Govinda Deva Temple

Overview

This temple is one of the most visited holy places in Vrindavan due to its unique architecture. It was constructed by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur in 1590, costing ten million rupees. During the time of King Aurangzeb, it was plundered in 1670 and now only a three storied building remains.

About the Temple

The architecture is different from conventional temples. It is on a raised pedestal and the devotee has to climb stairs to reach the hall. Once upon a time, it was a magnificent seven storied building. The temple has a unique altar made up of marble and silver.

The ceiling of the hall is adorned by a sculptured lotus flower which weighs tonnes. The temple is adorned with flowers during the festivals of Janmashtami and Holi. It is said that Emperor Akbar donated red sandstone for the construction of this temple. The temple has western, Hindu and Muslim architectural elements.

About the Deity

The main deity is Govind Dev (Lord Krishna).

History of the Temple

This temple, the first to be built in Vrindavan, was built by Srila Sanathana Goswami. The deity was established by Srila Rupa Goswami. He was ordered by Lord Chaitanya to excavate Vrindavan. Vajranaba, Lord Krishna's grandson, installed a number of important gods in Vrindavan, five thousand years earlier. Govind Dev is one of them. Rupa Goswami searched all over Vrindavan to locate Yogapith, the resting place of Govind Dev, but the deity could not be found. Rupa Goswami came and sat by the bank of river Yamuna and began calling Lord Chaitanya saying "Ha Chaitanya Ha Chaaitanya" (oh Chaitanaya). Suddenly, Lord Krishna appeared in the guise of a beautiful brajvasi boy and informed Rupa Goswami about a cow that came every day to a nearby hillock, and emptied its milk in to a hole. He asked Rupa Goswami to accompany him to the place. Rupa Goswami followed the boy and upon reaching the spot, the boy disappeared. After looking inside the hole, Rupa Goswami fell unconscious. When he recovered, he called the locals who excavated the place and found Lord Govind Dev.

Lord Govind Dev and all the important gods of Vrindavan had been moved to safe places. Because the soldiers of Aurangzeb plundered the main temple, it is believed that worship cannot continue. Therefore, this temple was constructed behind the original temple and it contains a replica of the main deities, Radha and Govinda. The originals were brought to Jaipur.

Festivals

• Janmashtami (Birthday of Lord Krishna)
• Radhaashtami (Appearance day of Radha Rani)
• Holi
• Goverdhana Pujaa
• Guru Purnimaa

Accessibility

Airport

Vrindavan does not have an airport. Nearest airport is the Kheria Airport.

Railways

Vrindavan has a railway station but not all the trains stop here. Closest railway station is Mathura which is about 14 Km away.

Road

State buses connect Vrindavan with other cities like Mathura, Agra and Haridwar. There are also direct buses from Delhi to Vrindavan. Most of the buses go to Mathura every half an hour. Vrindavan is just 10 Kms from Mathura.

Temple Address