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GENERAL INFORMATION
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Vrindavan Travel
It is Vrindavan, a village - once noted for its fragrant groves, is where he spent an eventful youth. There are numerous other little spots in the area that still reverberate with the enchantment of Shri Krishna. Set in idyllic environs, this beautiful city has many jewel palaces and temples surrounded by the best of nature's bounty. The regal swans in the waters of the Yamuna, among the beautiful lotus flowers, the kadamba trees, fragrant flowers and the sweetly singing make it place of spiritual peace.
There are over 5,000 temples in Vrindavan. 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, believed to be around 5000 in number!
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.
Main Temples
Madan Mohan Temple
Madan Mohan Temple on the riverside is the oldest structure in Vrindavan. This 60 foot high temple was opened in 1580 on a 50 foot hill called Dvadasaditya Tila, next to the Yamuna.
Govinda Dev Temple
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. It was said to have cost ten million rupees and several thousand men were working for five full years to complete it.
Jugal Kisore Temple
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.
Sri Ranganatha (Rangaji) Temple
Sri Ranganatha (Rangaji) Temple is a south-Indian temple that 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).
The Banke Bihari Temple
The Banke Bihari Temple, built in 1864, is popular across India. There are curtains in front of the richly decorated idol. 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.
Radharamana Temple
Radharamana Temple was established in 1542, after the Deity self-manifested from a salagram-sila on the full moon day of Vaisakha (April/May). Radharamana means 'one who gives pleasure to Radha.' It is one of the many names of Lord Krishna.
Radha Vallabha Temple
Radha Vallabha Temple is another very popular temple of Vrindavan which was founded by Harivamsa Gosvami. In this temple, there is no Deity of Radharani, but a crown has been placed next to Krishna to signify her presence.
Jaipur Temple
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.