South of Delhi, near the place of Krishna's birth, is the town of 4,000 temples where the sounds of celebration constantly resound. In the month of August, India celebrates the birth of Krishna, much as it has been doing every year for the past 5,000 years. This festival is known as Janmastami and falls in the Indian month of Vasant. From the Delhi-Agra highway near Mathura, one can see the red temple that marks the place of Krishna's birth. However, it is only when one ventures a few miles down to Vrindavan that Krishna's real home is discovered. It is a town that bears the characteristics of a village with its narrow streets and many cows that wander freely around, unmolested and even revered by the Hindus who live here.
It is Vrindavan, a village - once noted for its fragrant groves, is where he spent an eventful youth. There are numerous other little spots in the area that still reverberate with the enchantment of Shri Krishna. Set in idyllic environs, this beautiful city has many jewel palaces and temples surrounded by the best of nature's bounty. The regal swans in the waters of the Yamuna, among the beautiful lotus flowers, the kadamba trees, fragrant flowers and the sweetly singing make it place of spiritual peace.
There are over 5,000 temples in Vrindavan. Attracting about 500000 pilgrims every year, mainly during major festivals like Janmashtami, Holi and Radhashtami, it is noted for its numerous temples, both old and modern, big and small, believed to be around 5000 in number! The name 'Vrindavan' is derived from 'Vrinda', another name for the sacred tulsi (basil) plant. It is said that the entire place was a tulsi grove at one time. According to another tradition, it was named after Vrinda Devi, one of Krishna's consorts.
Temples in Vrindavan
- Madan Mohan Temple
- Govinda Dev Temple
- Jugal Kisore Temple
- Sri Ranganatha (Rangaji) Temple
- The Banke Bihari Temple
- Radha Vallabha Temple
- Radharamana Temple
How to Reach
- By Air
The nearest airport is Agra around 67 km
away from Vrindavan. There are regular flights to other
important tourist destinations of India such as Delhi, Mumbai,
Varanasi, and Khajuraho. The nearest international airport is
Delhi, which is connected to almost every important city in the
world with major airlines.
- By Rail
Though Vrindavan itself is a railway
station, the major railway station nearby is Mathura on the
Delhi-Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai main line. Several express trains
connect Mathura from other major cities of India like Delhi,
Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Calcutta, and Agra. Three local
trains leave Mathura Junction each day (6.30 am, 3.40 pm &
7.40 pm) for the station in the south of Vrindavan.
- By Road
Vrindavan is connected to Mathura and all
other places of interest in Braj by bus services and is on
direct road link from Delhi and Agra. Getting to Vrindavan from
Mathura is very easy as there are frequent buses, shared tempos,
and taxis available throughout the day.
