Monday, January 17, 2011

Temples in Mathura Vrindavan


Jai Shri Krishna

The famous city of Uttar Pradesh, India, Mathura, is an abode of much revered shrines. The temple tour in Mahura is surely to fill one with spirituality and harmony. The beautiful temples are not only haven for the pilgrims but have a long trail of history associated with them. The Padma Purana also maintains that by residing one day in Mathura, devotees can attain Hari bhakti. Mathura is called the land of Lord Krishna. Here Lord Krishna was born and brought up. The popular sites of Mathura are:

Krishna Janambhumi: Krishna Janambhumi means the place where Lord Krishna was born. It is said that Krishna, son of Vasudeva and Devaki, was born in a prison where his parents were imprisoned by his maternal uncle Kansa. Today many devotees come to see the birth place of Krishna, the garbh griha, the sanctum sanctorum.

Dwarkadish Temple: Built in 1814, this temple is a famous site among tourists coming to the town. Managed by the followers of Vallabhacarya, the temple is architecturally remarkable. Entering the temple you climb a couple of steps and you have holy darshan of Lord Krishna. Look up at the ceilings and you will find some fabulous paintings. The sacred river Yamuna is flowing close to the temple, so one can easily go to the ghats also.

Radharaman Temple: This popular temple of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, is dedicated to Radharamana, one of the names of Lord Lord Krishna, Radharaman means “one who renders happiness to Radha”. The deity of the temple immersed on it self from saligram-sila and there by the seva puja of it began in 1542. Devotees coming to the temple will find Lord Chaitanya's belongings like wooden sitting place (chowki), shawl (chaddar) etc. These things Lord Chaitanya gifted to Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. The interesting feature of the temple is the absence of Radharani idol, but a crown is kept next to Krishna's image to denote Her presence.

Rangji Temple: An affluent merchant family built this temple of Lord Vishnu in a typical south Indian style. Built in 1851, the temple is devoted to Lord Sri Ranganatha or Rangaji who is said to be a form of Lord Vishnu lying on the Sesa Naga (celestial serpent). The devotees will see a south Indian architecture here with South Indian gopuram (gateway) cuddled by high rising walls. Brahmotsava, the elaborate 10 days long rath yatra (car festival) is organized here during March – April.

Jugal Kishore Temple: Deemed as one of the oldest Vrindavan temple, it was completed in 1627. Locate close to Kesi Ghat, this temple was made by the Gaudya Vaisnavas, when they sought permission from Akbar and he allowed to build four temples of Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal Kisore and Madana-mohana.

A temple tour in Mathura Vrindavan will take us to many more shrines. Plan your next trip to Mathura soon and see you there. Till then “Radhe Radhe”.

No comments:

Post a Comment