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The enchanting lush garden of Nidhivan in Vrindavan, also known as the Verdant Garden of Divine Love, is located in Vrindavan. Nidhivan is a stunning green garden identical to Vrindavan, the abode of Lord Krishna in India, famous for its mystic and romantic episodes of the divine love of Lord Krishna. With colourful plants and ponds of clear blue water, spirituality cannot help but circulate through the human body as they get a feel of the times in the divine life of Krishna. Vrindavan is a holy city where young Krishna stayed as a child, and hundreds of temples, ashrams, and other religious places abound for interested devotees or tourists worldwide. Of these sacred sites, Nidhivan is the most enchanting, narrating the eternal love story of Radha and Krishna – timeless love that is spaceless.

About Nidhivan

A majestic view of Radha Rani at Nidhivan in Vrindavan

Image Credit: Kridha20 for Wikimedia Commons

The gardens around the shrines are well-kept with roses, flowers, and trees, which give an aesthetic look and make people sit, think, and pray. Lying in the centre of Nidhivan is the gorgeous building called Bankey Bihari Temple, a temple dedicated to Radha and Krishna. Adorned with groves and ponds providing religious significance for the spirit, the temple encourages the devotees to drown themselves in the romance of Radha and Krishna. These places are accessible to devotees and tourists so they can truly feel the depth of the deities. The whole cultural history of Nidhivan is based on the legends and chronicles of Lord Krishna, with some references to the holy Vedas. Thus, the Bhagavata Purana states that Nidhivan was just one of the many groves where Lord Krishna chose to frolic with his consort Radha and the countless gopis diligently.

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Festivals & Celebrations At Nidhivan

The festival of colours Holi at Banke Bihari Temple

Image Credit: J.S. Jaimohan for Wikimedia Commons

The entire city of Vrindavan is immersed in tales of love and courage, the visitors of the town may find themselves hearing old folktales and enjoying the soothing, loving atmosphere of the city. This place is awakening on numerous festive occasions that are celebrated year-round. Some of these festivals are:

  • Holi: It is enjoyed with lots of zest and people throw colourful powders at each other as an emblem of love between Radha and Krishna.
  • Janmashtami: Celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna where people set up idols and sing and dance throughout the night and also perform puja.
  • Radhashtami: Commemorates the birth of goddess Radha and special recitations and offerings are made to her.
  • Mangal Aarti: Morning daily rituals of offerings in devotion to Krishna.

Tourist Attractions In Nidhivan

The atmosphere of Nidhivan gets the better of you as soon as you enter it and are offered something of a spiritual pilgrimage. With gracious carvings on walls, framework, and elaborated details, this building results from the pinnacle in high devotional art. Here are some other places to explore which is close to Nidhivan:

1. Sacred Tulsi Groves

This is how Tulsi plants look like

Image Credit: Shashidhara halady for Wikimedia Commons

Tulsi plants are religiously planted in Nidhivan in large numbers which makes it a very pious place. The lush vegetation also makes the environment more silent, and the feeling you get when you are in the garden is that of meditation. It is for this reason that not any tree grows amid Nidhivan: they are extraordinary. It is perceived that they transform themselves into human beings during the night to engage in divine-related activities, giving a spiritual twist to the place.

Location: Nidhivan, Vrindavan, Mathura
Best time to Visit: From October to March

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2. Mysterious Radha Rani Temple

Visit the Radha Rani temple near Nidhivan

Image Credit: Kridha20 for Wikimedia Commons

Within the precincts of Nidhivan, there is a temple for Radha Rani which is the consort of Lord Krishna. People come here to pray and to listen for a touch of the acclaimed divinity. Special activities are conducted in the temple; most of them are conducted in the evening. There are a lot of legends where it is said that after the evening prayers are said Lord Krishna visits the temple as does Radha and therefore the temple is indeed spiritual.

Location: Radha Rani Temple, Barsana, Mathura
Best time to Visit: From October to March

3. Bansi Chor Krishna Temple

Depiction of Raas Leela at Prem Mandir in Vrindavan

Image Credit: KuwarOnline for Wikimedia Commons

This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna who has danced the Raas Leela at Nidhivan hence the name of the place. This temple has a great historical significance and religious value and people from all around visit this temple. The stunning design of the Bansi Chor Krishna Temple is creative and beautiful to look at and gives out the typical octagonal look in Indian temple structures. The marvellous architecture, divine aura and stunning sights along with mesmerising designs on the wall of the temple enhance the whole spiritual environment there.

Location: Bhanumati Road, Gopinath Bagh, Vrindavan, Mathura
Best time to Visit: From October to March

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How To Reach & Best Time To Nidhivan

If you are travelling by train then Mathura Junction is the closest railway station.

Image Credit: Apurba Biswas for Wikimedia Commons

To grasp the spiritual mood of Nidhivan travel to this place is better during one of the festivals or in the morning or evening when the garden has a sacred vibe. These timings also create a great potential to observe the calmness and religiousness of the place. The town of Vrindavan, where Nidhivan is located, is well connected by road and rail to almost all the prominent places in India and hence accessible to people.

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Agra (about 45 Km); Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is about 100 Km away.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Mathura Junction which is about 12 km from the city.
  • By Road: Good road links; buses are available from Delhi, Agra and other neighbouring cities.
  • By Car: Reach by car on Yamuna Expressway from Delhi (about 3 hours).
  • Local Transport: facilities of auto rickshaw, taxi, and cycle rickshaw are available from Mathura to Nidhivan.

Further Read: Prem Mandir

Vrindavan is a significant place for Hindus as it has been mentioned in the old texts. Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next vacation to see the Golden Temple of Dambulla, make sure you plan your trip to Uttar Pradesh to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!

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Cover Image Credit : KuwarOnline for Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Nidhivan In Vrindavan

What is Nidhivan known for?

Nidhivan in Vrindavan holds historical and spiritual importance to followers of Lord Krishna. Nidhivan is a garden full of love and faith, thereby giving the site very high spiritual importance mainly because it is considered one of the many forests where Lord Krishna spent his Leelas with Radha and the Gopis as described in the Bhagavatam Puranaa.

What are some places to visit and things to see in Nidhivan?

The most prominent architectural feature of interest at Nidhivan is the stunning Nidhivan Temple built for Radha and Lord Krishna. Other important places comprise ramps and ponds, shrines representing various phases of Krishna’s life and delightful gardens with colourful plants.

During which hours is the Nidhivan most suitable for a visit?

It is advised to visit Nidhivan either in the morning till late morning or during the evening time, while the gardens have a very tranquil and pious vibe. Also, travelling during festivals such as Rath Yatra, Janmashtami, or Holi will allow visitors to get the most exciting representations of this state.

Is there any restriction on the dress code in Nidhivan?

Yes, it is mandatory for men and women to dress decently and women need to have hair covers like shawl or any other similar dresses to cover their heads for entering the temple. Sneakers are also advised if one plans to go around the area and check on the beautiful gardens and shrines.

What transportation method is optimal for getting to Nidhivan from other places in the country?

The region is easily accessible through road and rail linked from other major cities within India. After arrival in Vrindavan, one can hire an auto-rickshaw to move to Nidhivan or can join any local guide to make the journey easy.

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