While performing Vraja Mandala Parikrama, there are a number of different routes followed by the various Vaishnava sampradayas which are based on four main literatures: Adi Varaha Purana, Vraja-bhakti-vilasa, Chaitanya-charitamrita and Bhakti-ratnakara. The various parikrama routes may also change from time to, but the overall purpose of these parikramas is to circumambulate the twelve sacred forests of Vrindavana Dhama, whereas the places visited in between may differ according to preference. The Bhakti-ratnakara and Chaitanya-charitamrita trace out the parikrama route taken by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu while the Vraja Mandala Parikrama followed by the Gaudiya Math is based upon Vraja-bhakti-vilasa. Besides the Gaudiya sampradaya, two other prominent sampradayas also conduct the annual Vraja Mandala Parikrama, the Nimbarka sampradaya and the Vallabhacharya sampradaya.
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