From the prison at Mathura to the cowherd villages of Braj and the city by the western sea. Braj places are traditional identifications; scholars note that the present sacred geography of Braj took shape largely from the sixteenth century.
1 · Bhagavata Purana · Book 10
Krishna is born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Kamsa’s prison at Mathura.
Place: Mathura — traditional identification
Also identified with: Krishna Janmasthan temple complex (traditional birth spot)
2 · Bhagavata Purana · Book 10
Vasudeva carries the newborn across the Yamuna to Nanda’s settlement, where Yashoda raises him.
Place: Gokul — traditional identification
3 · Bhagavata Purana · Book 10
To escape repeated dangers the cowherds move from Gokula to Vrindavana, the setting of Krishna’s childhood play.
Place: Vrindavan — traditional identification
4 · Bhagavata Purana · Book 10
Krishna turns the cowherds from Indra’s sacrifice to the worship of Govardhana; when Indra sends a deluge, he lifts the hill and shelters Braj beneath it for seven days.
Place: Govardhan Hill (Giriraj) — traditional identification
5 · Later Braj tradition
Barsana is revered as the birthplace of Radha, daughter of Vrishabhanu, and is known for its Lathmar Holi. This comes from later Braj tradition; Radha is not named in the Bhagavata Purana.
Place: Barsana — traditional identification
6 · Later Braj tradition
Nandgaon is revered as the home of Nanda and Yashoda, with the Nand Bhavan temple on its hill.
Place: Nandgaon — modern identification
This identification rests on a single source.
7 · Bhagavata Purana · Book 10
Akrura brings Krishna and Balarama from Braj to Mathura, where Kamsa is overthrown.
Place: Mathura — traditional identification
8 · Bhagavata Purana · Book 10
Besieged again and again by Jarasandha, Krishna has the city of Dwaraka built in the sea and moves the Yadavas there.
Place: Dwarka (Dwarkadhish temple town) — traditional identification