- By Kashish Rai
- Sat, 19 Aug 2023 01:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A major center for pilgrimage in the Braj region is the holy town of Vrindavan, which is close to Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, performed his transcendental pastimes in Vrindavan throughout His approximate 5,000-year-old earthly incarnation. Due to their exquisite architecture, intriguing tales, and legends attached to them, the temples in Vrindavan are visited frequently by devotees and tourists alike.
Also Read: 5 Lord Shiva Temples In India For An Enchanting Devotional Experience
The holy city of Vrindavan is packed with temples and shrines, almost all of which are devoted to Lord Krishna and Shri Radha Rani, the eternal consort of the transcendental god. Along with praying and requesting the auspicious deities for blessings, you can also find an abundance of serenity and tranquility at these temples in Vrindavan. Here are the top 10 temples you must visit if you’re planning to visit the sacred Braj dham.
10 Popular Temples In Vrindavan
1. Sri Banke Bihari Mandir: In the sacred town of Vrindavan in the Mathura district, Sri Banke Bihari Mandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This renowned temple is one of the seven temples of the Thakurs of Vrindavan, along with Sri Radhavallabh Ji, Shri Govind Dev Ji, and four other temples.
2. ISKCON Vrindavan: Also known as the Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, ISKCON Vrindavan is a manifestation of His Divine Grace Swami Prabhupada's (the organization's founder-acharya) desire to construct a temple for the holy brothers Lord Krishna and Balaram in the same sacred city where they once played together centuries earlier. The daily Aarti, Harinam Sankirtan, and Bhagavad Gita lessons held in this heavenly temple leave visitors enchanted.
3. Shri Radha Raman Temple: The Radha Raman Temple in Vrindavan is one of the most renowned Hindu temples. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as Sri Radha Raman Laal Juu, which means "one who pleases Srimati Radha Rani". Next to Shri Radha Raman Laal Ji's deity in the temple complex is the samadhi of Gopal Bhatta Goswami ji, one of the disciples of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
4. Prem Mandir: As an enormous shrine endowed with beauty and grandeur, the Prem Mandir was created by Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj in the year 2001. This magnificent holy site, also known as the "Temple of God's Love”, is devoted to the deities Radha Krishna and Sita Ram.
5. Sri Radha Vallabh Mandir: The Radha Vallabh Temple, one of the seven temples of Thakur of Vrindavan, is located close to Gotam Nagar on the cliff next to Bankey Bihari Mandir. This temple is the perfect embodiment of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna's rarest manifestation of Ras-bhakti and their sacred and divine love. There is no deity of Shrimati Radha Rani in the temple. Instead, a crown that denotes her presence is positioned next to the deity of Sri Radha Vallabh Laal Juu.
6. Sri Madan Mohan Temple: The Madan Mohan Temple is thought to be Vrindavan's oldest temple. The sacred structure which is perched on the Aditya Tile, a 50-foot hill known for its prominence among Hindus, additionally draws tourists because it provides stunning views of the beautiful city of Vrindavan.
7. Sri Gopinath Ji Mandir: One of Vrindavan Dham's earliest temples is thought to be Sri Gopinath Ji. Shrimati Radha Rani and Lord Krishna are the temple's major deities. The shrine also houses idols of Radha Rani's younger sister Ananga Manjari along with Lalita, and Vishakha, two of her most beloved Sakhis (friends) among her Ashta (eight) Sakhis. The samadhi of Shri Madhu Pandit Ji, who is thought to have been the first person to serve Gopinath Ji is also located on the site.
8. Sri Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple: One of Vrindavan's oldest temples, Sri Gopeshwar Mahadev Mandir is situated near the sacred Yamuna River and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga situated in this temple was established in this temple by Vrajanabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. This temple holds great spiritual significance. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself, in the form of Gopeshwar Mahadev, protects the sacred city of Vrindavan.
9. Sri Nidhivan: Nidhivan Kunj is home to exquisite small temples of religious significance. Folklore claims that this is the place where the sacred Rasleela between Lord Krishna, Radha Rani, and the 'gopis' happens every night. According to legend, Shri Krishna enters the Nidhivan temple after nightfall and performs the ras leela with Radha Rani and all the gopis. There is a little shrine nearby called Rang Mahal where it is believed that Lord Krishna personally decorates his consort, Srimati Radha Rani.
10. Govind Dev Ji Temple: The Govind Devji Temple has stood as a marvel of craftsmanship for the past five centuries in the town where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood. The temple's architecture stands out compared to traditional temple construction. To access the main hall, which is on an elevated platform, one has to take a few flights of stairs. It previously stood as a majestic seven-story building designed in the shape of a Greek cross. The temple also houses a stunning marble and silver altar.