The history and culture of India’s vast population make for a fascinating tapestry. It is a paradisiacal place full of historic sites, ancient temples, and exotic cultures. India is a mysterious country with many bizarre myths, fables, and folklore. Even if nobody can confirm something’s veracity in general until they’ve directly experienced it, these things have been passed down from generation to generation.
Such myths and fables are the subject of heated disputes and a perpetual clash of reasoning and beliefs. Taking it a level higher, today let’s explore one such place called Nidhivan, which sits in Vrindavan, Mathura. For the devotees of Shri Krishna and Radha Rani, Nidhivan is the most sacred of all the sites.
Nidhivan: The Enchanted Grove of Vrindavan
Nidhivan, also known as the “Tulsi Forest,” holds significant religious importance and is nestled in Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. This sacred site is renowned for its association with the divine pastimes of Hindu deities Shri Krishna and Radha Rani, as well as their beloved companions known as Gopis. It is the same place where Shri Krishna spent his entire childhood. Within the forest, there is a temple called Nidhivan Temple, also known as Banke Bihari Temple. But there are several mysteries surrounding the location.
The Temple: Sacred Haven of God
Nidhivan also has a sacred temple located in Vrindavan which is also known as the Nidhivan or Banke Bihari Temple. The temple’s name is made up of two words: Nidhi, meaning “treasure,” and Van, meaning “forest,” hence the name Nidhivan. Huge, lush forests, filled with greenery and tall, twisted trees, surround the majority of the temple. However, one thing that might surprise people is that all the wells, roots of branches, and trunks of the trees are hollow, creating a still life. Despite the temple being dry, the surroundings remain green and healthy throughout the year.
What Makes Nidhivan A Mysterious Place?
Nidhivan is considered one of the holiest places in India because it is believed that the god himself has an abode there. Many people are amazed by the facts and mysteries surrounding this place. The absence of one implies the other, and Nidhivan’s mystery remains unsolved to this day.
According to legend, Shri Krishna is said to come here every night to perform Rasleela with his beloved Radha Rani and his gopis. There is a special corner, known as Rang Mahal, where a bed full of sandalwood is prepared. The priest also keeps some ornaments, toothbrushes, sarees, bangles, paan leaves, and holy water in a jug with a few sweets post-aarti.
Beliefs and Miracles
Residents of Nidhivan do believe that miracles happen, and hence, whatever is kept during the night gets scattered the next morning. After 7 p.m., all of the animals—including monkeys—leave the area. No one is allowed on the premises during that time. The windows are closed after evening aarti, and no one dares to watch the raasleela. And some hear the sound of ghungroos as well.
What Other Mysteries Surround Nidhivan?
All the trees in the vicinity are short and intertwined with each other. Their intertwined shapes emanate the aroma of love between them. The word is that all these trees and Tulsi plants turn into gopis at night and take part in the raas leela. Trees also illuminate to welcome Lord Krishna at night. Shri Krishna also built a well to quench the thirst of his beloved Radha Rani.
One of the intriguing mysteries surrounding the mountains is the presence of a rock that bears the footprints of little Krishna and his calf. His imprints can still be seen today, adding to the mystical aura that surrounds the area. Another fascinating legend associated with these mountains is that they melted down to rocks upon hearing the magical tunes of Krishna’s melodious flute.
Conclusion
It is said that whoever tries to watch the raasleela or take pictures of Nidhivan ends up going crazy, becoming insane, and experiencing mental instability. Some even face severe consequences, including death. It is the misfortune that is associated with this very mystery. This legend, however, has resulted in a global influx of pilgrims to Nidhivan. But what happens in Nidhivan stays in Nidhivan.
The world is growing steadfastly in the fields of science, the arts, and technology. And these stories, which were once limited to villages, are now being heavily discussed and pondered upon on YouTube and podcasts, because of which people are getting more curious and bewildered about what these tales hold and whether these things happen even today or not. Whether it’s a miracle or a puzzle is up to one’s own beliefs. However, when hearing it first, the story instills amazement and perplexity.
