Vrindavan,
just 15 km from Mathura, is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for
its numerous temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness
and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is the wood where he frolicked
with the gopis and tenderly wooed Radha.
Vrindavan today, is noted for its numerous temples. The most important
are:
The Madan Mohan Temple located near the Kali Ghat which was built by
Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is the oldest existent temple in Vrindavan today.
The temple is closely associated with the saint Chaitanya. The original idol
of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for
safe keeping, during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, a replica of the image is worshipped
at the temple.
The Banke-Bihari Temple built in 1864 is the most popular shrine at Vrindavan.
The image of Banke-Bihari was discovered in Nidhi Vana by Swami Haridas, the
great Krishna devotee, belonging to the Nimbarka sect.
The famous Radha Vallabh Temple set up by the Radha - Vallabh sect, has
the crown of Radha-Rani placed next to the Shri Krishna idol in the sanctum.
The Jaipur Temple which was built by Sawai Madhav Singh, the Maharaja of
Jaipur in 1917, is a richly embellished and opulent temple. The fine hand -
carved sandstone is of unparalleled workmanship. The temple is dedicated to
Shri Radha Madhav.
The Shahji Temple, another popular temple at Vrindavan, was designed
and built in 1876 by a wealthy jeweller, Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow. The deities
at the temple are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman.
Noted for its magnificent architecture and beautiful marble sculpture, the temple
has twelve spiral columns each 15 feet high. The `Basanti Kamra' - the
darbar hall is famed for its Belgian glass chandeliers and fine paintings.