ISKCON Temple

Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, dedicated to brothers Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram, is located in the Raman Reti area of Vrindavan. It was built in 1975 by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder acharya of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON); it was his dream to create a temple dedicated to the brothers in the same place they played thousands of years ago. So important was this temple to him, he personally oversaw its construction and design, and prayed to Balaram, the god of spiritual strength, to bless his devotees.

A grand white marble archway greets visitors, who then enter the palace-like prayer hall through the huge wooden doors of the temple. Intricately carved walls and winding staircases make up the main building. Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna are on the right side of the temple with gopis, Lalita and Vishakha. The tomb of Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) is also a part of the temple.

ISKCON Temple

Prem Mandir

Also known as the temple of divine love, Prem Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna, and Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. It was shaped and designed by Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj in 2001, and is sprawled over 54 acre. Considered as one of the most beautiful and elegant structures in Vrindavan, this Italian white marble temple is dedicated to the major events of Lord Krishna’s life, and the interiors depict those scenes, including the raising of Govardhan Hill.

A grand music fountain, where a pleasing sound and light show takes place in the evening, is one of the most interesting attractions of this religious site. The pathways through the garden, a restaurant, shop and fountains are all part of the temple. Prayers and assemblies are held in a large, pillar-less, dome-shaped satsang hall that can accommodate as many as 25,000 people at a time.

Prem Mandir

Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

The main pilgrimage spot in Mathura is Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, which is said to have been built around the prison cell where Lord Krishna was born. It is considered the focal point of the famed legends of Lord Krishna. One of these legends stipulates that the temple was built by Vajranabha, Krishna’s great grandson. Believed to have been constructed in the 6th century BC, it is one of the most important sites for the devotees of Lord Krishna, who come and stay here, sometimes for days at a time, to seek the blessings of their beloved god.

This temple has been renovated several times over the centuries, as the land saw a series of rulers. The current group of temples is the result of a major renovation project that was carried out in the 20th century, and now comprises the impressive Keshavdeva Temple, with the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) located at what is said to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and the Bhagavata Bhavan.

Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

Radha Raman Temple

It was established by Gopal Bhatta Goswami, one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan, who followed the principles of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The deity in the temple is said to have self-manifested from Shaligrama shilas with a smile on face.

History suggests that Gopal Bhatta Goswami bathed in the waters of River Kali Gandhaki, and found 12 Shaligrama shilas. He brought them back to Vrindavan and covered them with a cloth, before proceeding to take a short rest. When he uncovered the shilas the next day, he saw Lord Krishna among them, playing the flute. This meant that one of the shilas had transformed into the lord, as only 11 Shaligrama shilas, instead of the original 12, were found.

Radha Raman Temple