Vrindavan: The Land of Devotion
Introduction
On hearing the name of Vrindavan, the image of Radha Krishna appears in our eyes. As we know that it is one of the major pilgrimage places of Hindus. As we have learnt about the historical places of Vrindavan and the major saints in the previous article. Similarly, in this article today, we will learn about some special places of Vrindavan that you can visit. There are hundreds of such areas in Vrindavan which are worth seeing; let us discuss them in detail.
Before visiting Vrindavan
Before visiting Vrindavan, read some interesting information about it: -
⏺The city of Vrindavan is home to around 4000-4500 temples.
⏺Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a great disciple of Lord Krishna, is credited with discovering Vrindavan.
⏺Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is said to have discovered Vrindavan in 1515 AD.
⏺The name "Vrindavan" is derived from the words Vrinda, meaning "Tulsi", and Van, meaning "forest".
⏺In our Puranas, Vrindavan is mentioned as the best part of the earth, which is referred to as the body of Lord Krishna.
⏺The eyes of the idol of Shri Banke Bihari Ji are so amazing and miraculous that whoever sees them gets so enchanted by his enchanting image that he starts wishing to renounce the world. This is the reason why the curtain is opened and closed repeatedly during the darshan of the temple, so that the devotee gets lost in his captivating gaze for a longer time.
⏺"Nidhivan" is considered to be the place where Shri Krishna performed Raasleela with Radha and the Gopis.
⏺Every night, Raasleela is performed in Nidhivan. It is believed that the trees there are Gopis at night, and Shri Krishna comes and performs Raasleela with everyone. It is currently prohibited for any devotee to visit it after dusk.
⏺Holi and Janmashtami are considered to be the main festivals celebrated in Vrindavan. The festival of "Holi" attracts national and international tourists to this city. The eyes of the idol of Shri Banke Bihari Ji are so amazing and miraculous that whoever sees them gets so enchanted by his enchanting image that he starts wishing to renounce the world. This is the reason why the curtain is opened and closed repeatedly during the darshan of the temple, so that the devotee gets lost in his captivating gaze for a longer time.
Tourist Places in Vrindavan
There are many such places for tourists in Vrindavan, about which we know in detail: -
●Govind Dev Mandir
Govind Dev Temple is one of the most important holy places in Vrindavan. It is located one kilometer from the Vrindavan railway station. This temple was built around 1590 AD by Raja Man Singh, the ruler of Amer, Rajasthan, for one crore rupees. It was a seven-floor temple partially destroyed by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb in 1670 AD, and now only three floors are left.
This temple is made of red sandstone. The pillars and columns make the temple look very grand. You have to climb the stairs to reach the main hall. Govind Dev Temple is open from 8 am to 12:30 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm.
●Shree Banke Bihari Ji Mandir
Shri Banke Bihari Temple is located near Vrindavan Railway Station. This temple is situated near the Shri Radhavallabh Temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna. The idol of the lord inside this temple is old and black in colour. It is said that it is made of Shaligram stone. Till 1863, the idol was kept in Nidhivan. The present temple was built in 1864 by Haridas of the Nimbarka sect. The curtains in front of the idol of Lord Krishna in this temple are repeatedly raised and closed every few minutes, because if any devotee looks at the eyes of Banke Bihari for a long time, he becomes unconscious.
There are no bells or conches in the temple, because Banke Bihari does not like the sound of bells or conches. Shri Banke Bihari Temple is open during summer at 7 am. It is open from 12 noon and 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm and in winter, from 8.45 am to 1 pm and 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
●Prem Mandir
Prem Mandir is a religious and spiritual complex located on the outskirts of Vrindavan, 2.5 km from Vrindavan Railway Station. Prem Mandir is one of the newest temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. The temple structure was established by spiritual guru Kripalu Maharaj. The foundation stone was laid in January 2001, and the temple was opened to the public on 17 February 2002. The cost of construction was approximately Rs 150 crore. Built on 54 acres of land, Prem Mandir is a two-floor structure. The sanctum sanctorum has beautiful statues of Radha-Krishna, and the first floor has statues of Ram and Sita. The inner walls are decorated with paintings related to the life of the Guru.
There are 80 panels on the walls depicting Radha Krishna Leela. There is a beautiful garden with fountains all around the temple complex. The spacious grounds have life-size statues and paintings of Lord Krishna, Goddess Radha, and other mythological characters related to Krishna. This temple also has a musical fountain with a light show. People are mesmerized by the colorful lighting and the beautiful patterns created by the water. The light show timings are from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Prem Mandir is open from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
●ISKCON Mandir
ISKCON Temple, also known as Shri Krishna Balaram Mandir, is one of the major ISKCON temples in India. The temple was built in 1917 and inaugurated on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. The foundation stone of the temple was laid by Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON.
Samadhi Mandir of Swami Prabhupada is also located in front of the temple. After his demise in 1997, his body was laid to rest here. Swami Prabhupada's house has also been converted into a museum. The guest house, Gaushala, restaurant, and Gurukul are also located here. ISKCON temple is open from morning till 12 noon and from 4 pm till 8.30 pm.
●Maa Vaishno Devi Dham
This temple of Maa Vaishno Devi Dham has been built in the same style as Vaishno Devi Dham. This temple is located at the end of Vrindavan on the side of Prem Mandir Road. 9 forms of the Mother Goddess are seated inside the artificial cave. An 81-foot-tall statue of Maa Durga has been made, and a statue of Hanuman Ji is also there. The temple is very clean and air-conditioned. You get to see an art gallery throughout the temple, which takes at least 1.5 hours to see. Carrying any item inside the temple is prohibited. Locker facility is also available here for keeping luggage, the charge for which is only Rs 20.
NOTE: It is advisable not to wear socks in this temple, as you may have to walk in water inside the caves.
also read: Mero Vrindavan
●Seva Kunj
Seva Kunj is a sacred garden in Vrindavan. Lord Krishna spent his childhood here and therefore, this place is close to the heart of Lord Shri Krishna. This forest is also known as the "Nikunj" forest. It is said that Lord Krishna performed Raas Leela with Radha here. The peaceful environment, ancient trees, and spiritual energy here will give a different kind of freshness to your mind. This temple has a beautiful idol of Radha and Krishna. There is also a pond here. Which is known as Lalita Kund. It is believed that every night, Lord Krishna and Radha Rani visit this place. That is why this place is completely closed after evening. Seva Kunj temple is decorated like this every night, and all the necessary things are kept here for one night. Seva Kunj temple timings are from 8 am to 7:30 pm.
●Keshi Ghaat
Keshi Ghat is a famous ghat on the banks of the Yamuna in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is believed that Lord Krishna bathed here after killing the demon Keshi. The ghat was built in the 17th century by Queen Lakshmi Devi of Bharatpur in the Rajasthani architectural style. There are many temples on the ghat. The ghat is open 24 hours a day, but it is best to visit between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Every evening at 6 pm, learned pandits perform aarti with full rituals while chanting the praises of Goddess Yamuna. This is a great place to spend time when the temples in Vrindavan are closed. You can also enjoy boating here. The entire boat ride costs around 300-400 rupees, don't pay more. Not only this, but you can also enjoy the sunrise and sunset during the boat ride.
●Kusum Sarovar
The lake is named after a shepherd girl named Kusum who used to collect flowers for Radha and Krishna. It is believed that Krishna and his friends used to play in the waters of Kusum Sarovar during their childhood days. The lake is 450 ft long and 60 ft deep and was built in the 17th century by Bundela King Veersingh Dev. Later on, King Surajmal renovated it.
Kusum Sarovar is situated between Radha Kund and Govardhan Hill. It is a very peaceful and beautiful lake. You can reach here by taking an e-rickshaw or tuk-tuk available there, or you can pedal for about 1.5 km. Kusum Sarovar is also open 24 hours. There is no entry fee.
●Katyayani Peeth
Katyayani Peeth is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where Maa Sati's hair fell. Katyayani is the Yogmaya Shakti of Lord Vishnu, whom he ordered to take birth as the daughter of Nanda and Yashoda. It is located about 1 km away from Nidhivan and Rangji Temple. The place is clean, and photography is prohibited.
The temple timings are from 7 am to 11 am and in the evening from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. There is ample parking space inside the temple, so one can visit in an open vehicle from Basni. In the afternoon, you will get prasad in the temple, which is very tasty. But beware of monkeys here.
●Gopishwar Mahadev Mandir
Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is about 5000 years old. It is said about this temple that once Lord Shiva wished to see the Raasleela of the Gopis. But no man other than Lord Krishna was allowed to go there. Then Lord Shankar took the form of a Gopi to see the Raasleela. The place where Lord Shiva took the form of a Gopi is called Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple. This is the only temple in India where the Shivling is decorated as a woman.
It is said that if you visit this temple, then only your Vrindavan trip will be complete. Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is open from 4 am to 12 noon and then from 4 pm to 8.30 pm. The time of Mangala Aarti is 4 am.
●Akshay Patra
Akshaya Patra Temple is dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna. "Akshaya Patra" means "the vessel that never runs out". Akshaya Patra is open till 1 pm. This temple is spread over a huge ground near the ISKCON temple on the outskirts of Vrindavan. A scheme to feed poor children has also been started here.
The temple is built in the shape of a blooming lotus, which reminds us of the feet of Lord Krishna. The altar of the deities is located on the first floor inside the temple. Beautiful idols of Radha and Krishna made of white marble stand on the altar. It has a very good open-air theater.
●Shree Radha Damodar Mandir
Radha Damodar Temple is about 500 years old. Established in the 16th century by Sheel Jiva Goswami, a prominent figure of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Legend has it that Sanatan Goswami used to perform the Parikrama of Giriraj daily. Seeing his inability in old age, Lord Hagwan appeared in the form of a child and gave him a Giriraj stone 1.5 feet long and dark in colour. It has the symbol of cow's hoof along with the symbol of the Lord on it. The Lord ordered Goswami to perform the Parikrama of this stone instead of Giriraj mountain in his old age.
After his death, the stone was installed in this temple, and since then, the tradition of devotees performing the Parikrama of the temple four times has started. Giriraj Sheel installed in the temple has a lot of importance. It is believed that by performing the Parikrama of it four times, one gets the merit of circumambulating Giriraj Govardhan. This temple closes in the afternoon and opens in the evening. Here, Kartik month, Purushottam month, Shrirup Goswami and Shrijiv Goswami Tirobhav Utsav, Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Shri Radhashtami, Govardhan Puja etc. are celebrated with great pomp.
●Shree Radha Madan Mohan Mandir
Radha Madan Mohan Ji Temple is one of the oldest and most prestigious temples. Originally constructed in the early 16th century, with the help of a wealthy businessman named Sanatana Goswami Das Kapoor, a disciple of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The temple is over 5000 years old and. is under the Archaeological Survey of India. Located on a hillock near the Yamuna River, the temple is 50 ft high and dedicated to Shri Krishna, Shri Radha, and Lalita Sakhi. The temple is located on the Vrindavan Parikrama Marg and behind the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple. The temple is open from 7 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
●Shree Pagal Baba Mandir
Pagal Baba Temple is a Samadhi Sthal. Pagal Baba's real name was Shri Shyamdasji Maharaj, but he was so absorbed in his love for Krishna that people started calling him "Pagal Baba". The temple complex has been developed by the devotees of Pagal Babaji. This 11-storey white marble temple offers a panoramic view of Vrindavan. The atmosphere inside the temple is calm; the sound of devotional chants and the smell of incense fill the air.
●Nidhivan
Nidhivan Vrindavan is a sacred, amazing, and mysterious place, which is a center of attraction for both devotees and tourists. They have a unique spiritual experience by visiting Nidhivan. Nidhivan is 2 km away from the Banke Bihari Ji temple. Nidhivan is open even during the afternoon. This place is a witness to the pastimes of Lord Shri Krishna and Radha Rani. Lord Krishna is believed to perform Raas Leela with the Gopis in Nidhivan. And during this time no person can stay here. It is also said that Lord Shri Krishna and Radha Rani rest at night in the Rang Mahal present at this place.
●Govardhan Pahadi
Govardhan mountain is also known as Giriraj mountain. Lord Krishna had lifted this mountain on his index finger to save the people of Gokul from his wrath. There are many temples around Govardhan mountain which are associated with the deeds of Lord Krishna. The circumambulation of Govardhan mountain is a total of 21 km.
You can do the circumambulation of Govardhan mountain by walking or by sitting in a rickshaw. It takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete the entire circumambulation. Never leave the circumambulation incomplete. The circumambulation route includes places like Radha Kund, Shyama Kund, Daan Ghati Temple, Mukhwaind, Kusum Sarovar, Rinmochan and Puchari.
●Shree Rangnath Mandir
Sri Ranganath Temple is a beautiful temple built in South Indian style. Sri Ranganath Temple was established in the year 1851. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The atmosphere of the temple is very peaceful and devotional. This temple is also known for its golden pillars. About 45 lakh rupees were spent in building this temple at that time.
There are a total of seven doors to reach the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. One of these doors opens every year on Vaikunth Ekadashi. It is called the "door to heaven". There is also a Sheesh Mahal in the temple, the cost of visiting which is only Rs 5. This temple is open from 5.30 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 9 pm. Entry is free here.
●Kaliya Deh Ghaat
Kaliya Deh Ghat is the place where Shri Krishna subdued the poisonous snake i.e. Kaliya Naag. It is one of the best places to visit in Vrindavan. It is believed that Lord Shri Krishna subdues the negative energy of people at this place. The atmosphere of the temple is very calm and picturesque.
The architectural style of this temple is like a traditional Hindu temple. The exploits of Lord Krishna are depicted inside the temple. People circumambulate the Kelli Kadamba tree present here. Kedli Kadamba is where Lord Shri Krishna climbed the tree on the pretext of getting a ball.
●Shahji Temple
Shahji Temple in Vrindavan is also known as Chote Radha Raman. This temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was built in the mid-19th century by Shah Kundan Lal, a wealthy businessman from Lucknow. The main attraction of this temple is its 12 spiral pillars, known as "twisted pillars". These pillars are more than 15 feet high and are made of white marble.
This temple is located near Nidhivan. Another special feature of the temple is the Basanti Kamra Hall. It has Belgian glass chandeliers and paintings depicting stories from the life of Lord Krishna. The temple is open from 8.30 am to 11 am and 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
●Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Ji Temple is situated on the banks of river Yamuna on Parikrama Marg. The architecture and design of Jagannath Ji Temple is in traditional Odisha style. This temple is 550 years old. The idols of Lord Jagannath installed in this temple are the original idols of Puri. Saint Haridas brought the idols of Lord from Puri to Vrindavan for the worship of Lord Shri Krishna. There is Jagannath Kitchen near the temple, where delicious and satvik food is available for Rs. 20. The opening hours of the temple are from 5 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
●Chir Ghaat
Chirghat is a sacred and historical place situated on the banks of river Yamuna in Vrindavan. It is said that at this place Shri Krishna had placed the Chir (clothes) of the Gopis on a tree. Chirghat is one of the main tourist spots of Vrindavan. And here events and kirtans related to Shri Krishna devotion also take place, this place is a unique center for Krishna lovers.
●Chandrodaya Mandir
Chandrodaya Mandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is the tallest religious temple in the world. Chandrodaya Mandir is about 700 feet high. This temple has been established by ISKCON. Glass, steel, and concrete have been used in its construction. In this temple, the Leelas of Lord Krishna will be shown through 3D animation and virtual reality. The foundation stone of this magnificent temple was laid in 2014, and it is estimated to take till 2027 to be completed. Theme parks, fountains, lakes, light and sound shows, and cultural centers are also being built inside Chandrodaya Mandir.
●Shree Krishn Pranami Paramdham Kanch Mandir
Kanch Mandir was established by Mahamati Pran Nath Ji, a true devotee of Shri Krishna and Advaita. It is dedicated to Shri Krishna and Radha Rani. This temple is situated on the way to Mathura and Vrindavan. The walls, ceiling, and pillars of this temple have intricate glass carvings. When sunlight falls on the glass, the entire temple glows with rainbow colors. The opening hours of the temple are from 5 a.m. to 12 noon and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
●Jaipur Mandir
A grand and historical Jaipur temple of Vrindavan, which is also known as Lal Mandir. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shri Radha Krishna. This temple was built in the year 1917 by Maharaja Sawai Madhosingh II of Jaipur. This temple is built in Jaipur architectural style and red sandstone. The atmosphere inside the temple is calm and spiritual.
The opening hours of the temple are from 5 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
●Shree Dham Goda Vihar Mandir
This temple, dedicated to Lord Ranganath and his beloved Godadevi is near the main temples of Vrindavan. This temple is built in South Indian style. This temple is located near Gopeshwar temple in Vrindavan. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple also houses a huge statue of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. There are about 400 statues in this temple. The temple is open from 6 am to 12 noon in the morning and from 4 pm to 8 pm in the evening.
Popular local food of Vrindavan
Vrindavan is a religious place, so the food here is pure vegetarian and without garlic and onion. The most popular breakfast foods here are Aloo Puri and Kachori Sabzi. Malpua is the traditional sweet here; it is made from flour, milk, and sugar and then fried in ghee. In Vrindavan, you can enjoy the taste of Mathura's Pade, Makhan Mishri, creamy Rabri, and cold Lassi in a clay Kallad. The popular food of Braj is "Dal-Baati-Churma". Sweet Shrikhand and the special Gulkand Paan here are the most famous.
conclusion
Visiting Vrindavan gives the feeling of heaven. In this article, we have given you information about all the special places of Vrindavan. Hope this article will prove useful for you. If you want to give some suggestions about the article, please tell us by commenting.
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