Mathura Prem Mandir, Uttar Pradesh

Address

Sri Kripalu Maharaj Ji Marg, Raman Reiti,

Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121

Moolavar

Krishna, Rama

Amman

Radha, Sita

Introduction

Prem Mandir (lit. The Temple of Divine Love) is located in the Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple was established by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj (the fifth Original Jagadguru). It is maintained by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, an international non-profit, educational, spiritual, charitable trust. The complex is on a 22-hectare (55-acre) site on the outskirts of Vrindavan. It is dedicated to Radha Krishna and Sita Ram. Radha Krishna is on the first level and Sita Ram is on the second level. Different Leelas of Shri Krishna and Rasik saints are depicted all over the wall of the main temple

Puranic Significance

The temple is Construction began in January 2001and the inauguration ceremony took place from 15 to 17 February 2012. The temple was opened to the public on 17 February. The cost was 150 crore rupees ($23 million). The presiding deity are Shri Radha Govind (Radha Krishna) and Shri Sita Ram. A 6,800 square metres (73,000 sq ft), pillar-less, dome shaped satsang hall is being constructed next to the Prem Mandir, which will accommodate 25,000 people at a time. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains, the temple complex has life-size depictions of four leelas of Shri Krishna – Jhulan leela, Govardhan leela, Raas leela and Kaliya Naag leela. It is sister temple of Bhakti Mandir which was opened in 2005 and another sister temple which is known as Kirti Mandir, Barsana opened in 2019.

The foundation stone was laid by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj in the presence of thousand devotees on 14 January 2001. The structure took around 12 years to construct, involving around 1000 artisans. The Vrindavan site was developed by Kripalu Ji Maharaj, whose main ashram was in Vrindavan. He dedicated the gift of love to Shri Vrindavan Dham.

Special Features

Prem Mandir is constructed entirely of Italian marble. The total dimensions of the temple including its flag is 38 metres (125 ft) high, 58 metres (190 ft) long and the 39 metres (128 ft) wide raised platform serves as the seat of the two-storeyed white monument.

A circumambulation route has been constructed on the mandir prāṅgaṇa, the platform of the temple, enabling visitors to view the 48 panels depicting pastimes of Shri Radha Krishna which are carved on the outer walls of the temple. The walls are made of solid Italian marble, 0.99 metres (3.25ft) Thick. The thickness of the walls of the garbha-griha is 2.4 metres (8ft) to bear the weight of huge shikhar, swarna kalash and the flag. 84 panels have also been set up on the exterior of the temple and display the loving pastimes of Shri Radha Krishna. Other than this, numerous portraits of Radha Krishna Leela, or the miracles of Lord Krishna, can also be found inside the temple.