of early New Vrindaban residents have come together to memorialize this sacred site — to preserve the stories, the spirit, and the sacrifices that shaped it. The effort began with a simple suggestion to name Bahulaban as a heritage site. Over months of meetings and heartfelt discussions, that seed has now grown into a living project.

Last night, nearly twenty devotees gathered for what felt like a brief conversation but extended joyfully into three full hours of sharing and inspiration. The meeting was filled with the same warmth and purpose that characterized Bahulaban’s earliest days.

Kuladri, one of the first temple presidents of New Vrindaban, and his wife, Kutila — the original matriarch mother — have lovingly taken the lead in guiding this effort. Their vision, supported by many helping hands, is to see Bahulaban not only restored but also recognized as a place of pilgrimage once again.

During the meeting, Kripamaya, another long-time resident and disciple of Srila Prabhupada, shared a beautiful offering — a printed calendar of Srila Prabhupada’s lectures delivered in New Vrindaban, carefully marked with the locations where each took place. He also distributed a QR code linking to the recordings and invited everyone to join for group readings and reflections on these teachings.

The evening left everyone inspired. It was clear that while many steps lie ahead, the collective enthusiasm and devotion of the community will carry this vision forward.

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Project Foundation

The Bahulaban Heritage Project seeks to restore and develop the historic Bahulaban area as a pilgrimage destination, in alignment with Srila Prabhupada’s original vision. The project follows three spiritual phases — sambandha (relationship), abhidheya (practice), and prayojana (goal) — reflecting how New Vrindaban itself evolved from a small community into a spiritual home for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Key Focus Areas include:

• Gathering and preserving stories from original residents about simple living, cow protection, and community service.

• Documenting where Srila Prabhupada walked, spoke, and conducted initiations.

• Creating an archive of over 2,500 photographs, video interviews, and recorded lectures.

• Clearing and restoring sacred locations, designing a forest walking path connecting the Palace of Gold to Bahulaban, and integrating Krishna consciousness into nature-based experiences.

The project also envisions immersive technologies — such as 360° dome projections, QR code–based audio tours, and diorama exhibits recreating scenes from the early days — alongside simple memorial pavilions marking the exact places where Srila Prabhupada spoke and inspired.

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Organization and Next Steps

The Bahulaban Heritage Corporation has been formed to steward this vision, encompassing 35 acres of sacred land. Plans are underway for tax-exempt status, funding proposals, and collaboration between temple boards and long-time residents.

Immediate next steps include:

• Cleanup and identification of sacred sites.

• Development of detailed maps and cost estimates.

• Revival of interviews with senior devotees.

• Digital infrastructure such as QR codes, motion-sensor audio systems, and online archives.

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A Call from Bahulaban

As the project moves forward, many hands and hearts will be needed. We need you.

This sacred effort belongs to all — the old New Vrindaban pioneers who carried the dream through decades of sacrifice, and the new New Vrindaban residents who continue that legacy with fresh energy and vision. Whether you’ve lived here for forty years, four years, or four months, you are part of this unfolding story.

Every Brijbasi, every friend of New Vrindaban, has a place in reviving Bahulaban — the forest of Bala, the forest of truth, and the forest of beginnings. Together, we will restore her paths, her stories, and her sacred heartbeat — ensuring that generations to come can walk there and feel the same pulse of devotion that began so many years ago.