About Gokul (Nand Bhavan)

Gokul, on the eastern bank of the Yamuna about 15 km from Mathura, is where infant Krishna was carried across the flooded Yamuna by his father Vasudeva on the night of his birth in the Mathura prison, and where he was raised by his foster parents Yashoda and Nanda. Every major Krishna leela of his childhood — the killing of demoness Putana, the breaking of the butter pot (makhan chori), the taming of Kaliya serpent — is believed to have taken place here in Gokul or its surrounding groves. Key sites include the Nand Bhavan temple, the Raman Reti (where Krishna played in the sand), and the Chaurasi Khamba temple. The Vallabhacharya sect has its principal seat here at the Gokulnathji temple.

Gokul is one of the twelve forests (dwadash vans) of the Braj region mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana. The current temple structures date to the 16th–17th centuries when the Pushtimarg sampradaya revived the site. Janmashtami is celebrated with special grandeur — one day after Mathura.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Local taxis and autos are available near the shrine area.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

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