Nidhivan Temple, Vrindavan: Where Krishna and Radha Come Every Night

India is home to many traditions, temples, and historical sites that hold significance in mythological stories. Among them is Nidhivan, a small but deeply revered grove in Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, devoted to the divine love of Radha and Krishna (where "Nidhi" means treasure and "Van" means forest). Numerous stories and mysteries about this place are still prevalent and told throughout India.

Nidhivan Trees bend towards each other at night

Nidhivan is one of the holiest places for devotees of Radha and Krishna. Legends thrive in this forest, also called the "Forest of Tulsi." There are forests that hide secrets, and then there's Nidhivan, where time itself ceases to breathe after the sun sets.

Situated in the beloved town of Vrindavan, filled with the soft chants of "Radhe Radhe" by devotees and the ubiquitous scent of sandalwood, is a place so shrouded in mystery, so infused with divine energy and romance, that no one dares to enter after dark or even look inside it to this day. Everything is veiled in mystery yet love, from the tree shapes to the customs and folklore. Indeed, this temple has witnessed the presence and deeds of Lord Krishna himself.

Nidhivan

The Raas Leela, the legendary ceremony performed by Shri Krishna, was once actually witnessed at this enigmatic temple. Locals and devotees continue to believe that Lord Krishna comes here every night to perform Raas Leela with Radha Rani and the Gopis.

Because of this belief, even the priests and temple workers are not allowed to enter Nidhivan Temple after the evening aarti. Indian folklore states that since Lord Krishna finds solitude at Nidhivan Temple Vrindavan, it should be left empty at night. After the evening aarti, the place becomes so empty and quiet that you can hear a pin drop! Even the animals and birds that live there during the day leave on their own. Every night after sunset, beds are prepared for Gopal Ji and Radha Rani with food, water, clothes, shringar, and neem twigs. Without fail, every morning, it appears as though the bed has been slept in and the items provided have been used by someone.

People aren't allowed to stay on or near the property after dark to witness the meeting of Krishna and Radha because it's believed that anyone who dares to watch this ceremony will inevitably die, go insane, or become deaf, blind, and mute. Interestingly, how did people learn about the Raasleela if no one is permitted to see it and those who do lose the mental capacity to truly explain the mysterious event they witnessed? One can only wonder...

In Nidhivan, trees grow differently compared to typical shrubs; they lean, twist, and curl in a unique manner. These basil "trees" are believed to be gopis, found in pairs throughout the forest floor. They are believed to remain frozen during the day and only come to life at night to dance with Lord Krishna.

Another well-known spot is the Rang Mahal situated within the temple. Since Radha Rani and Krishna Ji are believed to still be present in this space, it is always decorated and adorned with all the essentials of shringar to show respect for the divine couple. Also, after performing the "Maha Raas," Krishna Ji and Radha Rani rest in the temple's kunj (grove).

Locals, pandits, and other visitors will undoubtedly share a variety of fascinating legends and folklore about Lord Krishna and Radha Rani whenever you visit Vrindavan. Make sure to absorb all of the sacred energy and love that the location has to offer.

And regarding the mysteries surrounding Nidhivan? Well, I guess what happens in Vrindavan, stays in Vrindavan!