History, Importance, Interesting Fact and Tourist Guide of Paawan Sarovar, Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh, India
Pavana Sarovar, located at base of Nandishwar Hill, north to Nand Gaon and on the highway road to Kamavan,is one of the most attractive tourist destinations and important pilgrimage site of Nandgaon in the district of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Pavan Sarovar also known as Pan Sarovar is combination of two word, Pavan means Pure and Sarovar means lake and it is believed that holy dip in the Paawan Sarovar purifies individual’s mind, body, and soul from all the sins. At this lake, Nandbaba, Lord Krishna and Balarama used to bathe here in Pavan Sarovar.
It is believed that this holy lake was built by Pavan Gopa, the father of Vishakha - one of the friends of Radha Rani, thus it named as Pavana Sarovar. This lake is considered to be the purest and most sanctifying amongs all the holy water body and lots of tales associated with this lake. Lord Krishna and his friends used to brings their cows to Paavan Sarovar to drink water while returned from pastures in evening. It is also said that Shrimati Radha Rani prepared food in the morning for Krishna on bank of this lake. There is one well as well from where Radha Rani drew water to cook food for Krishna.
Another key folklore related to Pavan Sarovar, Nandgaon mentioned that once Nand Baba wanted to visit to Prayagraj to have holy bath in Triveni Sangam of holy river Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. But Bal Krishna did not wanted to separate from parents for even few days thus he requested Nand Baba to go next day, on occation of Akshaya Tritiya. Nand Maharaj agreed with Krishn, woke up early in the morning and went o Pavana sarovar for his morning Bath. He saw that king Prayagraj himself come along with all river and tirtha to wash their sin in Pavana Sarovar which are left to them by devotees. Nand Maharaj was surprised to see all this that even the king of Tirthas, who washes of the sins of all pilgrims come here at Pavana Sarovar to wash of his own sins leftover by the pilgrims. So, he respected the purity of the Pavana Sarovar and decided that no need to visit Prayag for holy bath. On the northern bank of the Sarovar Pavana-Bihari temple was built at a place where Sri Radharani along with her sakhi used to enjoy the water sports on the bank of the lake. It is also believed that Vrishabhanu had built huge palace for her daughter Sri Radha Rani.
There are lots of pasttimes attached with Pavan Sarovar. As per them, sometimes Radharani used to come for bath along with her friend here in one particular corner of Pavan Sarovar. Then Lord Krishna secretly come by underwater swim and take dust of the feet of Srimati Radharani and other gopis. Another key legend when Durvasa Muni came to Braj, all the Gopas and Gopis were very fearful of him because of anger of sage. Then, Sri Radharani had prepared food for sage and serve with pure devotion. Then sage was very happy with Radha rani and give boon that whatever she cooks will taste like nectar and who eat that food never fall ill and always blessed with good health. One Yashoda Mata came to know about this boon she had asked Radha Rani to cook food for Krishna. Thus, Radha Rani would come here sometimes from Barsana and prepared food for beloved Krishna.
Devotee cannot stop their self to take holy dip in Pavan Sarovar, the major pilgrimage attraction of Nand gaon and Braj Bhoomi. Every year on Akshya Tritiya, fair is organized here at Pavan Sarovar and thousands of devotee takes holy dip here. It is also said that Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhuji had taken holy dip in Pavan Sarovar during his Pradakshina of 84 kos Braj Bhoomi.
Mllions of devotee across the world visits Nandgaon across the year, thus to facilitate them lots of Ashram, Dharmshala, Hotels, Guest House, Yatri Bhavan, Restaurants are built. Also you can easily find the public and private transport, auto rickshaw for the local sightseen and visit nearby Yatradham like Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Jatipura, Govardhan Hill, Barsana etc.
The best time to visit Pavan Sarovar is between October and March when weather is pleasant and during festival like Holi and Janmashtami which are celebrated with great zeal.
How to Reach Pavan Sarovar, Nandgaon, Childhood Place of Lord Krishna, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nandgaon being one of the major pilgrimage center, one of the Sapt Puri of Hinduism and tourist destination, of Uttar Pradesh where people across the world visits around the year. It is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Mathura has major railway junction which is just 55 km from Nandgaon from where you can get train to almost all region of India. Agra Airport and Delhi Airport are the nearest airport at distance of 110 and 120 respectively from Nandgaon. From where you can get flight to all major cities of India and across the globe. You can find private taxi and public transport as well from both airport to reach to Nandgaon. It is located at just 10 km from Barsana, 30 km from Govardhan, 32 km from Jatipura, 55 km from Mathura, 48 km from Vrindavan and 67 km from Gokul., 110 km from Agra, 120 km from Delhi. You can get direct buses from Agra, Delhi etc. to reach Mathura and then you can reach Nandgaon easily.