Baldeo is a town in the Mathura district, about 25 kilometers from Mathura. Mathura can be reached by bus, taxi, or other means. According to Hindu mythology, Baldeo is the domain of Lord Krishna’s elder brother named ‘Baldeo.’ It is also known as ‘Dauji‘ in the surrounding areas because Lord Baldeo’s other name was ‘Dau Ji Maharaj.’ In addition, there is a famous temple of ‘Dau Ji Maharaj’ in Baldeo, where a stone statue of him and his wife ‘Revati maiyya’ is located. Vajranabha, Lord Krishna’s grandson, installed the Dauji idol.
However, during the reign of the Arabic Sultans, the temple was destroyed and the idol was lost over time. Following that, in the Mughal era 480 years ago, Goswami Gokulnathji, the grandson of Mahaprabhu Srimad Vallabhacharya and the 4th son of Vitthalnath gusaiji, re-installed the deity on Purnima of Shukla paksha in Magsheer and resumed the worship and rituals. Later, he delegated the seva to a brahmin named Keshav Pandey, whose lineage is still performing internal seva at the mandir today.
Baldeo (Dauji) is well-known for its historical temple dedicated to Shri Dauji Maharaj (Balram). In fact, the town got its name from this temple. Yogiraj Shri Krishna’s elder brother is Baldeo.
This temple was built sometime between 1535 and 1540 AD. MELA has been organized to commemorate the establishment every year in December on the day of Margshish Poornima (according to the Vikram samwat calendar).
The temple has hosted all Hindu religious festivals. Holi is celebrated as HURANGA in the Shri Dauji Maharaj Mandir, and people from all over the country come to celebrate it.
Dauji Mandir History:
This Mandir was built by Seth Shyam Das in 1580 AD on the day of Margashirsha Purnima in the month of December. According to Baldev Dauji temple history, the Shri Dauji Temple was dedicated to Balaram, Lord Krishna’s brother, and the locals referred to him as “Dau Ji.”
This Temple has three doors that lead to the calla, one of which is topped by a squat pyramidal tower. Aside from the main chapel Baladeva, which is generally completely dressed and embellished with jewels, also contains a life-sized statue of his wife Revati.
Kshir Sagar, also known as the “Sea of Milk” and “KshirKund,” is a brick-built tank spread over 80 yards square at the Baldev temple. The sea is deteriorating, and the water’s surface is always covered in thick green algae.
About the deity:
The main deity of this temple is Lord Dauji Maharaj, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is facing the East direction at 3.5 feet wide and 8 feet in height along with Goddess Revati Devi. Lord Dauji Maharaj is a Swayambhu posture with a standing posture, huge eyes, and is black in color. The right hand is raised and a cup full of a drink which is called Varuni is placed in the left hand. This is a two-meter idol that is considered the biggest Braja Mandal.
Architecture:
The holy edifice of this historical site is the main tourist attraction. This temple has four main gates: Singh Chor, Janani Dyodhi, Goshala Duaar, and Badhwala. Behind the temple is a massive Kund, which is referred to in the holy book as Balbhadra Kund. However, it is now known as “Kshirsagar.”The entire shrine, steeped in rich history and mythology, reveals a unique aspect that surprises pilgrims and devotees. When it comes to celebrations, Baldev Dauji Temple is the one that provides a truly magical experience.
Festival Celebrated:
As you are aware, Mathura and Vrindavan are the absolute best places to have a mesmerizing Holi experience that will leave you with a reason to remember for a lifetime. Apart from the main ceremonies in Vrindavan, the festivities here are known as LathmarHoli and Phoolon wali Holi.
The Holi festival attracts tourists, and it is celebrated as a Huranga Holi in the Shriji Maharaj Temple, which is a popular festival attended by people from all over the world.
Best time to visit:
Winters are the best season to visit the temple, from September to February.
Temple Timing:
The timings of the temple are
- 7:00AM – 12:30PM
- 3:00PM – 4:00PM
- 6:00PM – 9:00PM
One can visit the temple during these times in the whole week.
How to get there:
This temple is located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, and is easily accessible from Delhi. Trains to Mathura Junction are easily accessible from Nizamuddin Railway Station in South Delhi.
Dauji Mandir Vrindavan is exactly 22 kilometers from Mathura on the eastern edge of the Braj Mandal at the center of Etah-Mathura Marg in Uttar Pradesh and can be reached by cab in 43 minutes from Mathura Junction, Mayur Vihar, Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh is home to numerous temples, including Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, and many others. So, make plans to visit and enjoy this colorful journey, especially during the holiday season.
DO's and Don'ts:
- Do bathe and wear clean clothes before you visit the temple
- Pay respect to the ancient customs and co-pilgrimages while at the temple
- Smoking and drinking are prohibited in this temple.
- Consumption of tobacco, and spitting inside the temple is strictly prohibited.
Things to keep in mind before visiting the temple:
- For men, the preferred attire to visit the temple is a Shirt and trouser\dhoti.
- For women, the preferred attire is a saree or a churidar.
Image Source: Google