Gokul Dhaba (near Chaurasi Khamba)
Makhan-mishri, as claimed in one article
चौरासी खंभा, महावन
Mahavan: Chaurasi Khamba
The 84-pillar hall of Mahavan, said to be Nanda Baba's old house, and the heart of Braj's Old Gokul.
TempleGokul, Mahavan and BaldeoNand Baba, Yashoda, Krishna
The story: Old Gokul and Nanda's house of 84 pillars
Mahavan, 'the great forest', is also called Old Gokul. Local tradition says Nanda Maharaj moved his herds here from Gokul and lived in a house supported by 84 stone pillars. Here Krishna played with his friends and was tied to the mortar, and the two giant arjuna trees stood in the courtyard.
The Damodar Lila (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.9 and 10.10) is the main story: Yashoda tying her child, the child dragging the mortar, the trees breaking, and two shining figures appearing, the sons of Kubera, freed from sage Narada's curse.
The pillars you see today are said to be from a much older structure, perhaps repaired in the Mughal period. Their exact age is not documented here, so treat the dating as local belief.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.9 and 10.10: Damodar Lila
- The 84-pillar house is local tradition
History
- The hall has been a pilgrim stop for centuries. The Archaeological Survey notes later construction on older stones. Details: check locally.
What to see
- The pillared hall (84 pillars)
- Yashoda's mortar spot
- The old Mahavan village
Key festivals
- Aug to Sep: Nandotsav and Janmashtami
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | Daylight |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | Daylight |
| Closed | Unknown |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | Fine outside. Check locally. |
Informal. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Mahavan roadside.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Narrow village lanes
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at the lane head.
Walk: 5 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Gokul, Mahavan and Baldeo guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 11 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 22 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 178 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Morning.
Crowds: Light.
Monkeys: Some.
Comfort
Footwear: At the gate.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Uneven.
Scams to avoid
- Self-made guides who demand a fee
Where to eat nearby
Prasad stalls around the Gokulnath temple
Makhan-mishri, panjiri and khichdi prasad. Unnamed
Anandvan and Pandit Ji Food Corner (Gokul)
Listed for veg thali. Names only
Kheermohan of Mahavan
Named as a Mahavan sweet in one Hindi source. Single mention
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 really Nanda's house?
That is the local tradition. Archaeological confirmation is not available. Check locally.
Check locally
- Timings
- Age of the structure
- Access
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 Mahavan: Chaurasi Khamba