 Vrindavan and Mathura are considered to be the holiest places in northern India. Both the places are closely connected with the life of Lord Krishna. Mathura is situated on the banks of river Yamuna and makes for a picturesque sight. The historians believe that Gopas shifted to this place due to the numerous calamities at Gokul. Vrindavan is considered to be the place where Lord Krishna spent his early childhood indulging in adolescent pranks with the gopis (milkmaids).
Major Tourist Attractions
Vrindavan has a number of temples, nearly 4,000 in number. The ancient temple in Vrindavan is Nidhiban. It was later named as Seva Kunjsaid and was built by local gosains. Being the temple city, ancient temples are the major attractions here for the tourists.
Bankey Bihari is one of the most ancient and pulsating temples of the Vrindavan. This temple hosts the full-blackened body of Lord Krishna known as Thakkur Ji. The main hall and sanctum sanctorum of the temple are marvelously ornamented with floral carvings.
The Govind Dev Temple is one of the most architecturally advanced temples in north India. Raja Man Singh built this massive red stone temple in 1590. According to the historians this temple originally had seven floors before it was reduced it to mere three floors during the reign of Auranzeb.
The Rangaji Temple was built in 1851 AD. This temple has a peculiar architectural mixture of Rajput-style, South Indian style and pinch of Italian-influenced colonnade. Major highlight of this magnificent temple is a 15-meter-high pillar purely made of gold.
The Krishna Connection
The entire place is dotted with temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha.
Apart from ancient temples, Vrindavan also hosts modern age temples. One of the most impressive of temples is the ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness). This temple comprises a group of buildings made by marbles having complex carvings on them. ISKCON Temple was built with funds from devotees residing outside India.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami built the renowned Radha Madana - Mohana Temple in Vrindavan. This temple is said to be the first temple established here, when Vrindavan was just a forestland. This temple symbolizes the epitome of love between Krishna and Radha. The Radha Vallabha Temple is entirely dedicated to the devotion of Radharani towards Lord Krishna. Harivamsa Gosvami built this temple. He started Radha Vallabha sect emphasizing devotion to Radharani. The Muslims destroyed this temple in 1670 and new temple was built beside the old one. Vrindavan is not only the land of temples but also the place of numerous festivals making this place more than worth visiting.
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