Question 1

What are the main temples in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

The main temples in Vrindavan are Banke Bihari, the most beloved; the grand Prem Mandir; ISKCON, the Krishna Balaram Mandir; the ancient Goswami temples like Radha Raman, Govind Dev, Madan Mohan and Radha Damodar; the Radha Vallabh temple; the grand Rangji and ornate Shahji temples; the Shiva temple of Gopeshwar Mahadev; and the goddess seat of Katyayani. Most are dedicated to Radha and Krishna. So Vrindavan's essential temples span the famous, the ancient and the grand. Choose a handful and take darshan unhurried. Darshan is free everywhere.

Question 2

How many temples are there in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

Vrindavan is said to hold thousands of temples, earning it the name of the town of temples, from the world-famous and the grand to the tiny and the ancient, almost all dedicated to Radha and Krishna. No exact count is possible, as new temples are built and small shrines abound, but the figure of some five thousand is often cited. So Vrindavan has an astonishing number of temples, of which a few dozen are the major and famous ones. So do not try to see them all; choose the essential and beloved temples and take darshan unhurried, the true Vrindavan way.

Question 3

Vrindavan ke pramukh mandir kaun se hain?

Accepted Answer

Vrindavan ke pramukh mandir hain: Banke Bihari (sabse priya), Prem Mandir, ISKCON (Krishna Balaram Mandir), prachin Goswami mandir jaise Radha Raman, Govind Dev, Madan Mohan aur Radha Damodar; Radha Vallabh mandir; bhavya Rangji aur Shahji mandir; Gopeshwar Mahadev (Shiv) aur Katyayani Peeth (devi). Adhikaansh Radha-Krishna ko samarpit hain. Vrindavan ko mandiron ka nagar kaha jaata hai, yahan hazaron mandir hain. Subah jaldi jayein, mandir dopahar mein band rehte hain. Darshan har jagah nishulk hai. Kuch chunindaa mandir aaram se dekhein.

Question 4

Why is Vrindavan called the town of temples?

Accepted Answer

Vrindavan is called the town of temples because it holds thousands of temples, said to be some five thousand, almost all dedicated to Radha and Krishna, from the world-famous like Banke Bihari to the tiny and ancient, filling its lanes and its riverfront. As the town of Krishna's youthful pastimes, it has drawn the devotion of saints and sampradayas for centuries, each building temples. So the sheer number and density of temples give Vrindavan its name as the town of temples, the land of God. It is one of the most temple-rich towns in all India, a supreme place of pilgrimage.

Question 5

What are the seven temples of Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

The seven temples of the Thakurs of Vrindavan, the Sapta Devalaya, are the principal ancient temples founded in the sixteenth century by the Six Goswamis, disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Govind Dev, Gopinath, Madan Mohan, Radha Raman, Radha Damodar, Radha Shyamsundar and Radha Gokulananda; the Radha Vallabh temple is also counted among the seven in some lists. So the seven temples are the historic, revered core of Gaudiya Vrindavan. So visiting these ancient temples gives a profound, historic experience of the town. We present their deities and histories as the tradition of Braj holds them.

Question 6

Which is the most famous temple in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

The most famous and beloved temple in Vrindavan is the Banke Bihari temple, of the enchanting deity Banke Bihari, revealed, by the tradition, by Swami Haridas, worshipped with a loving intimacy found nowhere else and drawing the greatest crowds. Prem Mandir and ISKCON are the most famous of the grand modern temples. So Banke Bihari is the heart and the most famous temple of Vrindavan, the essential darshan of any visit. So do not miss Banke Bihari, coming early to avoid the crush. We present the revelation of the deity as the cherished tradition of Braj, held with faith.

Question 7

Which temples in Vrindavan should I not miss?

Accepted Answer

Do not miss Banke Bihari, the most beloved; Prem Mandir, especially lit up at dusk; ISKCON, for the kirtan; the grove and shrine of Nidhivan; and, for the historic heart, the ancient Radha Raman and Govind Dev temples. If time allows, add Radha Damodar, Rangji, Shahji and Gopeshwar Mahadev. So these are the essential temples for a first visit. Beyond them, the deeper you go, the more Vrindavan offers. Choose a handful to enjoy unhurried rather than rushing to see all the town's thousands of temples. Darshan is free everywhere.

Question 8

Are the temples in Vrindavan free to visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes; darshan is free at the temples of Vrindavan, as throughout Braj, including Banke Bihari, Prem Mandir, ISKCON and all the rest. Any offering is voluntary. So beware anyone selling special, VIP or paid darshan, which is not the way of these temples and keep offerings modest and voluntary. So a temple pilgrimage in Vrindavan costs nothing for darshan, only your time and reverence. Genuine seva can be arranged through the hereditary temple families at some temples, which is distinct from any paid queue. So take darshan freely at the temples of the town.

Question 9

What is special about the Banke Bihari temple?

Accepted Answer

Banke Bihari is the most beloved temple of Vrindavan, of the enchanting deity Banke Bihari, revealed, by the tradition, by the great saint Swami Haridas and worshipped with a uniquely loving, lively intimacy, the curtain drawn and redrawn every few moments so that none gazes too long into the deity's captivating eyes. There is no bell or conch, only the loving service. Taking darshan here is the essential Vrindavan experience. So Banke Bihari is special above all for its intimate, loving worship. Come early to avoid the intense crush. We present the revelation of the deity as the cherished tradition of Braj.

Question 10

What is Prem Mandir?

Accepted Answer

Prem Mandir, the temple of divine love, is a vast white marble temple of Radha Krishna and Sita Ram in Vrindavan, built by Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj and opened in 2012, dazzling by day for its intricate carving and beautiful in the evening when it is lit up and its fountains play, with gardens and dioramas of Krishna's leelas. A favourite of families and first-timers, it is one of the most popular temples in Vrindavan. So Prem Mandir is a highlight, especially in the evening for the illumination. Darshan is free; allow an hour or more. It is a modern temple of great beauty.

Question 11

What is ISKCON Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

ISKCON Vrindavan, the Krishna Balaram Mandir in Raman Reti, is a beautiful, welcoming temple of Krishna and Balaram, built by Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, full of kirtan and devotion, with his samadhi and the well-loved Govinda's dining serving satvik meals. Clean, organised and friendly to first-timers and foreign visitors, it is a major temple of Vrindavan. So ISKCON is a lovely and accessible temple, especially for the kirtan and atmosphere. It is a highlight for many, particularly those new to Braj. Darshan is free; the dining and shop are a pleasant addition to a visit.

Question 12

What is the Priyakant Ju temple?

Accepted Answer

The Priyakant Ju temple is one of the most beautiful of Vrindavan's newer temples, its central building shaped like a magnificent lotus rising from a pond of water, dedicated to Radha and Krishna, worshipped together as Priyakant Ju. It is especially lovely in the evening, when the whole complex is lit up. So the Priyakant Ju temple is a striking and beautiful modern temple, worth visiting for its unusual lotus architecture, especially at dusk. So add the lotus temple of Priyakant Ju to a Vrindavan visit for its beauty, one of the loveliest of the town's newer temples of Radha and Krishna.

Question 13

What is the Chandrodaya Mandir?

Accepted Answer

The Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir is a towering temple under construction by ISKCON, planned to be one of the tallest temples in the world, a vast modern structure with gardens recreating the forests of Braj. When complete, it will be a landmark of Vrindavan. So the Chandrodaya Mandir is a notable, ambitious modern temple project, of interest for its scale and vision, though still under construction. So look out for the Chandrodaya Mandir, set to be among the tallest temples in the world, a striking new addition to the town of temples, rising on the edge of Vrindavan.

Question 14

Is Prem Mandir or Banke Bihari better to visit?

Accepted Answer

Both are essential and quite different: Banke Bihari is the most beloved and spiritually central temple, of intimate, lively darshan and great crowds, the heart of devotional Vrindavan; Prem Mandir is a grand, beautiful modern marble temple, spacious and dazzling, especially lit up at dusk, a favourite of families and first-timers. So see both: Banke Bihari for the essential devotion, Prem Mandir for the grandeur and beauty. They complement each other. If you must choose for a very short visit, Banke Bihari is the more spiritually central, but Prem Mandir is the more visually spectacular. Both are highlights of Vrindavan.

Question 15

When is Banke Bihari temple least crowded?

Accepted Answer

Banke Bihari is least crowded early in the morning, soon after it opens, on a weekday, outside the festival seasons; the temple is far calmer then than in the evenings, on weekends and at festivals like Holi and Janmashtami, when the crush can be intense and even unsafe. So come early on a weekday for a peaceful darshan. Guard your belongings in any crowd and follow the temple staff. So plan Banke Bihari for early in the day and keep festival visits for when you are ready for the crowds and have planned for safety. Its calm early mornings are the best time.

Question 16

What is the timing of Vrindavan temples?

Accepted Answer

The temples of Vrindavan generally open early in the morning and close for a few hours through the middle of the day, reopening in the later afternoon and evening, following the daily service of the deities; the exact hours vary by temple and season and shift between summer and winter. So plan darshan for the morning and the evening, around the midday closure and confirm the hours of a particular temple locally if it matters. This is why an early start is so useful in Vrindavan. So work your temple visits around the morning-and-evening pattern for the best experience.

Question 17

What are the ancient Goswami temples of Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

The ancient Goswami temples are the historic temples founded in the sixteenth century by the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, the great disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who recovered the sacred sites of the town: Radha Raman, Govind Dev, Madan Mohan, Radha Damodar, Gopinath, Radha Shyamsundar and Radha Gokulananda, with Radha Vallabh of the Radhavallabh tradition. They are the deep, historic heart of Vrindavan's devotion, quieter than the famous modern temples. So these ancient temples give a profound, historic experience. We present their deities and histories as the tradition of Braj holds them, cherished by devotees of the Gaudiya tradition.

Question 18

What is the Radha Raman temple?

Accepted Answer

The Radha Raman temple is one of the most revered ancient temples of Vrindavan, of the deity Radha Raman, self-manifested, by the tradition, from a shaligram shila for the Goswami Gopala Bhatta, whose samadhi stands beside the appearance place. Radha Raman means the one who gives pleasure to Radha. Beautifully and lovingly served and never having left Vrindavan, it is deeply cherished. So the Radha Raman temple is a profound and beautiful ancient temple, one of the seven of the Thakurs. We present the self-manifestation of the deity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith.

Question 19

What is the Govind Dev temple?

Accepted Answer

The Govind Dev or Govindaji, temple is a grand ancient temple of Vrindavan, built of red sandstone in the sixteenth century for the Goswami Rupa Goswami, once a magnificent seven-storey structure, one of the finest temples of its age; its upper storeys were later damaged. The original deity of Govind Dev is now worshipped at Jaipur, having been moved for safety in troubled times. So the Govind Dev temple is a majestic historic temple, notable for its architecture and history. We present its deity and history as the tradition of Braj holds them, one of the seven temples of the Thakurs of Vrindavan.

Question 20

Which is the oldest temple in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

The Madan Mohan temple, on the Aditya Tila hill by the Yamuna, is generally regarded as the oldest temple of Vrindavan, associated with the Goswami Sanatana Goswami in the sixteenth century; the original deity of Madan Mohan is now worshipped at Karauli in Rajasthan, moved for safety. So Madan Mohan, on its hill, is the oldest of Vrindavan's temples, historic and revered, offering fine views over the town and river. So visit the Madan Mohan temple for the oldest and one of the most historic of Vrindavan's temples. We present its deity and history as the tradition of Braj holds them.

Question 21

What is the Radha Damodar temple?

Accepted Answer

The Radha Damodar temple is an ancient and beloved temple of Vrindavan, of the Goswami Jiva Goswami, holding a sacred Govardhan shila bearing, by the tradition, the footprints of Krishna, which pilgrims circumambulate in lieu of the Govardhan parikrama itself. It has the samadhis of great Goswamis and a deep devotional atmosphere. So the Radha Damodar temple is a profound ancient temple, especially dear to Gaudiya devotees, notable for its Govardhan shila. We present the sacred shila and its footprints as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith, one of the seven temples of the Thakurs.

Question 22

Why were the deities of some Vrindavan temples moved to Jaipur?

Accepted Answer

By the tradition and history, the original deities of several great Vrindavan temples, such as Govind Dev, Gopinath and Madan Mohan, were moved to Rajasthan, to Jaipur and Karauli, for safety during troubled times for the temples of Braj and are worshipped there to this day, while the Vrindavan temples continue their service, often with replica deities. So the moving of the deities was to protect them, a chapter of Braj's history. We present it as the tradition and record of the temples hold it, part of the story of the ancient Goswami temples of Vrindavan, honouring the devotion that preserved the deities.

Question 23

What is the Gopinath temple in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

The Gopinath temple is one of the oldest and most revered ancient temples of Vrindavan, of Radha and Krishna, associated with the Goswami Madhu Pandit, with the samadhi of Madhu Pandit in its premises; the deity Radha Gopinath, by the tradition, appeared at Vamshi Vat. The original deity is now worshipped at Jaipur. So the Gopinath temple is a profound ancient temple, one of the seven of the Thakurs of Vrindavan. We present its deity and history as the tradition of Braj holds them, cherished by the devotees of the Gaudiya tradition of the town of temples.

Question 24

What is the Radha Gokulananda temple?

Accepted Answer

The Radha Gokulananda temple, between Keshi Ghat and the Radha Raman temple, is an ancient Goswami temple of the Goswami Lokanath Goswami, holding the deities of Radha Vinoda, Radha Gokulananda and Lord Chaitanya and the samadhis of great saints including Lokanath and Narottama Das. Modest in structure but deep in devotion, it is one of the seven temples of the Thakurs. So the Radha Gokulananda temple is a profound, historic temple, cherished by Gaudiya devotees. We present its deities and saints as the tradition of Braj holds them, part of the ancient devotional heart of Vrindavan.

Question 25

Are the ancient temples worth visiting over the famous ones?

Accepted Answer

Both are worth visiting, for different reasons: the famous temples, Banke Bihari, Prem Mandir and ISKCON, offer the grandest and most beloved darshan and the great crowds; the ancient Goswami temples, Radha Raman, Govind Dev, Madan Mohan and the rest, offer a quieter, deeper, more historic devotion, the profound soul of Gaudiya Vrindavan. So see both, the famous for the beloved darshan, the ancient for the historic depth. For those drawn to history and deeper devotion, the ancient temples are unmissable and less crowded. So do not skip the ancient temples for the famous ones; both are treasures of Vrindavan.

Question 26

What is the Rangji temple in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

The Rangji temple or Sri Ranganatha temple, is a grand temple of Vrindavan built in the South Indian Dravidian style, dedicated to Lord Ranganath, a reclining form of Vishnu, with his consort; the largest temple in the town, it has a tall gopuram gateway, spacious courtyards, a golden pillar and a water tank, a striking contrast to Vrindavan's Krishna temples. So Rangji is a notable and impressive temple, especially for its distinctive South Indian architecture and its grand festivals. So add the Rangji temple to a Vrindavan visit for its grand and unusual beauty, one of the largest and most spectacular temples of the town.

Question 27

What is the Shahji temple?

Accepted Answer

The Shahji temple is an ornate and beautiful temple of Vrindavan, built in 1876 by Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow, of the deity Chhote Radha Raman, famous for its twelve spiral marble columns, each some fifteen feet tall and the Basanti Kamra, a hall with Belgian glass chandeliers and fine paintings. Its distinctive architecture sets it apart. So the Shahji temple is a striking and elegant temple, worth visiting for its unusual spiral columns and ornate hall. So add the Shahji temple to a Vrindavan visit for its beauty and craftsmanship, one of the most architecturally distinctive temples of the town.

Question 28

What is the Gopeshwar Mahadev temple?

Accepted Answer

Gopeshwar Mahadev is one of the oldest temples of Vrindavan, near the Yamuna, dedicated to Shiva as Gopeshwar, established, by the tradition, by Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Krishna; it is one of the few Shiva temples in this town of Krishna. By the tradition, Shiva is worshipped here in the loving mood of a sakhi, a companion of the leelas of Radha and Krishna. So the Gopeshwar Mahadev temple is an ancient and significant Shiva temple, unusual and revered. We present the leela of its worship as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith. It is especially visited in the month of Shravan.

Question 29

What is the Katyayani Peeth temple?

Accepted Answer

The Katyayani Peeth, also called the Uma Shakti Peeth, is a revered goddess temple of Vrindavan, one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths of the land, where, by the tradition, a part of the goddess Sati fell; it is dedicated to the goddess Katyayani, especially revered at Navratri and Vijaya Dashami. So the Katyayani Peeth is an important goddess temple, a Shakti Peeth, unusual in this town of Krishna and a must for those who worship the Goddess. So add the Katyayani Peeth to a Vrindavan visit, especially at Navratri. We present its significance as a Shakti Peeth as the tradition holds it.

Question 30

Is Nidhivan a temple?

Accepted Answer

Nidhivan is chiefly a sacred grove, of Swami Haridas, revered as a place where, by the tradition, Krishna and Radha hold the raas each night, but it also holds a shrine, the Rang Mahal and the deity, within its premises, so it is both grove and temple. It is one of the most atmospheric and mysterious sacred sites of Vrindavan. So Nidhivan is a sacred grove with a shrine, well worth visiting for its mystery and devotion. We present the nightly raas and the mysteries as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith, recounted with reverence rather than as documented fact.

Question 31

What is the Radha Vallabh temple?

Accepted Answer

The Radha Vallabh temple is the chief temple of the Radhavallabh sampradaya, founded by Hita Harivansh in the sixteenth century, devoted to the sweet ras-bhakti, the loving devotion, of Radha and Krishna; famously, it has no separate deity of Radha, her presence marked instead by a crown placed beside Krishna. It is one of the revered temples of Vrindavan, counted by some among the seven. So the Radha Vallabh temple is a beautiful and significant temple of a distinct tradition. We present its worship and its tradition as the sampradaya holds them, with respect, one of the beloved temples of the town.

Question 32

What is the Jaipur temple in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

The Jaipur temple is an opulent temple of Vrindavan, built by a Maharaja of Jaipur, famous for its striking architecture, much of it carved from sandstone with intricate craftsmanship, a huge altar and delicate patterns; it is a beautiful and much-visited temple. So the Jaipur temple is a notable, ornate temple, worth visiting for its fine architecture and carving. So add the Jaipur temple to a Vrindavan visit for its opulent beauty, one of the architecturally striking temples of the town, popular with pilgrims and lovers of temple art alike.

Question 33

Are there Shiva and goddess temples in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

Yes; though Vrindavan is above all a town of Krishna and Radha, it holds important temples of Shiva and the Goddess: the ancient Gopeshwar Mahadev, of Shiva established, by the tradition, by Krishna's great-grandson; other Shiva shrines that guard the town; and the Katyayani Peeth, a Shakti Peeth of the goddess, especially revered at Navratri. So Vrindavan has significant Shiva and goddess temples amid its Krishna temples. So do not miss Gopeshwar Mahadev and Katyayani Peeth for a fuller picture of the town's temples. We present their traditions as the belief of Braj holds them.

Question 34

What are the general timings of Vrindavan temples?

Accepted Answer

Vrindavan's temples generally open early in the morning and close for a few hours through the middle of the day, reopening in the later afternoon and evening, following the service of the deities; the exact hours vary by temple and season. So plan darshan for the morning and the evening, around the midday closure. This is why an early start is so useful. Confirm a particular temple's hours locally if it matters. So work your temple visits around the morning-and-evening pattern and enjoy the temples at their calmest and most beautiful in the early morning.

Question 35

What is the etiquette for visiting Vrindavan temples?

Accepted Answer

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees; remove your footwear before entering, using the shoe stands; keep silence or a soft voice and move reverently; do not photograph the deities where it is not permitted; keep any offering voluntary, being wary of donation pressure; and guard your belongings and glasses from the monkeys. So visit the temples with reverence and a little care. This respect honours the deities and the devotion of the town. So follow these simple customs and the temples of Vrindavan will reward you with a rich and peaceful darshan, in the true spirit of the sacred town.

Question 36

Can I take photos in Vrindavan temples?

Accepted Answer

Photography rules vary by temple: some allow it in the courtyards but not of the deities and some, like Banke Bihari, restrict it, especially of the deity; the mysterious Nidhivan and some ashrams discourage it. So always look for signs and ask and do not photograph the deities or interiors where it is not permitted, respecting the temple's wishes. So be cautious and respectful with photography in the temples, refraining where it is not welcome. This respect honours the sanctity of the temples and the devotion of the town. When in doubt, put the camera away and simply take darshan.

Question 37

Do Vrindavan temples close in the afternoon?

Accepted Answer

Yes; like most temples of Braj, the temples of Vrindavan close for a few hours through the middle of the day, opening in the morning and again in the evening, following the deities' rest and service. So a midday visit may find them closed for darshan. Plan your temple visits for the morning and evening darshan hours. The exact times vary by temple. So plan around the midday closure, as at all the temples of Braj and use the middle of the day for lunch, rest or the bazaars. This is why an early start is so useful in Vrindavan.

Question 38

Are Vrindavan temples crowded?

Accepted Answer

Some are, some are not: the famous temples, above all Banke Bihari and the grand Prem Mandir and ISKCON, draw great crowds, especially in the evenings, on weekends and at festivals; the ancient Goswami temples and the smaller temples are usually much quieter and more peaceful. So expect crowds at the famous temples, best avoided by coming early and calm at the ancient ones. So mix the famous and the quiet temples for a balanced visit and come early to the popular ones. At festivals like Holi and Janmashtami, all are extremely crowded, so plan for safety.

Question 39

Is there a dress code for Vrindavan temples?

Accepted Answer

There is no strict enforced dress code at most Vrindavan temples, but modest dress is expected and respectful: cover your shoulders and knees and avoid tight, revealing or flashy clothing, in keeping with the sanctity of the temples. Traditional Indian attire is always suitable. So dress modestly and simply for the temples, out of respect for the deities and the devotion of the town. So come in modest clothing, be ready to remove your footwear and you will be welcome at the temples of Vrindavan. This respect honours the sacred character of the town of temples.

Question 40

How do I plan a temple tour of Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

Plan a temple tour by choosing a handful of temples by your interest, rather than trying to see all of Vrindavan's thousands: for a first visit, Banke Bihari, Prem Mandir and ISKCON; for the historic, the ancient Goswami temples; for the grand and varied, Rangji, Shahji, Gopeshwar and Nidhivan. Group them by area to save walking and see them in the morning and evening around the midday closure. So plan by grouping and choosing, at a gentle pace. A local guide or tour helps with the routing, timing and stories. So see the temples unhurried for the richest experience.

Question 41

How many temples can I see in one day in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

In one day, at an unhurried, reverent pace, you can comfortably see perhaps five to eight of the main temples of Vrindavan, grouping them by area, with time for darshan, walking the lanes and the midday closure. Trying to see many more leaves no time to take darshan properly. So plan for a handful of temples a day, chosen and grouped, rather than a rushed dash through dozens. So over two days you can see the essential famous, ancient and grand temples of Vrindavan well. A local guide helps you make the most of the day. Quality of darshan matters more than quantity.

Question 42

How many days do I need to see the temples of Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

One day lets you see the essential famous temples, Banke Bihari, Prem Mandir and ISKCON, with a grove or ghat; two days let you add the ancient Goswami temples and the grand ones, at a gentler pace; and three or more days let you go deeper and add Mathura and the Braj towns. So two days is a comfortable time for the temples of Vrindavan and more for the wider Braj. So plan two days for a fuller temple tour of the town or one for the highlights. Our itinerary and tour guides set out the plans. Choose a handful and take darshan unhurried.

Question 43

Should I take a guide for the Vrindavan temples?

Accepted Answer

A guide or a planned tour helps greatly for the Vrindavan temples, handling the routing through the crowded old-town lanes, the timing around the midday closure, and, above all, the stories of the deities, the Goswamis and the traditions, which are much of the meaning of the temples. It is especially useful for first-timers and those short on time. For independent travellers, the town is navigable with a good plan. But for a rich, understanding temple tour, a guide is a great help. We offer guided Vrindavan temple tours covering the beloved, ancient and grand temples.

Question 44

What is the difference between the temples of Vrindavan and Mathura?

Accepted Answer

Both towns are full of temples, but they differ in character: Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna, centres on the Krishna Janmabhoomi, the Dwarkadhish temple and the Yamuna ghats, an ancient city with a great museum; Vrindavan, the town of his pastimes, is a denser maze of thousands of temples of Radha and Krishna, from Banke Bihari and Prem Mandir to the ancient Goswami temples. So Vrindavan has more temples and a more intense temple-town character, while Mathura is a historic city. See both, only 13 km apart. Our Temples of Mathura guide covers the Mathura temples.

Question 45

Which temples are near each other in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

Many of the ancient temples, Radha Raman, Radha Gokulananda, Gopinath and the old-town temples, are close together in the old-town core near the Yamuna, walkable on foot; Banke Bihari is in the heart of the old town amid the bazaars; ISKCON and the Chandrodaya Mandir are together on the Raman Reti side; and Prem Mandir and Rangji are on the edge of the town. So group the old-town temples together on foot and the outer temples by rickshaw, to save walking. So plan your route by these clusters, seeing the nearby temples together, for an efficient and gentle temple tour of Vrindavan.

Question 46

How do I reach the temples of Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

Reach Vrindavan first, about 13 km from Mathura, 150 km from Delhi (3 to 4 hours by the Yamuna Expressway) and 55 to 60 km from Agra, by road or by train to Mathura Junction; then tour the temples within the town by cycle-rickshaw, e-rickshaw and on foot in the old-town lanes, where many temples are close together and vehicles cannot easily go. The nearest airports are Agra and Delhi. So reach Vrindavan, then get around the temples by rickshaw and on foot. A local guide or tour makes the temple tour easy. Our how-to-reach guide covers arriving in full.

Question 47

How do I get around the temples in Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

Get around the temples of Vrindavan mainly by cycle-rickshaw, e-rickshaw and auto and on foot in the old-town lanes, where many temples are clustered close together and vehicles cannot easily enter. Agree fares in advance. For the outer temples like ISKCON and Prem Mandir, take a rickshaw or car. So getting around the temples is easy and cheap by rickshaw and on foot. Our commuting guide covers getting around. A word of honesty: the old-town lanes are narrow and crowded, so be ready to walk between the clustered temples, which is often the quickest way.

Question 48

Are Vrindavan temples accessible for elderly pilgrims?

Accepted Answer

Many are manageable, though the old-town lanes, temple crowds, the crush at Banke Bihari and the climb to Madan Mohan on its hill need an easy pace and help for elderly pilgrims; the grand modern temples like Prem Mandir and ISKCON are more spacious and accessible. So with comfortable transport, an unhurried plan and help where needed, a temple tour is rewarding for older pilgrims, choosing the more accessible temples. Our guide to visiting with elderly parents covers making the trip comfortable. So the temples are accessible for elderly pilgrims with sensible planning and care, focusing on the easier temples.

Question 49

When is the best time to visit the temples of Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

The best time is the cool season, roughly October to March, comfortable for walking between the temples and within the day the early morning, when the temples are calm and beautiful, before the crowds and the midday closure. The festivals, Holi, Janmashtami, Radhashtami and Kartik, are spectacular at the temples but extremely crowded. So come in the cool season, early in the morning, for the best temple-going and time a festival if you wish, ready for the crowds. Our best-time guide covers the seasons. So plan for October to March and early mornings for the finest temple visits.

Question 50

Can you arrange a temple tour of Vrindavan?

Accepted Answer

Yes; we arrange Vrindavan temple tours covering the beloved temples like Banke Bihari, the grand Prem Mandir and ISKCON, the ancient Goswami temples like Radha Raman and Govind Dev and the grand Rangji and Shahji, with the transport, the routing through the old-town lanes, the timing around the midday closure and a knowledgeable local guide to bring the deities, the Goswamis and their leelas alive. A shared day tour starts from around ₹1,499 per person, with darshan free throughout. Message us on WhatsApp at +91-7302265809 with your dates to plan your temple tour of Vrindavan, the town of temples.

Most beloved	The Banke Bihari temple
Grandest modern	Prem Mandir and ISKCON
The ancient seven	The Goswami temples, the Sapta Devalaya
Oldest	Madan Mohan, on its hill
Self-manifested	The deity of Radha Raman
Darshan	Free everywhere in Vrindavan

Temple	Summer Morning	Summer Evening	Winter Morning	Winter Evening	Key Note
Banke Bihari Temple	07:45 AM - 12:00 PM	05:30 PM - 09:30 PM	08:45 AM - 01:00 PM	04:30 PM - 08:30 PM	Curtain shifts every 30-45 sec; no phones inside
Prem Mandir	07:30 AM - 12:00 PM	04:30 PM - 08:30 PM	08:30 AM - 12:00 PM	04:30 PM - 08:00 PM	Musical Fountain: 7:30 PM summer / 7:00 PM winter
ISKCON Krishna Balram	04:10 AM - 12:45 PM	04:30 PM - 08:30 PM	04:10 AM - 12:45 PM	04:30 PM - 08:30 PM	Mangala Aarti at 05:00 AM daily
Radha Raman Temple	05:00 AM - 12:30 PM	06:00 PM - 09:00 PM	05:30 AM - 12:30 PM	06:00 PM - 09:00 PM	Self-manifested Shaligram deity; 1542 CE
Sri Rangji Mandir	05:30 AM - 10:30 AM	04:00 PM - 09:00 PM	06:00 AM - 11:00 AM	04:00 PM - 09:00 PM	South Indian architecture; gold pillar
Nidhivan Temple	05:00 AM - 08:00 PM	Closed after sunset	06:00 AM - 07:00 PM	Closed after sunset	No entry after evening aarti strictly enforced
Krishna Janmasthan	05:00 AM - 12:00 PM	04:00 PM - 09:30 PM	05:30 AM - 12:00 PM	03:00 PM - 08:30 PM	Photo ID required; no cameras/phones in sanctum
Dwarkadhish Temple	06:30 AM - 10:30 AM	04:00 PM - 07:00 PM	06:30 AM - 10:30 AM	03:30 PM - 06:00 PM	Near ghats; early evening close plan morning
Gita Mandir	05:00 AM - 12:00 PM	02:00 PM - 09:00 PM	05:30 AM - 12:00 PM	02:00 PM - 08:30 PM	700 Gita shlokas carved on pillars
Vishram Ghat Aarti	Open 24 hrs	Aarti: 06:45 PM	Open 24 hrs	Aarti: 06:45 PM	Fixed timing year-round; arrive 6:30 PM

Temples in Vrindavan: The Complete Guide to the Town of Temples

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Temples in Vrindavan: an overview

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Radha Vallabh and the sampradaya temples

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