History and Revival
In the 18th century, King Maharao Bhim Singh (Krishnadas) of Kota envisioned transforming his kingdom into a new Braj-Bhoomi, the sacred land of Lord Krishna's pastimes. He renamed Kota as Nandgram (after Krishna's foster father, Nanda Maharaj) and nearby Baran as Barsana (after Srimati Radharani). Over time, these sacred names faded from memory, but today, Nandgram Dham is restoring this glorious legacy. By renaming the Hare Krishna Mandir as Nandgram Dham, we reconnect Kota to its deep spiritual roots, evoking the divine village of Krishna's childhood, filled with love, devotion, and His playful leelas.
A Grand Temple Inspired by Srila Prabhupada
Nandgram Dham is being built as a magnificent temple and cultural hub, inspired by Srila Prabhupada's vision to spread Krishna consciousness globally. Rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, the temple features traditional North Indian architecture, ornate deities of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, and spacious halls for worship and education. Every detail — from the marble carvings to the landscaped gardens — is designed to uplift the heart and transport visitors to a rasa-filled atmosphere reminiscent of Krishna's Braj. Nandgram Dham is more than a temple; it's a living movement to preserve Vedic culture and inspire devotion for generations.
Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami at Nandgram Dham
Each year, Nandgram Dham comes alive for Krishna Janmashtami with days of devotional celebration:
- Abhishek: Bathe Sri Krishna in milk and honey, a sacred ritual of love.
- Kirtan: Sing soulful bhajans, echoing Nandgram's devotion.
- Jhula Seva: Swing Thakur ji on a flower-laden jhula, filled with cheer.
- Maha Aarti: Offer lamps to Krishna under a glowing canopy.
- Jhankis: Marvel at stunning tableaux of Krishna's leelas.
- Maha Prasadam: Savor sanctified meals, uniting devotees in bhakti.
- Vishesh Darshan: Behold Radha-Krishna in Their festive splendor.
The temple is adorned with flowers, diyas, and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere where devotees dance, chant, and share prasadam — an immersion into Kota's Vaishnava heritage that creates memories for a lifetime.
Support Mandir Nirman Seva
You can play a direct role in Nandgram Dham's mission through Mandir Nirman Seva — contributing just 1 square foot to help build this sacred temple. Like offering flowers or prasadam to Krishna, your donation is a devotional act that adorns His dham with your love. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps fulfill Srila Prabhupada's vision and ensures Nandgram Dham remains a beacon of Krishna consciousness. Donors receive a digital certificate as a token of their seva, with names inscribed on a Seva Patra displayed in the temple.
Participating is easy:
- Visit our donation page.
- Select the Mandir Nirman Seva (Square Feet Seva) option.
- Choose your donation amount, starting at just 1 square foot.
- Complete the secure payment process.
- Receive your digital certificate and blessings from Nandgram Dham.
Your donation is not just a gift; it's an investment in Kota's spiritual future and a way to connect with Krishna's eternal love.
Preserving Vedic Culture Through Devotion
At Nandgram Dham, daily programs keep Kota steeped in devotional practice:
- Devotional Music & Kirtan: Congregational chanting of the Holy Names, creating an atmosphere of love for Krishna.
- Scripture Classes: Study groups and lectures on Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam to deepen understanding of Vedic wisdom.
- Prasadam Distribution: Free vegetarian meals (mahaprasad) for all as part of our annadanam (community feeding) service.
- Festivals & Celebrations: Glorious feasts and programs on major Vaishnava holy days like Krishna Janmashtami, Gaura Purnima, and Radhashtami.
- Community Outreach: Cultural events, pilgrimages, and youth workshops to spread Krishna consciousness in Kota and beyond.
These activities preserve India's Vedic heritage and invite people of all backgrounds to experience the joy of bhakti.
Join the Revival — Serve Nandgram Dham
Nandgram Dham is a public seva project, and everyone can participate in this sacred revival. Here are ways to get involved:
- Mandir Nirman Seva: Contribute to temple construction through donations or labor.
- Annadanam & Gau Seva: Sponsor prasadam meals or support cow-care programs.
- Life Patron & Gita Dana: Become a monthly donor or sponsor Bhagavad Gita copies for distribution.
- Volunteer Seva: Offer your time for kirtan, festivals, education, or temple management.
No contribution is too small — your support truly uplifts the mission.
"Your support and donations help revive this sacred heritage and ensure a vibrant devotional future for Nandgram Dham."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nandgram Dham?
Nandgram Dham is the spiritual and cultural revival of Kota's Vaishnava heritage, operating under the legal entities Hare Krishna Movement Kota and Radha Krishna Mandir Foundation Kota (formerly also known as Hare Krishna Mandir). Inspired by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, it offers daily devotional programs, festivals, and community outreach.
Why was Kota renamed Nandgram Dham?
In the 18th century, King Maharao Bhim Singh (Krishnadas) of Kota renamed Kota as Nandgram, after Krishna's foster father Nanda Maharaj, and nearby Baran as Barsana, after Srimati Radharani, envisioning his kingdom as a new Braj-Bhoomi. Nandgram Dham restores this glorious legacy, reconnecting Kota to its deep spiritual roots.
What is Mandir Nirman Seva?
Mandir Nirman Seva lets you contribute just 1 square foot to help build the Nandgram Dham temple. Donors receive a digital certificate, and their names are inscribed on a Seva Patra displayed in the temple. To take part, visit the donation page, select the Mandir Nirman Seva (Square Feet Seva) option, choose an amount starting at 1 square foot, and complete the secure payment.
How does Nandgram Dham celebrate Krishna Janmashtami?
Nandgram Dham celebrates Krishna Janmashtami with days of devotional celebration, including Abhishek (bathing Sri Krishna in milk and honey), Kirtan, Jhula Seva, Maha Aarti, Jhankis (tableaux of Krishna's leelas), Maha Prasadam, and Vishesh Darshan of Radha-Krishna.
What is the address and contact number of Nandgram Dham?
Nandgram Dham is located at NH-27, Mukundra Vihar, Kota, Rajasthan – 324005. You can reach the temple by phone at +91-9799874000 or by email at info@hkmkota.org.
How can I get involved with Nandgram Dham?
You can serve Nandgram Dham through Mandir Nirman Seva (temple construction donations or labor), Annadanam & Gau Seva (sponsoring prasadam meals or cow-care programs), becoming a Life Patron or sponsoring Gita Dana, or offering Volunteer Seva for kirtan, festivals, education, or temple management.