Kokilavan Dham

Situated 10 km away from Kosi Kalan near Mathura is a peaceful retreat called Kokilavan Dham dedicated to the Hindu Lord of death and justice―Lord Shani Dev. The temple is spread in a wide sprawling complex and attracts a large number of devouts from all over the country in its premises every day. Saturdays and Shani Amavasyas (no moon day that falls on a Saturday) are especially crowded because of the special significance associated with the deity.

The temple is believed to have been the place of core meditation of Lord Shani when he was denied the opportunity to see the just-born Lord Krishna in Nandvan. Lord Krishna, pleased by the prayers, blessed his devotee by the sweet melody of his flute and requested him to take a seat in Kokilavan Dham to release all the anxieties and fears of the troubled and the distressed. Today, Kokilavan Dham is indeed a sacrosanct territory flocked by many of its believers who pour oil on the main deity in a bid to smoothen their challenging ride of life. Within the complex are a number of smaller temples, that of Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman and Navgraha―all of them worth a visit after visiting the main temple.