Gokul
Gokul, a charming town in Uttar Pradesh, is just 12 km southeast of Mathura and about 25 km from Vrindavan. Nestled on the banks of the sacred River Yamuna, Gokul is where Shri Krishna spent his early childhood. After Krishna’s father, Vasudeva, saved him from the evil King Kansa on a stormy night, Krishna was brought to Gokul. Here, he grew up under the loving care of Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda.
In Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana, the word “Gokul” doesn’t refer to a specific place. Instead, it means a “cowherd camp” or a temporary home for cattle. Around 500 years ago, Saint Vallabhacharya searched for Gokul and Mahavan, which were thought to be lost. During his search, he sat on the banks of the Yamuna and recited the Shrimad Bhagavatam. It was here that he had a divine vision of the goddess Yamuna, who revealed the lost site of Gokul near a Chomkar (Shami) tree.
Mahavan, also called Old Gokul, is Lord Krishna’s original home. Mahavan is where Krishna performed many of his childhood pastimes, including defeating the demoness Putana and other miraculous acts. Chaursi Khamba in Mahavan is considered the real home of Lord Krishna. This place is also where Yogmaya, the divine energy, was born.
Gokul Temple Timing
Timing – 07:00 am to 09:00 pm
Famous Temples in Gokul
Ramanreti
Located just a few kilometers from Mathura, Ramanreti is a serene place surrounded by beautiful gardens. It has a large pool where visitors can bathe and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. This is believed to be the spot where Krishna, his brother Balarama, and their friends played in the soft sands. (Know more About Ramanreti)
Thakurani Ghat
Thakurani Ghat is an important place for devotees, as it is believed that Shri Vallabhacharya had the divine vision of Shri Yamuna Ji here. This ghat holds special spiritual significance and is a serene spot to connect with nature and divinity. (know More About Thakurani ghat)
Brahmand Ghat
This ghat is associated with one of Krishna’s famous childhood miracles. It is said that when Yashoda Maiya suspected Krishna of eating sand, she asked him to open his mouth. To her surprise, she saw the entire universe inside his mouth. This miraculous event makes Brahmand Ghat a must-visit. (Know more Brahmand ghat)
Chintaharan Mahadev Temple
After witnessing the universe in Krishna’s mouth, Yashoda Maiya was filled with worry. It is believed that she prayed at this temple, and Lord Mahadev (Shiva) appeared to take away her worries. The temple is a symbol of peace and devotion. (Know Chintaharan amahdev temple)
Chaurasi Khamba temple
Located in Mahavan, also known as Purana Gokul, Chaurasi Khamba is believed to be the house of Nanda Maharaja, Krishna’s foster father. Krishna and Balarama lived here with Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda Maiya until Krishna was about 2.5 years old. The site gets its name from the 84 pillars (Chaurasi Khamba) that form the structure. (Know Chaurasi Khamba Temple)
Gokul Distance
| Place Name | Distance |
|---|---|
|
Mathura Railway Station |
11 km |
|
Ramanreti |
1.6 Km |
|
Mathura |
13 km |
|
Chintaharan Mahadev Temple |
5 km |
|
Chaurasi Khamba |
3.2 km |
How to Reach
By Road: You can easily hire a cab from Agra, Mathura, or Delhi to travel to the Gokul. It is approx. 160 km from Delhi, 40 kms from Agra, 13 kms from Mathura.
By Train: The city is well-connected with almost all cities across the country. The nearest railway station is in Mathura, located 13 kms away.
By Air: The nearest fully functional commercial airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi 170 km away.