Nandgaon

Nandgaon is a historic temple town in Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh, located on Nandisvara Hill in the Braj region. It is revered as the childhood home of Lord Krishna and the residence of his foster father Nanda Maharaja. The town is centered around the Nand Bhawan Temple and is famous for its Lathmar Holi celebrations, Pan Sarovar lake, and panoramic views of the surrounding Braj countryside.

Visitors can expect a small pilgrimage town built around a hilltop temple complex. The main attraction is the Nand Bhawan Temple (Nand Bhavan) on Nandisvara Hill, reached by stone steps, with courtyards, shrines and views over the town. At the foothills are Pan Sarovar lake, smaller temples and narrow lanes with shops selling religious items and local snacks. The environment is devotional and rural, with temple rituals, chanting and seasonal festival decorations.

Nandgaon is traditionally identified as the village where Nanda Maharaja, foster father of Lord Krishna, settled after leaving Gokul. The Nand Bhawan Temple on Nandisvara Hill marks his residence. The town has been a centre of Braj pilgrimage for centuries and is part of the Braj 84 Kos Yatra circuit associated with Krishna's early life.

As a principal town of the Braj region, Nandgaon holds deep religious importance for devotees of Krishna. It is renowned for Lathmar Holi, where the Holi traditions of Barsana and Nandgaon are celebrated with distinctive rituals, folk songs and community participation. Pan Sarovar and other kunds are considered sacred and are part of devotional practices and festivals throughout the year.