Kokilavan Dham / Shani Temple Mathura (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Aarti, Location & Phone)

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Lord Shani has always been in the heart of the ancient Indian mythologies and folktales. The eldest son of Chaya and Suryadev, Lord Shani is one of the most feared gods in Hindu mythology. Referred to as Kruradris, Saptarchi, Pangu, Saura, etc. Shanidev is associated with giving the fruits of one's deeds in the present life itself.

There is one such temple in Kosi Kalan that encompasses the glorious history and beliefs of the people towards the Almighty Lord Shani, near the sacred and alluring city of Mathura- Kokilavan Dham Shanidev Temple.

A beautiful temple premise with a life-size statue of Lord Shani carved in black stone, it is one of the best temples of Mathura & Vrindavan.

About the Kokilavan Temple

The renowned Shani Temple, located near Kosi Kalan in Mathura, is dedicated to Shani Dev (Saturn) and his mentor Barkhandi Baba. Since the temple stands in the middle of the forest, it has also earned the moniker 'Kokilavan Dham.' Pilgrims do a parikrama of the temple and bathe in the sacred Kund.

Local pilgrims and tourists from across the country come here to pay their obeisance to the Lord. Devotees believe that taking a bath in the Suryakund at Kokilavan will grant them their wishes. There is a holy tree at the temple courtyard where worshippers donate water and use their fingers to write their desires on a blank wall.

History and Legend of the Kokilavan Temple

Mathura, the Hindu holy city, also contains a shrine for Lord Shani Dev in its deep forests, the Kokilavan Dham (Shani Temple). When Lord Shri Krishna was born, all the devas came to Nandgaon to witness and bless the infant, Krishna. So Shani Dev came to Nandgaon, but Yasoda, Lord Shri Krishna's foster mother, refused to let him meet the newborn Krishna because she was afraid that seeing Shani Deva would bring bad luck to her son.

Lord Shani Deva became enraged as a result, and he spent time in the forest near Nandgaon performing penance. He thought he wasn't permitted to meet infant Krishna because he had punished mankind for their karma and was, therefore, simply fulfilling his duty. He was also irritated as people called him a harsh god. Lord Shri Krishna, touched by his penance, designated where he met Shani Dev as his temple and stated that anybody who visits Kokilavan Dham or Shani Dev Temple Mathura will be rid of all their worries.

#Trivia: The original temple of Lord Shanidev is still present at Kokilavan Dham in Kosi Kalan, about 10 kilometres from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

The temple is present exactly where Lord Krishna received darshan in the thick jungle (van), and it also houses the shrine of Barkhandi Baba, Shani Dev's teacher. Another tradition is that young Lord Krishna used to visit this forest and play the melody that drew the Gopis. When they came, he would turn into a Cuckoo named Koyal or Kokila in Hindi. As a result, the woodland's name is Kokilavan, which translates to "Cuckoo's Forest."

Image Gallery of Kokilavan Dham / Shani Temple Mathura

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Architecture of Kokilavan Temple

Kokilavan Dham is roughly 20 acres in size. In addition to Shani Dev's temple, the premises also house temples of Giriraj, Guru Barkhandi Baba, Gokulesh Maharaj, Sri Dev Bihariji, and Navgraha. The compound also includes two big ponds and a cow shelter (Goshala).

#Trivia: It is the only forest in the Braj Bhumi that exists even today.

The town's name is Kosi because it was Lord Krishna's foster father, Nand Raja's treasury since Kosh means 'treasury.' Locals believe this town takes after Lord Rama's son Kush.

As the oldest and well-known temple of Lord Shani Dev, Kokilavan Dham Shani Dev Temple attracts visitors from all over the world seeking Lord Shani Dev's blessings for a trouble-free and tranquil existence.

Location of Kokilavan Temple

This spectacular shrine resides in the district of Kosi Kalan. It is 45 km away from the city of Mathura. The city is well connected with Agra through railway as well as road.

Importance of Kokilavan Temple

Kokilavan temple has religious significance with the Almighty Lord. It is a very ancient temple of Lord Shani and his guru Barkhandi baba. Devotees from all over India come to worship this place and offer their prayers here and enjoy the beauty of the beautiful district of Kosi Kalan, near Mathura. Even the district's name takes after this magnificent temple.

#Trivia: Devotees believe that whoever stops and bows their head in respect to this temple will always feel the presence of Lord Krishna around them.

Entry fee and Timings of the Kokilavan Temple

There is no entry fee to visit this holy Shani temple residing in the heart of Mathura.

The temple is open 24 hours for visitors, and if you want to be a part of the sacred pooja, the ideal timing is noon.

The best time to offer your prayers is from morning 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Tuesday, Wednesday, and most Saturdays are the time people prefer to visit the temple. Mornings present a different charm to visit this forest temple. On average, visitors like to spend around 30 minutes to an hour roaming around the temple grounds.

Best time to visit the Kokilavan Temple?

It is best to visit the temple in Winter. Tourists enjoy visiting this spot between November and December.

Things to do at the Kokilavan Temple

If you visit this majestic place, don't miss to attend the puja held every day at 12 PM.

Aside from the temples, adventure sports like river rafting, fishing, and boating in Kosi Lake are available.

How to reach Kokilavan Temple?

Kosi is a commercial and cultural centre in Uttar Pradesh, located on the Delhi-Agra National Highway 2, about 100 kilometres from Delhi. It offers several motels and resting points for visitors to stay and explore the nearby temples and relax.

Nearest Railway Station: Kosi Kalan in Mathura is the closest station to the temple. The station is a half an hour walk from this holy place. The train no. EMU 64902 from Ghaziabad is the nearest train to pick to come to Mathura.

Nearest Airport: Mathura shares connectivity with other national and international airports in India. Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi is the nearest airport. From there, you can hire a cab to reach the Shani temple.

Many visitors from outside choose to go for local transportation like auto-rickshaws or cabs nearby. Local visitors mainly come here by four-wheeler. You can also hire a private taxi from top car rental companies in Mathura-Vrindavan to visit this temple and other sightseeing attractions of Mathura & Vrindavan.

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From enjoying the scenic beauty around the Shani temple to cleansing your mind and soul, you can carry a bag full of memories back home. Book a Mathura Vrindavan tour package with us to explore the holy cities of Mathura and Vrindavan comfortably. At Mathura-Vrindavan Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, we help you create memorable moments with your family so that you can have the perfect holiday of your life. To get in touch with us, please fill the Contact Us form and we will get back to you.

Location Map for Kokilavan Dham / Shani Temple Mathura