Gokul Travel Guide
Gokul is a
small but pleasant getaway from Agra. It was a place where Lord Krishna
was secretly raised. It is near Mathura There are many religious places
in Gokul. The most attractive and notable structure here is Chaurasi
Khamba (84) pillars, also known as Nand Maharaja's house. All the
religious places here are related to some legend.The most celebrated of
Shri Krishna's Gokul lies to the west of Sadabad, 1.6 km from Mahavan
and 15 km south-east of Mathura. It was here that Yashoda brought up
Lord Krishna in secrecy, in the pastoral beauty of this village on the
banks of the Yamuna. Gokul attained importance during the time of
Vallabhacharya (1479-1531) when it became a major center of the Bhakti
culture. The three oldest temples in the place are those dedicated to
Gokulnath, Madan Mohan and Vithalnath, said to have been built around
1511. The other temples include those of Dwarika Nath and Balkrishna and
the shrines which were built in the honor of Lord Mahadeo in 1602 by
Raja Vijai Singh of Jodhpur. The celebration of Janmashtami in August is
unparalleled for its gaiety and melas are a constant attraction here.
Other such festivities celebrated with traditional fervor include the
Janmotsav in Bhadaon, the Annakut Festival and the Trinavat Mela held on
the fourth day of the dark half of Kartik. .
Getting There
Gokul is situated 50 Km from Agra, which is the nearest airport and
mainline railway station. Buses and taxis can be hired from the major
cities of Uttar Pradesh to reach Gokul.
Major Attractions
Gokul is known for its Krishna temples, some of which are Gokulnath
Temple, Raja Thakur Temple, Gopal Lalji Temple and the Morwala Temple.
The main festivals celebrated here include the Janmotsav in Bhadaon, the
Annakut Festival and the Trinavat Mela held on the fourth day of the
half of kartik.
