Bhandirvan
Bhandirvan is one of the twelve sacred forests of Vraj, located in the Mant area of Mathura district. This forest is famous for the divine pastimes of Shri Krishna and Radha Rani. Many special places in Bhandirvan remind us of these pastimes, such as the Bhandirvan Temple, Vivah Sthali (wedding site), Venu Kupa, and Vamsivat.
One of the most important events in Bhandirvan is the marriage of Shri Krishna and Radha Rani. Lord Brahma himself acted as the priest for their wedding. The Bhandirvan Temple is unique because it is the only temple in the world where Lord Krishna is shown applying sindoor (vermillion) on Radha Rani’s forehead. Every year, the festival of Phulera Dooj is celebrated here in the month of Phalguna to honor this sacred wedding.
Bhandirvan Temple Timings
Open and Closing Time – 06:00 Am to 08:00 PM
The Marriage of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani
According to the Garga Samhita and Gita Govinda, once Nanda Baba brought young Shri Krishna to Bhandirvan to graze cows. The forest was dense with tall trees and creepers, allowing only a little sunlight to pass through. Suddenly, dark clouds gathered, and a powerful rainstorm began. Seeing this, Nanda Baba became worried and held little Krishna in his arms.
Just then, a beautiful young girl appeared—she was none other than Radha Rani, the daughter of King Vrishbhanu. She stretched out her hands toward Nanda Baba, asking for Krishna. Nanda Baba, feeling a divine presence, handed Krishna to her. Radha Rani took Krishna deep into Bhandirvan, where he suddenly transformed into a handsome young boy, the same age as Radha Rani.
At that moment, Lalita, Vishakha, and other sakhis arrived, along with Lord Brahma. Understanding the divine desire of Radha and Krishna, Brahma performed their wedding under a grand banyan tree. They exchanged beautiful flower garlands, the sakhis sang joyful songs, and the gods showered flowers from the sky. After the ceremony, Krishna turned back into a small child, and Radha Rani returned him to Nanda Baba. The storm stopped, the sky cleared, and Nanda Baba happily took Krishna back home.
The Sacred Banyan Tree of Bhandirvan
The banyan tree under which Radha and Krishna were married is still present in Bhandirvan. It is said that Krishna, Balarama, and their friends used to cross the Yamuna River by walking on its long branches. This tree was home to many birds, including parrots, peacocks, and cuckoos, who sang melodious tunes. Deer and other forest animals also found shelter in its cool shade.
The Defeat of Vatsasura
Bhandirvan was also the site of Shri Krishna’s victory over the demon Vatsasura. One day, Krishna and Balarama were playing on the banks of the Yamuna when the demon disguised himself as a calf and mixed with their herd. Krishna quickly recognized the demon and informed Balarama. Krishna then grabbed Vatsasura by his hind legs and tail, swung him around, and threw him into a tree, killing him instantly.
Venu Kupa
After defeating Vatsasura, Krishna proudly told the gopis about his victory. The gopis, however, accused him of killing a calf and said he had become impure. To regain purity, they challenged Krishna to bathe in all the holy rivers of the world. In response, Krishna created a well called Venu Kupa by striking the ground with his flute. He then invited all sacred rivers to enter the well and took a bath in it. Even today, women of Vraj visit this well to pray for children and good fortune. On the special day of Somvati Amavasya, it is believed that milk flows from the well during the Brahma Muhurta (early morning).
Krishna Swallows the Forest Fire
One summer day, Krishna and his friends took their cows to drink water from the Yamuna. The cows wandered into a thick, dry forest called Munjavan. The heat was unbearable, and soon, the cows became lost and thirsty. Krishna’s friends also entered the forest to find the cows but lost their way as well.
At that time, the servants of the evil king Kansa set fire to the forest. Within moments, flames surrounded Krishna, his friends, and the cows. Seeing no other way to escape, they called out to Krishna for help. Krishna told them to close their eyes, and in an instant, he swallowed the entire fire. When the boys opened their eyes, they found themselves back under the cool shade of Bhandirvan, safe and sound.
Bhandirvan Photos
Bhandirvan Distance
| Place Name | Distance |
|---|---|
|
Mathura Railway Station |
30 km |
|
Mathura |
30 km |
|
Gokul |
35 km |
|
Vrindavan |
20 km |
How to Reach Bhandirvan
By Road: You can easily hire a cab from Agra, Mathura, or Delhi to travel to the Bhandirvan. It is approx. 140 km from Delhi, 85 kms from Agra, 30 kms for Mathura.
By Train: The city is well-connected with almost all cities across the country. The nearest railway station is in Mathura, located 30 kms away.
By Air: The nearest fully functional commercial airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, approx. 150 km away.