Located on the eastern side of Kalavata village, near Kaman, lies Bhojan Sthali, a place where Lord Krishna frequently dined with His cowherd companions. To access this spot, one can either cross the stream from Vyomasur-gupha or follow a straight path from Kaman. Interestingly, the rock surface at this location still bears the imprints of the bowls and plates that Krishna used during His meals. Bhojan Sthali is situated in close proximity to Krishna Kunda, also known as Ksirsagara, where Lord Krishna took a refreshing bath after slaying Vyomasura. Moreover, adjacent to Bhojan Sthali is Bajani Sila, a nearby spot where Krishna and His friends used a stone as a musical instrument after their lunch. The act of Lord Krishna getting ready to relish a meal with His friends is described in the following shloka mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam –
Sri Suka Uvacha
kvacid vanasaya mano dadhad vrajat
pratah samutthaya vayasya vatsapan
prabodhayan chrnga ravena caruna
vinirgato vatsa purahsaro harih
(Srimad Bhagavatam 10. 12.1)
–
Sukadeva Gosvami narrated that on a particular day, Krishna made plans to have His breakfast as a picnic in the forest. Early in the morning, He used His horn-shaped bugle to awaken all the cowherd boys and calves with its melodious sound. After that, Krishna and the boys led their groups of calves from Vrajabhumi to the forest for the picnic.
Bhakti Ratnakara mentions the following about Bhojan Sthali –
Dekhoho bhojana sthali – Krishna eikhane
Karilena bhojana kautuka sakha sane
Dekhoho bajana sila, ohe Srinivas
Etha nana badye haya sabara ullasa
(Bhakti Ratnakara)
–
Srinivas, behold Bhojan Sthali, the place where Lord Krishna savored His meals with His companions. Additionally, witness the musical wonder of Bajani Sila, a stone that produces various pleasing sounds when struck.
How to Reach
Bhojan sthali can be found to the north of Kalawata village near Kaman in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, India. Kaman is renowned as the fourth sacred forest of Vraja Mandala, an area intimately linked to the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. It is mentioned in Adi Varaha Purana, that one who visits Kamyavan is worshiped in the abode of Lord Vishnu.