Places And Temples to visit in NandGaon
Nandgaon, located about 8.5 km north of Barsana and around 50 km northwest of Mathura, is the village where Lord Krishna spent his childhood years, between the ages of 7 to 10. The village gets its name from Krishna’s foster father, Nand Baba, who along with mother Yashoda, made it their home after moving from Gokul due to threats from the demons sent by King Kansa.
Nestled atop the Nandishvar Hill, Nandgaon holds deep spiritual significance. Nand Maharaj, the head of the cowherd community, built his palace at the summit of the hill, while the other villagers built their homes around its base. According to legends, Nandishvar Hill is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva, who took this form to witness Krishna’s divine pastimes after receiving a blessing from the Lord himself.
Nandgaon is also regarded as one of the sub-forests (Upvan) of Vrindavan and is closely tied to the early life of Krishna. Before settling here, Nand Baba briefly stayed at Chhatikara, Dig, and Kamyavan.
Nanda Bhavan or Nandagram Temple
Nandigram, located about 50 km northwest of Vrindavan, is home to the revered Nandagram Temple, situated atop a hill. The temple enshrines two beautiful black marble Deities of Krishna and Balarama. On one side of the sanctum lies a sacred Shiva-linga named Nandeswar, believed to have been installed by Vajranabha.
At the foot of the hill is a Narasimha Temple, where Nanda Maharaja once worshipped the Deities of Lord Narasimha and Varaha. Nearby, devotees can also see a sacred relic — a yogurt pot once used by Mother Yashoda.
Nadisvara Temple
Nandishvar, meaning ‘lord of Nandi,’ is another name for Lord Shiva, who is believed to reside in Nandgaon in the form of a hill to witness Krishna’s divine pastimes. According to legend, Shiva performed penance to receive this blessing from Krishna. The Nandishvar Hill is thus considered sacred and is one of the Upavans (sub-forests) of Vrindavan.
At the Nandagram Temple, a Shiva-linga named Nandishvar—installed by Vajranabha—is worshipped. It is one of the five presiding Shiva-lingas of Braj, believed to protect the sacred land and continuously offer devotion to Lord Krishna.
Pavana Sarovara
Pavana Sarovara is a serene lake at the foot of Nandagram Hill. It is believed that Mother Yashoda bathed young Krishna here, and Radharani would come each morning to cook for him, drawing water from a nearby well. This lake was one of Krishna’s favorites, where he bathed his cows after they returned from grazing. Devotees believe that bathing in Pavana Sarovara grants divine blessings and the vision of Krishna with Nanda and Yashoda.
Charan Pahari
Charan Pahari, located about 1 km from Pavana Sarovara near the road to Kamyavana southwest of Nandagram, is believed to bear the sacred imprint of Lord Krishna’s feet. Even today, these footprints remain clearly visible. Nearby, the stones on the hill where Krishna’s friends played and calves grazed have also worn impressions of their feet and hooves.