Location : In the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Major Tourist Attractions : The Madan Mohan Temple, The Banke-Bihari Temple, Jaipur Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple.
Best Buys : Images of Gods & Goddesses
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Mathura, Agra, Aligarh, Rajasthan.
About Vrindavan
Vrindavan, just 15 km from Mathura, is another major place of pilgrimage in the state of Uttar Pradesh in the northern part of India. Vrindavan is known for its numerous Hindu temples - both ancient and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is the wood where he frolicked with the gopis and tenderly wooed Radha. This most revered destination of the Hindus is thronged by thousands of Tourists from all over the country.
Tourist Attractions in Vrindavan
The Madan Mohan Temple
The Madan Mohan Temple located near the Kali Ghat, built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is the oldest existing temple in Vrindavan today. The temple is closely associated with the saint Chaitanya. The original idol of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for safe keeping, during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, a replica of the image is worshipped at the temple.
The Banke-Bihari Temple
Built in 1864, the Banke-Bihari Temple is the most popular shrine at Vrindavan. The image of Banke-Bihari was discovered in Nidhi Vana by Swami Haridas, the great Krishna devotee, belonging to the Nimbarka sect.
Radha Vallabh Temple
The famous Radha Vallabh Temple set up by the Radha - Vallabh sect, has the crown of Radha-Rani placed next to the Shri Krishna idol in the sanctum.
Jaipur Temple
The Jaipur Temple is a richly embellished and opulent temple in Vrindavan. The temple was built by Sawai Madhav Singh, the Maharaja of Jaipur in 1917. The fine hand - carved sandstone is of unparalleled workmanship. The temple is dedicated to Shri Radha Madhav.
The Shahji Temple
Designed and build in 1876 by a wealthy jeweller, Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow, the Shahji Temple is another popular temple at Vrindavan. 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.
Getting There
Air : The nearest airport is in Agra, which is 57 km away.
Rail : Vrindavan has a small railway station but the nearest railhead is in Mathura, which is just 10 km away.
Road : Vrindavan is well connected by road with important centers in Uttar Pradesh. Tourists can take buses, taxis and shared tempos for visiting Mathura and Vrindavan.
