Nand Bhawan

Nand Bhawan, also known as Chaurasi Khamba Temple, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Gokul. It holds a fascination among visitors and devotees because it was here that Lord Krishna spent his childhood days after their real parents were imprisoned by King Kansa. The house belonged to Nand Maharaj, the foster father of Lord Krishna. It is called Chaurasi Khamba temple because the temple rests on 84 pillars.

According to a mythological legend, it was here that Lord Krishna and his brother Balarama’s name-giving ceremony was conducted. This took place in a cowshed lying close to the temple.

History of Nand Bhawan

The question of when the Nand Bhawan was built remains a mystery. According to mythological sources, it was built by Vishwakarma (believed to be the divine architect of the universe long before the advent of time). It was demolished in later years before being rebuilt again using the same materials.

Architecture of Nand Bhawan

A flight of stairs takes you to the main entrance of the temple, which then opens to a large courtyard.

The walls of the temple are adorned with paintings and motifs of Lord Krishna depicting playful episodes from his childhood. There are exquisite carvings on the stone pillars which serve to enhance their beauty. Here you may ask, why does the temple consist of exactly 84 steps, and not one more or less? According to religious scriptures in Hinduism, the number 84 signifies the 84,00,000 species of life in the material world. Therefore, when they are taken together, the pillars are believed to contain all life existing in the universe.

In the courtyard of the temple, there is an enormous banyan tree. Devotees who visit the temple tie colorful ribbons on its branches, in the belief that this brings them good luck and prosperity. Under the banyan tree, there is a temple of Kali Maa. The temple exudes an aura of timelessness, with the ancient pillars and brackets contributing largely to that.