NH19 vegetarian dhabas near Kosi
Roadside thali and paratha stops. Pick a busy one. No name confirmed
भांडीरवन
Bhandirvan
The forest across the Yamuna with the great banyan where Radha and Krishna were married, and where Balarama killed Pralamba.
GroveFurther outRadha-Krishna, Balarama
The story: The banyan of the wedding and the demon who carried Balarama
Bhandirvan is one of the twelve forests of Braj, on the east bank of the Yamuna. Here the cowherd boys played games in teams, and the demon Pralamba came in disguise as one of them. When Balarama's team won the game, Pralamba carried him on his back and ran. Balarama grew heavy as a mountain and struck the demon's head with his fist (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.18).
A second tradition makes the great banyan (Bhandir Vat) the place where Brahma married Radha and Krishna. The Garga Samhita describes this wedding in its Vrindavana Khanda. A temple with images of the wedding is at the spot. Treat the wedding as the Garga Samhita's and local tradition's account; the Bhagavatam does not tell it.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.18: Pralambasura
- Garga Samhita, Vrindavana Khanda: the wedding of Radha and Krishna at Bhandirvan
- Varaha Purana (Mathura Mahatmya): the twelve forests
History
- The banyan and temple are a pilgrimage stop on the Braj parikrama. Present buildings are recent; details to check locally.
What to see
- Bhandir Vat, the sacred banyan
- The Radha Krishna Vivah Sthal temple
- Balarama's Pralamba-slaying spot
Key festivals
- Aug to Sep: Radhashtami
- Oct to Nov: Parikrama season
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | Daylight hours. Check locally |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | Daylight hours. Check locally |
| Closed | Check locally |
| Dress code | Modest clothing; shoulders and knees covered. |
| Photos and phones | Not inside any sanctum. Check locally for the rest. |
No reliable published timings were found. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Roadside near the temple. Check locally.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- No special rule found. Festival days bring diversions. Check locally
Cab drop and walk
Drop: At the temple gate.
Walk: A few minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Further out guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 30 km, 1 hour (the road crosses the Yamuna; check locally) |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 35 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 130 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Winter mornings.
Crowds: Usually light. Heavier on festival days.
Monkeys: Possible. Keep spectacles, phones and food out of sight.
Comfort
Footwear: Leave shoes at the gate or with your driver.
Toilets: Limited. Use facilities before you arrive.
Accessibility: Uneven ground and steps are likely. Check locally.
Scams to avoid
- Touts who offer a 'special' puja or darshan for a fee
Where to eat nearby
Heera Foods (opposite the CNG station, Delhi-Mathura highway)
Veg thalis on the road in from Delhi, a handy stop for airport transfers
This list comes from desk research in published guides and listings. We have not visited these places for this guide. Walk and drive times are rough, and opening hours, prices and onion/garlic policy can change, so check locally before you go.
Common questions
Is it on the way from Delhi?
It is on the east bank of the Yamuna, near Mat. Ask your driver for the best route.
Check locally
- Distances and route
- Timings
- Parking
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
Book a cab for Bhandirvan