History of Krishna-Balaram Temple
Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, also known as ISKCON Temple, is one of Vrindavan’s most important and renowned temples. This temple, located in Vrindavan’s Raman Reti neighborhood, reflects Srila Prabhupada’s, ISKCON’s, fulfilled dream. This breathtakingly beautiful temple maintains a unique place in the hearts of ISKCON devotees.
This temple is unique in that it honors the kinship of two celestial brothers, Shri Krishna and Shri Balaram, in the same location where they spent their childhood.
Srila Prabhupada’s vision of the ISKCON temple as a source of strength for devotees has come to fruition. Srila Prabhupada personally monitored all aspects of the temple’s design and construction. This temple is a force to be reckoned with in terms of spreading the word.
Architecture of Krishna-Balaram Temple
Srila Prabhupada dedicated this wonderful temple in 1975, and it was the first temple erected by ISKCON in India. It is a Gaudiya Vaishnavism Temple founded in the 15th century by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The temple, which is made of white marble, is one of Vrindavan’s most stunning structures.
It is a work of art, with beautifully carved walls and domes, as well as a winding stairway and archways. There are three shrines in the temple complex: one dedicated to Lord Krishna and His brother Lord Balarama, another to Sri Gaura – Nitai (Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda), and the third to Sri ShyamaSundar (Lord Krishna and Radha Rani). The chequered black and white marble courtyard greet you as you enter the temple doors.
The temple complex is massive, with corridors lined with paintings showing many Krishna Leela. A guest home, residential brahmachari ashram, deity department, restaurant, bakery, souvenir shop, and Srila Prabhupada ji’s samadhi are all located within the sprawling ISKCON temple complex.
Festivals celebrated and temple services:
The ISKCON Temple is the pinnacle of spiritual brotherhood and love celebrations. Thousands of devotees flock to this magnificent temple to honor Shri Krishna-Balarama and Shri Radhe-union. Krishna’s Here are a few of the temple’s important features that you can take advantage of:
- Shri Krishna Janamashtmi: Shri Krishna Janamashtmi commemorates the arrival of Lord Krishna on our planet. Every Vaishnavite looks forward to this magnificent day with tremendous zeal. It is commemorated with tremendous pomp and circumstance, and the celebrations continue the next day as Nandostav.
- Seva: In the Krishna consciousness movement, offering one’s service to the Lord is essential. You can serve by donating to the ISKCON temple’s “Your Day in Vrindavan” program, which includes RajBhog Aarti of Shri Gaura-Nitai, Shri Krishna-Balaram, and Shri Shyama-Sundar, Gau Seva, and the opportunity to engage in Harinaam Sankirtan.
- GoShala: You can help preserve the Go-Shala and enjoy the purest joy of serving one of Lord Krishna’s favorite animals, cows. Lord Krishna, also known as ‘Gopal’ and ‘Govind,’ grew up in Gokul as a cowherd child.
- Festivals: In addition to Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the ISKCON temple celebrates Sri Radhashtami, Ram Navami, Gaura Purnima, Nityananda Trayodasi, Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja, and many other festivals each year with devotion and tremendous zeal. Vrindavan attracts devotees from all across the country who come to participate in the big events.
- Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada’s Samadhi: At Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada’s samadhi, you can pay your respects to Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, the founder acharya of ISKCON (the International Society for Krishna Consciousness).
Time to visit and temple timings:
During the summer and winter months, the sacred city of Vrindavan is subjected to harsh weather conditions. The months of February to April, as well as October to December, are ideal for visiting the ISKCON Temple. The temperature remains temperate during these months, providing tourists with a nice stay and a delightful visit to the temple.
The ISKCON Temple does not charge an entrance fee to visit. Every day of the week, it is open. During the summer, the ISKCON Temple Vrindavan is open from 4:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and then from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The temple is open from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then from 4:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. during the winter.
Accommodation & Eateries:
Krishna Balarama Guesthouse and MVT Guesthouse (Mayapur Vrindavan Trust). Within the temple grounds lies the Krishna Balarama Guest House. It offers reasonably priced services and makes it very convenient for devotees to attend temple sevas. MVT, which is around 100 metres from the temple, is another fantastic spot to stay. You can make a reservation for a stay at this spiritual centre in advance by contacting ISKCON administrators at the guest house contact numbers or by email.
Govinda’s restaurant, which is located within the temple grounds, serves a wide range of mouthwatering Indian and western dishes to visitors. The following are the times when refreshments will be available:
- Morning hours: 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Afternoon: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Evening: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MVT restaurant, which is highly famous among devotees, serves both Indian and Western cuisine.
How to reach:
The ISKCON Temple is located in Vrindavan and is easily accessible by hiring a private taxi or taking an auto rickshaw from one of the leading car rental companies in Mathura-Vrindavan. The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is around 167 kilometers away, while the nearest railway station is Mathura Junction, which is approximately 17 kilometers away.
If you are staying in Vrindavan, an auto-rickshaw is a convenient way to get to the temple.
The ISKCON Temple’s Welcome Center offers devotees and tourists a variety of services to make their stay and trip more comfortable. It is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week.
Image Source: Google