| Vrindavan, just 15
km from Mathura, is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous
temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable
characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is the wood where he frolicked with the
gopis and tenderly wooed Radha.
Vrindavan
today, is noted for its numerous temples. The most important are:
The Madan Mohan Temple
located near the Kali Ghat which was built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is
the oldest existent temple in Vrindavan today. The temple is closely associated
with the saint Chaitanya. The original idol of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from
the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for safe keeping, during Aurangzeb's rule.
Today, a replica of the image is worshipped at the temple.
The Banke-Bihari Temple built in 1864 is the most popular shrine at Vrindavan.
The image of Banke-Bihari was discovered in Nidhi Vana by Swami Haridas, the great
Krishna devotee, belonging to the Nimbarka sect.
The
famous Radha Vallabh Temple set up by the Radha - Vallabh sect, has the
crown of Radha-Rani placed next to the Shri Krishna idol in the sanctum.
The Jaipur Temple which was built by Sawai
Madhav Singh, the Maharaja of Jaipur in 1917, is a richly embellished and opulent
temple. The fine hand - carved sandstone is of unparalleled workmanship. The temple
is dedicated to Shri Radha Madhav.
The Shahji Temple, another popular
temple at Vrindavan, was designed and built in 1876 by a wealthy jeweller, Shah
Kundan Lal of Lucknow. The deities at the temple are popularly known as the Chhote
Radha Raman.
Noted for its magnificent architecture and beautiful marble sculpture,
the temple has twelve spiral columns each 15 feet high. The `Basanti Kamra' -
the darbar hall is famed for its Belgian glass chandeliers and fine paintings.
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