13-Year-Old Devotee Performs Barsana Parikrama on His Hands in Memory of Grandmother
Braj has long been known as the land of divine love and unwavering devotion. Stories of extraordinary faith continue to emerge from the sacred region, inspiring pilgrims from across India. After the widely discussed journey of Haryanvi folk singer Kajal Chaudhary (Preeti Chaudhary), who carried her elderly mother-in-law through the 84-Kos Braj Parikrama in a plastic tub, another remarkable act of devotion has drawn attention in Barsana.
Aaradhya Gupta, a 13-year-old Class 9 student from Prateek Vihar Phase-2, Agra, has undertaken the approximately 7-kilometre Barsana Parikrama entirely on his hands. He has dedicated this spiritual journey to the sacred memory of his late grandmother, saying the parikrama is an expression of gratitude, faith and devotion.
Parikrama Began on June 25
Aaradhya started his journey on 25 June from Shivram Chowk in Barsana. According to his family, he has been progressing nearly two kilometres each day while carefully balancing physical endurance and safety.
Despite suffering minor health issues during the second day of the pilgrimage, the young devotee continued after recovering. By the third day, he had completed nearly five kilometres and reached the Mandir area on the sacred parikrama route.
Eight Years of Practice
His mother, Seema Gupta, said Aaradhya has shown a deep interest in spirituality since childhood. Along with his twin sister Aaradhya Gupta, he regularly participates in religious activities. She revealed that he began practising hand walking when he was around eight years old, gradually preparing himself for this unique spiritual challenge.
His father, Kamlesh Gupta, said Aaradhya originally wished to perform the much longer Govardhan and Vrindavan Parikramas. However, considering their greater distance, the family encouraged him to first attempt the approximately seven-kilometre Barsana Parikrama.
Inspired by Faith
Speaking during the pilgrimage, Aaradhya said he wants to fulfil his late grandmother’s dream through this offering of devotion to Shri Radha Rani. For him, the journey is not about setting records alone but about expressing faith and seeking divine blessings.
The family also hopes that the achievement may eventually qualify for recognition by organisations such as the Guinness World Records, India Book of Records, Limca Book of Records, and the Asia Book of Records. However, they maintain that devotion remains the primary motivation behind the effort.
Pilgrims Welcome the Young Devotee
As Aaradhya progresses along the sacred route, pilgrims and local residents have been greeting and encouraging him at various points. Many devotees have praised his determination and offered prayers for his successful completion of the parikrama.
His mother has accompanied him throughout the journey, motivating him at every stage while ensuring his well-being. According to the family, if his health remains stable, he aims to complete the entire Barsana Parikrama on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on information shared by the family, eyewitness accounts, and visuals recorded during the ongoing pilgrimage. Record-related claims have not been independently verified by MathuraNow and remain subject to confirmation by the respective record-keeping organizations.