Srila Prabhupada on Sri Vrindavan
"Mayapur and Vrindavan are places of spiritual inspiration for all devotees of ISKCON. They are the best places in the world to come and Chant Hare Krishna and prepare for going back to home, back to Godhead."
Padma Purana on Vrindavan
"Vrindavan is filled with transcendental bliss. It destroys the greatest sins and miseries. Simply by living there one is awarded liberation."
Sri Vrindavan
Sri Vrindavan is Lord Krishna’s transcendental dwelling place. Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, eternally enjoys pastimes in Vrindavan-dhama together with his associates." When Krishna descends to the universe, this same Vrindavana descends just as an entourage accompanies an important personage. Because when Krishna comes, His land also comes. Vrindavana is not considered to exist in the material world. Therefore, the devotees take shelter of the Vrindavana in India, for it is considered to be a replica of the original Vrindavana." (Cc.Adi, Introduction).
Glimpse into the Glories of Vrindavan
Nandagram
The home of Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yasoda where Krishna and Balaram reside.
Vrinda Kunda
The eternal residence of Srimati Vrindadevi. By her mercy alone can one truly enter Vrindavan.
Varsana
The kingdom of King Vrishabhanu, and home of his daughter, Srimati Radharani.
Govardhana
"Of all the devotees, this Govardhana is the best. Being touched by the lotus feet of Krishna and Balaram, Govardhana Hill appears very jubilant." (SB 10.21.18)
Kusum Sarovar
A beautiful lake built as a majestic expression of love for Krishna, Kusum Sarovar provides a pleasing environment to swim or relax while appreciating the spiritual atmosphere.
Radha Kunda
"Of the many objects of favoured delight, and of all the loveable damsels of Vrajabhumi, Srimati Radharani is certainly the most treasured object of Krishna's love. And, in every respect, Her divine Kunda is described by great sages as similarly dear to Him. If one simply bathes once within those holy waters one's pure love of Krishna is fully aroused.
Krishna Janmasthan
A beautiful temple constructed at the place where Devaki and Vasudeva were imprisoned in the dungeon of King Kamsa's palace. Sri Krishna appeared within their prison cell and instructed His father Vasudeva to carry Him to the home of Nanda Maharaja in Gokula.
Gokula
The palace of 84 pillars where Nanda Maharaja originally lived. Here Vasudeva exchanged his son, Krishna, with the newborn daughter of Mother Yasoda. All the childhood pastimes such as the killing of Putana, Trinavarta and Sakatasura took place here. The pastime of Damodara, tying Krishna to the grinding mortar, also happened here.
Brahmand Ghat
The place where Krishna revealed the entire cosmic manifestation to Mother Yasoda as she looked into His mouth searching for the dirt He had eaten.
Raval
The birthplace of Srimati Radharani.
Dauji
Dauji means "older brother". Here resides the largest deity of Lord Balaram in all of Vraja Mandala. This deity was installed 4,900 years ago by Maharaja Vajranabha.
Other Places of Interest in Vrindavan
Yamuna River and Kesi Ghata
The Yamuna river flows through Vrindavan and Mathura. It is the most sacred river in India as it is so intimately connected with Krishna's pastimes. Situated on the bank of the Yamuna is Kesi Ghata, where Krishna killed the Kesi demon.
Seva Kunja
This is the sacred place of the Rasa dance and also where Lord Krishna would offer service to Radharani by decorating Her hair with flowers, and by massaging and painting Her lotus feet.
Nidhuvana
Here Krishna would decorate Radharani with different kinds of cosmetics before performing the Rasa dance. Sometimes Radha and Krishna would come here to rest after the Rasa dance, at the far end of the garden is a small temple call Rang Mahal, where a bed is still kept for the divine couple to rest.
Imli Tala
The sacred Imli Tala tree where Srila Sanatana Goswami established the worship of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to sit regularly under the Imli Tala. A Deity of Caitanya Mahaprabhu is installed under that tree.
Gopisvara Mahadeva
This is the oldest temple in Vrindavan. Gopisvara Mahadeva is Lord Siva who came to Vrindavan to become a gopi of Krishna. Vrinda Devi blessed Lord Siva and allowed him to enter the Rasa dance of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna then offered Lord Siva the guardianship of the Rasa Lila, and placed him at the entrance of the Mandir.
Banke Bihari Mandir
Established in 1864 by Swami Haridas, this temple is one of the most popular temples in Vrindavan, especially during Jhulan Yatra, the swing festival in the month of Shravan (July/August).
The Deities of Krishna Balaram Mandir
The ISKCON temple is situated in Raman Reti. Raman Reti is the place where Krishna and Balaram played as cowherd boys. Raman Reti means "enjoyable sands". This temple was built with money donated from devotees from all over the world.
Presiding Deity of Vrindavan
Vrinda devi is one of the principle deities of Vrindavan. It is not possible for one to enter Vrindavan without first getting the blessings of Vrinda devi. She is just under Visakha-gopi in importance and intimacy.
The Flora and Fauna of Vrindavan
Everything about Vrindavan even the objects are transcendental and inconceivable. Vrindavan is well known for its exotic trees like kadamba and tamal, and flowers like jasmine and lotus. Its forests carry a mystic element and worth visiting to experience. A wide variety of animal life could be seen like peacocks, parrots, monkeys and spotted deer.
Architecture
Travel Information
Nearest airport: Delhi
Travel time from Delhi to Sri Vrindavan by taxi: 3hours
ISKCON Vrindavan
Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Rama Reti
Vrindavana, Mathura Dist, UP 281 124, India
Tel +91(0)565 2540 343
Mayapur Worldwide Tour Information
Group Tours (Minimum 10)
We have 2 tour packages for Group tours only for a whole day tour. You can book these at time of booking your Mayapur tour with Padmanayana dasa or separately.
Our Mayapur-Vrindavan team contact will conduct the tour.
Tours leave at 8am and arrive at 5pm. All meals will be included.
Vraja Darshan1
Radha Kund & Shyama Kunda, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Varsana, Nandagram, Vrinda Kunda.
Vraja Darshan2
Sri Krishna Janmasthan,Raval, Dauji, Brahmananda Ghat (Mahavan), Gokula, Vishram Ghat (Mathura)
Organize your own tour
You can design your own tour. Our Mayapur- Worldwide teams will be happy to assist you with this.
Small groups and Private tours
For smaller or private tours our Mayapur Vrindavan contact will arrange this for you at no extra cost according to your budget.
Accommodation
Mayapur Vrindavan Trust (MVT)
The Mayapur Vrindavan Trust was personally established by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1972.
This award winning beautiful complex behind the Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir has magic and charm. Very comfortable and fully serviced.
It boasts award-winning architecture, exquisite gardens, with manicured lawns, and mango trees, peacocks, parrots and more. Other facilities:
- 24 hour security
- gourmet vegetarian restaurant – fully air-conditioned
- Phone and fax facilities
- AC rooms
- Pharmacy and medical services within walking distance
All group tours are accommodated in MVT. If traveling privately and you have a personal preference then we can book accommodation according to your budget and needs.
All content courtesy of ISKCON Vrindavan.
