Nand Bhavan Temple is located in Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh, on top of Nandishwar Hill. It is about 50 km from Mathura and 8 km from Barsana. This temple is believed to be the house of Nanda Maharaj and Yashoda Maiya, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood before moving to Vrindavan. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, Nandgaon is a peaceful and divine place for Krishna devotees.
Nand Bhavan Temple is a beautiful, large structure built in Rajasthani and Braj architectural styles. It has a grand entrance, intricate carvings, and large open halls where devotees gather for prayers. The temple’s main sanctum has beautifully decorated idols of Nanda Maharaj, Yashoda Maiya, Bal Krishna, and Balarama. The atmosphere here is filled with devotion and peace.
According to legends, Krishna’s father, Nanda Maharaj, moved to Nandgaon from Gokul to protect baby Krishna from King Kamsa’s attacks. This temple was originally built by Vajranabh, Krishna’s great-grandson, more than 5,000 years ago. Later, the Bharatpur kings renovated it. The temple stands as a reminder of Krishna’s playful childhood and his bond with Nanda-Yashoda.
Nand Bhavan is deeply connected to Lord Krishna’s childhood leelas (divine plays). This is where Krishna played with his friends, stole butter from the Gopis, and charmed everyone with his mischievous acts. It is believed that Nandishwar Hill is a form of Lord Shiva, who wanted to witness Krishna’s childhood pastimes. Krishna blessed him by allowing him to become the hill on which Nandgaon stands today. The temple is a sacred reminder of Yashoda Maiya’s motherly love and Krishna’s playful innocence.
Nand Bhavan Temple is famous for its grand Holi celebrations, where devotees play with colors, sing bhajans, and relive Krishna’s playful Holi with Radha and the Gopis. The temple is also a major attraction during Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday), when devotees offer butter and sweets, symbolizing Krishna’s love for makhan (butter). Other important festivals celebrated here include Kartik Purnima, Govardhan Puja, and Diwali.