Nabadwip (নবদ্বীপ) (also Navadwip, Navadvipa or Nabadwipdham) is a city and a municipality in Nadia district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Its name means "9 islands" in the Bengali language. The islands are named Antardwip (Sri Mayapur), Simantadwip, Rudradwip, Madhyadwip, Godrumdwip, Ritudwip, Jahnudwip, Modadrumdwip, and Koladwip. It is a place of many lilas (or "pastimes of God" in Hinduism) of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Many pilgrims from origins worldwide adhering to Gaudiya Vaishnavism come to Navadwip every year on pilgrimage and for festivals like Sri Navadvipa-mandala Parikrama and holidays like Gaura Purnima.[1]   History

Nabadwip was the capital of Ballal Sen and later Lakshman Sen, the famous rulers of the Sena Empire, who ruled from 1159 to 1206. [2] In 1202, Nabadwip was captured by Bakhtiyar Khilji. This victory paved the way for Muslim rule in Bengal.[3] Nabadwip and Nadia were great centres of learning and intellectual prowess.

For five centuries, it was referred to as “Oxford of Bengal”. [4] Chaitanyadeb (1486-1533) was born and spent many years at Nabadwip. [5]

The Holy Birth Place of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is known as "Gour Gangar Desh" as well as " Oxford of Bengal". We are proud for Srichaitanyadeb, Krishnanda Agambagish, Basudeb Sarbobhouma etc. The religious atmosphere of Nabadwip is a combination of Baishnaba, Shakta, Buddha, Saiba due to the aforesaid leaders, Pal Monarchy, Sen Monarchy etc. The main festival of Nabadwip is "RASH UTSAV" . It is also known as "Pat Purnima" or "Rash Kali Puja" or "Shakta Rash" as "Gour Ganger Desh" as well as " Oxford of Bengal".We are proud for Srichaitanyadeb, Krishnanda Agambagish, Basudeb Sarbobhouma etc. The religious atmosphere of Nabadwip is a combination of Baishnaba, Shakta, Buddha, Saiba due to the aforesaid leaders, Pal Monarchy, Sen Monarchy etc. The main festival of Nabadwip is "RASH UTSAV" . It is also known as "Pat Purnima" or "Rash Kali Puja" or "Shakta Rash". The varieties of Baishnaba, Shakta, Saiba Pratima (Idols) attracts every one. The Rash Utsav is like national festival of the inhabitants of Nabadwip.By this Website we tried to show a little bit of Nabadwip Rash Utsav. One of the exponents of Sree Nityananda baishnab sect Sree Sree Radharaman Charan Das Deb's ashram (SamajBari)is here. The snan jatra utsav of 'Dadamoshai' as he is fondly called as, is celebrated in early March every year.[6]

 Geography

Nabadwip is located at 23°25′N 88°22′E / 23.42°N 88.37°E / 23.42; 88.37[7]. It has an average elevation of 14 m (46 ft). It is located at the confluence of Bhagirathi and Jalangi rivers.[8] The Bhagirathi has shifted course. Earlier, Nabadwip was on its east bank with the rest of Nadia district, but now it is on its west bank. There also is a dispute regarding Sri Chaitnaya’s birthplace.[9]

Demographics

As of 2001[update] India census[10], Nabadwip had a population of 115,036. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Nabadwip has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 70%. In Nabadwip, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Transport

Nabadwip Dham is 65 km from Bandel on the Bandel-Katwa section of Eastern Railway. [11]