Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan In Gokuldham stands as a timeless symbol in the holy village of Gokul. It is believed that at this place, Lord Krishna spent his childhood days. These were the days when his parents were imprisoned by King Kansa. This place holds the tales and echoes of the playful days of Shri Krishna and the maternal affection of Mother Yashoda. Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan shares a glimpse of the formative years of Lord Krishna. The place is decorated with artwork that depicts the childhood of Lord Krishna. This place remains a religious place visited by devotees seeking blessings and solace.
History Of Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan
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Shri Nand Yashod Bhawan is of immense importance according to Hindu Mythology. Gokul is located on the banks of the river Yamuna and is supposed to be the childhood place of Krishna. The temple is solely dedicated to Nand Baba who was Krishna’s foster father and Yashoda Maiya who was Krishna’s foster mother. They raised Krishna as if he were their son.
It is said that Krishna’s playful acts were described as Leela, and the temple has several murals that talk about Krishna Leela during his childhood. The architecture is very intricate as it is of traditional India with vibrant paintings that depict quite a few scenes from Krishna’s life. Devotees not only visit this place to seek blessings from Lord Krishna but also to enhance and experience the spiritual aura that this place has to offer.
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Places To Visit Near Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan In Gokul Dham
Apart from this temple, there are several other tourist spots that both visitors and devotees can explore:
1. Raman Reti
This is a place on the banks of the River Yamuna revered in Vrindavan and associated with Lord Krishna’s childhood pasties. It is believed that Krishna used to play here with his friends in the sand, which is why the name “Reti” refers to sand. The site remains a significant destination attracting devotees and tourists alike.
2. Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura
This temple is one of the renowned temples in Mathura. The huge temple attracts devotees from every corner of the world. Dwarkadhish Temple is located at a very short distance from Nand Yashoda Bhawan and is a must-visit for all visitors. If you are visiting shri nand Yashoda Bhawan in Gokuldham don’t miss the Dwarkadish Temple in Mathura.
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3. Govardhan Hill
According to Hindu Mythology, Krishna held Govardhan Parvat on one finger to protect the villagers from heavy rainfall. This hill is considered an important pilgrimage site. Govardhan Hill is considered a sacred site because it is the setting for many legends relating to the life of Lord Krishna, the deity believed to be embodied in the earth of the hill. Krishna and his brother Balarama are said to have spent many happy hours roaming among its shade-providing groves, pools, caves, and lush cow pastures.
4. Kesi Ghat
The story tells that Krishna defeated the demon Kesi on this ghat situated at the banks of River Yamuna. This place is another significant site as devotees worship the holy water of Yamuna. Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, Keshi Ghat is counted amongst the most popular tourist attractions in Vrindavan. Legend has it that after slaying demon Keshi (after which the ghat is named), Lord Krishna bathed at this ghat. Keshi was the horse demon that was sent by Krishna’s evil uncle, Kansa, to kill him.
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5. Gokulnath Temple
This temple is also of the utmost importance as it was previously believed to be worshipped by the cowherd community of Gokul. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is revered by devotees worldwide. The Gokulnath Temple is one of the most visited places near the Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan In Gokuldham. This temple has great significance in Indian culture.
Etiquettes And Customs When Visiting Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan In Gokul
While visiting this temple, several regulations, etiquettes and customs have to be followed by devotees to show respect and reverence:
1). Dress Code: Devotees should dress up appropriately, covering their knees and shoulders. Avoid wearing revealing clothing in this temple.
2). Photography and Videography: Some temples prohibit the use of mobile photography and videography. Always seek permission before clicking photographs.
3). Offerings: Check with the temple authorities regarding what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Flowers, fruits and sweets are typically welcomed as offerings.
4). Circumambulation: In certain temples, it is equally important to perform Pradakshina around the main shrine in a clockwise direction as a symbol to offer prayers.
5). Respect Local Customers: Be mindful of local customs, rituals, and traditions. If you have doubts, observe what others are practicing and then seek guidance.
6). Prasad: Accept the holy prasad given to you by the priests in the temple. Always make sure to accept the prasad and eat by right hand only.
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Local Cuisine Served In Gokul, Mathura
Shri Nand Yashoda Temple is situated in Gokul which is a small town in Mathura. The place has a culinary experience that simply blends with its rich cultural history. Sometimes, a few of its local cuisine dishes are served as Prasad in the temple. From sweets to savoury food dishes, the local cuisine of Gokul is just so amazing and must-try when in this region.
1). Mathura Ke Pede: Mathura Ke Pede is the most famous sweet dish that is associated with the region. The ‘Pede’ are semi-soft round balls which are made from khoya and flavoured with cardamom and saffron and sometimes garnished with chopped almonds and nuts. They are golden brown and are not just desserts but a part of offerings made to Lord Krishna in the temples of Gokul.
2). Bedai With Aloo Sabzi: Bedai is a popular breakfast dish made in Gokul. The dish serves deep-fried puffy bread made from urad dal flour. These crispy Bedai are served with hot and spicy potato curry. The curry is sometimes given a flavourful essence of tomatoes and amchoor.
3). Khurchan: Khurchan is also a sweet dish made by scraping the milk solid leftovers stuck on the pan. These shreds are chewy, have an adorable essence and taste amazing when garnished with chopped dry fruits. Khurchan is served as a dessert during popular festivals in Gokul.
4). Dahi Jalebi: This dish is a unique sweet-savoury dessert in which Jalebis are served with creamy, tangy Yogurt. The contrasting combination makes Dahi Jalebi an indulgent dessert in Gokul.
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This physical structure depicts the love Lord Krishna gave him in his early childhood. Gokul has always been a place connected to Lord Krishna. This temple draws devotees from all corners of the world and fosters a deep connection with Lord Krishna’s life. The stories of Maa Yashoda were always nurturing and full of love. This temple is a must-visit when devotees are on their trip to Mathura. Shri Nand Yashoda Temple resonates with a rich history and cultural significance that visitors experience when they visit this spiritual pilgrimage spot.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan In Gokul Dham
What is the history of Nand Bhawan?
Nand Bhawan is a famous pilgrimage spot among devotees because it is believed that Lord Krishna spent his childhood days with Balram when his real parents were imprisoned by King Kansa. The house belonged to Nand Maharaj, the foster father of Lord Krishna.
Where is the real house of Lord Krishna?
The real house of Lord Krishna is in Vrindavan. It is located about 80 kilometres away from the Southeast of Gurugram. Devotees believe that Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna lived and performed several supernatural activities about 5000 years ago.
Where is Krishna's birthplace?
The birthplace of Krishna is Mathura. This place is situated at Braj and so Mathura is also regarded as Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi. The place is of utmost significance to Lord Krishna
Who are Nand and Yashoda?
As mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna was born to Devki but his father Vasudeva, brought the newborn baby Krishna to Nand and his wife Yashoda. Nand and Yashoda are the foster parents of Krishna. This was done to protect Krishna from Devki’s brother Kansa.
Who destroyed the Krishna temple in Mathura?
Krishna Temple in Mathura was destroyed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Krishna temple has held religious significance since the 6th century BCE as religious findings and artefacts are found here. The temple was not just destroyed once but multiple times by Aurangzeb in 1670.
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