Shringar Vat, Vrindavan

Shringar Vat, located in Vrindavan, is a special and holy place. The word “Shringar” means decoration, and “Vat” means a Banyan tree in Sanskrit. As its name suggests, Shringar Vat is where Lord Krishna decorated Shrimati Radharani with flowers. This sacred spot is also called Nityananda Vat because Shri Nityananda Prabhu stayed here for some time during His visit to Vrindavan.

The original Banyan tree where Krishna and Radharani sat has almost disappeared after being damaged by a flood. However, a branch from that tree was saved and planted, growing into the large tree that now stands at Shringar Vat.

One of the most cherished pastimes associated with Shringar Vat took place during the Rasa-lila. When Srimati Radhika saw Sri Krishna dancing with other gopis , she left the assembly in a state of “mana” (divine loving anger) and sought solitude here. Krishna, leaving all the other gopis, followed Radharani to Shringar Vat, desiring to be with Her alone. Though He urged Her to leave with Him, Radharani, exhausted, refused. Krishna then gathered beli, chameli, and other beautiful flowers from the groves of Shringar Vat and personally adorned Radharani’s hair, creating a deeply moving moment of divine service. A beautiful painting in the temple at Shringar Vat vividly depicts this treasured pastime, reminding visitors of the selfless love that Krishna shows for His beloved devotees.

Shringar Vat was also a favorite place for Krishna’s brother, Shri Balarama. Krishna and His friends, like Subala, Shridama, and Madhumangala, would often come here while herding cows. They would decorate Krishna’s hair and body with flowers, peacock feathers, and other ornaments from the forest.

This spot is especially important to followers of Shri Nityananda Prabhu, who spent several days here. Because of this, Shringar Vat is also called Nityananda Vat.

Visiting Shringar Vat allows devotees to experience the pastimes of Krishna and Radharani and feel the deep love and devotion shared between them.