Vrindavan is also known as Brindavan and it is located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh state. It is believed that Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Vrindavan is filled with lots of temples so this place is also called as land of temples. Among these temples, Prem Mandir is also one of them.
Prem Mandir is one of the most prominent temples in Vrindavan. This temple was built by Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj in the year 2001. This temple is dedicated to Radha Krishna and Sita Ram. This temple is well-known for its splendour and magnificence. This temple was built with white marble and has very complex carvings also it contains several sculptures showcasing the various scenes from Lord Krishna’s life such as the lifting of Govardhan Mountain and many others.
Settled among the holy land of Vrindavan, Prem Mandir stands as a great witness to love, devotion, and spirituality. With its complex carvings, attractive surroundings, and deep spiritual significance. PremMandir signs pilgrims and tourists equally to engross themselves in its divine ambiance. Let’s delve deep into the PremMandir.
History of the Prem Mandir:
Prem Mandir, which transmutes to the “Temple of Love”, was visualized and established byJagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, a respected spiritual leader, and saint. The foundation stone of Prem Mandir was placed on January 14. 2001 and the temple was opened on February 15, 2012. The construction of the temple took over a decade to complete, with careful attention and detailed architectural accuracy. The compound of the temple is on a 54-acre site on the outskirts of Vrindavan and it took around 1000 artists about 12 years to build the temple. This temple is dedicated to Sri Vrindavan Dham which was built under the sponsorship of Jagadguru Kripalu Pratishtha is an international, non-profit, educational, spiritual, social, and charitable organization, which was initiated by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj himself.
Architecture of the Prem Mandir:
The Prem Mandir in Vrindavan is a magnificent structure for which thousands of artisans worked day and night to complete its construction and approximately 150 crores were spent in the construction of this temple. The architecture of the Prem Mandir wonders everyone with its beauty. The Prem Mandir is constructed in the Rajasthani Somnath Gujarathi architectural style and is located on a 54-acre site on the outskirts of Vrindavan. The whole structure of the temple was built using good-quality Italian marble. The whole dimensions of the temple including its flag are 125 ft. height, 190 ft. long, and 128 ft. wide elevated platform serves as the seat of the two-storeyed white monument in which the first floor of the temple preserves idols of Shri Radha Krishna while the other floor is dedicated to Janaknandhini Shri Sita Ji and the Shri Ram ji (SIya-Ram).
A route has been built on the temple surroundings, the platform of the temple allowing visitors to view the 48 panels showing the pastimes of Lord Krishna which are carved on the exterior walls of the temple. The walls are made with solid Italian marble of 3.25 ft. thickness. The thickness of the walls of the garbhgriha (sanctum sanctorum)is 8 feet to tolerate the weight of the giant shikar, Swarna Kalash, and the flag. 84 panels set up on the temple’s outside which presents the pastimes of Shri Krishna portrayed on Shrimad Bhagavatam.
The temple represents a revival of ancient Indian art and architecture. One can astound with the intricately carved doors and windows of the temple. Floors and walls are also engraved with floral motifs, embedded with semi-precious stones. Intricate carvings embellishing the sanctum sanctorum and ceilings would leave you overwhelmed.
Timings of the Prem Mandir:
The doors of the temple open from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and then from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
The morning aarti performs at 5:00 AM with Bhog timing at 6:30 AM. Dharshan starts at 8:30 AM with Bhog at 11:30 AM. The Shayanaarti for the morning is performed at 12:00 PM. The evening aarti starts at 4:30 PM with Bhog at 5:30 PM. The parikraa is performed at 7:00 PM and Shayanaarti for the evening is held at 8:10 PM. The temple doors close at 8:30 PM.
Festivals of the Prem Mandir:
Every year festivals like Shri Krishna Janmashtami and Shri Radha Ashtami are celebrated with grand enthusiasm at Prem Mandir. The temple is adorned at its best during these festivals and people from all over the country visit Prem Mandir to participate in the grand festival celebrations. This temple is also famous for Holi celebrations.
Best Time to Visit the Prem Mandir:
During the summer as well as in the winter months, Vrindavan City faces extreme weather conditions The most favourable time to visit and explore the Prem Mandir are from February to April and from October to December. During these months, the temperature of the city remains in the moderate range offering the visitors a comfortable stay to explore the beauty of the temple.
How to Reach Prem Mandir:
Vrindavan is easily connected to major cities in the country. PremMandir can be reached by several means of transport, which are as follows:
By Air: The closest airport is Agra Airport which is about 75 kilometres from the temple and Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi which is about 150 kilometres away from the temple. From the airport, visitors can have access to taxis or private cabs to reach Vrindavan.
By Rail: The closest railway station to the temple is the Mathura Junction Railway station which is located 12 kilometers away from the temple, and connects Mathura to almost every major railway station in the country. From the railway station, one can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the temple.
By Road: Vrindavan is well connected to surrounding cities and towns through a network of good roads. Visitors can choose state-run buses by UPSRTC, private buses, or hire taxis from the closest cities like Mathura, Agra, or Delhi to reach Vrindavan.
Places to Visit near the Prem Mandir in Vrindavan:
- Mathura Museum: This museum was built in the year 1874, the Mathura Museum contains a huge collection of sculptures, pottery, paintings, coins, artifacts, and many more from Mathura and surrounding areas.
- Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple: Shri Krishna Janmastham Temple is situated in the sacred city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. It was built around the prison cell in which Lord Krishna’s parents, Mother Devaki and Vasudeva were confined by his evil uncle Kansa.
- Kansa Fort: This Fort is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. Kansa Fort is an old fort in Mathura that was dedicated to Kansa who is the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna. Situated near Krishna Ganga Ghat and GauGhat, the fort is a famous tourist destination and was built as a blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture.
- Dwarakadish Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and it is a must-visit spot to explore its beauty and architecture. Constructed in the year 1814, the temple is fairly new but highly admired.
Conclusion:
PremMandir stands as a sign of love, devotion, and spirituality in the sacred land of Vrindavan, alluring seekers of truth and wisdom to experience the divine presence of Radha and Krishna. With its wonderful architecture, deep spiritual significance, and vibrant cultural heritage, Prem Mandir continues to inspire the souls of all who step into it.
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