Shri Krishna Balram Temple, also known as ISKCON Temple, is a Hindu temple in Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the major ISKCON temples in the world and a spiritual oasis for devotees of Lord Krishna. The temple is dedicated to the divine brothers Krishna and Balram, who performed their childhood pastimes in Vrindavan.
The temple also worships Radha Krishna and Gaura Nitai, the incarnations of God and His consort in different ages. The temple is a place of history, culture and spirituality, as it showcases the ancient and medieval architecture and the teachings of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His followers. Visit during Delhi to Mathura Vrindavan One day tour.
Location of Shri Krishna Balram Temple
Shri Krishna Balram Temple is located on Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg in Raman Reti area of Vrindavan. Raman Reti is a sacred place where Lord Krishna and His brother Balram used to play with their friends and cows. Vrindavan is a holy town in Mathura district, about 160 km south of Delhi and 10 km north of Mathura. Vrindavan is a sacred place for Hindus, as it is the land of Lord Krishna’s childhood leelas (pastimes) with His friends and lovers.
Timing / Entry Fees Shri Krishna Balram Temple
Shri Krishna Balram Temple is open for visitors from 4:30 am to 12:45 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm in summer and from 4:30 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:15 pm in winter. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. However, visitors may have to pay a nominal fee for parking their vehicles near the temple.
How to Reach Shri Krishna Balram Temple from City Centre
Shri Krishna Balram Temple is about 5 km from the city centre of Vrindavan. Visitors can reach the temple by various modes of transport, such as:
- Auto-rickshaw: This is the most common and convenient way to reach the temple from the city centre. Auto-rickshaws are easily available and charge around Rs. 50-100 for a one-way trip.
- Bus: There are buses that ply between the city centre and the temple at regular intervals. The bus fare is around Rs. 10-20 per person.
- Taxi: Visitors can also hire a taxi or a cab to reach the temple from the city centre. The taxi fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic, but it usually ranges from Rs. 200-400 for a one-way trip.
Things to Do / Must See Shri Krishna Balram Temple
Shri Krishna Balram Temple is a historic and spiritual landmark that offers a glimpse into the ancient and medieval history of Vrindavan and Mathura. Some of the things to do and see at the temple are:
- Worship Krishna Balram, Radha Krishna and Gaura Nitai: The main attraction of the temple is the idols of Krishna Balram, Radha Krishna and Gaura Nitai, which are made of white marble and decorated with ornaments and clothes. The idols are self-manifested and very powerful. Devotees offer various items such as flowers, fruits, sweets, clothes and money to Krishna Balram, Radha Krishna and Gaura Nitai and seek their blessings.
- Admire the temple architecture: The temple is constructed entirely of white marble and adorned with very intricate carvings. The total dimensions of the temple are 125 ft high, 190 ft long and 128 ft wide. The temple has an arched gateway, a dome-shaped roof, red sandstone pillars and intricate carvings. The temple showcases the Hindu architecture style influenced by Rajasthani Somnath Gujarati architecture style.
- Enjoy the kirtan (devotional music): The temple has a vibrant atmosphere of kirtan (devotional music) throughout the day. Devotees sing and dance to the tunes of Hare Krishna mantra (the names of God) accompanied by musical instruments such as mridanga (drum), kartal (cymbals) and harmonium (keyboard). The kirtan creates a joyful mood of devotion and love for God.
- Explore the temple complex: The temple complex has beautiful gardens and fountains that surround the temple structure. The complex also has life-size depictions of four leelas (pastimes) of Lord Krishna – Jhulan leela (swing pastime), Govardhan leela (lifting Govardhan hill), Raas leela (dance pastime) and Kaliya Naag leela (subduing Kaliya serpent). The complex also has a samadhi mandir (shrine) of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON and a prominent teacher of Krishna consciousness.
Significance of Shri Krishna Balram Temple
Shri Krishna Balram Temple is a significant place for Hindus, as it is related to the life and legends of Krishna Balram, Radha Krishna and Gaura Nitai. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna Balram are the supreme forms of God who incarnated in Vrindavan to perform various leelas (pastimes) with their devotees. Krishna Balram are considered as the epitome of divine friendship and brotherhood.
Radha Krishna are another form of God who incarnated in Vrindavan to perform various leelas (pastimes) with their devotees. Radha Krishna are considered as the epitome of divine love and devotion. Gaura Nitai are another form of God who incarnated in Bengal to perform various leelas (pastimes) with their devotees. Gaura Nitai are considered as the epitome of divine mercy and compassion.
The temple is also a place of history, culture and spirituality, as it depicts the ancient and medieval history of Vrindavan and Mathura. The temple was established by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is considered as the founder of ISKCON and a prominent teacher of Krishna consciousness.
He is also the 32nd acharya (spiritual master) in the disciplic succession of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is considered as the incarnation of Radha Krishna in the age of Kali (the current age). Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His followers, known as the six Goswamis of Vrindavan, revived the bhakti (devotional) movement in India and spread the message of love for God through kirtan (devotional music) and sankirtan (congregational chanting).
FAQ’s
Q: When was Shri Krishna Balram Temple built?
A: Shri Krishna Balram Temple was built by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in the year 1977. The construction took around six years to complete, involving around 5000 workers.
Q: What are the special occasions to visit Shri Krishna Balram Temple?
A: The special occasions to visit Shri Krishna Balram Temple are Janmashtami, Radhastami, Ram Navami, Gaura Purnima, Holi and Diwali. Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna, which falls in August or September. Radhastami is the birthday of Radha, which falls in August or September. Ram Navami is the birthday of Lord Ram, which falls in March or April. Gaura Purnima is the birthday of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, which falls in March or April. Holi is the festival of colors, which falls in March or April. Diwali is the festival of lights, which falls in October or November.
Conclusion
Shri Krishna Balram Temple, also known as ISKCON Temple, is a Hindu temple in Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the major ISKCON temples in the world and a spiritual oasis for devotees of Lord Krishna. The temple is dedicated to the divine brothers Krishna and Balram, who performed their childhood pastimes in Vrindavan.
The temple also worships Radha Krishna and Gaura Nitai, the incarnations of God and His consort in different ages. The temple is a place of history, culture and spirituality, as it showcases the ancient and medieval architecture and the teachings of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His followers.
