Seva Kunj and Nidhuban Vrindavan (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Aarti, Location & Phone)

Seva Kunj and Nidhuban Vrindavan Temple Timings

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From mesmerising chants rising through the air to the crowded lanes, Vrindavan is one of the top tourist destinations of Uttar Pradesh because of the plethora of small and big temples. It is a quaint town where Lord Krishna spent his childhood.

Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha Rani have blessed the area, and various sacred spots will astound you with their extraordinary spiritual presence. Experience the everlasting love of Radha Rani for her beloved Lord Krishna right here at Seva Kunj and Nidhivan today!

About Nidhi Van and Seva Kunj

Nidhivan, which means ‘Woodland of Tulsi,’ is one of Vrindavan's holiest forest places. The most famous venue where Radha-Krishna and their gopis enjoyed the Raslila is Nidhivan.

#Trivia: It is widely believed among devotees that Nidhivan still observes the Raslila (dance) of Radha and Krishna at night, and as a result, no one can stay inside Nidhivan's grounds at night.

Tulsi (Basil) plants are found in abundance and in pairs with uniquely entangled stems here. Aside from Tulsi plants, this beautiful place includes a palace called ‘Rang Mahal’ where Radha and Krishna spent the night after raslila; a temple called ‘Bansichor Radha’ where Radha stole Krishna's flute, and a shrine dedicated to Swami Haridas.

#Trivia: Ironically it was Swami Haridas who created the Banke Bihari idol and Raas Leela Sthali, where Raslila takes place even today.

Nidhivan is also the site of Banke Bihari's first appearance. Swami Haridas of Vrindavan satisfied the holy pair, Radha Krishna, with his pure devotion and commitment, and they appeared in front of him. Later, Radha and Krishna merged into one form known as Banke Bihari to be with Haridas Thakur. People worshiped Banke Bihari at Nidhivan for a few years before their own temple got constructed, which is now known as the Banke Bihari Temple.

Seva Kunj, also known as Nikunj Van (forest), is present near Nidhi Van. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. The location has its name as Seva Kunj because Lord Krishna used to conduct Seva (selfless service) for Radha and assist her in preparing for the Raas Leela (a holy dance).

Swami Hit Harivansh discovered Seva Kunj in the 16th century. His sampradaya maintains this hallowed place and offers pooja seva to the presiding god regularly.

The layout of Seva Kunj

There are a few minor walkways in Seva Kunj, a couple of which are near Seva Kunj's walls. The sanctum sanctorum of this Seva Kunj temple includes a multi-step platform, which is common in houses during the Navratri season. It also resembles a bed, indicating that Seva Kunj is Radha and Krishna's final resting place. At the top of the altar, there is a painting of Radha and Krishna.

The walls of the temple have murals depicting Shri Radha-Krishna performing the Raslila and swaying with the Gopis.

Image Gallery of Seva Kunj and Nidhuban Vrindavan

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Location of Seva Kunj

The location of the Seva Kunj is Kunj Gali, Radha Vallabh Temple Road, Vrindavan. The main city of Vrindavan is about 2.1 kilometres away from Seva Kunj.

Importance of Seva Kunj and Nidhivan

Every temple wall here depicts a different story and speaks of the love between Radha-Krishna. In one artwork, you can see Sri Krishna confessing his love for Sri Radha Rani by beautifying her hair braid, while in another, he begs Sakhi to allow him to converse with Sri Radha Rani. In another picture, Lord Krishna is stroking Radha's feet after the raslila.

Many such stories resonate through the Nidhivan air even today…

One of the paintings depicts the Holi celebration celebrated by Sri Radha and Sri Krishna in the presence of Sakhis. In a nutshell, these paintings represent the apparent beauty of Nikunj. Near Sewa Kunj lies Lalita Kund, where Sri Krishna dug out water with his flute to assuage the thirst of Lalita Sakhi.

At a little distance from Seva Kunj lies the hallowed Lalita Kund. Legends believe Lord Krishna played his flute to relieve the thirst of Lalita Devi, Radha's companion.

Imli Tala is present just north of Seva Kunj and has an ancient tamarind tree that has been there since time immemorial. Lord Krishna relaxed under this tree, and after blissful separation from his most adored devotee, Radha, his body would change to gold.

#Trivia: The tamarind tree is currently in the courtyard of Maharaja Bhakti Saranga's Radha-Krishna shrine.

Other temples around the park include the Radha-Vrindavan-Chandra temple, the Banke Bihari temple, the Dwarkadhish temple, the Shahji Temple, the Radha Damodar temple, the Radha Shyamsundar temple, and the Raja Bharatpur Palace.

Entry Fee and Timings of Seva Kunj

Entry to Seva Kunj is free. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

The temple gates close after sunset, and no one can enter the temple after the evening aarti. It is a local legend that Radha-Krishna still performs Raas Leela, and no one can witness their dance even today. Even the monkeys who swarm the shrine throughout the day leave after dusk.

Best Time to Visit Seva Kunj and Nidhivan

Winter is the best time to visit Seva Kunj and Nidhivan in Vrindavan, as you can enjoy moving around the temple premises with the bright sun streaming through the cloudy gap. Besides a seasonal visit, you can cherish a few moments at Seva Kunj during Janmashtami, Holi, and Radha Ashtami, when it is beautifully adorned.

How to Reach Seva Kunj and Nidhuban Vrindavan?

By Road: Vrindavan is well-connected to towns like Mathura, Agra, and Haridwar by road. Cabs are accessible from Delhi and Agra and travellers may book taxis from Delhi for anywhere between Rs 3000 and Rs 5000. Vrindavan is about 10 kilometres from Mathura and is easily accessible by your own car or a hired cab from top car rental companies in Mathura-Vrindavan.

By Rail: Vrindavan has its own railway junction, although not all trains stop there. Mathura, roughly 14 kilometres distant, is the nearest railway station to Seva Kunj.

By Air: One can reach Vrindavan by air via Agra. While Agra Airport is the closest airport, you must cross-check the flight availability. It is far easier to travel from New Delhi airport to Vrindavan.

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No visit is complete without exploring the local delicacies and sweets. From Bedmi Aloo to Jalebi and Pede, there is something for everyone to explore in and around Vrindavan and Mathura. While you are here, do not forget to stop by Prem mandir, Pranami Mandir, Banke Bihari temple, amongst others. Each temple has a prominent aura, and you would love to explore the best places to visit in Mathura & Vrindavan without batting an eyelid. Book a Mathura Vrindavan tour package from Mathura-Vrindavan Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA to explore these holy towns and spend some quality time amidst the spiritual surroundings. Please fill the Contact Us form to know more about our offerings.

Location Map for Seva Kunj and Nidhuban Vrindavan