The temple of Govind Dev Ji is a temple of Vaishnav sect located in Vrindavan . It was constructed in 1590 AD (1647 AD). From the stone inscription [1] of this temple , it is completely confirmed that this grand temple was built by Raja Mansingh, son of Raja Bhagwan Das of Amer . There is also mention of the construction of the temple under the supervision of two Vaishnav gurus named Roop Goswami and Sanatan Goswami . James Ferguson , a famous historian, has written that this temple is the most magnificent among the temples of India. The grandeur of the temple can be estimated from this quote, ' When Aurangzeb , while strolling in the evening, asked about the light visible from a distance in the south-east, he came to know that this glow was of the magnificent temples of Vrindavan . Aurangzeb, troubled by the brightness of the temple, immediately sent the army to find a solution. As much of the temple as could be demolished was demolished and the walls of the mosque, domes etc. were built on the remaining part. It is said that Aurangzeb participated in the prayers here.
The construction of the temple is said to have taken 55 to 10 years and cost approximately one crore rupees. Emperor Akbar gave red stone for the construction. In Mr. Grous 's view, the Christian priests of the Akbari court, who came from European countries, clearly played a role in the construction, which mirrors the Greek cross and the European church. The construction style of this temple is a mixture of Hindu (North-South India), Jaipuri, Mughal, Greek and Gothic [2] . Its cost price- One crore rupees (approximately). This temple was completed in 5-10 years. Its measurement – 105 x 117 feet (200 x 120 feet from outside) and height – 110 feet (there were seven floors, today only four exist)
In 1873, Shri Grous (the then Collector of Mathura) started the repair work of the temple which cost Rs 38,365. In which Rs 5000 was given by Maharaja Jaipur and the rest was given by the government. Repairs and maintenance continue even today but all this is negligible considering the deplorable condition of the temple.
The first thing the Goswamis did after coming to Vrindavan was to build a Vrinda temple in the name of Vrinda Devi . No sign of it exists now. Some say that it was in Seva Kunj. At present it is just a walled garden. There is a lake in it. It is situated near Ras Mandal. Its fame spread so quickly that in 1573 AD, Emperor Akbar came here to the holy Nidhivan with his eyes blindfolded . Here he had such astonishing visions that he had to recognize this place as a truly religious land. He gave his hearty support to the kings accompanying him to build a series of temples in this holy land according to the local deity Mahaniyata.
A series of four temples built in the names of Govinddev, Gopinath , Jugal Kishore and Madanmohan ji came into existence in memory of that memorable event. They still exist but are completely neglected and in ruins. The temple of Govinddev was not only the best among these, it was the only example of Hindu sculpture in Northern India. Its length and width are 100-100 feet. There is a grand dome in the middle. The four sides are covered with pointed arches. The average thickness of the walls is ten feet. The upper and lower parts are typical of Hindu sculpture and the middle is of Muslim sculpture. It is said that the architect of the temple was assisted by some Christian priests under the influence of Akbar .
This is the only example of mixed craftsmanship of its kind in Northern India. The temples of Khajuraho are also of this craft. According to the original plan, five minarets were built, one on the central dome and four others on the sanctum sanctorum etc., but the sanctum sanctorum has been completely demolished. The second tower was never completed. It is a common belief that Emperor Aurangzeb had demolished these minarets. There is a stone under a niche to the west of the nave on which a long inscription is written in Sanskrit . This article is very distorted. Still, its year of construction can be...
Read moreReview: Govind Dev Ji Temple, Vrindavan Mathura
Located in the holy town of Vrindavan in Mathura, Govind Dev Ji Temple is a place that exudes divine charm and spiritual fervor. As a devout visitor, I had the privilege of experiencing the mesmerizing aura of this temple, leaving an indelible mark on my soul.
Upon entering the temple premises, I was greeted by an atmosphere of profound devotion. The magnificent architecture of the temple, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors, reflected the rich cultural heritage of India. The sanctum sanctorum, where the idol of Lord Krishna is enshrined, emanated a sense of peace and tranquility.
The main highlight of my visit was the Aarti ceremony, which takes place at specific times throughout the day. The melodious chants and rhythmic beats of the drums created an enchanting ambiance, elevating my spiritual experience. Witnessing the priests performing the rituals with utmost dedication and devotion filled my heart with reverence.
The temple complex also houses various other shrines and smaller temples dedicated to different deities. Exploring these sacred spaces allowed me to immerse myself in the religious fervor and understand the diverse facets of Hindu mythology.
One aspect that struck me was the overwhelming sense of community and inclusivity. Devotees from different walks of life, irrespective of their social backgrounds, gathered here to seek solace and offer their prayers. The temple management ensures a smooth flow of devotees, maintaining cleanliness and orderliness throughout the premises.
Additionally, Govind Dev Ji Temple is known for its festivals, especially during Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. The entire temple is beautifully adorned, and the celebrations attract devotees from far and wide, creating an atmosphere of joy and festivity.
In conclusion, my visit to Govind Dev Ji Temple was a deeply enriching experience. It provided me with an opportunity to connect with my spirituality, witness the devotion of the people, and bask in the divine presence of Lord Krishna. I would highly recommend this temple to anyone seeking a spiritual retreat or a glimpse into the vibrant culture of India.
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Read moreGovind Dev Ji Temple, also called Radha Govind Dev Temple, is one of the most impressive Hindu temples in Vrindavan. The temple is highly revered in Vrindavan, and a must-visit holy site. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna’s Govind Dev Ji form.
The major attraction of Govind Dev Ji Temple Vrindavan is its magnificent architecture. It was constructed out of red sandstone nearly 500 years ago.
The original temple was a seven-storey building. But it was destroyed by Aurangzeb. Only the three storeys remained, which we see today. The idol of Govind Dev Ji had been shifted to Jaipur for its safe keeping. And a replica of the ancient idol is in this holy temple of Vrindavan.
Govind Dev Ji Mandir Vrindavan has a spiritual atmosphere which mesmerises its visitors. It is also a treat to the eyes. It is a serene place in the holy town of Vrindavan where the Lord is believed to have performed many miracles.
The architecture of Govind Dev Ji Temple differs from other Hindu temples in the region. Instead of traditional Hindu temple style, it’s designed as a haveli (a mansion). The building has a mix of Hindu and Arabic architectural style. And unlike most Hindu temples, the temple walls don’t have scenes depicted from religious tales.
The entire temple is built with blocks of red sandstone. It has a high ceiling with pillars on both sides of the courtyard that leads to the sanctum.
The top four floors of Govind Dev Ji Temple Vrindavan were destroyed during the reign of Aurangzeb. But, it still has an...
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