Nidhivan
Nidhivan Timing
Morning: 08:00 am – 11:00 am
Evening: 05:30 pm – 07:30 pm
About Nidhivan
Nidhivan is a holy place in Vrindavan, located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The name “Nidhivan” is made up of two words: “Nidhi,” which means sleep, and “van,” which means forest. This special place is also called the “Forest of Tulsi” because it is full of Tulsi plants.
every night Radha and Krishna come to Nidhivan to perform rasa-lila. the forest is closed to the public after sunset to maintain its sanctity. Visitors are not allowed to stay inside at night, as it is believed to be the time when the divine activities take place.
The forest is filled with many small Tulsi trees that are unique because they often grow in pairs with their trunks twisted together. This is said to represent the love between Radha and Krishna. Within Nidhivan, there is also a temple called Rang Mahal, where it is believed that Radha and Krishna rest after their Ras lila. Another temple, Bansichor Radha, is where Radha is said to have stolen Krishna’s flute.
The Raslila Sthali is the spot where the Raas leela happens, and nearby is Visakha-kund, a small pond that Krishna created to give water to Visakha and other gopis. Next to it is Banke-Bihari Yoga-Pith, the place where Lord Banke Bihari appeared in front of Swami Haridas.
Although Nidhivan is not a big forest, it is filled with Tulsi plants and has a peaceful, mysterious atmosphere. Surrounded by homes and buildings, it remains an important and sacred place, attracting many devotees who come to experience its spiritual energy.
Location – Nidhivan Rd, Gotam Nagar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
The Mysterious Trees of Nidhivan
The trees in Nidhivan are unique and add to its mystery. The bark of these trees is hollow, and the ground is dry, yet the trees stay green all year long. The trees are bent toward the ground and are believed to transform into gopis during the night when Krishna comes for the rasa-lila. At dawn, they turn back into Tulsi trees. It is said that the trees change positions overnight, but no one has ever been able to prove it. People who tried tying threads to the trees to test this found the threads missing the next morning.
There are over 1,600 small holes in the ground, which are thought to show where the trees move. The Tulsi leaves never break off by themselves, and the fallen ones are gathered in these holes. The trees always grow in pairs, and no birds or insects live in them. It is also believed that taking any part of these trees home can bring bad luck to the person who does so.
Rang Mahal: The Resting Place of Radha and Krishna
Rang Mahal is a temple in Nidhivan where Radha and Krishna are believed to rest after their dance. Every evening, priests prepare the temple by laying out a bed of sandalwood and placing bangles, flowers, clothes, sweets, and betel nuts. When the temple is reopened in the morning, it looks like someone has slept there—the bed is disturbed, and the sweets and betel nuts have been partially eaten.
No one is allowed inside the temple or forest after dark, as it is believed that anyone who witnesses the divine activities may lose their eyesight or even their sanity. People living near Nidhivan close their windows at night, and some have even bricked them up to avoid looking into the forest. Some claim to have heard the sounds of anklets coming from Nidhivan at night, and even the animals, like monkeys and peacocks, leave the area after sunset.
The Appearance of Banke Bihari in Nidhivan
Nidhivan is also the place where the idol of Banke Bihari, a form of Lord Krishna, appeared. According to legend, Swami Haridas, a great devotee, performed intense prayers that pleased Radha and Krishna. They appeared before him and later merged into the idol of Banke Bihari. The idol was worshiped in Nidhivan for several years before being moved to the famous Banke Bihari Temple.
Nidhivan is a place full of spiritual mystery and divine energy. Many pilgrims and devotees visit to feel the presence of Radha and Krishna in this sacred grove.
Nidhivan Photos
Nidhivan, Vrindavan Distance
| Place Name | Distance |
|---|---|
|
Mathura Railway Station |
14 km |
|
Prem mandir |
5.1 Km |
|
Banke Bihari Temple |
700 m |
|
Barsana |
46 km |
How to reach Nidhivan
By Road: You can easily hire a cab from Agra, Mathura, or Delhi to travel to the Nidhivan. It is approx. 157 km from Delhi, 80 kms from Agra, and 12 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 14 kms away.
By Air: The nearest fully functional commercial airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, 150 km away.