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5 famous Krishna temples to visit this Janmashtami 2025

5 famous Krishna temples to visit this Janmashtami 2025

India Todaya day ago
Krishna Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated on 16 August, marking the birth of Lord Krishna. While people across India keep fasts, decorate temples, and join Dahi Handi festivities, some places become extra special during this festival. If you're planning to step out, here are five temples that bring Janmashtami alive with unmatched devotion and grandeur.1. Banke Bihari Temple, VrindavanThe Banke Bihari temple is one of the most visited Krishna shrines during Janmashtami. Devotees throng here to witness the rare Mangla Aarti, held only once a year, right after midnight on Janmashtami. The temple is decorated with flowers, and bhajans fill the air, making Vrindavan a spiritual hotspot.advertisement
2. Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka (Gujarat)Dwarka, believed to be Krishna's ancient kingdom, celebrates Janmashtami with royal fervour. The Dwarkadhish temple hosts elaborate midnight pujas, shringar of the deity, and recitations of the Bhagavad Gita. Devotees also enjoy cultural programs that continue late into the night, recreating scenes from Krishna's life.3. ISKCON Temple, DelhiISKCON temples across India see massive gatherings during Janmashtami, but the Delhi temple stands out for its grand scale. Devotees fast, chant 'Hare Krishna,' and join colourful jhankis (tableaux). The temple remains open through the night, with kirtans, plays, and prasad distribution attracting thousands of visitors.4. Udupi Krishna Temple, KarnatakaIn South India, the Udupi Krishna temple is a must-visit during Janmashtami. The celebrations feature processions with decorated chariots, cultural performances, and devotional singing. Special prasad is offered, and the temple streets light up with festive lamps, giving the celebration a unique coastal charm.5. Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, MathuraNo list is complete without Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Janmabhoomi temple complex turns into a vibrant hub with Jhulan utsav (swing rituals), dramatic enactments of Krishna's life, and grand midnight aartis. Pilgrims travel from all over the country to be here on this auspicious night.Janmashtami is not just about fasting and rituals, it's about experiencing the joy and devotion that Krishna inspires. Whether you go to Mathura, Vrindavan, Dwarka, Delhi, or Udupi, each temple offers a unique way to connect with Krishna this Janmashtami 2025.- Ends
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From the land of Krishna: History nuggets in Vrindavan
From the land of Krishna: History nuggets in Vrindavan

First Post

time7 hours ago

  • First Post

From the land of Krishna: History nuggets in Vrindavan

It is that time of the year when the land of Braj reverberates to the sound of celebrations. Pilgrims and other visitors make a beeline for Mathura, Vrindavan and other towns of the region to take in the spirit of Janmashtami. In Vrindavan, the iconic Banke Bihari temple is the centre of attraction. However, for history buffs, the bylanes of this pilgrim town hold several temples of historic significance, either by way of events surrounding them or their architecture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These temples, built at different times and by varied patron-builders, have a common architectural thread binding them. Richly embellished, they are made of red sandstone which came from Rajasthan. In a temple town filled with marble shrines, the red sandstone of these mediaeval temples stands out but does not come as a surprise. After all, the temples are the creation of the golden age of red sandstone—a period when immense quantities of that building material were brought from quarries in Rajasthan to build Mughal marvels in Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Delhi and lesser places. The region in which those quarries were located lay in the Rajput kingdoms that were feudatories of the Mughal empire, including some connected by matrimony. It is almost inevitable that some of that sandstone found its way to places like Vrindavan, leading to the creation of some fine temples. Most significant among these is the Govind Dev Temple, built by the Kachhwaha ruler of Amer (now Jaipur), Man Singh, who was also a leading nobleman at Emperor Akbar's court and one of the seniormost commanders in his army, in the latter half of the 16th century. He leveraged his position to re-establish the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. And built the magnificent Govind Dev Temple in Vrindavan also. Elegant Rajput architecture of the Govind Dev Temple Perhaps the most striking aspect of the shrine is its sheer size. Entered through its eastern gateway, it stands nearly 80 metres in length, making it one of the largest temples constructed in North India since the 13th century—implying that such construction was not possible in the preceding centuries when Islamic dynasties held sway. That Man Singh managed to build this is a testimonial to his tact. The building incorporates many of the features of classic Rajput architecture, including decorative motifs on sandstone and elaborately carved brackets and pillars. Some of these remind visitors of the structure called Birbal's House in Fatehpur Sikri. Inside the temple, one sees the use of a vaulted roof, sometimes termed 'Khaurasan-ian'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Legends hold that Bajranabh, the great-grandson of Krishna, created three idols of the deity. The idol representing his face was called Govind Dev Ji. Another legend says that a saint called Roop Goswami dreamt one night of the hidden location of these idols. An excavation at the said spot saw the idols being unearthed. And the Govind Dev idol was later consecrated into the temple at Vrindavan. Archives of the Amer (Jaipur) state hold that the temple took five years, nearly ten million rupees and several thousand workmen to build. At its prime, it was apparently a seven-storey structure. What remains is a pale shadow! During Aurangzeb's reign, the presence of stunningly beautiful temples bothered the Islamic sensitivities of the emperor. As a result, the four upper levels were destroyed. But before the Mughal raid on the temple, its legendary idol was carried away by a contingent from reinstalled in a temple of the same name in that city, where it still stands today. Today, the Mughals are long gone, and a replica of the original idol is inside the Govind Dev Temple at Vrindavan. Worship continues, and while the temple has been greatly restored, the four lost levels have not been rebuilt. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Elsewhere in Vrindavan, closer to the Yamuna, is the Radha Madan Mohan Temple. Popularly called the Madan Mohan Temple, its history runs parallel to that of Govind Dev. Its origins lie in the same legends, the difference being that the Madan Mohan idol represents the feet of Krishna. The temple was built in 1580 CE by Kapur Ram Das, a trader from Multan, under the guidance of a spiritual figure called Sanatana Goswami. It is made of the same red sandstone that embellishes the Govind Dev, and perhaps the same artisans lent their expertise here also. The temple complex consists of a mandapa, an antarala (connecting passage) and an inner sanctum. It is also said that Meera bai worshipped at this shrine. Its later history too mirrors that of the Govind Dev. In 1670, on receiving information about an impending attack by Aurangzeb's troops, the temple's idol was carried away. First taken to Jaipur, it was later shifted to Karauli, and a temple of the same name came up there, where the idol remains. In 1819, a Bengali trader called Nand Kumar Basu rebuilt the Madan Mohan at Vrindavan in its current location. Interestingly, the temple stands on a hill which may actually be a mound containing the debris of the earlier shrine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The triad is completed by the Radha Gopinath Temple. The Gopinath idol is said to represent the chest of Krishna. Accessed through a maze of lanes, the temple shows the familiar red sandstone pattern. However, unlike the other two, the original shrine within the complex is not well maintained. Near the gate of the temple is a haveli, long under lock. Its exterior carries elegant paintings that depict Krishna's life and legends. Painted Krishna pattern at a Vrindavan haveli near the Radha Gopinath Temple Also made of red sandstone but slightly paler following some restoration is the Jugal Kishore Temple. Located close to the Kesi Ghat, local lore holds that the original idol of this shrine was found by Hariram Vyas while he was meditating in a forest near Vrindavan. Krishna lifts the Govardhana hill, in a depiction on the Jugal Kishore Temple During the fateful 1670 attack, this idol too was taken away—its destination being Panna, in what is now Madhya Pradesh. And not surprisingly, there is a Jugal Kishore Temple in Panna too, home to an idol that came here from Vrindavan. The fact that the idols were saved is a tribute to the courage of mediaeval Rajputs, and that the temples in Vrindavan were revived and continue to be worshipped is symbolic of the continuity of a faith that overcame the worst of bigots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a heritage explorer with a penchant for seeking obscure sites. A brand consultant by profession, he tweets @HiddenHeritage. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.

From Ayodhya and Kashi to Mathura: CM Yogi targets holistic development in Mathura, visits 38 times in 8 years
From Ayodhya and Kashi to Mathura: CM Yogi targets holistic development in Mathura, visits 38 times in 8 years

Time of India

time9 hours ago

  • Time of India

From Ayodhya and Kashi to Mathura: CM Yogi targets holistic development in Mathura, visits 38 times in 8 years

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has shifted his fullest attention to Mathura, the sacred birthplace of Lord Krishna, making 38 visits in eight years—trailing only his efforts in Kashi (160) and Ayodhya (85). These repeated visits underscore a twofold mission: honouring Sanatan spiritual heritage and accelerating modern infrastructure growth across the Braj region. While Ayodhya and Kashi have already been transformed into monumental pilgrimage hubs, Mathura is now slated for a similar revival. With roads reinforced, pilgrimage paths beautified, and ancient sites restored alongside new visitor facilities, the state government is keen to establish Mathura as a global religious and cultural destination. Development journey: visits and devotion CM Yogi's 38 visits over eight years reflect a deep commitment to Mathura's spiritual prominence and its elevation to a modern pilgrimage hub. Each visit has been paired with concrete outputs—from inaugurating projects to surveying heritage restorations. Infrastructure meets heritage in Braj During the Janmashtami celebrations on 16 August 2025, CM Yogi inaugurated 118 development projects worth ₹646 crore across Mathura–Vrindavan, including road upgrades, parikrama path beautification, kund restorations, entrance gates, water conservation, and environmental protection. ₹30,000 crore master plan for Braj region Alongside project launches, CM unveiled an ambitious ₹30,000 crore master plan aimed at holistic development of the Braj region—linking pilgrimage sites such as Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Gokul, and Govardhan, and reviving the spiritual ethos of the Dwapar era. Vision of modern pilgrimage cities Following the success of Kashi's Vishwanath Dham corridor and Ayodhya's grand Ram Temple, Mathura is poised for a metamorphosis that blends devotion with facility. CM emphasised that spiritual legacy can coexist with modern comforts, easing pilgrimage and attracting global visitors. Impact on tourism and identity The government's efforts are paying off—not only are devotees drawn in larger numbers, but local heritage feels revived. With upgraded infrastructure and revered spiritual sites, Mathura is emerging as both a cultural pride and an economic driver for religious tourism in India.

Anand Mahindra shares stunning photos of world's highest Shri Krishna Temple in Himachal
Anand Mahindra shares stunning photos of world's highest Shri Krishna Temple in Himachal

Time of India

time11 hours ago

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Anand Mahindra shares stunning photos of world's highest Shri Krishna Temple in Himachal

Anand Mahindra , the chairperson of the Mahindra and Mahindra group on Sunday shared pictures of the world's highest Shri Krishna Temple located in Yulla Kunda, Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The temple is set in the middle of a lake. Legend has it that the lake was formed by the Pandavas when they were in exile in the Himalayas. Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave India its own currency The images, originally posted by the handle India Aesthetica, were shared a day after Janmashtami. 'Perfect timing to share these, given it was Janmashtami yesterday… And once again, shows the magnificent, underrated beauty of our landscape,' Mahindra wrote on X. Situated in the high-altitude region of Kinnaur, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and attracts attention for both its spiritual significance and unique location amid the Himalayan landscape. Mahindra often shares posts highlighting India's cultural and natural heritage under the hashtag #SundayWanderer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Suffering From Pain After Age 50? Do This Every Morning Wellnee Undo — anandmahindra (@anandmahindra) Yulla Kanda trekking experience In Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, the Yulla Kanda trekking experience brings you closer to the Kinnaur mountains. The 12 km long trek in the magical mountains of Himachal Pradesh has a lot to offer, especially a pilgrimage that will leave you speechless. The trek starts from the village of Yulla Khas, and takes you high up to this incredible destination. The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated at the temple, and has a great significance in the region. People come here from all over Kinnaur, and other parts of Himachal Pradesh each year during the time of Janmashtami. Live Events The trek itself is moderate in difficulty, and the best time to experience this would be from mid-May to mid-November. There are options when it comes to the routes, as if you are coming from Kalpa, you could trek via Kashang Pass, and if you can also take the Listigarang Pass to reach the lake. Netizens react The post drew varied reactions on social media. Many users welcomed the images, describing the Shri Krishna Temple as a hidden treasure of Himachal and praising how it showcases the spiritual depth of the region alongside its natural beauty. They said such shrines reflect the way faith and landscape blend seamlessly in India's Himalayan belt, making them both places of worship and cultural landmarks. Others, however, questioned the timing of the post, pointing out that Himachal Pradesh has recently faced multiple cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides that have disrupted lives and infrastructure. Some also used the opportunity to reflect more broadly on India's natural diversity, noting that the Himalayas, with their raw and untouched grandeur, remain one of the country's most defining features. They remarked that such glimpses serve as a reminder of the richness of India's landscapes, many of which remain less explored but carry deep cultural and ecological significance.

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