Places to visit in Gokul

It is believed that Lord Krishna spent his childhood in Gokul, brought up by Yashoda. Located 16 kilometres from city of Mathura, state buses ply regularly between two areas, but hiring cabs is a more convenient way to reach.

Thakurani Ghat is the most famous ghat in the Gokul, as on the banks of this Ghat, Vallabhacharya (the founder of Vallabhas) is believed to have received the sacred Darshan (view) of river Yamuna. He was so impressed by the serene surroundings and pious environment of Gokul that he decided to stay there forever, offering his lifelong services to Lord Krishna and his land.

Architect Vishwakarma had built Nanda Bhavan more than 5000 years ago. Located on a hill, it was the house of Nanda, foster father of Lord Krishna. It was in this house that young Krishna and his brother Balaram were brought up while his birth parents were imprisoned by in Mathura.

Raman Reti is the sand in which Lord Krishna played as a child. About 200 years ago, Swami Gyandasji did a severe penance at Raman Reti for 12 years. Pleased with his devotion, the Lord appeared before him and today you can find Raman bihariji temple at that spot. Today devotees roll over the sand here and see the blessings of Lord Krishna.

Brahmand means the universe. This is the spot where infant Krishna, after swallowing a few mud particles while playing, had apparently revealed the entire cosmic universe in his mouth, much to the bewilderment of his foster mother Yashoda. Brahmand Ghat has an old temple overlooking Yamuna River along with ‘Braj Ki Raj’ which attracts pilgrim visitors.

Considered an extremely sacred place, Gokulnath Temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims particularly during the Krishna Janmashtami and Annakut festival. If you don’t like the crowd too much, it’s recommended to avoid going during festive time.