Nabadwip is a city under Municipal administration in the district of Nadia in West Bengal, (India). It is seated on the western bank of the Bhagirathi River. The Bhagirathi river originally flowed down the west of Nabadwip in the past, forming a natural boundary between the districts of Bardhaman and Nadia. With time it has shifted its course to where it is at present, cutting the city off from the rest of the Nadia district.
The great Vaishnava saint, social reformer and an important figure of the Bhakti movement, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1533) was born here, (though some consider Mayapur to be his birth place) for whose sake, this place has turned into an important centre of pilgrimage for the Vaishnavs world wide as well as the Hindus in general. Many devotees who adhere to the Gaudiya sect of Vaishnavism come to Nabadwip for pilgrimage on the auspicious occasion of the Birthday celebration of Shri Mahaprabhu on the Phalguni Purnima (i.e. on the Full moon day of the March every year), and for various festivals in relation to Leelas of Shri Mahaprabhu like Sri Nabadwip-mandala Parikrama and other festivities like Dol yatra, Ras purnima Gaura-purnima.
There are about 185 temples in and around Nabadwip. The meaning of Nabadwip is nine islands. All the nine islands mean something particular. The nine islands in Nabadwip are Antardvipa (Mayapur) for surrendering everything, Simantadvipa for patient hearing, Godrumadvipa for chanting, Madhyadvipa for perfect remembering, Koladvipa for serving the lotus feet, Ritudvipa for ideal worshipping, Jahnudvipa for praying unconditionally, Modadrumadvipa for serving as a servant and Rudradvipa for being a friend.
The place Nabadwip is also famous as Audarya Dhama. The meaning of the term Audarya is generosity and magnanimity.
Places to See in Nabadwip
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math is a sacred shrine dedicated to Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the Nabadwip Dham. It was built in the year 1941. This place was established by Srila Sridhar Maharaja known as Om Vishnupad Sri Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Maharaj. The headquarters of this temple was established in Nawadwip and after that, many branches of this temple have been opened in other parts of India as well as abroad.
Radha Rani Temple
The Radharani temple situated in Nabadwip is dedicated to Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna. In this temple there is an idol of Radha Rani and it is marvellous and is decorated with many jewels and flowers. The tale behind the temple is that Radha got angry with Lord Krishna and went into the jungle to avoid him.
Lord Krishna spent many days looking for her and finally found her on a full moon night. Hence, devotees have a special belief of visiting this town on full moon nights, to commemorate their eternal love. Another folklore surrounding the place is that it is believed to have appeared on its own and not built by anyone.
Shri Mahaprabhu Temple
One of the most revered temples of Navadwipa, Sri Mahaprabhu Temple is located in Srivasa Angan. The temple is believed to be the birth place of Harinama-sankirtana. This temple is very close to Yogapitha. The temple has three different Shrines. All the three different shrines are dedicated to different gods.
The first is devoted Radha Krishna and Lord Chaitanya. The second to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, for his maha-prakasa-lila, the time when he became the supreme personality of Godhead and the third is dedicated to Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai.
Sonar Gouranga Temple
Sonar Gouranga temple is one of the most famous temples in Nawadwip. It is situated besides Sribas Angan and lies opposite to Sri Samajbari Asram. The temple is famous for the Golden Shrine of great social reformer and saint, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. His footwear has been kept here, in a glass case. It is said that Pratap Chandra Goswami, a follower of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, constructed this temple. It is now a seat of Gauria Vaishnav.
Dwadas Shib Mandir
Dwadas Shib Mandir is another popular temple in Nawadwip. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. This temple was built in 1835. It is basically famous for its exquisite floral designs. It also attracts a large number of pilgrims, especially during Mahashivratri.
Source:
http://www.bengalspider.com/resources/5303-Nabadwip-The-perfect-holiday-destination-at-West.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabadwip
http://www.bharatonline.com/west-bengal/travel/nabadwip/tourist-attraction.html
https://www.holidify.com/places/nabadwip/radha-rani-temple-sightseeing-5464.html
https://www.holidify.com/places/nabadwip/sri-mahaprabhu-mandir-sightseeing-5468.html