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Thiruvaaippadi Temple, Gokulam

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Introduction

Thiruvaaippadi is the place where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood days. This is more popularly known as Gokul or Gokulam. This place is located in the Mathura district of the Uttar Pradesh state, about 15 km from the Mathura town, where Krishna was born. Navamohana Krishna temple is the place of worship dedicated to Krishna here, which has been glorified by the Azhwar saints in their Tamil Divyaprabhandham hymns. But neither this temple praised by the Azhwars nor the idols are present there now. And the temple that is found there at present belongs to a later date. Still, as this is a sacred place where child Krishna played and performed miracles, that has come under the praise of the Azhwar saints, Aayarpadi or Thiruvaaippadi temple is counted among the Divyadesams, the especially sacred abodes of Vishnu.

Temple Legends

Thiruvaaippadi

Krishna was born to parents Devaki and Vasudeva in the Mathura prison, where they were kept incarcerated by Devaki's brother Kansa. Fearing for Krishna's life from the demon king Kansa, Vasudeva carried the new-born baby in the dead of night, amidst heavy rains to Gokulam, and left him in the care of the village chieftain Nandagopa and his wife Yasoda. Krishna grew up in Gokul in the care of his foster parents, as a darling of the cowherds of the village. He performed many feats and miracles, foiled many attempts by Kansa to kill him, and ultimately, put an end to the ruthless demon Kansa, and released his parents from the prison. So, Gokulam or Thiruvaaippadi is where child Krishna played his Leelas, that is, childish pranks, and spent the best times of his childhood life.

The temple here is also associated with the saint-poet Soordas. As per a legend, it was Krishna's devotee Akroora who was born blind as Soordas due to a curse, and he got relieved of it thanks to Krishna's blessings after he prayed in this temple.

The Architecture of Thiruvaaippadi Temple, Gokulam

The presiding deity of the Thiruvaaippadi Divya Desam, as sung by the Azhwars, is Lord Navamohana Krishna. He is standing with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama, under the roof Hemakoota Vimana. The holy river Yamuna is regarded as the water body of the temple. But this temple is not present now.

But a few kilometers away from this village, there is a place called 'Purana Gokul,' the old Gokulam, where a Krishna temple of later date is found. Wooden images of Nandagopa, Yasoda, and brother Balarama are there in it, while baby Krishna can be worshipped there, lying in a wooden cradle. Yamuna river is also flowing right in front of the temple.

Vis-à-vis Mathura, Gokulam is on the other side of the Yamuna river.

Temple Festivals

Janmashtami, the day of the advent of Krishna on earth, is the biggest festival of the temple here, which is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm by the people. Diwali and Holi are among the other important festivals of this temple.

Benefits of worshipping the Lord of Thiruvaaippadi Temple, Gokulam

Thiruvaaippadi is a holy place closely associated with Lord Krishna and his childhood. Worshipping this Lord, it is believed, can get Krishna's immense blessings for the devotees and ensure a good turn to their lives, in all respects.

How to reach Thiruvaaippadi Temple, Gokulam
By Air

Agra, the domestic airport is about 65 km from Gokulam, whereas the Delhi international airport is about 175 km from the place.

By Rail

Mathura is a busy railway station on the Delhi-Agra route and is only a few kilometers away from Gokulam.

By Road

Matura is on the highway that runs between India's capital Delhi and Agra and is less than 200 km from Delhi. People can travel by buses and other vehicles quite comfortably to Mathura, and reach Gokulam from there.

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