Why Kota Was Known as Nandgram: A Forgotten Spiritual Legacy of Rajasthan

Kota, widely known today as an educational and industrial hub in Rajasthan, once bore a sacred name: Nandgram. This spiritual title connects Kota to the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna, particularly His childhood in the village of Nanda Maharaja. In this blog, we explore why Kota was renamed Nandgram, who the devotional king behind this was, and how his actions transformed Kota into a miniature Braj Dham.

Why Kota Was Called Nandgram?

The name Nandgram (or Nandgaon) is traditionally associated with the village of Nanda Maharaja, the foster-father of Lord Krishna in Braj Bhumi. Inspired by this sacred connection, Kota was deliberately renamed Nandgram in the early 18th century by Maharao Bhim Singh I, a devout ruler of the Hada Chauhan dynasty.

During his reign (1707–1720), Bhim Singh became a committed follower of the Pushti Marg (Vallabh Sampradaya) and undertook a pilgrimage to Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace and playground of Lord Krishna. Deeply moved by the divine atmosphere of Braj, he decided to recreate that sacred environment in his own kingdom.

Who Renamed Kota as Nandgram?

It was Maharao Bhim Singh I of Kota who officially renamed the city as Nandgram. After returning from Mathura, he renounced worldly pride, accepted initiation into the Vaishnava sect, and took the devotional name Krishna Das (servant of Lord Krishna). He declared himself a humble servant of the Lord and renamed Kota to reflect the village of Nanda Maharaja—a symbolic act of surrender and spiritual transformation.

This renaming was not merely symbolic. Bhim Singh implemented sweeping religious reforms, constructed Krishna temples, hosted bhakti festivals, and even sealed royal documents with the sacred name "Jai Gopal" (Victory to Krishna).

The Religious Significance of Nandgram in Kota

By renaming Kota as Nandgram, Bhim Singh intended to make the city a spiritual extension of Braj Dham. According to Vaishnava tradition, Nandgram is the hill village where Krishna grew up with Nanda and Yashoda. In this way, Kota was spiritually aligned with Vrindavan’s divine geography.

This move was part of a broader Krishna Bhakti revival in Rajasthan. The king’s actions aligned Kota with other sacred places like Barsana (Radha’s village) and Govardhan Hill. He even renamed Shergarh (now part of Baran) as Barsana, mirroring Radha’s birthplace.

Legacy of Kota as Nandgram Today

Though modern maps no longer use the name Nandgram for Kota, the spiritual identity established by Maharao Bhim Singh Krishna Das endures in the hearts of devotees and in the temples of the city.

The ongoing presence of Krishna temples, annual bhakti festivals, and recent revival efforts by Nandgram Dham outreach—reflect this legacy. Locals still refer to parts of Kota as Nandgram, especially during Janmashtami celebrations.

How can you support Nandgram Dham

Join Nandgram Dham various initiatives at Kota, a sacred hub of Krishna devotion, to spread peace and devotion. Support our Square Feet Seva for Mandir Nirman by donating for one square foot or materials to build our Krishna temple. Contribute to our daily Khichdi Prasadam for hundreds or Annadana Seva to feed the needy. Become a Life Patron, receive the donor privilege and gain Lord Krishna's blessings unto you and your family. Your donations empower the spiritual and community welfare efforts, preserving Kota’s sacred legacy. Donate now at ISKCON & support our various initiatives for Annadanam Donation, Ekadashi donation, Khichadi Vitaran, Bhagavad Gita Distribution, Temple Donation, and get Maha-Prasadam, donor privileges and blessings of the Lord.