About Gokul
A little town called Gokul, located near Mathura and Vrindavan is where Hindu God Krishna spent his infancy. As a result, Gokul continues to be an important Hindu pilgrimage site in India. Lord Krishna was born at Nathdwara to Devaki and King Vasudev, according to Hindu mythology. His father, King Vasudev, transported him to Gokul to the residence of Nanda and Yashoda, who became his foster parents, in order to protect him from his maternal uncle, who wished to kill him.
The charming village answers all of Lord Krishna’s inquiries regarding his boyhood, demonstrating his power and grandeur. Lord Krishna is one of the most venerated Hindu deities, yet to the people of Gokul, he is still a mischievous child who runs around the town. Gokul, one of Uttar Pradesh’s most prominent religious attractions, is a celebration of Krishna’s life, when he vanquished Putana the demon, defeated Kaalia the serpent, and discovered Radha, his true love.
Numerous temples devoted to Lord Krishna and his early childhood feats of strength and wisdom can also be seen in Gokul. Chaurasi Khamba (84 Pillars), popularly known as the house of Nand Maharaja, is the most well-known sight in Gokul (foster father of Lord Krishna). Lord Krishna spent the most of his early years in this residence.
Other prominent pilgrimage sites in the town include Mud Temple, where Lord Krishna is said to have killed demons, Utkhal, where mother Yashoda chained little Lord Krishna as a punishment for stealing butter, and Brahmand Ghat, where Yashoda saw the entire cosmos inside Krishna’s mouth.
Gokul, the town where Krishna grew up, is a popular pilgrimage destination in Uttar Pradesh. The must-see attractions of Gokul range from temples devoted to Lord Krishna to the locations where he lived and played. The most important thing to do in Gokul is to go on a pilgrimage.
Gokul got its name from the fact that it was where cows lived. Cow herding was once done by Gopas (cow herders) and Gopis (milkmaids). Due to the terror of Kansa, Nand Maharaj, who lived in Nandgaon with his wife Rani Yashoda, relocated to Gokul. He was the Gopa mandal’s head. Rani Yashoda gave birth to goddess Yogmaya here, which Nand Maharaj substituted with Shri Krishna, Lord Vishnu’s avatar.
Shri Krishna, also known as ‘Mohan,’ ‘Kanha,’ was a popular figure in the community, particularly among the gopis. He did lovely things like stealing butter and curd with his buddies, bothering his mother, and killing the Rakshas sent to attack him by his maternal uncle Kansa, such as Putana and Shakasura.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Gokul
Shri Thakurani Ghat
The most well-known ghat in the Gokul is Thakurani Ghat, where Vallabhacharya (the founder of the Vallabhas) is said to have had the divine Darshan (view) of the river Yamuna. He was so taken by Gokul’s calm surroundings and devout atmosphere that he chose to stay there for the rest of his life, dedicating his life to Lord Krishna and his homeland.
Nand Bhawan
Lord Krishna’s childhood residence in Gokul, Shri Nand Bhawan, is where he spent time with Balram after his biological parents were kidnapped by King Kansa. It is also known as Chaurasi Khamba Temple because of the 84 pillars that support it. Nand Bhawan was the home of Nand Maharaj, Lord Krishna’s foster father. The naming ceremony for Sri Krishna and Balram took place here.
Timing
Summer:
Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Winter:
Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Raman Reti
Many locations in Gokul’s town served as backdrops to numerous episodes in Lord Krishna’s life. Raman Reti, also known as Raman Van, is one of these places, located east of Mathura. This Gokul attraction has a particular place in the hearts and imaginations of the inhabitants. It was here that Lord Krishna spent his youth days having pleasure and frolic with Balarama and their companions.
An unusual note about this location is that instead of customary colors, the Hindu holiday of Holi is celebrated here with sand.
There are various reasons to go to Raman Reti, one of Gokul’s most prominent holy sites. The apparent explanation for devotees is that it is associated with Krishna’s childhood memories. It’s also a great area to go if you want to enjoy some peace, quiet, and isolation.
Best time to Visit: Summers in this part of the state, like the rest of the state, are extremely hot, with an average temperature of 43°C. Although the heat may deter some visitors, if you are not troubled by it, you can visit this location. Visit Gokul in the winter if you love cool and nice weather.
ALSO READ: Top 6 Temples to visit at Mathura Vrindavan
Brahmand Ghat
The entire town of Gokul appears to be involved in a continual celebration of Krishna, with hundreds of sacred sites dedicated to him. Brahmand Ghat is one such location, which is adjacent to Nand Bhawan and Raman Reti, two other prominent tourist destinations in Gokul. This location, like the other holy places in this charming town, is linked to a story from Lord Krishna’s life.
Devotees at this sacred place adore the earth where Lord Krishna is said to have touched and consumed it. They often take mud packets with them, which are said to bring good luck and success.
Timing:
Summer:
Morning: 05.00 am to 12.00 pm
Afternoon: 02.00 pm to 09:00 pm
Winter:
Morning: 05.30 am to 12.00 pm
Afternoon: 02.00 pm to 08.30 pm
Gokulnathji Temple
The Gokulnathji Temple is one of Gokul’s most popular religious locations. With its massive shikhara, the temple stands out (central tower). Mansi Ganga, which runs alongside the shrine, is a draw in and of itself. This water tank is linked to a fascinating legendary story. The Gokulnath Temple is thought to mark the end of the Govardhan Parikrama. In the temple, Shri Krishna is worshipped beside Giriraj Maharaja (Mount Govardhan). The temple is packed with tourists during the Janmashtami, Annakut, and Trinvat Mela festivals.
However, the best time to visit Gokulnath Temple is during the winter months and on the celebration of Janmashtami.
Dauji Temple
The Dauji Mandir, around 18 kilometres from Mathura, is one of the country’s most respected temples. Since 1535 AD, the temple has stood for almost 5000 years and is one of the city’s oldest temples. Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna’s elder brother, serves as the temple’s main deity.
Devotees and pilgrims from across the country flock to the temple to pray in the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu’s manifestation Baladev. Lord Baladev’s idol is the colossal of the Braja Mandal, black in colour and with two hands. The deity stands approximately 7 feet tall. The right hand is uplifted and can be seen by devotees as they offer prayers, while the left hand holds a royal cup with Varuni (the holy drink) in it. The idol exudes majesty thanks to her magnificent outfit and decorations.
Aside from Lord Balaram, there is also a statue of his wife, Revati, who is clothed magnificently. The existence of Kshir Sagar, one of the most essential features of this temple, has contributed significantly to making Dauji Mandir one of the most intriguing pilgrimage destinations in the country. For anyone interested in mythology, culture, history, or spirituality, the temple is a must-see.
Timing:
Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Evening: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Time Required: 1-2 hrs
Entry Fee: No entry fee
WebStory: Gokul Places To Visit
Best Hotels at Gokul
- The Lalita Grand
- Hotel Mayur Castle
- Hotel Manoj Ranjan
- Raj Lakshmi Guest House
- Kishan Home Stay
Take a trip to the amazing place where Lord Krishna spend his beautiful childhood!!
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