P a g e | 1 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa Mathura Vrindavan Yaatra

P a g e | 1 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa
Mathura Vrindavan Yaatra
As you all knows that, Mathura Vrindavan is world famous Hindu religious
tourism place and famous for Lord Krishna birthplace, temple and
activates. We are placing some information regarding Mathura Vrindavan
Tour Packages. During Mathura Vrindavan tour, you may cover the
following places.
Place to Visits :
Mathura : Lord krishna Birthplace, Dwarkadhish Temple, Birla Temple,
Mathura Museum, Yamuna Ghat's
Vrindavan: Bankey Bihari Temple, Iskcon Temple, Radha Ballabh
Temple, Prem Mandir, Nidhi Van, Kesi Ghata and Yamuna River etc.
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Gokul: Childhood living place of lord Krishna Near Mathura
Nand Gayon: Village of lord krishna relatives
Goverdhan: Goverdhan Mountain and Parikrma, Radha Kund, Kusam
Sarowar
Barsana: Birthplace of Radha Rani and Temples
Radha Rani: Famous Temple of Radha Rani near Mathura
Bhandiravan: Radhak Krishn Marriage Place, Near Mant Mathura
TOURIST PLACE AT DISTRICT MATHURA
MATHURA
What to See
SHRI KRISHNA JANMA BHUMI : The Birth Place of Lord Krishna
JAMA MASJID : Built by Abo-inNabir-Khan in 1661.A.D. the mosque has
4 lofty minarets, with bright colored plaster mosaic of which a few panels
currently exist.
VISHRAM GHAT : The sacred spot where Lord Krishna is believed to
have rested after slaying the tyrant Kansa.
DWARKADHEESH TEMPLE : Built in 1814, it is the main temple in the
town. During the festive days of Holi, Janmashthami and Diwali, it is
decorated on a grandiose scale.
GITA MANDIR : Situated on the city outskirts, the temple carving and
painting are a major attraction.
GOVT. MESEUM : Located at Dampier Park, it has one of the finest
collection of archaeological interest. Rare items from the Gupta and
Kushan period (400 B.C.-1200A.D.) are on display. Major attraction for
tourists.
Mathura widely known as birth place of lord Krishna is located on the
western
bank of river Yamuna at latitude 27degree 41 Minute N and
77Degree and 41 Minuet E. It is 145 Km south-east of Delhi and 58 Km
north west of Agra in the State of Uttar Pradesh. For about 3000 Year it
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was the hub of culture and civilization . Held in sanctity by the Buddhists,
Jain and Brahmanical faith alike, it has a long and chequered history. One
of the Sapta Mahapuris, it was ruled in turns by the kings of Solar and
Lunar dynasties and became a center of three Cultures India IndoScythian and Hellenstic. For are creation Mathura is the Athens of India.
The great school of sculpture known as Mathura school of Art flourished
here for 1200 Years. Such proliflic creativety and gushing devotion to
novel Art Forms and experi-ment in sculptures and clay figurines as
found in this school are rare in the annals of indian Art History. A survey
of this glorious School of Art can be made in the Government Museum,
Mathura. The present day Mathura abounds in Place of Religious and
Historic Interest, All round the year A large number of Festival and fairs
are held in Matura and adjoining areas of Vrindavan Gokul, Brazen and
Goverdhan The rascal of Brij is thematically the basis of many performing
Arts.
Vrindavan
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WHAT TO SEE
15 Km. north of Mathura on the same bank of Yamuna, lies the
celebrated town of Vrindavan, almost as closely associated with Krishna
as Mathura itself. Indeed one hardly speak of Vrindavan alone to; the
devout Hindu. Mathura-Vrindavan can not a unified image of untold
beauty and religious sanctify. What is comparatively a matter of detail is
that Vrindavan is believed to have been the stage on which Krishna
performed his famous romantic and sportive roles. Unlike busy Mathura.
Vrindavan seems perpetually to be dreaming and imaginatively, re-living
its romantic past.
There are hundred of shrines in the town, as also numerous ghats
and several sacred tanks, of which one called Brahama kund and another
named Govinda kund are the most highly venerated. The most famous as
well as the finest temple in Vrindavan is that of Govinda Deva, dating
from 1590. It is a huge, Cruciform, Vaulted building of red sandstone
with a nave 30Mt.(100Ft.) in height and breadth the wall is 3 Mt.(10Ft.)
thick on an average and is built in two stage. The upper being a regular
triforium.
GOVINDA DEV TEMPLE : Built by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur in 1590, The
temple is a testimony of the architectural splendour of medieval India.
The temple walls average 10 ft. thickness. The upper state is regular
triforium. Originally seven stories high, it's upper four stories were
destroyed during the reign of Aurangzeb. The Krishna idol was then
removed to Jaipur .
SHAHJI TEMPLE : It was constructed in the year 1860. It is a prominent
temple of northern India. It is famous for it's explendid art architecture ,
sculpture and twelve single piece spiral colemns made up of marble
approx 15'high. The world famous BASANTI KAMRA is situated in the
eastern wing of this temple. This room has spectacular ancient chandelies
and rare paintings are available .
RANG JI TEMPLE : Vrindavan 's longest temple, it was constructed in
1851 by Seth Govind Das ji & Seth Laxmi Chand Ji. All were desciples of
Acharyavarya Rangdeshie Swami where as the main gate is in Rajput
style , The temple follows South Indian architectural pattern . The outer
wall measure 773 Ft. and encompass a water tank , a garden and the
actual temple . The "Dhweja Stambha " , 50 ft. tall , is believed to be
gold plated .
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MADAN MOHAN TEMPLE : Situated near Kali ghat , it is believed to
have been built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. The original Image of
Madan Mohan was removed to Karauli during the regin of Aurangzeb .
KRISHNA BALRAM MANDIR (ISKCON VRINDAVAN ) : This is a
International spiritual organisation having 400 centers around the world
. This was founded by srila A.C. Bhakti Vedanta Swami Prabhupada .
thousands of pilgrims and International tourists visited Vrindavan centre
which is having beautiful temple of Lord Krishna .
RADHA BALLABH TEMPLE : Built in 1626 this temple is of special
architectural interest as remnant of ancient hindu architecture . The
Shrine was demolished in the 17th century and the huge structure only
the plinth remains.
GOPI NATH TEMPLE : closely resembling the Madan Mohan mandir in
style and dimension, it was built by Rai Shilji, a Sekhavat Rajput of Jaipur
.
GLASS TEMPLE : Its marvelous art of glass work dazzles the pilgrim's
eyes.
NIDHI VAN : Radhika's Kridasthali, the playground of Krishna's consort,
it is a place of Hindu veneration. The image of Bihariji was discovered by
Swami Haridas Ji.
SEVA KUNJ : Krishna's Vihar Bhoomi, it was sanctified for centuries ago
by Radha Ballabhiya Samaradayachery Shri Goswami Hit Hari Vanshji.
BANKE BIHARI (Van Ke Vihaari) : One of the oldest temple, it was
rebuilt in 1921 discpieles of Haridas Swami who got the idol of Bankey
Bihari from Nidhi Van.
GOVARDHAN
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26 Km from Mathura along the road to Deeg. It is named after the
name of the Goverdhan Hillock" which is said to have raised on the finger
and was was put in the condition to save the people from the incessant
rain which fell constantly for seven days to destroy the people of Brij. The
hillock is 7 Miles in length. The temple of Har Deva Ji in Goverdhan town
is 400 Yrs old. The Mansi Ganga which is an artificial lake, was
constructed my Man Singh of Jaipur. The dense shady trees the hill
ranges and tranquil flow of Mansi Ganga all unite together and make a
charming view which the visitor can never forget.
KUSUM SAROVAR :
About two miles from the town, is the boarder of Radha Kund which have
significant architectural group erected by T. Sing in honor of his father,
Suraj Mal, the cenotaph of Suraj Mal which stand on Kusum Sarovar,
present in a fine view.
JATIPURA
On the opposite side of Mansi Ganga are two stately cenotaphs built to
the memory of the Randhir Singh and Baldeo Singh, Rajas of Bharatpur
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State. The cenotaphs consist of a lofty and substantial square masonry
terrace with corner and lateral alcoves.
5 Kms. to the north of Goverdhan is Radha Kund, A village clustering
around two small lake. It is said the Lord Krishna himself bathed here in
self-purification. Between Goverdhan and Radhakund is seen the
cenotaph of Raja Suraj Mal Bharatpur who was sacrificed in 1763. in front
of the cenotaph is an artificial lake with an extensive garden behind.
BARSANA
21 Kms. to the north of Goverdhan is Barsana the birth place of Radha a
favourite devotee of Lord Krishna. It is a famous place for pilgrimage with
a regular bus service from Mathura to Barsana Via Kosi & Goverdhan.
Barsana originally known as Brahmasaran lies on a slope of ridge. The
four prominent peaks of the hill are regarded as amblematic of the fourfaced divinity and are crowned by a group temple is honor of Lali Ji a
local title of Radha meaning 'the beloved'. There is second hill in Barsana
and the path between these two is known as Sankhi Khue. A fair is held
in the month of Bhadon(August September)
NANDGAON
AT the foot of a hill 51 Kms. north-east of Mathura is situated the
venerable village of Nandgaon. It is known as the home of Lord Krishna's
foster father Nand, in whose memory a spacious temple stand on the
brow of the hill. Probably built in the middle of the 12'th century by one
Rup Singh, It consist of an open nave with choir and sacrarium beyond.
Standing in the center of a paved courtyard, it is surrounded by a lofty
wall which commands an extensive view of the Bharatpur hill and the
level expanse of Mathura District as far as Goverdhan.
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GOKUL
About 15 Kms. of the south-east of Mathura connected by a
metalled road is Gokul, a suburb of the inland town of Mahavan on the
bank of the river Yamuna. Gukul is a celebrated spot where Lord Krishna
was reared in secrecy by his nurse. This place is very scared and is
visited by thousand of pilgrims particularly during the birth anniversary of
the Lord Krishna in july-august and the time of Annakut festival. Gokul is
also associated with the famous saint Vallabhacharya who lived here for
many years. The most important temple is that of Gokul Nath Ji. The
principal meals are Janma in Bhadon and Annkut on the day after the
new Moon of kartik. The "Trinavat Mela" is also held on the fourth day of
the dark half of kartik.
Mahaban
Lying on the left bank of Yamuna. Mahavan is 4 Kms. from Gokul on
the road to Sadabad. Lord Krishna is believed to have been craddled in
this place. The largest and most sacred temple is that of Mathura Nath an
edifice built of rock and plaster. Overhanging the Yamuna at Mahavan is
an old building which is identified as the place of Nanda 9 Kms from
Mahavan on the same route is Baldeo which is another place of
pilgrimage. These places can be visited by taxi or auto. There is a bus
service to Baldeo.
BALDEO
Baldeo is about 9 Kms. from Mahavan on the road leading to Sadabad. In
the center of the town stand the famous temple of Baldeo(Dauji). The
elder brother of Lord Krishna. Two annual fair are held at Baldeo. One on
the Sixth day of the light half of Bhadon called Deo-Chhath other on the
full moon of Aghan. There is not a single day in the course of the year in
which the temple court are not occupied with Pilgrims.
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Mathura and Vrindavana - Detailed
information
Vrindavana and Mathura are the most important
places of pilgrimage for devotees of Krishna. Krishna
was born in Mathura and spent His childhood in
Vrindavan. There are over 5,000 temples in
Vrindavan.
The city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of
Brajabhumi, is located 140 km south-east of Delhi
and 60 km north-west of Agra. Covering an area of
about 3,800 sq. km., Brajabhumi can be divided into two distinct units - the eastern
part in the trans-Yamuna tract with places like Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and
Bajna and the western side of the Yamuna covering the Mathura region that
encompasses Vrindavan, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon
(Nandagram).
The land of Braj starts from Kotban near Hodel about
95 km from Delhi and ends at Runakuta which is
known specially for its association with the poet
Surdas, an ardent Krishna devotee. A long line of
picturesque ghats - with their steps leading to the
water's edge, arched gateways and temple spires
extending along the right bank of the River Yamuna,
emphasize the sacred character of the town of
Mathura. The birth place of Lord Krishna, Mathura is
today an important place of pilgrimage.
Lord Krishna is the most popular person here. Every square foot of MathuraVrindavan is wrapped in timeless devotion to Lord Krishna, the eternal hero, the
lover of Radha and the cowherd-prince. Mathura without Lord Krishna is like
Bethlehem without Jesus. Welcome to Brajabhumi, Krishna's land.
To enable everyone to see the area in a traditional spiritual way, every year in
Kartika (Oct/Nov) ISKCON puts on a Braja Mandala parikrama. This one-month
walking tour goes to all 12 forests in Vrindavan and visits most of major places in the
Braja area including Mathura, Radha Kund, Varsana, Nandagrama, Gokula,
Vrindavan, and Govardhana Hill. It is traditional to do
this walk barefoot, although shoes are permitted.
Location
The city of Mathura is located in the western part of
the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the north of India. It is a
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part of the great northern plains and is situated on the west bank of the river
Yamuna. Mathura is 140 km south of Delhi and 60 km northwest of Agra. The
climate of Mathura is extreme and tropical. Summers are extremely hot and winters
are cold and foggy. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains from July to
September.
History
An ancient city whose origins fade into the mists of history, Mathura's strategic
location at the cross roads of various trade routes - that went westwards to West
Asia and the Roman Empire; northwards, via Taxila, Pushkalavati and Purushapur
to Central Asia and the Silk Route and eastwards to China - ensured its position as
a center of trade and a meeting point for varied cultures.
By the fifth century BC, during the time of Buddha, it was a major metropolis and the
capital of the Surasena kingdom - one of the 16 Mahajanapadas of the period.
Mathura saw its `golden age' during the rule of the Kushanas and the able
governance of rulers like Kanishka, Huvishka, and Vasishka, when the arts
flourished and economic wealth grew. It remained a center of power during the
Mauryan period, through the enlightened rule of Emperor Ashoka to the Gupta era
(4th century AD).
More detailed history of the area is described
in Interim period.
Braj Culture in Mathura
It has often been said that it is easier to count the
number of dust particles on the surface of the earth
than to count the number of holy places in Mathura.
Each of the ghats, for instance, has its own Krishna
story (like Visram-ghat where He rested after killing
his evil and tyrannical uncle, King Kansa).
Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in Mathura. His father Vasudev aided by
goddess Yogamaya brought him out of Mathura, across the raging river Yamuna
into the house of Nanda in Gokula. Krishna spent his early childhood here and
revealed His divinity. His uncle Kansa's murderous attempts lead Krishna to leave
Gokula and move to Nandgaon, a more secure home high up on a hill. From here
the young Krishna the cowherd boy would wander into the Vrindavan forests to play
with His friends and dally with Radha, His consort. Vrindavan, is a transcendental
world, a place of Krishna's lila. Each tree in the area speaks, as it were, of the love
of the Divine Couple.
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Sri Krishna along with the gopis had danced
the rasa dance on the banks of the Yamuna in Vrindavan. When the gopis felt
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conceited about Lord Krishna dancing with them, He disappeared from their midst.
In the agony of separation from their beloved Krishna, the gopis recalled and
enacted His lilas (divine pastimes of His life) which in course of time came to be
known as the Rasalilas. The Rasalila in its present form is ascribed to Svami
Haridas and Sri Narayan Bhatt. As per the custom only young Brahmin boys of 13 to
14 years of age take part in this Rasalila performance. The charming childhood
pranks of Sri Krishna constitute the main them of
these dramas.
Temple architecture
The basic structure of temples in India is a room or
garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) where the image
(murti) of the main Deity is kept. The temple is
approached by a flight of steps and is often built on a
platform. A porch covers the entrance to the temple,
which is supported by carved pillars. A prominent roof
called the shikhara surmounts the top of the
garbhagriha, and dominates the surroundings. As time went by, small temples grew
into temple complexes. Some temples have a hall (mandap) from where one can
see the sanctum sanctorum.
Temple architecture in India is broadly divided into northern and southern styles,
classified by the form and shape of the shikhara and the distinctiveness of its
decoration. The shikhara of the temples in South India tend to be made up of distinct
horizontal levels that diminish to form a rough pyramid. Each level is decorated with
miniature temple rooftops. Some temples from South India also have tall shikharas
over the elaborate gateways or gopurams to add to the overall symmetry to the
temple complex. The shikhara of the temples in North and Central India, in contrast,
resembles an upturned cone that is decorated with miniature conical shikharas.
Some temples developed their own local flavor apart from adhering to their basic
native style.
Most of the temples in Vrindavan belong to the North Indian style of temple
architecture, while a few conform to a mixed style. Most of the temples now present
in Vrindavan were constructed after AD 1000, while some of them are of recent
origin.
Main Temples and Holy Places of Mathura
Dvarkadhish Temple
The Dvarkadhish Temple, built in 1814, is a popular
temple in the center of Mathura town. This is the most
visited temple in the center of Mathura and is
managed by followers of Vallabhacarya. Once you
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enter this temple from the street, it is fairly interesting architecturally. It is located in
the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River. The temple is a hub of
activity during the festive days of Holi, Janmashtami and Divali.
Kesavadeva Temple, Jami and Katra Masjids (mosques)
Jami Masjid on a plinth raised above street level a little way north, was completed in
1661 by Aurangzeb's governor Abd-un-Nabi. It has long since lost its original vivid
glazed tiles, but remains surrounded by four minarets and assorted outer pavilions.
Around 500 m west stands another of Aurangzeb's mosques, the impressive red
sandstone Katra Masjid. This was erected on the foundations of the once-famous
Kesava Deo temple, destroyed by the Moghul emperor, which had itself been built
on the ruins of a Buddhist monastery. Some traces of the Hindu temple can be seen
around the back, where the Sri Krishna Janmasthan or Janmabhumi complex now
stands. Directly behind the mosque, approached through a corridor, a shrine marks
Krishna's exact birthplace (janmasthan); its cage-like surround signifies that He was
born in captivity, when His parents were prisoners of the tyrant king Kamsa.
Vrindavan - The City Of Temples
Vrindavan, around 15 km from Mathura, is a little town and a major place of
pilgrimage on the banks of Yamuna. Attracting about 500 000 pilgrims every year,
mainly during major festivals like Janmashtami, Holi and Radhashtami, it is noted for
its numerous temples, both old and modern, big and small (allegedly 5000
altogether). Vrindavan is synonymous with the childhood pastimes of Sri Krishna.
Vrindavan is also the center for various Vaishava groups. In a centuries-old tradition
Hindu widows have been coming to live out the rest of their lives in Vrindavan. They
are expected to shed all physical adornments, including long hair, wear only white
cotton saris and lead an austere lifestyle. In Vrindavan there are thousands of
widows coming mostly from Bengal. They begin their day by bathing in the Yamuna
and congregate at ashrams to sing bhajans (devotional songs). In return, they get a
daily ration of rice and pulses and some cash. Subsisting on charitable donations
made by wealthy traders, the widows pass their life in devotion to Krishna, the
Supreme Lord.
History
The name 'Vrindavan' is derived from 'Vrinda', another name for the sacred tulsi
(basil) plant. It is said that the entire place was a tulsi grove at one time. According
to another tradition, it was named after Vrinda Devi, one of Krishna's consorts. The
earliest known shrine in Vrindavan is said to have been built by the local Gosvamis
in a large garden called Nidhiban. According to tradition, Mughal Emperor Akbar
was taken blindfolded inside the grove where he had some kind of a spiritual
experience. As a result, he acknowledged the spot as being holy ground.
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The four temples that were built in honor of his visit are Madan Mohan, Govinda
Deva, Gopinath, and Jugal Kishore.
Main Temples
Madan Mohan Temple on the riverside is the oldest
structure in Vrindavan. This famous temple was
established by Srila Sanatana Gosvami and was the
first Gosvami temple built in Vrindavan, which at that
time was just a forest. The original Deity of Madana
Mohana was discovered at the base of an old vat
(banyan) tree by Advaita Acarya, when He visited
Vrindavan. He entrusted the worship of Madana
Mohana to His disciple, Purusottama Chaube, who
then gave the Deity to Sanatana Gosvami. Sanatana
Gosvami spend 43 years in Vrindavan. Worshiped along with Madana Mohana are
Radharani and Lalita, who were sent to Vrindavan by Purusottama Jena, the son of
Maharaja Prataparudra.
This 60 foot high temple was opened in 1580 on a 50 foot hill called Dvadasaditya
Tila, next to the Yamuna. Ram Das Kapoor paid to build the temple. One day a ship
he owned, loaded with merchandise, went aground in the Yamuna. He was advised
by Sanatana Gosvami to pray to Madana Mohana for help. The ship came free and
the owner of the ship made a big profit, which he used to built this temple.
The temple is associated with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu who stayed here. Due to
the fear of Muslim onslaughts on the temple the original murti was moved to
Rajasthan (Karoli). A replica is now worshiped in the temple. The bhajan kutir and
samadhi of Sanatana Gosvami, together with the puspa-samadhis of
Candrasekhara Acarya and Tapana Misra are also here.
Govinda Dev Temple was a grand seven-story
structure, with an altar of marble, silver and gold.
Architecturally this temple is one of the finest in North
India. A sculptured lotus flower weighing several tons
decorates the main hall ceiling. It was built in 1590 by
Raja Man Singh from Jaipur, a general in Akbar's
army, who was inspired to do it after meeting Rupa
Gosvami. It was said to have cost ten million rupees
and several thousand men were working for five full
years to complete it. Akbar himself had donated the red sandstone for its
construction. In 1670, during the rule of a later Mughal king, Aurangzeb, it was
plundered and destroyed leaving only three stories of the original temple. During this
attack, when few stories remained, all of a sudden the ground began to shake
violently and Aurangzeb's men were terrified and ran for their lives, never to return.
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Temple is now empty and the replica of Govindaji is worshiped in the new Govindaji
Mandir (located behind the original temple). The original Govindaji is worshiped in
Jaipur.
The Deity of Gopinath worshiped in Radha-Gopinath Temple was discovered at
Vamsivat by Paramananda Bhattacarya, who entrusted the Deity's worship to
Madhu Pandita. On the altar are Deities of Srimati Radharani and Her sister,
Ananga Manjari. Madhu Pandita's samadhi is next to the temple.
Gopinathji was originally installed in Vrindavan by Vajranabha, the great grandson of
Krishna. When the Muslims raided Vrindavan, the original Gopinath Deity was taken
to Jaipur. The Gopinath Deity in Jaipur and Lord Krishna are said to exactly
resemble each other from Their shoulders down to the waist.
Jugal Kisore Temple (Kesi ghata temple) is one of the oldest temples of Vrindavan,
completed in 1627. After Akbar's visit to Vrindavan in the year 1570, he gave
permission for four temples to be built by the Gaudiya Vaisnavas, which were
Madana-mohana, Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal Kisore. It is sometimes called the
Kesi ghata temple, as it is located next to this ghata.
Opposite from the Govinda Dev Temple is an imposing
south-Indian temple called Sri Ranganatha (Rangaji)
Temple. It is 30 meters high with three gopurams
(gateways), a tall shikhara (crown) and gold-plated
decorations. This South Indian style temple was built by the
wealthy Seth family of Mathura in 1851 and is dedicated to
Lord Sri Ranganatha or Rangaji, a form of Lord Vishnu lying
down on the Sesa Naga (divine serpent). This temple has a
traditional South Indian gopuram (gateway), a Rajput-styled
(architectural style prevailing in the present Indian state of
Rajasthan) entrance gate and an Italian-influenced
colonnade. One of the enclosures within the precincts of this
magnificent temple has a 15-meter-high pillar made of gold. It is one of Vrindavan's
largest temples and is surrounded by high walls. Once a year there is a grand car
festival (Ratha Yatra) known as Brahmotsava during the month of Caitra (MarchApril). This festival lasts for 10 days. At the entrance, there is an electronic puppet
show about stories of Krishna and a small museum.
One of the most popular in Vrindavan and famous all over India is the Banke Bihari
Temple, built in 1864. There are curtains in front of the richly decorated murti. After
the main prayers the curtains are drawn apart to give darsan (viewing) to a long line
of devotees. The curtain before the Deities is not left open like at other temples but
every few minutes it is pulled shut and then opened again. The Deities do not get up
until 9 AM. The temple has mangala-arati only one day a year and only once a year
can the lotus feet of the Deity be seen, on Akhyaya Tritiya. Many devotees come
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every day, especially in the month of Sravana, during Jhulan Yatra, the swing
festival. The murti is said to have been discovered by the musician-saint Svami Hari
Das in Nidhi Van, a kadamba grove where Banke Bihari was originally worshiped. A
contemporary of the Six Gosvamis, Svami Haridasa, known for his bhajans, was the
guru of the famous musician Tansen.
Radharamana Temple is the famous temple of Gopala
Bhatta Gosvami. Radharamana means "one who gives
pleasure to Radha". It is one of the many names of Lord
Krishna. The seva puja of Radharamana was established in
1542, after the Deity self-manifested from a salagram-sila on
the full moon day of Vaisakha (April/May). This event is
celebrated every year by bathing the Deity with 100 liters of
milk and other auspicious items. The remnants of this
abhiseka (bathing) are like nectar. Gopal Bhatta Gosvami's
other shalagram-shilas are worshiped on the altar here. The
appearance place of Sri Radharaman Deity is next to the
temple. Radharamanji is one of the few original Deities of the
Gosvamis still in Vrindavan. The standard of worship is very high.
Also kept in this temple is the wooden sitting place (hoki) and shawl (chaddar) or
Lord Caitanya that He gave as a gift to Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. There is no Deity of
Radharani in this temple, but a crown is kept next to Krishna signifying Her
presence. Gopal Bhatta's samadhi is located here. The fires for cooking in the
temple kitchen have been burning continuously since the Deity was installed over
460 years ago and the cooking still follows cookbooks from that time.
Radha Damodara Temple is one of the most
important temples in Vrindavan. The original Deity
was hand carved by Rupa Gosvami and given as a
gift to his beloved disciple, Jiva Gosvami, who later
built a temple. Formerly this spot was in the middle of
Seva-kunja and it was the bhajan place (where he
performed his devotional activities) of Rupa Gosvami.
Other Deities here are Vrindavan Candra worshiped
by Krishna Dasa Kaviraja Gosvami, Radha-Madhava
of Jayadeva Gosvami and Radha-Chalacikana of Bhugarbha Gosvami. When the
original Deities are moved, the replacement Deity is called a pratibhu-murti and is
considered as good as the original Deity. The
samadhis of Srila Rupa Gosvami, Srila Jiva Gosvami
and Srila Krishna Dasa Kaviraj Gosvami are here.
Srila Prabhupada spent here most of his six years
(1959 to 1965) before coming to America. He
P a g e | 16 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa
translated the first three cantos of the Srimad-Bhagavatam here.
In Sri Radha Gokulananda Mandir are the the Radha-Vinoda Deities of Lokanath
Gosvami, Radha-Gokulananda Deities of Visvanath Cakravarti, Caitanya
Mahaprabhu Deity of Narottama Dasa Thakur, Vijaya Govinda Deities of Baladeva
Vidyabhusana, and the Govardhan-shila given to Raghunath Dasa Gosvami by Sri
Caitanya. Also, the samadhis of Srila Lokanath Gosvami, Srila Narottama Dasa
Thakura, and Visvanath Cakravarti Thakura are here. Visvanath Cakravarti
arranged to have this temple built.
Radha Vallabha Temple is another very popular temple of Vrindavan which was
founded by Harivamsa Gosvami, who started the Radha Vallabha sampradaya
emphasizing devotion to Radharani. In this temple, there is no Deity of Radharani,
but a crown has been placed next to Krishna to signify her presence. The original
temple of Radha Vallabha was destroyed by the Muslims in 1670 and a new temple
was built beside the old one.
Radha-Syamasundara are
the
Deities
of
Syamananda Prabhu. Darsan is from 8.30 to 11 am
and 5 to 8 pm. It is one of the seven major temples in
Vrindavan. Syamananda's samadhi is across the
street and down from the entrance of the temple.
Sri Gopesvara Mahadeva Mandir is the oldest
temple in Vrindavan. Gopesvara Mahadeva is Lord
Siva, who came to Vrindavan to become a gopi of
Krishna. Here Vrinda Devi blessed him and allowed him to enter the rasa dance of
Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna then offered Lord Siva the guardianship of the Rasa
mandala and placed him at its entrance. Ever since, all Vaisnavas pray first for his
mercy to become a servant of the servant of the gopis.
Vajranabha, the great grandson of Krishna, also
installed the Siva-linga in this temple. Every morning
from 4 am to noon, thousands of people pour
Yamuna water over the linga. It is said that the big
pipal tree here is a kalpavriksa tree and will fulfill all
desires. This temple is in the Vamsivata area.
Jaipur Temple, one of Vrindavan's most opulent
temples, was built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai
Madhav, in 1917 after 30 years of labor. The fine
hand-carved sandstone is of unparalleled workmanship, the huge pillars that hold up
the roof are each carved from one solid rock, and the intricately fashioned marble on
the altar is reminiscent of the Mughal period. The Maharaja financed the railway line
that connects Vrindavan with Mathura, just for the purpose of hauling the huge
P a g e | 17 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa
pieces of sandstone used in the temple construction. The Deities worshiped here
are Sri Sri Radha-Madhava, Ananda-bihari and Hansa-gopala.
Shahji Temple, another popular temple at Vrindavan, was designed and built in
1876 by a wealthy jeweler, Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow. The Deities at the temple
are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman. Noted for its magnificent
architecture and beautiful marble sculpture, the temple has twelve spiral columns
each 15 feet high. The `Basanti Kamra' - the darbar hall is famed for its Belgian
glass chandeliers and fine paintings.
New Temples
Krishna Balarama Mandir
Opened in 1975 by the International Society for
Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Raman Reti, 3
km from the center of Vrindavan. The principal Deities
of this temple are Krishna with His brother Balaram.
Next to Them are Radha (Krishna's consort) with
Syamasundara and Gaura-Nitai. The samadhi
(cenotaph) of ISKCON's founder-acarya, A.C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in pure white
marble is within the complex in front of the temple.
His private chambers have been converted into a museum. The temple is built in the
Bengal Renaissance style with bright frescoes on Krishna's life. There is also a
guesthouse, restaurant, gurukula and gosalla. Hare Krishna devotees from all
around the world come here, bringing a truly international flavor to this ancient holy
city.
Among the new temples springing up along the Mathura-Vrindavan road is the Gita
Mandir which houses the Gita Stambh, a pillar with the entire Bhagavad Gita carved
on its surface.
The imposing temple, built by one of the country's leading industrial families, the
Birlas, is overshadowed by multistoried edifice known as the Pagal Baba
Mandirjust down the road.
Other Holy Places of Vrindavan
Seva Kunja and Nidhuban are gardens
Krishna performed many of His pastimes.
where
The Seva Kunj is where Lord Krishna performed the
Rasalila with Radharani decorating her hair with
flowers and her lotus feet. Radha and Krishna would
sometimes spend the night here, dancing with the
P a g e | 18 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa
gopis and enjoying transcendental pastimes. There is also a small temple dedicated
to Radha and Krishna's pastimes called Rang Mahal. Today this place is surrounded
by temples. The Seva Kunja road leads to Srila Jiva Gosvami's Radha Damodar
Temple, Srila Syamananda Gosvami's Radha Syamasundara Temple, and Srila
Krishna Dasa Kaviraj Gosvami's Radha-Vrindavan-Candra Temple.
At the Nidhi Van (Nidhuban, Nidhuvan) Krishna rested with His beloved Sri Radha.
The shrine inside has a bed, which is decorated with flowers by the priest every
evening. No one is allowed to stay inside after dusk because according to popular
belief the Lord visits the spot with Sri Radha. The samadhi (memorial) of Svami Hari
Das is also within this complex. All the groves of Vrindavan are notorious for
monkeys that have a special fascination for cameras
and spectacles.
At the Imlitala tree (tamarind) Srila Sanatana
Gosvami established the worship of Sri Sri Gaura
Nitai. Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to sit daily under
the Imlitala and chant japa. Deities of Caitanya
Mahaprabhu and Radha-Krishna are installed under
this tree.
Yamuna river flows through Vrindavan and Mathura.
It is the most sacred river in India as it is so intimately connected with Krishna's
pastimes. Situated on the bank of the Yamuna is the Kesi Ghat, where Krishna killed
the Kesi demon and saved His friends. One who bathes here gets the benediction of
bathing in all of the holy places, can be purified of all sinful reactions and attain love
of Godhead. This is also very famous bathing place in Vrindavan. An arati (prayer
with offering of lamps) to Yamuna Devi is held here every day at sunset.
Vrindavan Parikrama
It is customary for devotees to walk around the town
of Vrindavan, especially on Ekadasi. There is a
parikrama path that goes around the town. This path
is one street over from the ISKCON temple. It takes
two or three hours to go around the town.
Unique Attractions of Mathura - Holi
Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna (Feb-March). Holi
in Braja is celebrated for several days, at different places around Braja, before the
actual day of Holi.
People throw colored powdered dye and colored water on each other. This is joyfully
celebrated in Braja, especially at Varsana, Nandagram and Dauji. In Varsana the
festival includes colorful processions with music, song, dance, and some boisterous
P a g e | 19 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa
scenes around the temples. If you go to these festivals you should expect to be
totally covered in dye and never to be able to use the clothes that you are wearing
again, at least until next year's festival. This is celebrated at the same time as Gaura
Purnima.
Varsana
Groups of visitors go around in small and large
groups here. In the afternoon gopas (men) from
Nandagram come to Varsana and play Holi with the
local gopis (women) of Varsana. The women hit the
men hard with 2 m (7ft) long bamboo staffs. The men
have shields which they protect themselves with.
During this time local songs are sung. This festival is
celebrated on the ninth day of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).
Nandagram
The day after the Holi festival at Varsana, Holi is
celebrated in Nandagram. The gopas (men) from
Varsana come to Nandagram to play Holi with the
gopis (women) there. The flag of the Larily Lal
Temple in Varsana is carried in an elaborate
procession to Nandagram. At this time the residents
of Nandagram attempt to capture the flag, but their
attempts are foiled. After this, women play Holi with
bamboo staffs. This festival is celebrated on the tenth
day (dasami) of the month of Phalguna (Feb-March).
Phalen
On the full moon night in Feb/March a huge bon-fire is burned. One of the local
priests walks through the fire unscathed. One story about Holi is that Prahlada
Maharaja refused to worship his father and wanted to worship his father's enemy,
Lord Vishnu instead. His father's sister Holika, who was immune to being burned,
sat with the boy in a big fire. Prahlada's devotion was so great that Holika was burnt
to death and Prahlada was unharmed. The Holi festival at Phalen re-enacts this
event.
Climate
Vrindavan is hot in summers, with day temperatures climbing to 45° C. Winters are
comfortable, at an average of 32° C in the day and 14° C at night. Except for the
monsoon months between July and September, the climate is dry. Light cottons in
summer and monsoons, and light woollens in winter are sufficient. Weather
conditions are the best from November till March. This period also coincides with the
P a g e | 20 Mathura Vrindavan Yaatraa
celebration of Holi in February-March every year. However, other major festivals,
like the birth of Krishna and the birth of Radha fall in the month of August. This is an
auspicious time for undertaking the chaurasi kos parikrama (circumambulation) or
Ban Yatra around the holy sites in Braj Bhumi.
And one of the best times to visit Vrindavan is in the months of July/August when
Janmashtami is celebrated in full gaiety. Almost every day there is a festival in
Vrindavan, but the major ones include Govardhan Puja, Guru Purnima, Holi,
Govardhan Puja, Jhulan Yatra (swing festival), Janmashtami, Radhashtami and
Basant Pancami.
How to Reach Mathura and Vrindavan
The nearest airport is Agra. There are regular flights to other important tourist
destinations of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi and Khajuraho. The nearest
international airport is Delhi, which is connected to almost every important city in the
world with major airlines.
The new bus stand is located near Hotel Mansarovar Palace. Bus service from
Mathura to Delhi (3 hours) and Agra (1 hour) is very good. The old bus stand no
longer serves local destinations, but there are a few buses to Agra.
Mathura railway station is located south of the new bus stand. Mathura is well
connected by train with Agra (1 hour), Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur and Kota. The
Taj Express runs daily between Mathura to Delhi (about 2 hours). A meter-gauge
line connects Vrindavan to Mathura. Three local trains leave Mathura Junction each
day (6.30 am, 3.40 pm and 7.40 pm) for the station in the south of Vrindavan.
Though Vrindavan itself is a railway station, the major railway station nearby is
Mathura on the Delhi-Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai main line. Several express trains
connect Mathura to other major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,
Bangalore, Calcutta, and Agra.
Travelers can use auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws to move around the city.
Tempos operate back and forth on the 10-km stretch between Mathura and
Vrindavan. Distances are very small, but having one's own vehicle allows flexibility.
The lanes are congested and it is better to park one's vehicle at one place and walk
around.
Accommodation
Vrindavan does not have high quality hotels. However, it has nearly 200
dharamsalas (simple accommodation for pilgrims) that are clean and affordable.
ISKCON Guesthouse and MVT are the main and best accommodation places
provided by ISKCON and there are appearing new accommodations of hotel type all
over Vrindavan every year.