Govind Dev Temple Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, the idyllic city of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh is one of the most important pilgrim centers for the Hindus. Supposedly Lord Krishna spent the best moments of his life with his gopis and Radha here. A number of temples, big and small, elaborate and non descript abounds the city. It is located 90 kilometers from Delhi and only 15 kilometers from Mathura. During Janmashthami, and Holi the city is seen at its best and attracts a large number of tourists. Generally Mathura and Vrindavan are covered together. While in Vrindavan you can avail the different Dharamshalas and guest houses that offer you good accommodation at a reasonable rate. If you are going on a temple expedition in the city doesn’t miss out on Govind Dev Temple, Vrindavan which is considered to be one of the finest specimens of temples in North India.
About Govind Dev Temple Vrindavan :
Govind Dev Ji temple is located within the City Palace complex. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Raja Sawai Jai Singh II brought the image of the main deity from Vrindavan. According to a popular legend, Lord Krishna s image in the temple reflects the exact form of Lord Krishna s during his incarnation on Earth. Lord Govind Dev Ji is considered as the Thakur of Jaipur. The image of the main deity belonged to Srila Rupa Goswami, a disciple of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. After Vrindavan, Govind Dev Ji temple is the most revered place of worship for Vaishnavites, in specific to the followers of Lord Krishna.
The main deity is unveiled for Darshan or viewing seven times a day after elaborate rituals of offering Aartis and Bhog . Janmashtami, birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great pomp and show with thousands of devotees visiting the temple.
History of Govind Dev Temple, Vrindavan:
Govind Dev Temple is one of the most sought after Holy Places in Vrindavan. The temple is a specimen of advanced archeology. It was constructed in 1590 by Raja Man Singh of Amber. It was sacked during the Mughal era by Aurangzeb who in one of his demolition spree destroyed the upper four floors. Now the temple lies empty and without any embellishment as such.
Architecture of Govind Dev Temple, Vrindavan:
It was built in 1890, the Govind Devji Temple, Jaipur is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It attracts devotes of Lord Krishna not only from all the corners of India but of the world as well. The seven-storied structure was built in the form of Greek cross at an enormous cost of one crore rupees. Located in the City Palacecomplex this place is a must go for the visitors. The temple room is quite huge and airy. The finely carved floral patterns on the walls, washed in what else but pink with sunrays filtering in from small dents in the roof was accentuating the fascinating beauty of the temple.
Attractions of Vrindavan :
Pagal Baba Temple : Pagal Baba Temple is an important temple of modern architecture. Founded by Late Pagal Baba, this shiny white temple has eleven stories. The main attractions are the puppets exhibited in the ground floor of temple. Some of them are automated and depict scenes from Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Bankey Bihari Temple : Bankey Bihari is the One of the most popular and lively temples in Vrindavan. It houses a sacred image of Krishna known as Thakur Ji, which shows Krishna embodied in almost black color.
Govind Dev Temple : Govind Dev temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple has a notable alter of marble and silver. The ceiling of the main hall is decorated with a sculptured lotus which weighing over several ton.
ISKON Temple : ISKON Temple is one of the most impressive temples in India having worldwide movement with followers from many different ethnic backgrounds. Its marble buildings almost glow with a light of their own and there is evidence of intricate carving.
Other Temples : Madan Mohan Temple, Banke-Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Jaipur Temple, Shahji Temple, Rangaji Temple, Govind Deo (Govindaji) Temple, Shri Krishna-Balram Temple, Seva Kunj, Sriji Temple, Jugal Kishore Temple, Kesi Ghat, Lal Babu Temple, Raj Ghat, Meera-Bai Temple, Imli Tal, Kaliya Ghat, Raman Reti, Varaha Ghat and Chira Ghat.
Shopping in Vrindavan :
As it is basically a pilgrimage town, the local market offers lots of ritual and religious items to the pilgrims. Several items such as brass statues, rosary beads and utensils are mainly sold at Chatta Bazaar, Bengali Ghats and Chowk. Loi Bazaar is a treasure trove for those wanting to drool at antiques and wooden works from this region. Vrindavan is famous for its marble work so here you get marble and alabaster products. Some objects embedded with synthetic gems and semi-precious stones are also available here. Khadi Bhavan in Vrindavan offers you a wide range of Khadi fabrics and dress materials.
Location: In City Palace Complex
Built by: 18th Century by Raja Sawai Jai Singh
Established In: 1890 by Raja Man Singh
Dedicated to: Govind Dev Ji (Lord Krishna)
How to reach: One can easily reach Govind Dev Ji Temple from the city by taking local Buses, Rickshaws and Taxis
