Nidhivan Vrindavan: Mystery of Ras Leela & Timings

Nidhivan

Explore the heart of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, Nidhivan is surrounded with a lot of mystery and spiritual significance. Believed to be the site where Lord Krishna performs the divine Ras Leela with his beloved Radha and the gopis every night all around, Nidhivan attracts devotees and curious visitors alike. The grove’s unique flora, intriguing legends, and strict entry restrictions after sunset contribute to its allure.

About Nidhivan In Vrindavan

Nidhivan, meaning “Forest of Treasure,” is a revered site in the Vaishnavism tradition. The grove is characterized by its dense clusters of Tulsi (holy basil) plants and uniquely shaped trees with intertwined trunks and downward-bending branches. According to local beliefs, these trees are not ordinary; they are considered to be the gopis who dance with Lord Krishna during the nightly Ras Leela and return to their tree forms by dawn.

Ras Leela of Nidhivan

The Ras Leela is a celestial dance of love and devotion between Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha and the gopis. Devotees believe that this divine dance continues to take place every night in Nidhivan. To preserve the sanctity of these events, no one is allowed to remain in or near the grove after sunset. It is said that those who have attempted to witness the Ras Leela have faced dire consequences, including loss of sanity or even death 

Stories of Nidhivan

Numerous legends surround Nidhivan, adding to its mystical reputation. One such tale involves the Rang Mahal, a small palace within the grove where it is believed that Radha and Krishna rest after their nightly dance. Each evening, temple priests prepare the room with fresh bedding, sweets, and water. By morning, the bed appears slept in, the food partially consumed, and the water depleted, suggesting the divine couple’s presence during the night.

Nidhivan Timings & Entry Fees

Visitors are welcome to explore Nidhivan during the day, but strict rules prohibit entry after sunset. The general timings are as follows

• Summer: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Winter: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Nidhivan History

Nidhivan‘s history is deeply intertwined with the devotional practices of the Bhakti movement. It is closely associated with Swami Haridas, a 16th-century saint and musician who is said to have meditated in Nidhivan. His devotion reportedly led to the divine appearance of Lord Krishna and Radha, who later manifested as the idol of Banke Bihari, now enshrined in the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan.

Mysterious Trees of Nidhivan

The flora of Nidhivan is unlike any other. The Tulsi plants grow in pairs, symbolizing Radha and Krishna, and the trees have hollow trunks with branches that twist and bend towards the ground. Locals believe these trees are the gopis who come alive at night to participate in the Ras Leela. Despite the arid soil, the grove remains lush and green throughout the year, adding to its mystical aura.

Appearance of Bankey Bihari in Nidhivan

Swami Haridas’s intense devotion in Nidhivan is said to have led to the appearance of Lord Krishna and Radha in their combined form as Banke Bihari. This divine manifestation was later established as an idol and is now the presiding deity of the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. The temple remains one of the most visited and revered sites in the region.