Step into the sacred village where every stone, breeze, and courtyard still echoes with the playful leelas of Shri Krishna
Places of Nandgaon
The House of Nanda Baba
1. Nandgaon Mahal
Introduction
Perched atop the Nandisvara Hill, the grand Nand Bhavan (Nandgaon Mahal) is the very home where Nanda Baba and Yashoda Maiya raised Krishna and Balram. Built to protect Krishna from the constant attacks of Kansa’s demons, this palace became the center of divine leela.
Divine Experience
The deity is worshipped as Dwarkadhish – King of Dwarka, resplendent in royal attire, adorned with jewels and flowers.
Every morning and evening, the darshan transforms into a spectacle of devotion with elaborate shringaar, bhajans, and aarti.
The temple is especially famous for its Jhulan Yatra (swing festival) in Shravan, when the deity is placed on beautifully decorated swings and devotees sing rain-soaked melodies of Radha and Krishna.
Festivals & Celebrations
Holi in Nandgaon is world-famous – gopas of Nandgaon welcome the gopis of Barsana with colors, echoing Radha and Krishna’s playful Holi.
On Janmashtami and Govardhan Puja, the palace becomes a vibrant hub of kirtans, jhankis, and joyous processions.
Visiting Nandgaon Mahal is not just a darshan— it is an invitation into Krishna’s very home.
Krishna’s Eternal Footprints
2. Charan Pahadi
Introduction
Just beyond Nandgaon lies Charan Pahadi, a hill sanctified by Krishna’s footprints. It is said that once, Krishna disappeared into a cave (Luk Luka Khandar) and then appeared atop this very hill, playing His flute.
Divine Miracle
The sound of Krishna’s flute was so sweet that it melted the very stones of the hill, and His footprints were etched into the rocks for eternity.
Alongside, the footprints of Krishna’s sakhas and the hoof-marks of His calves also manifested on the stones.
Even after 5,000 years, these impressions remain clear—reminding us that Krishna’s presence is eternal, not bound by time.
Pilgrim’s Experience
Devotees climb the hill chanting “Radhe Radhe” or “Govinda Govinda”, and upon reaching the summit, bow down to Krishna’s footprints.
Many describe the darshan as overwhelming — the very dust feels alive, the stones radiate heat like divine energy, and one feels Krishna’s flute still echoing in the wind.
To touch the Charan Pahadi is to touch the feet of Krishna Himself.
Shiv Ji Witnessing Krishna’s Leelas
3. Aashishwar Mahadev
Introduction
When Lord Shiva heard that Krishna was performing enchanting leelas in Nandgaon, he yearned to witness them. He requested Krishna to allow him to stay close and observe. Moved by Shiv Ji’s devotion, Krishna granted him residence in Nandgaon as Aashishwar Mahadev.
Divine Significance
Here, Lord Shiva resides not as the great ascetic of Kailash, but as a humble devotee of Krishna, silently watching His pastimes.
Pilgrims offer water, milk, and bel leaves to Aashishwar Mahadev, seeking his blessings to obtain Krishna’s darshan with pure devotion.
The temple beautifully symbolizes the unity of Sanatan Dharma, where even the greatest gods become devotees before Krishna.
Aashishwar Mahadev stands as proof that the highest joy even for Lord Shiva is to witness Krishna’s leela.
The Spiritual Essence of Nandgaon
Together, Nandgaon Mahal, Charan Pahadi, and Aashishwar Mahadev form a sacred trinity of Krishna’s boyhood:
His Home (Nandgaon Mahal) – where love and family defined divinity.
His Footprints (Charan Pahadi) – where eternity was carved into stone.
His Devotee (Aashishwar Mahadev) – where even Mahadev bowed to Krishna’s sweetness.
In Nandgaon, Krishna is not distant or majestic, He is the mischievous child of Yashoda, the friend of cowherd boys, and the playful charmer of gopis. Pilgrims leave here with tears of joy, hearts overflowing with love, and lips chanting “Radhe Radhe, Shyam Shyam.”
Plan Your Visit
Location: Nandgaon, Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Best Time to Visit: February–March (Holi), August–September (Janmashtami, Radhashtami), Kartik Purnima
To visit Nandgaon is to return home—to Krishna’s home. And once you step here, your heart forever belongs to Braj.
