Gokul Mahavan, also known as Brijvan or Brij, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees as the largest among the twelve principal forests of Braj. The names Gokul, Mahavan, and Brijvan are often used interchangeably to refer to this sacred land. It is important to note that Gokul is distinct from Goloka, the eternal abode of Lord Krishna.
In the beginning, Goparaj Parjanya, the father of Nand Maharaj, resided in Nandgaon, where he had five sons – Upanand, Abhinand, Nand, Sunand, and Nandan – and two daughters named Sannanda and Nandana. After marrying off all his sons and daughters, Parjanya Gop faced anxiety as Nand Maharaj did not have any progeny. Seeking a divine solution, he prayed to Lord Narayana, expressing his desire for Nand to have a son. In response to his prayers, a celestial announcement assured Parjanya Gop that Nand Maharaj would soon be blessed with a heroic son who would vanquish all demons.
Following this revelation, Gokul Mahavan witnessed disturbances caused by demons like Kesi and others. Concerned for the safety of their family and relatives, Parjanya Gop and his kin decided to move to Gokul. The divine river Yamuna flows near Gokul Mahavan, adding to the natural beauty of the place.
Gokul Mahavan is adorned with various types of trees, beautiful flower vines, and lush green meadows where cows graze peacefully. The picturesque scenery delighted the residents of Vraja, and they happily made Gokul their home.
In the midnight hours, Mother Yashoda gave birth to twin babies, Krishna and Yogamaya, in the delivery room of Nand Mahal in Gokul. The umbilical cord was cut, and Vedic purification rituals were performed right there. Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, had taken birth to fulfill the divine plan.
Gokul became the site of various divine pastimes of Krishna, marking significant events in his childhood. The twins Krishna and Balaram were given their names in a grand ceremony celebrated with joy and festivity near the cowshed.
Gokul witnessed the defeat of demons like Putana, Trinavarta, and Shakatasura by the divine child Krishna. These demons were not merely vanquished but also granted liberation by the Lord’s merciful touch.
Gokul was also the place where Krishna and Balaram were playfully bound with ropes by Mother Yashoda. This endearing pastime showcased the divine playfulness and sweetness of Lord Krishna.
Additionally, the forests and fields of Gokul served as the backdrop for the enchanting childhood exploits of Krishna and Balaram, including their mischievous activities, herding cows, and playing with their friends.
In summary, Gokul Mahavan holds a unique significance as the divine playground where Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, performed his enchanting and miraculous pastimes during his childhood. Devotees cherish the divine leelas (pastimes) enacted in Gokul as a source of inspiration and love for the Supreme Lord.
