Nidhivan Vrindavan: The mysterious forest where Banke Bihari dances at night
Nidhivan Vrindavan: Walking through the streets of Vrindavan, where the tune of flutes echoes from every corner, there’s a place whose very name sends shivers down your spine. Nidhivan – the sacred forest where Lord Krishna still performs Raas Leela with his Radha and the Gopis. Every tree, every leaf, every gust of wind here holds an unsolved mystery. People come during the day to have darshan, but as soon as the sun sets, the entire area becomes empty. No humans, no birds, no monkeys – only the mystery that has been drawing people for centuries.
The Deep Connection Between Nidhivan and the Banke Bihari Temple
Nidhivan is no ordinary forest. This is the place where Banke Bihari himself resides as the site of his Leela. It is believed that the original form of Thakurji appeared here. When Swami Haridas Ji was performing penance here, pleased with his devotion, Banke Bihari appeared in the form of Radha and Krishna in a single idol. Therefore, Nidhivan is called the heart of Banke Bihari Ji. Any devotee who comes here with a true heart is sure to receive Thakur Ji’s blessings.
The entire forest comes alive at night
People say that Nidhivan’s true form is revealed as dusk falls. No one stays here after sunset. As soon as the temple doors close, the priests leave Rang Mahal, having arranged all the necessary items for Thakur Ji – butter and sugar candy, betel leaves, sarees, bangles, perfume, and a ready bed. When the priests return in the morning, they find the bed neatly decorated, sweets tasted, and betel leaves chewed. The sounds of anklets and bells, the tinkling of anklets – many people claim to have heard them all.
The Story of Those Unique Tulsi Trees
Thousands of forest Tulsi trees are found here. Their uniqueness is that they always exist in pairs—one large, one small. It is believed that these are not ordinary trees, but rather Gopis who transform into trees during the day. Their trunks and roots are completely hollow. The roots protrude above the ground, and their leaves never fall. No one waters them, yet they remain green year-round. These trees change their location at night. Many people tied threads to them for experiments, but in the morning they found the threads lying on the ground, and the tree elsewhere.
No nests are built on these trees, nor are insects infested. Anyone attempting to take a leaf or branch home faces dire consequences. This is why locals avoid even touching them.
Rang Mahal and the Well Witnessing the Raasleela
Inside Nidhivan is Rang Mahal, where Thakurji is adorned every night. Nearby is an ancient well. It is said that Radha, Krishna, and the Gopis rest in this well after the Raasleela. Many times, people have claimed to see glowing lights and hear melodious voices around this well at night.
Why doesn’t anyone stay here after dusk?
An old legend holds that anyone who attempts to stay in Nidhivan after sunset to witness the Raasleela either goes mad, becomes blind, deaf, or mute. Many have tried to sneak a peek, but in the morning they were either found insane or never returned. Therefore, no scientist or researcher has been able to completely solve this mystery.
Best Time to Visit Vrindavan Nidhivan
If you want to visit Nidhivan, the best time is from October to March. The view during Holi is a sight to behold. Even during the monsoon, the greenery is worth seeing. Summers are quite hot, so fewer people visit during that time.
How to Reach Nidhivan?
Vrindavan is very easy to reach. It is only 160 km from Delhi. Mathura Junction railway station is just 12 km from here. It’s 70 km from Agra and approximately 240 km from Jaipur. Nidhivan is within walking distance of the Banke Bihari Temple. Once you arrive in Vrindavan, auto-rickshaws or e-rickshaws are easily available.
Nidhivan is no ordinary tourist destination. This is a place where faith and mystery breathe together. Coming here, one feels as if Lord Vishnu is truly immersed in his divine leelas (divine pastimes). Anyone who visits here once yearns to return again and again.