Top 10 Temples in Vrindavan and Mathura
By Anurag Tiwari
Vrindavan and Mathura are two important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, particularly those who worship Lord Krishna. Vrindavan is a small town located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India, and is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Hindu temples in Vrindavan and Mathura is a nearby city and is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
There are many temples in Vrindavan and Mathura that are dedicated to Lord Krishna and other Hindu deities. Vrindavan is famous for its numerous temples, which attract devotees from all over the world. In this essay, we will discuss some of the famous:
Places to visit in Vrindavan and Mathura
01. Temples in Vrindavan:
- Banke Bihari Temple: Describe the history and significance of this popular temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and known for its lively atmosphere and devotional music.
- ISKCON Temple: Provide an overview of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and its temple in Vrindavan, which is known for its grand architecture and spiritual programs.
- Radha Raman Temple: Discuss the history and importance of this temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha and known for its intricate marble carvings.
- Prem Mandir: Highlight this newer temple, which was built in 2012 and features elaborate light and sound shows that depict the life of Lord Krishna.
02. Temples in Mathura:
- Dwarkadhish Temple: Provide an overview of this ancient temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
- Keshav Dev Temple: Describe the history and significance of this temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Mathura.
- Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple: Discuss the importance of this temple, which is located at the site where Lord Krishna was said to have been born, and its significance as a pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Vishram Ghat: While not strictly a temple, this riverbank is a popular site for Hindu devotees to take a dip in the holy Yamuna River and perform religious rituals.
03. Other temples of note:
- Radha Damodar Temple: Located in Vrindavan, this temple is known for its association with the 16th-century saint Rupa Goswami and his followers.
- Radha Gokulananda Temple: Also located in Vrindavan, this temple is dedicated to Radha and Krishna and known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Religious sites in Vrindavan and Mathura.
Top 10 temples in Vrindavan and Mathura and their significance
- Krishna Balaram Mandir
- Banke Bihari Temple
- Radha Raman Temple
- Shri Govind Dev Temple
- Bhuteshwar Temple
- Madan Mohan Temple
- Sri Radha Vallabh Temple
- Govind Dev Temple
- Prem Mandir
- Dwarkadhish Temple
01. Krishna Balaram Mandir
Krishna Balaram Mandir is one of the most famous temples in Vrindavan. It was built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1975. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his brother Balaram, and it is believed to be the place where they used to play as children. The temple is a beautiful structure made of white marble, and it is surrounded by lush green gardens.
The main attraction of the temple is the beautiful deities of Lord Krishna and Balaram, which are made of black stone. The temple also has a beautiful altar, which is decorated with flowers, garlands, and lamps. The devotees can offer prayers and perform various rituals in front of the deities.
The temple also has a museum, which displays various artifacts related to the life of Lord Krishna. The museum has a collection of photographs, paintings, and sculptures, which depict the life of Lord Krishna. The museum also has a gift shop, where the devotees can buy souvenirs and religious items.
02. Banke Bihari Temple
The Shri Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most famous and revered temples in Vrindavan. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is believed to be over 300 years old. The temple is known for its unique architecture and the idol of Lord Krishna, which is in a black color. The idol is believed to be self-manifested and was discovered by Swami Haridas, a devotee of Lord Krishna, in a forest. The temple has a rich history and is an important center of Vaishnavism, a Hindu sect.
The temple is located in the old part of Vrindavan and is always crowded with devotees. The atmosphere inside the temple is serene and spiritual. The main prayer hall is adorned with beautiful paintings and sculptures, depicting the life of Lord Krishna. The temple is open from 7:45 am to 12:00 pm and from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Devotees offer various offerings to Lord Krishna, such as flowers, sweets, and fruits.
The temple is known for its unique tradition of ‘Jhulan Yatra,’ which is celebrated during the monsoon season. During this festival, the idol of Lord Krishna is placed on a swing and is swung back and forth by the devotees. The temple also has a ‘Mangala Aarti,’ which is performed early in the morning, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
The temple also has a ‘prasad’ stall, where the devotees can buy the famous ‘peda,’ which is a sweet dish made of milk and sugar. The temple also has a ‘thakur darshan’ room, where the devotees can offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Krishna.
03. Radha Raman Temple
The Shri Radha Raman Temple is another famous temple in Vrindavan, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was established by Gopala Bhatta Goswami, a disciple of Lord Chaitanya, in the 16th century. The temple is known for its intricate architecture and the idol of Lord Krishna, which is believed to have been self-manifested. The idol is a small black deity of Lord Krishna playing a flute, which is said to be the exact replica of the one worshipped by Gopala Bhatta Goswami.
The temple is located in the heart of Vrindavan and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The main prayer hall is decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures, depicting the life of Lord Krishna. The temple is open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Devotees offer various offerings to Lord Krishna, such as flowers, sweets, and fruits.
The temple is also known for its ‘seva’ tradition, which involves the devotees dressing up the idol of Lord Krishna in different clothes and jewelry. The temple also has a ‘bhajan’ hall, where the devotees can sing devotional songs and offer prayers.
The temple also has a ‘prasad’ stall, where the devotees can buy the famous ‘churma laddu,’ which is a sweet dish made of wheat flour and sugar. The temple also has a ‘gosala,’ where the cows are kept and taken care of.
04. Shri Govind Dev Temple
The Shri Govind Dev Temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Vrindavan. It was built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh of Amber, a prominent Rajput king. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its beautiful architecture and the idol of Lord Krishna, which is in a standing position. The idol is believed to be one of the most beautiful idols of Lord Krishna in India.
The temple is located near the Yamuna river and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The main prayer hall is adorned with beautiful paintings and sculptures, depicting the life of Lord Krishna. The temple is open from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Devotees offer various offerings to Lord Krishna, such as flowers, sweets, and fruits.
05. Bhuteshwar Temple
One of the holy sites you should see is the temple, which is situated in Mathura’s Bhuteshwar Tiraha. Bhuteshwar Mahadev is the name of Lord Shiva’s reigning deity. This location also has the historic Mahadev Linga built by Mahadev Ji. The temple of Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev ji was built after the Madhu demon was defeated. Where Mata Sati’s ringlet dropped on the temple grounds, there is also a shaktipeeth of Devi there.
You may easily find a parking space because the temple is located in a little street only a few steps from the major road. Mother Kali, Shri Patal Devi, Shri Giriraj Maharaj, and more lovely temples are located in Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple. On auspicious days like Shivratri, pilgrims go to the shrine to make prayers.
06. Madan Mohan Temple
The Madan Mohan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Vrindavan, built in the 16th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and features a beautiful idol of the deity, which is said to have been discovered by the saint Sanatan Goswami. The temple is known for its rich history and is a popular destination for devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment.
07. Sri Radha Vallabh Temple
The Sri Radha Vallabh Temple is a 400-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha. The temple is known for its beautiful idols of the deities, and the intricate carvings and paintings on the walls. The temple is famous for its unique architecture, with a circular sanctum and a domed roof. The temple is a must-visit for those seeking spiritual solace and blessings.
08. Govind Dev Temple
It is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, also known by the name Govind Dev. There are seven floors to this stunning temple. The design of the Govind Dev temple differs from conventional temples in terms of both appearance and function. Islamic, Hindu, and Western architectural styles are all included into the construction of this temple. The Greek cross-shaped building was constructed out of red sandstone.
The temple’s façade is made out of columns and arches that resemble those in a European church, giving the building a grand aspect. Since it is located on a high platform, one must first climb a set of stairs to access the grand lobby. The temple is decorated with floral arrangements for Janmashtami and Holi. A sculptured lotus weights many tonnes and is one of the ceiling highlights in the grand lobby.
The ideal time to visit the temple is between the months of October and February. The visit is made even more enjoyable by the daylong, gorgeous, and tranquil weather.
A bus stop and a train station are both 2 kilometers away from the Govind Dev Temple. To get to Govind Dev Temple, you can either take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw. Cabs and other forms of shared transportation are additional options that can enhance the trip.
09. Prem Mandir
One of Vrindavan’s most significant and substantial temples, the Prem Mandir, or “temple of love,” is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna and Radha. The temple’s foundation stone was placed in 2001, but it didn’t open to the public until 2012. The construction of this enormous temple cost more than 150 crores of Indian rupees. The vast Prem Mandir compound spans 54 acres of land.
The city’s spiritual and cultural importance is represented by the two-story marble temple. Beautiful murals that depict Radha and Krishna’s Leela are displayed throughout the temple’s interior. A vast garden with a variety of lovely flora, fountains, and illumination surrounds the entire temple on all sides. Moreover, the gardens contain enormous sculptures of a number of gods and goddesses, with Rasa Leela being the most well-known.
Every evening, as the white stones of the temple are lighted by artificial lights, devotees pray and sing beautiful bhajans. The light show takes place in the evenings between 7:30 and 8:00.
Prem Mandir is best visited during the months of November and March when winter is in full swing. Prem Mandir organizes some of the most well-known Holi celebrations in all of India in the months of February and March. The nearest train link, which is at Mathura, is 8 kilometers away from the temple. One can hire a taxi, a bus, or an auto-rickshaw outside the station to take them where they need to go.
10. Dwarkadhish Temple
One of Mathura’s oldest and greatest temples, as well as one of the most sacred sites, is Dwarkadheesh Temple, which is about 4 km from Mathura Junction Train Station. It is one of the most popular destinations in Mathura and is situated close to the Yamuna River’s banks, close to Vishram Ghat. Lord Dwarkadheesh, a different embodiment of Lord Krishna, is the temple’s main draw. Other names for this temple are Jagat Mandir and Nija Mandir. Seth Gokuldas Parikh, a fervent follower of Lord Krishna, constructed the temple and erected the shrine in his honour. It is renowned for its exquisite paintings, carvings, and architecture.
The five-story structure is supported by 72 pillars and contains five floors. The primary shrine houses the images of Lord Krishna and his lover Radha and other Hindu gods. The four-armed idol of Lord Dwarkadheesh is fashioned of gleaming black stone and holds a mace, a Sudarshana Chakra, a conch, and a lotus flower in each of its four hands.
FAQs
Q.1- Why Mathura is famous?
The holy city of Mathura is situated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Beautiful ghats and temples line the Yamuna River, which runs through the city. The city is well-known for being the birthplace of Krishna, a Hindu deity.
Lord Krishna was born there and spent his early years there. Ancient India’s most renowned Buddhist centre was home to the Mathura School of Art, a magnificent school of sculpture that flourished in the first century AD during the Kushana empire.
Q.2- What is Vrindavan famous for?
Krishna spent the most of his boyhood years in this city, which is why it has sacred significance in Hinduism and is situated in the Braj Bhoomi region. In Vrindavan, there are roughly 5,500 temples where Krishna and his lovely consort Radha are worshipped. For the Vaishnavism tradition, it is one of the most revered locations.
Q.3- Are Mathura and Vrindavan the same?
Mathura and Vrindavan are sister cities. In the Braj Bhoomi region, it is one of the key places. The location where Lord Krishna spent his formative years is thought to be Vrindavan.
