Prem Temple is one of the most beautiful temples of Lord Krishna and Radha, located in Vrindavan. Apart from exquisite architecture, all the spiritual ambiance makes this temple remarkable. This temple has acquired immense recognition for its marble structure that carves magnificent sculptures about the lives of Krishna and Radha. Carvings on the white Makrana marble structure of Prem Mandir depict various episodes of Lord Krishna’s life. A visit to Prem Mandir gives a unique experience and an opportunity to taste the divine love of Radha and Krishna.
Location
Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons
The Prem Mandir is located in the holy town of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India. It purportedly holds deep spiritual connections with the life of Lord Krishna and his divine pastimes. The temple is located around 10 km from Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and about 150 km from New Delhi. This beautiful temple was constructed by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, giving references to Radha Krishna and Sita Ram. It symbolises the love and devotion of the divine world.
How To Reach Prem Temple
Photo: Sultan Raimosan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Road: There are numerous bus routes that connect various towns to Prem Mandir Vrindavan. All buses stop at the Vrindavan bus station. Travellers can also reserve private taxis or automobiles for added luxury and convenience. Private vehicles can save time and ensure that you get to your location on schedule.
By Air: Vrindavan’s nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is roughly 150 kilometres away. Visitors can travel to Vrindavan via taxi or bus from the airport.
By Rail: Another easy option is to take a train to Mathura Junction, the closest railway station to Vrindavan. Visitors from Mathura can reach Prem Mandir by cab or local bus.
Places To Visit In And Around Prem Temple
There are multiple temples to visit around Prem Mandir which can be an add-on to your trip:
1. Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir
Photo: Sntshkumar750 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Krishna. This temple is one of the seven Thakur temples in Vrindavan, along with four other temples dedicated to Govind Dev Ji and Radha Valllabh Ji. Nidhivana was the first place of worship for Bankey Bihari Ji. Bihari means “supreme enjoyer,” while Bankey means “bent in three places.” The Tribhanga posture is assumed by the representation of Lord Krishna. This religious picture was initially admired by Haridas Swami as Kunj-Bihari, which means “Enjoyer of Lakes.”
Timings: 4:30 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Places: Nidhivan, ISKCON Temple
2. Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir(ISKCON)
Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most significant religious hubs in India is the ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan or Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir. The temple honours the relationship between the two holy brothers by celebrating Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram. The beautiful marble architecture, a radiant atmosphere filled with soulful kirtans (bhajans), and rigid adherence to Vedic traditions characterise the temple. ISKCON philosophy focuses on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. Reverence towards Lord Krishna is cultivated through chanted mantras, meditation, and service.
Timings: 4:30 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Places: Banke Bihari Temple, Seva Kunj
3. Radha Ramana Temple
Photo: Venkata Ramana Upputuri / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in Vrindavan, it is the Hindu shrine known as Sri Radha Raman Temple. It honours Krishna, who is known as Radha Ramana. The self-manifested god sprang from the 500-year-old Saligram Shila, a historically significant temple in Vrindavan with the highest religious traditions. Gopal Bhatta Goswami was the founder of the Radha Raman Temple. As one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan, he adhered assiduously to the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This lovely deity, with a mysterious smile on his face, self-manifested from a Saligram Sila.
Timings: 8 AM – 12 PM, 6 PM – 8 PM
Nearby Places: Nidhivan, Madan Mohan Temple
4. Nidhivan
Photo: Atarax42 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nidhivan is a holy grove wrapped in mystery and mythology, compared to its streets lined with temples. Here, in Nidhivan, rumour goes around that the gopis, Krishna’s cowherd companions, dance with him every evening. It’s thought that the trees’ mysterious circular leaf arrangement, which appears when dawn breaks, is evidence of their cosmic dance. Nidhivan has a year-round lush green carpet even though it is bordered by dry plains. Some people hold to the enchanting story of the dance legend, while others think it is merely symbolic.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Nearby Places: Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Ramam Temple
Where To Stay
Photo: Psycharpax / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One would find a wide range of options to stay, from staying within the temple complex at ISKCON Guest House. MVT Guest House & Restaurant is a popular choice, known for clean rooms and a peaceful environment. You may stay in Ananda Krishna Van and Hotel The Royal Bharti for mid-range options, which are not far from the temple and offer all modern features. Shri Radha Brij Vasundhara Resort & Spa stands for luxury options. Nidhivan Sarovar Portico would give you the upscale options with excellent views.
Where To Eat
Photo: LoggaWiggler / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Visiting Prem Mandir and the temples circling the city Vrindavan, you can find the best of the dining options. That includes such great restaurants as Govindas, found right just in front of the ISKCON Temple, serving very tasty Indian and international dishes. Another restaurant worth citing under the banner of such a place is MVT Restaurant, being a part of MVT Guest House. The establishment offers delicious food with care. To taste the local flavours, people can visit Brijwasi Sweets & Restaurant that has a wide vegetarian food menu with delicious sweets. A good place for organic ingredients can also be found at Ananda Krishna Van Restaurant, which takes care of peaceful dining and fresh food. For authentic North Indian food, one of the most preferred choices among devotees is Sree Radha Ras Bihari Ashtakshar Restaurant.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: आशीष भटनागर / Wikimedia Commons
The milder months of October through March are ideal for visiting Prem Mandir because of the lovely weather that makes it easy for guests to explore the temple complex.
Tips For Travellers
- Dress modestly since respectful clothes are expected in religious places.
- It would be best to visit this place in the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and watch rituals.
- Photography rules should be known beforehand, and some temples also do not allow photography.
- Get to know the local transportation like auto-rickshaws that would drop you off anywhere easily.
- Keep your belongings secure and respectful of their ways for a visit to these sacred places.
Prem Mandir offers a chance to experience a fusion of vibrant local customs, culture, and spirituality. You can take in the beautiful temple architecture, sample the local cuisine, and cherish each second of your stay in Vrindavan. So gather your belongings and set out on your spiritual quest. To make the most of your time in this gorgeously lighted location, you may plan ahead for your stay and all of your trips using the TripXL platform, which will simplify your travel experience.
Cover Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons