My wife seems to have been smitten by some religious bug. Though I am myself a reasonably religious person (except for after 7 on some days, when the “spirits” of United Breweries, Seagram and Johnnie Walkers of the world, keep on hovering around me and I along with some of my friends or office colleagues drag ourselves to the nearby bars), probably to cover my shortcomings my wife has been making some extra effort as some kind of an “insurance”.
Krishna-Radha, ISKCON, Vrindavan
On one of these bouts last weekend, she asked me to plan a visit to Vrindavan. I have lived with her under the same roof for over three decades and have every intention to be there till I live and hence told my driver to be on the wheels by 6 in the morning. That’s how our jaunt to Mathura – Vrindavan started.
Dabchik Resort
Vrindavan is around 140 Kms from our house and it takes two and half hours to reach therein the early hours of the morning. It is just 15 kms short of Mathura, on the banks of river Yamuna.
Right from the days when my daughters were growing up, we would take a stop over at “Dabchik”, a resort on the highway, close to Hodal. That’s what we did this time too and had an early breakfast. Dabchik has a small restaurant, but are known for good food. The lush green lawns around the resort always make me feel comfortable and additionally, the camel, elephant rides and joy rides are an added attraction for the children (though on couple of occasions some of my firang colleagues enjoyed these rides too). The complex has some neat cottages for overnight stay too.
As you draw closer to Vrindavan, you can feel some kind of change in the environment (Fiza mein badlav aa jaata hai), especially close to the highway where we take a detour for Vrindavan (I read somewhere – “as you cross the Mexican border from Texas, you feel some load off your shoulders”).
The hawkers and fruit sellers, the rickshaw pullers, asking for a side were chanting “Jai Shri Radhey” or “Hare Krishna” taking us to a different world – a world where Lord Krishna spent his formative years.
The distance from the National highway to ISKON Temple is around 5 kms. In the good old days, the entire route used to spread the aroma of sweet smells, with peacocks freely playing across the road. Being close to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, countless migratory birds could also be seen. Once we also sighted a “Neelgai” too. These days with commercialization taking a firm grip, the chirping of the birds and the dancing peacocks have become a rarity.
ISKON temple
There are about 4000 temples, big and small, in Vrindavan, apart from a few ghats, used by the Hindus for ritual bathing.
Though all the Vrindavan temples have an equal reverence, the ISKON Temple has a special place in my heart owing to my personal involvement in setting up of an ATM in the temple compound around 5 years back on my first visit to Vrindavan (I work for an ATM manufacturing company).
The Shri Krishna Balram Temple was established in the year 1975 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON). The temple is situated in Raman Reti (the enjoyable sands), where Lord Krishna and Balram sported with their cowherd friends.
The principal deities are Lord Krishna, his brother Balram (also fondly known as Dau) and Radha ji (Krishna’s consort).
The temple has three altars. The first altar houses the deity of Shri Gaura Nitai, the incarnation of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Lord Krishna, his brother Balram (also fondly known as Dau) are worshipped in the central altar and on the third altar Radha ji and her friends Lalita and Vishakha are worshipped.
Samadhi of Shrila Prabhupada
Hare Krishna devotees from around the world are visible here throughout the year.
Adjoining the temple is the Samadhi of Shrila Prabhupada, built in pure marble. Vrindavan was so dear to Srila Prabhupada that he chose to remain here eternally in Samadhi in front of the holy temple.
Banke Behari Temple
Despite the grandeur of ISKON Temple, the Banke Bihari Temple, built in 1864 is still the most revered and vibrant shrine in Vrindavan. This Brindavan temple was originally established by Swami Haridas, a great Krishna devotee, known for his soulful devotional bhajans (was also the guru of the famous musician Tansen). He discovered the sacred deity of Banke Bihari (also popularly known as Thakur ji) at Nidhivana, where Banke Bihari was originally worshipped.
Banke Behari Temple
The deity was moved to Vrindavan on completion of the temple in 1864. The most interesting thing about this temple is that, unlike most of the other temples, the curtain is not left open. The curtain is put shut every few seconds and drawn back with a great chanting of Thakur ji. This is probably done with a view to shroud the icon for a moment. It is believed that the brilliance of eyes of Thakur ji can make a person unconscious, if seen for too long a stretch. Another notable feature is that the lotus feet of the deity can be seen only once a year, on Akshaya Tritiya, which falls sometimes in April / May.
If you are fond of some good “chaat”, lassi or mouth-watering sweets, the market outside the temple is the place
Jaipur Temple or Radha Madhav Temple
Radha Madhav Temple (Jaipur Temple)
The Radha Madhav Temple, popularly known as Jaipur Temple was built by Sawai Madhav Singh, the Maharaja of Jaipur, in the year 1917. The temple dedicated to Shri Radha Madhav took 30 years in making. It is Vrindavan’s most opulent and imposing temples.
Jaipur Temple
The workmanship of the hand carved sandstone is simply mesmerizing. Each of the huge pillars holding the roof are carved out of single solid rock. It is believed that the Maharaja financed the railway line between Mathura and Vrindavan, just for the transportation of huge slabs for the temple construction. The principal deities in the temple are Shri Radha–Madhava, Anand Bihari and Hansa-Gopala.
Nidhi Vana
Nidhi Vana
Passing through the dingy and narrow streets of Vrindavan, we reached Nidhi Vana. The place was once a forest (size now cut down to meet the local requirements), where Swami Hari Das discovered the deity of Banke Behari. Nidhi vana is also believed to be the “kridasthali” (playground) of Radha and other gopis. As per the popular belief, Lord Krishna rested here with Radha. The shrine inside has a bed, which is decorated by the priest every evening. No one is allowed to stay inside the shrine after dusk, because as per the popular belief the Lord visits the spot with Radha.
The Samadhi (memorial) of Swami Hari Das is also within the complex.
Bansi Batt & Gopeshwar Temple
Our young guide took us to Bansi Batt, where Lord Krishna used to relax and play his flute under the Kadamb tree. It is believed that the tree from Lord Krishna’s childhood days is still there. The popular belief is that Lord Krishna used to take as many forms as the number of Gopis and perform “Raas”.
Bansi Batt
It is also believed that unable to resist His temptation to watch Krishna’s “Raas Leela”, Lord Shankar, one day came in the form of a Gopi at Bansi Batt. Needless to say that Krishna recognized Him immediately and with a smile welcomed Him. We were told that under the same very tree, Krishna kneeled in front of Him, calling Him “Gopeshwar”. Near Bansi Batt, there is an ancient “Mahadev Temple”.
From the banks of Yamuna, we returned back to ISKON Temple to buy some pictures (photography is strictly prohibited in the temple and its precincts) right on time before the doors of the temple closed.
Most of the temples being closed between 12.30 to 4.30 P.M., we decided to take some rest at the nearby Thakurji Ashram Vrindavan, which provided us a clean air conditioned room. We took our lunch and my wife, so used to taking an afternoon siesta, took a good two hours’ nap.
Shri Brindaban Behari Temple, Thakurji Ashram
Thakur ji’s Ashram also houses a temple known as “Shri Brindaban Behari Temple” The above picture speaks of the grandeur of the temple.
Radha Madana-Mohana Temple was our next place of halt.
Ancient Madan Mohan Temple
This is one of the first temples built in Vrindavan by Sri Sanatana Goswami, at a time when it was just a forest. The temple is closely associated with Shri Chaitanya. As per the folklore, the original deity was moved to Karauli in Rajasthan for safety during the attack on Vrindavan by the soldiers of Aurangzeb.
Today the replica of the image is worshipped at the temple.
What an amazing ancient temple amidst the whiff of newly constructed ones.
Radha Vrindavan – Chandra Mandir
It was nearly 5 P.M. and before hitting the highway, we visited the Shri Radha Vrindavan – Chandra Mandir (managed by The Krishna Heritage Consortium). Believe me we were totally mystified by the imposing grandeur of the deities of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. What a beautiful complex !
Radha Vrindavan Chandra Temple
Akshaya Patra Vrindavan
And now the best part of our visit to Vrindavan – The Akshay Patra Kitchen, housed in the complex, which provides wholesome food to around 100,000 children in over 400 Government and semi Government schools in and around Vrindavan and Mathura Distt.
The Akshaya Patra project which started in Bangalore in June 2000, with meager 1500 students, slowly progressing to 2 lac children, had its next port of call at Vrindavan. The dream to provide food to the under privileged children was fulfilled thanks to entrepreneurs like, Sunil Mittal of Bharti Foundation. The meals here are predominantly, wheat based to fall in line with the local preferences, though at times rice meal is also served. The temple authorities took us to a tour of the kitchen, where we could see a “Roti making machine” operated by LPG, which could churn out 10,000 chapattis per hour. Along with this we were shown the wheat kneading machine, the vegetable and rice cooking machines, which not only ensure total hygiene but also timely deliveries to the children. We were told that the kitchen also has the support of a similar set of electrically operated machines.
Radha Vrindavan Chandra Temple
Now, my dear friends this is called the welfare of the poor, in the real sense of term.
We were shown the proposed design of the bigger temple in the same complex, the construction of which will start on the 40 acres land shortly.
New temples
On our way back, we saw 2 new temples coming up – The Gita Mandir being built by the country’s leading industrial group, the Birlas, which houses the Gita Stambh, a pillar with the entire Srimad Bhagwat Gita carved on its surface. The other is called “Prem Mandir”, an astounding complex, which is being constructed under the auspices of Shyama Shyam Dham Samiti.
As mentioned above, Mathura is only 15 kms from Vrindavan. I had a chance to go to Mathura in the last week of January and visited the famous “Krishna Janambhoomi Temple” and “Dwarkadhish Temple”, about which I would endeavour to write in my next post.
Thanks for visiting.
Thank you for sharing all this information with me.I have not been to these places so I enjoyed reading about them.So many children being fed is remarkable.That is true worship.
lovely review and photos, thank you for sharing.
Ram Sir,
A thoroughly enjoyable account of your visit to Vrindavan. Did you face problem with the “Pandee” of temples in Vrindavan ? Do you have suggestion regarding how to get rid of them ?
I am feeling like having a real complete satisfying meal. One of those feelings when you have that ‘total feel’ and want to relax.
Very elaborate and lucid. Thanks again for sharing this with us. Great.
Very nice description. I think this is the very first article on ghumakkar on pilgrimage. So good going on that.
4000 temples? wow! does that also include the one people have in their homes?
Ram,
I notice the fan mail is increasing!
Reading your earlier posts, I thought you could not get better but happily, you’ve proved me wrong! The style is warm and personal. I like the questions that Smita and Manish posed. Look forward to the answers too.!
For a Christian like I am, this was a pilgrimage to a holy place and I thank you for the education. I think I will forward this blog to a lot of kids who can learn so much about India’s holy places just by reading your article.
Keep on .. going strong… and look forward to many more such articles from your pen!
Good health and may I reverently add a ‘spirited’ Cheers! (to you!)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your account. The Akshaya patra kitchen description is fascinating. 4000 temples in Vrindavan alone… unbelievable!
Thank you Zarin, Melissa, Smita, Nandan, Manish, Terence and Geetha. I am overwhelmed with your kind responses.
Manish :
Yes, your observation about pandees is correct. Fortunately, in Vrindavan most of the large temples (like – ISKON, Banke Behari, Radha Vrindava – Chandra Temple, Jaipur Temple, etc) are managed by Trusts, which are highly organised. So, the pandees have hardly any role to play at these temples.
However, at Bansi Batt, our guide took us to an ancient temple in the same precincts, where a “dream merchant” tried to sell us dreams about salvation. In that temple, we could see thousands of names in many languages inscribed on the marble tiles. We were asked to pay a certain amount for inscription of our names / family name. Luckily, we had an idea about such kind of things and being experienced enough, we walked out by putting a small offering in the donation box. But, nevertheless, these are all subjective things and totally individuastically driven.
Another interesting thing to is the presence of monkies at Nidhi Vana and Bansi Batt, who are very fond of frisking away visitors’ caps and sun glasses (which are of course, returned back with the help of the temple staff).
I forgot to mention in my post that the best way of moving about in the city is cycle rikshaws. Just park your car in the authorised parking lots and hire a rickshaw.
Smita / Geetha: Thanks for your sharp observation.
Believe me there are so many temples, some of them very small, all around the city, in every street, at every corner, at the river side, and what not !!. I purposely restricted myself to a few temples, least you all stop reading my posts ( as it is these are lengthy enough).
God bless you all.
Terence: Thanks for your crisp, amusing and highly motivational comments.
Thanks for your “spirited” cheers too, which I most fizzingly reciprocate.
Lovely write-up. The stories about Krishna tend to be so charming.
I guess the following sentence needs a bit of rework on punctuations. I was left wondering about it, before reading the whole sentence :)
“We took our lunch and my wife, so used to taking an afternoon siesta, took a good two hours nap.”
Though I visited this place many times before reading this, now I realise that my knowledge about Varindavan & it’s temples was very limited. It is very satisfying to know that big corporate houses are doing so good for the needy. i would like to visit the mandirs & places described by you in my next visit to varindavan.
Thanks again for sharing wonderful knowledge with us.
Thanks for reminding me Akshaya Tritiya, I sincerely admire this description as I am the regular visitor of Vrindavan, The all fainting memories of last visit are refreshed. I pray I should be in Vrindavan on coming Akshaya Tritiya.
I assure u I will try that, this effort of yours should get the acknowledgement it deserve, if I succeed very soon U will see this story on Google.
Dinesh ji,
I am touched and honoured by your kind words. Thank you very much.
I take this opportunity to mention that Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the new moon of Vaishakh month and is considered to be one of the most auspicious days. As per the popular belief, it is a good day to begin new ventures and for investments in long term assets.
This year it is likely to fall on May 08.
Thank you sir for sharing all this Historical information with me. it is very good article. i will share all information which you have provided us with my friend .
SIR ,Thanks you once again.
Anurag
Dear Ram,
Your lovely dispcription of grandeur of Vrindavan tamples took me back to approx 25 years down the memory lane. The artical has helped me to visulise the changes that have since taken place over the period.
One now would endeavour to visit Vrindavan on next visit to Delhi, of course alongwith you.
Preparing and distributing the wholesome food to one lac children in 400 school on daily basis is mammoth task. I wonder why this is not yet listed in Gunniess Book of World Records or has it been?
Did you experience some spiritual peace for which people have been going there or the place has become more of a site seeing destination.
Keep writing to enrich us.
Regards
Subhash
Subhash Bhai,
Thanks for your kind words.
Yes, preparation and distribution of food for 1 lac under privileged children is indeed a mammoth job. I saw six air conditioned vehicles stationed in the precincts of the temple, which carry food to various schools. I think we need many more such organisations to help the poor and needy.
As I mentioned in the article that the moment you step into the neighbourhood of Vrindavan, an environmental change is felt. The chanting of “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama” at ISKON Temple and the “darshan” of Thakur ji at Banke Behari Temple are something to be experienced and hence hard to express.
Please do come to Delhi and it will give me an immense pleasure to join you to visit Vrindavan and Krishna Janam Bhumi at Mathura.
Warm regards,
Ram
hare krishna,indeed very informative, i wish to visit vrindavan in August for janmastami,please join me… give me your contact details ,so once i reach Delhi i will be in touch…hari bole
Dear Shri Ram sir,
With the blessing of “Shri Radhe” I have been visiting ” Shri Vrindavan Dham” from last 7 years frequently. But I was not able to get a such details which you provided in this docuement.
I am sure this will be real & excellent guide to the “God’s Real Bhakt” who wanted to visit and feel GOD’s presence at every place in Vrndavana.
Thanks a lot for this wonderful information / knowledge sharing.
God is great and I am sure he will bless all happiness in our lives, always !!!
Jai Jai Shri Radhe – Shyam !
Best Regards,
Rajesh Agrawal.
Rajesh Bhai,
I am deeply touched by your kind and generous words.
It is a matter of great honour that a pious and godly person like you has given such heartwarming comments.
Thank you very much.
May God be with you and your family, always.
Ram
Dearest Ram Sir,
I never visited Vrindavan even after spending 10 yrs in delhi. But now feel that within 30 minutes i have gone through the entire vrindavan,
most important part …….i can feel krishna is playing as a child there and ‘RASALEELA’ with gopi….
amazing experience………some drops of tears on eye also…..
with love
renjiht
Renjith: I am overwhelmed by your heartwarming comment.
Believe me it is hard to express the magnificence of the temples, the ashrams and most of all the devotees. You have to see it to believe.
ram ji,
memories of my own trip to vrindavan became green in my mind after going through your article. of course who can miss the radhe radhe of rickshaw pullers of this ancient township where radha and krishna can be seen dancing in its every particle by a true devotee. one temple which i really enjoyed visiting was shah ji ka temple which is also known as tedhe khambe wala temple. this tedha pillar is really unique.
in fact shah ji was very nice to me and he even took me to a special part of his temple which has ancient idols and jewellery and is opened only during a select period every year. several presidents of india and other high profile people had been to this very exclusive area of the temple, shah ji had told me.
btw i was in vrindavan for a week in connection with the assignment given to me by my usa based magazine hinduism today. my stay for the visit was taken care of by shri ganapati dasa, the then vice president of iskcon vrindavan. really had a wonderful stay there and enjoyed the vegetarian delicacies of their restaurant throughout my stay there.
rajiv malik
Haribol!
I have been to Vrindavan just once for a brief while and loved it. Will carry the knowledge from this article next time I’m there as last time I visited only the Hare Krishna temple.
The place is great to purchase Tulsi mala and beads, mor-pankh and beautiful figurines of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for one’s home.
Thanks for that Ram Uncle!
What a joy hearing from you after a considerable interval.
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, Vrindavan is a great place, full of peace and tranquility.
Do keep on visiting the site more often.
Regards and God’s blessings.
jai jai shree radhey
Dear Ram Saheb,
Too good. Very lucid style. I felt as if I was along with you this trip.
Just keep on the good work and also keep flowing the good spirits( of the Seagram, JohnyWalkers type) Keep Walking……
Thanks Gaurav for your very sweet words.
As usual, it’s hard to beat your sense of humour.
Do keep on visiting the site and provide us some more “cheers”. On my part , I will keep on “walking straight”.
God bless you.
Dear Ramji,
From many miles away in the USA, i wish to thank you for this beautiful description of Vrindavan. Your photos and excellent descriptions flooded me with sweet memories of my visits to these enchanting places-like the sound of a flute carried by a breeze all the way across the ocean.
Here in the U.S. I was fortunate to meet Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, who is constructing Prem Mandir in Vrindavan. He has a temple in Austin Texas–Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple, at his ashram, JKP Barsana Dham. That ashram is like a taste of Vrindavan in America, so you–and especially your wife :-) –should go if you ever find yourself in Texas, of all places! With Prakashanand Saraswati’s trademark attention to every detail, you can see from Barsana Dham how amazing Prem Mandir will be when it is complete. Thanks again for this story–it made my day
Jai Jai Radhe Shyam!
PS here is the url for Barsana Dham if anyone is in the USA
http://www.barsanadham.org
Dear Shri Ram,
Thanks for providing the ready reckoner for anyone planning a trip to Vrindavan. That there is something in the air is so true about this place. Even the Monkeys that run away with your glasses/handbags in a flash epitomise the thitholi (playfullness) of Shri Krishna that this place comes to belong to.
I have been to this playground many times. I find the Ranganath Temple worthy of mention. One of the few ancient temples of Southern style in North.
On the highway, I would also recommend a stop at Sagar Ratna/Moti Mahal complex at Kosi Kalan.
During my recent visit, in the Krishna Balram (Iskcon) temple they allowed to take snaps. I even recorded sounds of the Sankeertan.
Though I did not use camera, voluntarily and took it out only when we were at the Kaliya Dah.
Last year I was there in the month Sawan (Aug) as a relative perfomed teh Rasoi, in which they do some ‘exclusive’ Puja at Banke Bihari Temple and then there is a feast for local people. It is called Rasoi.
In the evening there was “Fool Bangala” which means that the Vigraha (Deity) were taken out side the sanctum sanctorum and seated in teh Verandah with exceptional flower decoration of the Mandapam and the Deity. There was this huge rush to see this special Roopam of Banke Bihari.
Fool Bangla is done ddail throughoutt the Shrawan Mas.
Dear Marie Kate,
I am deeply touched and overwhelmed by your extremely kind words. I don’t think I can find appropriate words to thank you for your generosity.
I am doubly delighted as you not only took the trouble of glancing through this post, but also cared to write a few words of appreciation, which could be a matter of honour for anyone.
I have browsed through the link to the holy Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple and the Barsana Dham Ashram. I think it is one of the best sites on the subject. I will carefully read the contents in the due course.
Incidentally, Shree Swami ji’s and His Holiness Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj’s discourses are aired on the Indian TV channels regularly and millions of the devotees are getting benefitted by their holy messages.
I have plans to visit USA sometimes by the end of the year and would definitely endeavour to come to Austin to pay my obeisance to His Holiness and have the “Darshan” of the holy temple.
Meanwhile, during my next visit to Vrindavan, I will try to meet the members of the Managing committee involved in the construction of Prem Mandir.
Once again thank you very much for your kind remarks and also for introducing me to the activities of the Ashram at Austin.
Please do remain in touch and keep us apprised of the activities of the temple from time to time.
May God bless you and be with you, always.
Jai Jai Shri Radhe
Ram Dhall
Rajeev,
Thanks for your heart warming remarks.
I am also grateful to you for your inputs about the “Phool Bangala”. I think it must be an amazing experience having the “darshans” during this period of the year.
Best wishes and God’s blessings.
Dear Ram Sir,
Jai Shri Krishna,
I have never visited Vrindavan. As I was reading your article, I was virtually taken on a ‘Walk through’ (Walk through’s are prepared by Architects with a computer software to take their client on a virtual trip around the proposed project and to show them as to how the project is going to look and feel after completion) around all the places that you have so beautifully described.
Superb work Sir.
While I have worked very closely with you and am aware of ‘the usual high spirits’, this was a complete new dimension of you that has come to light after reading the article.
You will always be an inspiration and a ‘role model’ for me.
Jai Shri Krishna (I am a Gujrati and is ‘programmed’ by my parents to say Jai Shri Krishna while greeting each other instead of saying Hello, Hi, Bye …….)
Regards,
Navin D. Mistry
Navin Bhai,
Jai Shri Krishna,
I am totally overwhelmed by your very kind and heart warming words. I don’t know how to find appropriate words to thank you.
When I joined NCR, I had absolutely no clue about the project. We all were new and it was only your sheer hard work and persistence, which not only trained us all, but also set a few benchmarks for the industry as a whole, which I am proud to say, are being respected even till date.
Needless to say that wherever you are, you will always excel, because thats the only way you know. However, in leisure time, please do visit us and keep on apprising us of your valuable views.
Warm regards to your parents.
Ram Dhall
Dear Ram,
Such a comprehensive description of Vrindavan, that I would like to visit the place at the earliest. Very informative and apt pics also. Kudos to u for sharing the info.
Subash Kapoor
Hi Ram,
Had the privilege of visiting Brindavan last year alongside a colleague. I am reliving those moments again, thanks to your wonderful description and comments.
Awesome description sir. Good day to you.
Regards,
Jagadish
Dear Jagadish,
Thanks for your kind remarks. I am happy that the post reminded you of your trip to this holy place.
Please do keep on visiting us and sharing your valued comments.
Best wishes and Season’s greetings.
Dear Brother Ram,
It is ceratainly a very vivid description about the spiritual flavour of the this location. My heart is already re- filled with love for our beloved Shri Krishna on reading your article.
I would like to add here for all the lovers of Krishna like myself that I have been truly benefited by the work of the organisation called ISKON. Their website -www.krishna.com has beautifull audio of Bhagwat Geeta in english. On hearing the same I was motivated to read this amazing powerhouse of knowledge about the body, mind and the soul. More over they have a facility of live help available on the site, where in you can chat with one of the members of ISKON about your worries, doubts and questions on religion and spirituality. This chat with them has given me clarity on various spiritual. religious and wordly issues.
I was in Mathura three years back, whe I could only visit the ISKON temple, but I am already looking at the calender for my next visit to see all the places visited by you. Why dont you plan another trip with me!! Im sure that you won’t mind.
See you soon.
Dear Brother Rajesh,
Thank you very much for your sweet and encouraging words. Such remarks give the writers ample fuel to strive to do still better.
It will be a great pleasure visiting Vrindavan together.
Pranama brother,
Thank you so much for sharing that and please thank your wife for taking you. May Lord Krishna always bless you.
Jai Sri Krishna!
Dear Brother,
Your message has been conveyed to Madhu, my wife. She joins me in thanking you profusely for your very kind words.
Please do keep on visiting.
May Lord Krishna be with you and your family, always.
Jai Shri Krishna.
Hi sir,
I saw ur artical in net and it’s look verynice and it is very useful people who will go for Vrindavan. please send me the link what u said sir and my mail id is: kurapatibhaskar@gmail.com and bk185033@ncr.com
thanks,
bhaskar
i just wanna knw the address of iskcon ashram in vrundawn…
pls do the neefdful
The ISKCON Temple is located at Raman Reti, Vrindavan, (close to Shree Kripalu ashram) at a distance of around 5 KMs from the National Highway.
If you are planning to stay overnight, it would be advisable to call the Guest House Manager at 0565-2540021 and ensure room availability.
Just for your information the timings of the various activities are:
Samadhi Arati 4:10 AM
Mangala Arati 4:30 AM
Tulasi Arati 5:00 AM
Shringar Darshan and Guru-Puja 7:15 AM
Bhagavat Pravachan (English & Hindi) 7:45 AM
Dhoop Arati 8:30 AM
Raj Bhoga Arati 12:00 Noon
Temple Closes 12:45 PM
Pushpa Arati 4:00 PM 4:30 PM (Summer)
Sandhya Arati 6:30 PM 7:00 PM (Summer)
Bhagavad-gita class 5:30 PM
Shayana Arati 8:00 PM 8:30 PM (Summer)
Temple Closes 8:15 PM 8:45 PM (Summer)
Please feel free in case you want any further information.
thank you for sharing, ~~I feel immensely for Vrindavan….my gopalji’s dham
Jai shree Radhe
Respected Sir,
Your style of describing a beatiful thing puts life into it and we travell with you.
monicasaurabh
Thanks Monica.Your sweet words are highly motivating.
God bless you.
While I pay a look to my Thakurji, get remain relax.Vrindavn is the heaven ,I think always to remain in vrindavn.this is Purest place where the my lord lives.
Thanks to everybody
I recently made a quick visit to Vrindavan. I could do so as I did not collect feedback on current situation of the holy hamlet (that it was). The roads are dug and pavements dishevelled throughout the city. Lot of work and rework is going on apparently. The Kalidah road is non existent as it lies dug up for some reason!
We arrived there in the evening just in time to get to see Banke Bihari decorated in Fool Bangla. Next day we went around the towan and it was some trip over craters and bumps. It was hot and humid and fully testing. When we came to the KB temple, it felt like reaching swarga. The Dhun and the whole thing about this place is so soothing and you feel so welcome. This temple is also undergoing some minor refurnishing work. The prasadam at Govinda’s New Govinda was divine
We had booked the Radheshyam Ashram for overnight stay, as we could not get teh numbers of ISKCON/MVT guest houses. We reached this ashram on this Saturday night at 9:00pm and left next day at 1:30pm. We had booked two 4 bedded a/c rooms @Rs.700 which sounded good. The rooms were neat and also well done for an ahsram, with flat screen TV and all. However, we found the reception/management staff there totally unfit for an ashram.
We recommend this place for its ample parking (it was empty too), neatness, small temple within and .5km distance on the parikrama marg from the ISKCON temple, but that may involve dealing with a discourteous man (during day) at the front desk, who can even pull his sleeves up on occasions.
Rajeev ji,
Thanks for your feedback on the current situation of roads at Vrindavan. May be the administration is making arrangements for the Krishmna Janamashtmi.
You are one of the lucky few to have the darshan of Banke Bihari at the Fool Bangla.
Good to note that the Govinda’s New Govinda is accessible now. During our last visit there, it was under renovation.
Thanks for sharing.
How far is Radha Vrindavan Chandra Mandir from ISKCON KB temple ?
Radha Vrindavan – Chandra Mandir is located at a distance of less than three kms from ISKCON Temple. The former is around two kms from the National Highway and for ISKCON Temple we have two go further up further .