Nandgaon, a charming village nestled in the heart of Braj, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees as the abode of Brajraj Shri Nand Maharaj Ji. The royal residence in Nandgaon is adorned with the divine presence of Shri Nandaray, Upanand, Abhinand, Sunand, and Nandan, making it a blissful place for devotees. The circumambulation, or parikrama, around Nandgaon, spans four miles and offers a spiritual journey through the sacred land.
This sacred village is intimately connected to the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna, and there are 56 kunds (ponds) associated with Krishna Leelas in Nandgaon. Devotees often spend three to four days immersed in the enchanting atmosphere, relishing the divine vibrations of the holy land.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva, also known as Devadhideva Mahadeva Shankaran, expressed his desire to witness the childhood pastimes of his beloved deity, Lord Krishna. In response to his sincere prayers, Lord Shri Krishna instructed him to manifest in the form of a mountain in Nandgaon. Shiva, now known as Nandishwar Parvat, eagerly awaited the divine play of his cherished deity.
Shri Nandaray Ji’s ancestors were originally residents of Nandgaon before later settling in Gokul. Due to certain circumstances, they shifted their residence to Gokul, where Shri Krishna was brought up. However, Nandaray Ji’s connection to Nandgaon remained strong. When Shri Krishna, along with Balaram and other Gopas, moved to Nandgaun to protect the residents from various disturbances in Gokul, the divine land witnessed numerous Leelas and pastimes of the Supreme Lord.
The village of Nandgaon served as a significant backdrop for the divine drama enacted by Shri Krishna and Balaram. It became a witness to the unparalleled love and devotion of the residents, as well as the divine interventions of the Supreme Lord. Nandgaon thus became a sacred space where the eternal bond between the Lord and his devotees unfolded in enchanting narratives.
The divine Leelas of Shri Krishna in Nandgaun include various episodes like the playful stealing of butter, the enchanting Raas Leela, and the endearing interactions with the Gopis. The village resonates with the divine vibrations of Krishna’s flute, captivating the hearts of all who visit this hallowed land.
It stands as a testament to the eternal presence of the Supreme Lord in the earthly abode of Braj. The Leelas performed here continue to inspire and uplift devotees, drawing them closer to the divine essence of Shri Krishna. Pilgrims undertake the parikrama around Nandgaon, immersing themselves in the divine energy and seeking blessings from the sacred land that witnessed the enchanting childhood pastimes of the Lord.
