The Vrindavan saints say that as a result of spiritual penance and aspiration of Shri Haridas, Lord Banke Bihari not only came in his dreams of divine saint but also appeared magically in Nidhivan. Thus the place was spiritually blessed by the lord himself. The spot where Lord Banke Bihari appeared is where Banke Bihari Temple was built and has a huge religious significance in the history of Vrindavan.
The most mysterious conception associated with the place is that, after evening aarti no one is allowed to stay in the temple. It is believed that at the same place, Lord Banke Bihari performs Rass Leela inside the temple at night.
If anyone stays in the temple after evening aarti, then he/she becomes deaf, dumb or blind. He/She is not found hale or hearty to disclose the spiritual secret of the Rass leela performed by Shri RadhaKrishna. Even the animals like insects, monkey or birds which crowd the place in the daytime, desert the place as soon as the sunsets.
It is now even believed that the saints of the temple even keep two toothbrush, a jug of holy water, 4 ladoos (sweets) and bed ready at night after evening aarti. In morning, all the things are found to be used by someone, which proves that Radha Krishna also known as Priya Priyatama visit the temple at midnight to perform their spiritual activities (Raas Leela).
Main Attractions of Nidhivan
Many worth watching spots are there in the temple area. These spots are the symbol of spiritual presence of Lord Radha Krishna. There is a samadhi of Swami Haridas , the Radha Rani temple. There is also a sacred well of Radha Rani nearby. There is a spot in the temple where Lord Banke Bihari appeared magically. A costume place is also there in the temple, where Lord Radha Krishna used to decorate themselves before performing Raas Leela.
Photography is strictly not allowed inside the temple. Some of the other important places nearby are :
- Lalitha Kund
- Rang Mahal
- Bansi Chori radha rani
- Swami Hari das temple
- Shahji temple
- Gita Mandir
- Kalki Mandir
Timings for Visit
Summer : 5:00 am to 8:00 pm; Winter: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Timings are very important at this very location because nobody is allowed to stay inside the area after evening hours.
Hotels Near Nidhivan
- Nidhivan Hotels and resorts : it is one of the most luxurious hotels in Vrindavan with Tariff – 3800 INR approx.
- Hotel Ganga Palace – Tariff 1570 INR approx.
How to Reach Nidhivan
Nidhivan is located in the heart of Vrindavan and can be reached by rickshaw, as there are narrow lanes leading to it. It is about 12 km from Mathura.
From Chhatikara
By Road: Nidhivan is approximately 9km away from Chhatikara via NH2 and can be reached by State Terminal buses or local transport.
From Mathura Railway station
By Road: Nidhivan is around 14 km from Mathura railway station via AH1/NH2 and can be reached by local transport or buses.