Are you looking for a spiritual and cultural destination that will take you back to the times of Lord Krishna and his divine love with Radha? If yes, then Nandgaon is the place for you. Nandgaon is a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India, that is famous for being the home of Lord Krishna's foster parents, Nand Baba and Yashoda Maiyya. It is also the site of Lord Krishna's Raas Leela, the celestial dance and romance of Lord Krishna and Radha and their associates. Nandgaon is a place of immense religious and historical significance, as well as a place of beauty and charm.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Nandgaon, such as its history, culture, geography, attractions, activities, festivals, and tips for visiting. Whether you are a devotee, a history buff, or a nature lover, Nandgaon has something for everyone.
Nandgaon: The History, Culture, and Geography of the Place
Nandgaon derives its name from Nand Baba, the foster father of Lord Krishna, who was the chief of the cowherd community. Nandgaon literally means the village of Nand. According to the legend, Nand Baba and his family moved to Nandgaon from Gokul to escape the wrath of the tyrant king Kansa, who was Lord Krishna's maternal uncle and wanted to kill him. Nandgaon became the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and youth, along with his brother Balarama, his beloved Radha, and his friends. Nandgaon is also the place where Lord Krishna performed his Raas Leela, the divine dance and romance of Lord Krishna and Radha and their associates, on the banks of the Yamuna river and on the Nandisvara Hill.
Nandgaon is located about 50 km from Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and about 8 km from Barsana, the birthplace of Radha. It is situated on the Nandisvara Hill, which is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, who took the form of the hill to witness Lord Krishna's pastimes. Nandgaon is surrounded by lush green fields, forests, and hills, and has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Nandgaon is easily accessible by road, rail, or air. The nearest railway station is Mathura Junction, and the nearest airport is Agra Airport. From there, one can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach Nandgaon.
Nandgaon is a place of devotion and faith, where the people live in harmony and follow the teachings of Lord Krishna. The people of Nandgaon speak Hindi and Braj Bhasha, the local dialect of the region. The cuisine of Nandgaon is simple and vegetarian, consisting of roti, dal, sabzi, and sweets. The people of Nandgaon celebrate various festivals and traditions related to Lord Krishna and Radha, such as Holi, Lathmar Holi, Radhashtami, Janmashtami, etc. The people of Nandgaon are friendly and hospitable, and welcome the visitors with warmth and respect.
Nand Bhavan: The Palace of Nand Baba and Yashoda Maiyya
Nand Bhavan is the main attraction of Nandgaon, as it is the palace of Nand Baba and Yashoda Maiyya, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and youth. Nand Bhavan is a magnificent structure, built of red sandstone and decorated with paintings and carvings depicting the life and pastimes of Lord Krishna. Nand Bhavan has several rooms and features, such as the kitchen, where Yashoda Maiyya used to cook for Lord Krishna and his friends; the bedroom, where Lord Krishna used to sleep and rest; the courtyard, where Lord Krishna used to play and dance; the throne, where Nand Baba used to sit and rule; etc. Nand Bhavan also has a temple of Nand Maharaj, where the idols of Nand Baba, Yashoda Maiyya, Lord Krishna, Balarama, and other family members are worshipped.
Nand Bhavan is a place of stories and legends, where one can hear and see the tales of Lord Krishna's activities in Nandgaon. Some of the stories are:
- Lord Krishna's food habits: Lord Krishna was very fond of eating butter and curd, and used to steal them from the pots of Yashoda Maiyya and the other gopis. He also used to share them with his friends and the monkeys. Once, Yashoda Maiyya caught him red-handed and tied him to a wooden mortar, which is known as the Damodar Lila.
- Lord Krishna's name-giving ceremony: Lord Krishna was named by the sage Gargacharya, who was the family priest of Nand Baba. He secretly came to Nandgaon and performed the ceremony in Nand Bhavan, as he feared that Kansa would find out and harm Lord Krishna. He named Lord Krishna as Krishna, meaning the one who attracts everyone, and Balarama as Rama, meaning the one who gives pleasure to everyone.
- Lord Krishna's interactions with Radha: Lord Krishna and Radha were inseparable from their childhood, and used to meet and play in Nand Bhavan. They also used to express their love and devotion for each other in Nand Bhavan. One of the places where they used to meet is the Rangili Mahal, a colorful palace in Nand Bhavan, where they used to dance and sing.
The timings to visit Nand Bhavan are from 5 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. The entry fee is free, but one can offer donations to the temple. The tips for visiting Nand Bhavan are:
- Respect the sanctity and cleanliness of the place and avoid wearing shoes, leather items, or non-vegetarian food inside.
- Dress modestly and cover your head and shoulders, as Nand Bhavan is a place of worship and culture.
- Participate in the prayers and rituals of the temple and seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and his family.
- Enjoy the beauty and charm of Nand Bhavan and immerse yourself in the stories and legends of Lord Krishna's pastimes.
Nandisvara Hill: The Sacred Hill on Which Nand Bhavan is Situated
Nandisvara Hill is the sacred hill on which Nand Bhavan is situated, and which is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, who took the form of the hill to witness Lord Krishna's pastimes. Nandisvara Hill is also known as Nandishwar Parvat, Nandigram Parvat, or Nandagiri Parvat. Nandisvara Hill is a place of beauty and serenity, where one can see the panoramic views of Nandgaon and the surrounding areas. Nandisvara Hill is also a place of attractions and activities, where one can visit the temples, kunds, and caves that are related to Lord Krishna and his pastimes. Some of the attractions and activities on Nandisvara Hill are:
- Nandisvara Mahadev Temple: This is the temple of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Nandisvara, the lord of Nandgaon. The temple is located at the top of the hill, and has a black stone lingam of Lord Shiva. The temple also has a statue of Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva, who faces the temple of Nand Maharaj in Nand Bhavan. The temple is visited by the devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, who offer prayers and offerings to the lord of the hill.
- Nand Kund: This is the pond where Nand Baba used to bathe and wash his cows. The pond is also believed to be the place where Lord Krishna used to play and swim with his friends and the gopis. The pond has a flight of steps leading to the water, and has a small temple of Lord Krishna on its bank. The pond is considered sacred and auspicious, and the water is said to have healing properties.
- Yashoda Kund: This is the pond where Yashoda Maiyya used to bathe and wash her clothes. The pond is also believed to be the place where Lord Krishna used to play and splash water on his mother and the gopis. The pond has a flight of steps leading to the water, and has a small temple of Yashoda Maiyya on its bank. The pond is considered sacred and auspicious, and the water is said to have soothing properties.
- Pavan Sarovar: This is the pond where Lord Krishna used to rest and relax with his friends and the gopis. The pond is also believed to be the place where Lord Krishna used to feed the peacocks and the deer. The pond has a flight of steps leading to the water, and has a small temple of Lord Krishna on its bank. The pond is considered sacred and auspicious, and the water is said to have refreshing properties.
- Ter Kadamb: This is the tree where Lord Krishna used to play his flute and attract the gopis for his Raas Leela. The tree is also believed to be the place where Lord Krishna used to hide the clothes of the gopis when they were bathing in the Yamuna river. The tree is a large and ancient kadamba tree, which has a platform and a small temple of Lord Krishna under its shade. The tree is considered sacreand auspicious, and the flowers are said to have fragrant properties.
- Caves on Nandisvara Hill: There are several caves on Nandisvara Hill, where Lord Krishna used to hide and play with his friends and the gopis. Some of the caves are:
Mor Kutir: This is the cave where Lord Krishna used to dress as a peacock and dance with the peacocks and the gopis. The cave has a small temple of Lord Krishna in his peacock form, and has peacock feathers and paintings on its walls.
Maan Sarovar: This is the cave where Lord Krishna used to pacify Radha when she was angry or jealous of him. The cave has a small pond, where Lord Krishna used to wash Radha's feet and offer her flowers and jewels. The cave has a small temple of Radha and Krishna, and has paintings of their loving scenes on its walls.
Prem Sarovar: This is the cave where Lord Krishna and Radha used to express their love and devotion for each other. The cave has a small pond, where Lord Krishna and Radha used to bathe and embrace each other. The cave has a small temple of Radha and Krishna, and has paintings of their divine union on its walls.
The timings to visit Nandisvara Hill are from 5 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. The entry fee is free, but one can offer donations to the temples. The tips for visiting Nandisvara Hill are:
- Respect the sanctity and cleanliness of the place and avoid wearing shoes, leather items, or non-vegetarian food inside.
- Dress modestly and cover your head and shoulders, as Nandisvara Hill is a place of worship and culture.
- Enjoy the views and scenery of Nandisvara Hill and explore its attractions and activities.
- Be careful and cautious while climbing the hill and entering the caves, as they may be slippery or dark.
Lord Krishna's Raas Leela: The Divine Dance and Romance of Lord Krishna and Radha
Raas Leela is one of the most beautiful and sublime aspects of Lord Krishna's pastimes, where he danced and romanced with Radha and the gopis, the cowherd girls of Nandgaon and Barsana. Raas Leela is a manifestation of the pure and eternal love and devotion between Lord Krishna and Radha and their associates, who are considered to be the expansions of their own selves. Raas Leela is also a symbol of the cosmic dance and harmony of the supreme soul and the individual souls, who are united in the ecstasy of divine love.
Raas Leela took place in various places and times in Nandgaon and Barsana, where Lord Krishna and Radha used to meet and play. Some of the places and times of Raas Leela are:
- Chhota Raas: This is the small or short Raas Leela, where Lord Krishna used to dance and sing with Radha and the gopis in the daytime, on the banks of the Yamuna river or in the groves of Nandisvara Hill. The Chhota Raas was a playful and joyful dance, where Lord Krishna used to tease and charm Radha and the gopis with his flute and his words.
- Bada Raas: This is the big or long Raas Leela, where Lord Krishna used to dance and sing with Radha and the gopis in the night, under the full moon, on the banks of the Yamuna river or in the groves of Nandisvara Hill. The Bada Raas was a blissful and ecstatic dance, where Lord Krishna used to multiply himself and dance with each gopi individually, and then reunite with Radha in the center of the circle. The Bada Raas was also a miraculous and mystical dance, where time and space were suspended, and one night of Raas Leela lasted for billions of years.
- Rangili Mahal: This is the colorful palace in Nand Bhavan, where Lord Krishna used to dress as a king and dance and sing with Radha and the gopis, who were dressed as queens. The Rangili Mahal was a royal and elegant dance, where Lord Krishna used to shower Radha and the gopis with flowers and jewels, and praise their beauty and grace.
- Mor Kutir: This is the cave on Nandisvara Hill, where Lord Krishna used to dress as a peacock and dance and sing with Radha and the gopis, who were dressed as peahens. The Mor Kutir was a natural and charming dance, where Lord Krishna used to spread his peacock feathers and imitate the sounds and movements of the peacocks, and delight Radha and the gopis with his humor and creativity.
Raas Leela is celebrated and commemorated by various festivals and traditions in Nandgaon and Barsana, where the devotees and visitors can witness and participate in the dance and romance of Lord Krishna and Radha. Some of the festivals and traditions are:
- Holi: This is the festival of colors, where the people of Nandgaon and Barsana celebrate the arrival of spring and the love of Lord Krishna and Radha by throwing colored powder and water on each other. Holi is celebrated in the month of Phalguna (February-March), and lasts for several days, with different rituals and events. Holi is a fun and festive occasion, where the people of Nandgaon and Barsana sing and dance and play pranks on each other, and relive the spirit of Lord Krishna and Radha's Raas Leela.
- Lathmar Holi: This is a unique and famous tradition of Nandgaon and Barsana, where the women of Barsana beat the men of Nandgaon with sticks, while the men try to shield themselves and throw colored powder and water on the women. Lathmar Holi is based on the legend that Lord Krishna and his friends used to visit Barsana and tease Radha and her friends, who used to chase them away with sticks. Lathmar Holi is celebrated a few days before Holi, and attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims, who enjoy the spectacle and the excitement of the tradition.
- Radhashtami: This is the birthday of Radha, who is considered to be the supreme goddess and the consort of Lord Krishna. Radhashtami is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September), and is a day of reverence and devotion for the devotees of Radha and Krishna. Radhashtami is celebrated by fasting, praying, singing, and dancing in the temples and shrines of Radha and Krishna, especially in Barsana, where Radha was born. Radhashtami is a day of gratitude and joy for the devotees, who seek the blessings and grace of Radha and Krishna.
- Janmashtami: This is the birthday of Lord Krishna, who is considered to be the supreme god and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Janmashtami is celebrated in the month of Shravana (July-August), and is a day of celebration and worship for the devotees of Krishna and Radha. Janmashtami is celebrated by fasting, praying, singing, and dancing in the temples and homes of Krishna and Radha, especially in Mathura, where Krishna was born. Janmashtami is a day of happiness and love for the devotees, who rejoice in the birth and life of Krishna and Radha.
The timings to witness and participate in Raas Leela are from 5 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. The entry fee is free, but one can offer donations to the temples and the performers. The tips for witnessing and participating in Raas Leela are:
- Respect the sanctity and dignity of the place and the performers and avoid taking pictures, videos, or recordings of the Raas Leela, as it is a sacred and private dance of Lord Krishna and Radha and their associates.
- Dress modestly and cover your head and shoulders, as Raas Leela is a place of worship and culture.
- Enjoy the beauty and charm of Raas Leela and immerse yourself in the music and lyrics of the dance and the songs, which are based on the ancient scriptures and poems of the saints and poets of the region.
- Be prepared and cautious while playing Holi and Lathmar Holi, as they can be messy and rough. Wear old and comfortable clothes, protect your eyes and skin, and carry water and snacks with you.
Conclusion:
Nandgaon is a place that will enchant and inspire you with its spiritual and cultural richness, its historical and natural beauty, and its festive and joyful atmosphere. Nandgaon is a place where you can experience the love and devotion of Lord Krishna and Radha and their associates, who danced and romanced in the divine Raas Leela. Nandgaon is a place where you can visit the palace of Nand Baba and Yashoda Maiyya, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and youth. Nandgaon is a place where you can explore the sacred hill of Nandisvara, where Lord Shiva took the form of the hill to witness Lord Krishna's pastimes. Nandgaon is a place where you can celebrate the festivals and traditions of Holi, Lathmar Holi, Radhashtami, Janmashtami, etc., and join the people of Nandgaon and Barsana in their fun and faith.
Nandgaon is a place that will make you feel closer to Lord Krishna and Radha and their eternal love.