Shani Temple, Kokilvan
Shani Temple Timing
Open and Closing Time – 06:00 am to 08:00 pm
About Kokilavan Shani Temple
The Kokilavan Shani Dev Mandir, also known as Kokilavan Dham, is a famous and ancient temple located about 6 kilometers from Nandgaon in Uttar Pradesh, India. Dedicated to Shani Dev and his Guru, Barkhandi Baba, the temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of all who visit.
Every Saturday, thousands of devotees come here to seek Shani Dev’s blessings and participate in the 1.25-kilometer Kosiya Parikrama around the temple. Nestled in a lush forest, Kokilavan is a peaceful place where visitors can still hear the sweet calls of birds like peacocks, parrots, swans, and cranes. Lucky visitors might even spot animals like deer and nilgai roaming in the forest.
Story of Shani Dev Mandir at Kokilavan
A long time ago, when Lord Krishna was born, all the demigods came to Nanda Maharaj’s house in Gokul to see him. Among them was Lord Shani Dev. Everyone was allowed to take darshan of baby Krishna, but when Shani Dev tried to enter, Mother Yashoda stopped him at the door.
She said, “You cannot see my baby. Your name is fearful, and if Krishna sees you, he might get scared.” Hearing these words, Shani Dev felt very sad. Feeling disappointed, he left and went into the forest to meditate and seek Lord Krishna’s mercy.
After some time, Lord Krishna appeared before Shani Dev and asked him, “Why are you here in the forest? What is troubling you?”
Shani Dev replied, “O Lord, I am only doing my duty by punishing people according to their deeds (karma). But everyone thinks I am cruel and evil. People even avoid my shadow. Today, I was not allowed to see you like others. Why is it that people misunderstand me so much?”
Hearing this, Lord Krishna smiled and comforted him. He said, “Do not worry, Shani Dev. I understand your pain. I grant you the boon that this place, Kokilavan in Vrajabhumi, will become your holy temple. Whoever prays to you here will be freed from their worries and troubles.”
From that day onward, Kokilavan became a sacred place where people worship Shani Dev to seek his blessings and relief from their problems.
Why Kokilavan is Called Kokilavan
The name “Kokilavan” comes from a delightful story about Lord Krishna and Radha. One day, Krishna wanted to meet Radha, but her mother-in-law, Jatila, her sister-in-law, Kutila, and her husband, Abhimanyu, made it difficult for her to leave.
After waiting for a long time, Krishna climbed a tree and began to imitate the sweet call of a cuckoo bird (kokila). Hearing the beautiful and unique sound, Radha and her friends realized it was Krishna’s signal. They became eager to meet him.
Jatila, surprised by the bird’s unusual call, said to Vishakha, “I’ve never heard a cuckoo bird sing like this before.” Vishakha cleverly replied, “We also find it extraordinary. Can we go out to see this amazing bird?”
Jatila agreed, allowing Radha and her friends to go to the forest. There, Krishna and Radha finally met. From that day on, the place where this happened became known as Kokilavan, meaning “The Forest of the Cuckoo.”
Kokilavan Photos
Kokilavan Shani Mandir Distance
| Place Name | Distance |
|---|---|
|
Mathura Railway Station |
57 km |
|
Mathura |
60 km |
|
Nandgaon |
6 km |
|
Vrindavan |
45 km |
How to Reach Kokilvan
By Road: You can easily hire a cab from Agra, Mathura, or Delhi to travel to the Kokilavan. It is approx. 140 km from Delhi, 110 kms from Agra, 60 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 57 kms away.
By Air: The nearest fully functional commercial airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, approx. 120 km away.