Location : Uttar Pradesh
Tourist Attractions : Rangaji Temple, ISKCON Temple,
Banke Bihari Temple
Local Tongue : Hindi
STD Code : (91) - 565
Best time to Visit : October to March
About Vrindavan
The sacred Hindu city of Vrindavan lies in the north Indian state of Uttar
Pradesh along the banks of river Yamuna. The town is considered especially
holy as it is the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days before
moving on to establish his capital in Dwarka. Numerous temples spread across
the city and the holy Yamuna river attract hundreds of devotees every day to
this sacred destination. A typical day at Vrindavan starts early with
devotees pouring in from all parts to offer their prayers at the temples or
having a purifying bath in the Yamuna. The gates of the temples are closed
during the noon before being opened again in the evening.
Climate & Best time to Visit
Like other north Indian cities, Vrindavan experiences an extreme type of
climate with hot and humid summers and cold winters. The temperature during
the peak summer months can often shoot to around 45 degrees celcius while
dropping below 10 degrees during winters. The best time to visit the place
are the months from October to March.
Important
Temples in Vrindavan
Rangaji Temple
Built in 1964, the beautiful temple is a concoction of several
architectural styles with its huge gate built in a Rajput style, the gopuram
carrying a south Indian flavour and an Italian colonnade. The electronic
puppet shows near the entrance narrate the story of the Hindu epics of
Ramayana and Mahabharata while its interiors are adorned with colorful
murals of gods and goddesses.
Banke Bihari Temple
The most famous temple in Vrindavan, the Banke Bihari Temple was
established by Swami Haridas who discovered an idol of Lord Banke Bihari in
the nearby Nidhivana. The idol was moved to its present spot and a temple
built around it in the year 1864. The uniqueness of the temple lies in the
fact that the curtain covering the deity is not always left open like other
temples, but pulled open after every few minutes, giving the devotees a much
awaited glance of the lord.
ISKCON Temple
The most beautiful temple in Vrindavan the ISKCON (International Society
for Krishna Consciousness) was built in 1966 under the patronage of
Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada. The society has since come a long way and today runs a
chain of temples, religious centres and schools across the world. The aim of
the society is to promote the teachings and ideologies of Lord Krishna.
Krishna Balarama Temple
The huge temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his elder brother
Balarama. Just outside the temple is the grave of Swami Prabhupada (the
founder of ISKCON) who was laid to rest here after he passed for his
heavenly abode.
Other Attractions in Vrindavan
Yamuna River
One of the holiest rivers in India, the Yamuna and its banks are especially
considered holy, being the place where Lord Krishna spent most of the days
of his life. A number of temples and ashrams are located along the banks of
the river. It is believed that a bath in the river is a sure way to
salvation.
Kesari Ghat
Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, Kesari Ghat is the place where demon
Kesi was killed by Lord Krishna. Numerous devotees can be seen worshipping
and having a bath here. The arti performed here every evening is attended by
hundreds of devotees.
Stay At
Vrindavan has a number of quality accommodation facilities including
dharamshalas where accommodation and food is available for low prices. Some
of the better staying options at Vrindavan include the Maheswari Ashram
(situated at just a 10 minutes walk from the ISKCON temple), Santi Ashram
(located behind the ISKCON temple), Denuka (located adjacent to the ISKCON
temple), Fogal Ashram (located 2 km from ISKCON temple towards downtown),
Chintamani Kunj (located 10 minutes away from the ISKCON temple) and
Chitrakut Dham (located 0.5 km from the ISKCON temple).
Getting
There
By Air : The nearest airport is located at Agra, though
not many direct flights operate to and from here. The nearest international
airport is located at Delhi which is well connected to all the major Indian
and international cities through regular flights. Buses and taxis are easily
available to reach Vrindavan from both Delhi and Agra.
By Rail : The railway station at Vrindavan connects it
to all the major Indian cities through a number of direct and indirect
trains.
By Road : Vrindavan is situated a little off the
Delhi-Agra highway which is well maintained and an ideal way to access the
place. State transport buses operate regularly between Delhi-Vrindavan and
Agra-Vrindavan. Another option is to hire a private taxi.
Distance from Major Cities
- Delhi : 141 Km
- Mathura : 10 Km
- Agra : 50 Km
- Faridabad : 109 Km
- Gurgaon : 127 Km
