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{{Short description|City in Uttar Pradesh, India}}
{{about|the city in Uttar Pradesh, India|the spiritual Vrindavan|Goloka|altar for Tulasi plant|Tulasi Vrindavana}}
{{Redirect|Brindavanam|the 2010 film|Brindavanam (2010 film)|the 2017 film|Brindavanam (2017 film)}} {{Redirect|Brindavanam|the 2010 film|Brindavanam (2010 film)|the 2017 film|Brindavanam (2017 film)}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}} {{Use Indian English|date=August 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}

{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
| name = Vrindavan | name = Vrindavan
| native_name = वृंदावन | other_name = Vrindaban, Brindaban
| native_name_lang = hi, mr, sa, kn | nicknames = City of Widows
| other_name = Vrundavan, Brindaban, Braj | settlement_type = ]
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| nickname = Braj-Bhoomi
| settlement_type = city | photo1a = Iskon Temple, Vrindawan.jpg
| photo1b = Madanmohan Mandir Vrindavan.JPG
| image_skyline = Swiatyniamadanmohan.jpg
| photo2a = Radha Damodar Temple.JPG
| image_alt =
| photo2b = Radhavallabhlalj.jpg
| image_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Uttar Pradesh | photo3a = Prem Mandir Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India (2014).jpg
| spacing = 2
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt = | position = center
| color_border = white
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Uttar Pradesh, India
| coordinates = {{coord|27.58|N|77.7|E|display=inline,title}} | color = black
| subdivision_type = Country | size = 266
| foot_montage = '''Clockwise from top:'''
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
], ], ], ], ]}}
| subdivision_type1 = ]
| subdivision_name1 = ] | pushpin_map = India Uttar Pradesh#India
| pushpin_map_alt =
| subdivision_type2 = ]
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Uttar Pradesh, India
| subdivision_name2 = ]
| pushpin_label_position = right
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| coordinates = {{coord|27.58|N|77.7|E|display=inline,title}}
| established_date =
| founder = | subdivision_type = ]
| named_for = | subdivision_name = {{IND}}
| subdivision_type1 = ]
| government_type =
| subdivision_type2 = ]
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric | subdivision_name1 = ]
| area_footnotes = | subdivision_name2 = ]
| area_rank = | established_title = <!-- Established -->
| area_total_km2 = | established_date =
| elevation_footnotes = | founder =
| elevation_m = 170 | named_for =
| population_total = 63,005 | government_type = ]
| governing_body = Mathura-Vrindavan Municipal Corporation
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = | leader_title = ]
| leader_name = Vinod Agarwal<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.etnownews.com/news/live-mathura-vrindavan-mayor-election-result-2023-counting-news-online-latest-updates-vinod-agarwal-bjp-raja-mohtasim-ahmed-bsp-liveblog-100204223|title=BJP's mayoral candidate from Mathura Vinod Agarwal wins|date=13 May 2023|work=ET Now News|access-date=22 May 2023}}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| leader_party = ]
| population_demonym =
| unit_pref = Metric
| population_footnotes = <ref></ref>
| demographics_type1 = Languages | area_footnotes =
| demographics1_title1 = Official | area_total_km2 =
| demographics1_info1 = ] | area_rank =
| elevation_footnotes =
| timezone1 = ]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30 | elevation_m = 170
| postal_code_type = ] | population_total = 63,005
| postal_code = 281121 | population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Census2011Gov"/>
| registration_plate =
| website = | population_density_km2 = auto
| footnotes = | population_rank =
| population_demonym = Vrindavan wasi
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1 = ]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| postal_code_type = ]
| postal_code = 281121
| area_code = 0565
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| registration_plate = UP-85
| website =
| footnotes =
| demographics1_info1 = ]
| demographics1_title3 = Native
| demographics1_info3 = ]
}} }}
'''Vrindavan''' ({{audio|Vrindavan.ogg|pronunciation}}) is a town in the ] of ], India. It is the site where according to ], ] spent his childhood days. The town is about 11&nbsp;km away from ], Krishna's birthplace on the ]-] highway (]).<ref>{{cite book|last=Keene|first=Henry George|authorlink=Henry George Keene (1826–1915)|title=A Handbook for Visitors to Agra and Its Neighbourhood|url=https://archive.org/stream/ahandbookforvis00keengoog#page/n113/mode/1up|chapter=Bindrabun|date=1899|publisher=Thacker, Spink & Co.|pages=98–106}}</ref> The town hosts many temples dedicated to the worship of ] and Krishna and is considered ] by ].<ref name=Madan>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= 176|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> '''Vrindavan''' ({{IPA|hns|ʋɾɪnˈdɑːʋən|pron|Vrindavan.ogg}}; {{IAST3|Vṛndāvana}}), also spelt '''Vrindaban''' and '''Brindaban''',<ref name=":0" /> is a historical city in the ] of ], ]. It is located in the ] region and holds religious importance for Hindus who believe that ], one of the main Gods in ], spent most of his childhood in this city.<ref name="Hawley">{{cite book |surname=Hawley |given=John Stratton |title=Krishna's Playground: Vrindavan in the 21st Century |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2020 |isbn=978-0-19-012398-7 |place=Oxford; New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=UP gets first officially designated 'teerth sthals' in Vrindavan and Barsana|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/up-gets-first-officially-designated-teerth-sthals-in-vrindavan-and-barsana/articleshow/61277272.cms|date=27 October 2017|publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="route">{{cite web |title=NHAI |url=http://www.nhai.org/NH2_Delhi_Kolkata_main.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204065036/http://www.nhai.org/NH2_Delhi_Kolkata_main.htm |archive-date=4 December 2016 |access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Keene|first=Henry George|author-link=Henry George Keene (1826–1915)|title=A Handbook for Visitors to Agra and Its Neighbourhood|chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/ahandbookforvis00keengoog#page/n113/mode/1up|chapter=Bindrabun|date=1899|publisher=Thacker, Spink & Co.|pages=98–106}}</ref> Vrindavan has about 5,500 temples dedicated to the worship of Krishna and his chief consort, ].<ref name="Madan">{{cite book |last=Gopal |first=Madan |url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada |title=India through the ages |publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India |year=1990 |editor=K.S. Gautam |page=}}</ref> It is one of the most ] places for ] traditions.<ref name="Hawley" /><ref name="Madan" />

Vrindavan forms a part of the "Krishna pilgrimage circuit" under development by the Indian Ministry of Tourism. The circuit also includes ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Development of Ramayana and Krishna Circuits |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1513307 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=15 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bhattacharya |first=G. |title=Oxford Art Online |chapter-url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.t090249 |chapter=Vrindavan |date=2003 |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.t090249 |isbn=978-1-884446-05-4 }}</ref>


== Etymology == == Etymology ==
The ancient ] name of the city, {{lang|sa|वृन्दावन}} ({{IAST|Vṛndāvana}}), comes from its groves of ''vṛndā'' (]) and ''vana'' (], forest).<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V09_023.gif |title=Brindaban|publisher=]|date=1909}}</ref>
] river]]
The ancient ] name of the city, ''Vṛndāvana'', comes from its groves of ''vṛndā'' ] (tulsi, Holy Basil) '']'' with ''vana'' meaning a ] or a forest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V09_023.gif |title=Brindaban|publisher=]|date=1909}}</ref> Two small groves still exist at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj.


== History == == History ==
] was built by ] Gopal Singhji of ] dynasty]]
Vrindavan has an ancient past, associated with Hindu history, and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. One of its oldest surviving temples is the Govinda Deva temple, built in 1590, with the town founded earlier in the same century.<ref>{{Cite EB1911 |wstitle=Brindaban|volume=4|page=571}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citypincode.in/PinCodeOf.jsp?area=Vrindaban%20&district=Mathura |title=Vrindavan PinCode |publisher=citypincode.in |date= |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref> The essence of Vrindavan was lost over time until the 16th century, when it was rediscovered by ]. In the year 1515, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Vrindavana, with the purpose of locating the lost holy places associated with Lord Sri Krishna's transcendent pastimes. Chaitanya wandered through the different sacred forests of Vrindavana in a spiritual trance of divine love. It was believed that by His divine spiritual power, He was able to locate all the important places of Krishna's pastimes in and around Vrindavana.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mvtindia.com/history/discovery.htm|title=Discovery of Vrindavan by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu}}</ref>
Vrindavan has an ancient past, associated with Hindu culture and history, and was established in the 16th and 17th centuries as a result of an explicit treaty between Muslims and Hindu Emperors,<ref>{{cite news |date=25 January 2020 |title=Watch {{!}} John Stratton Hawley on His Latest Book on 'Krishna's Playground' |work=The Wire |url=https://thewire.in/urban/watch-john-stratton-hawley-book |access-date=3 March 2020}}</ref> and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site since long.


In contemporary times, ] Charya, aged eleven visited Vrindavan. Later on, he performed three pilgrimages of ], barefoot giving discourses on ] at 84 places. These 84 places are known as ] and since then have the places of pilgrimage. Yet, he stayed in Vrindavan for four months each year. Vrindavan thus heavily influenced his formation of ].
] left the kingdom of Mewar and went on pilgrimages. In her last 14 years, Meera lived in a temple called Pracheen Meerabai in Vrindavan. Meera Bai is the most famous female Hindu spiritual poet, whose compositions are still popular throughout North India.
]
The essence of Vrindavan was lost over time until the 16th century when it was rediscovered by ]. In the year 1515, ] visited Vrindavan, with the purpose of locating the lost holy places associated with Krishna's life.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discovery of Vrindavan by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu |url=http://www.mvtindia.com/history/discovery.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123021950/http://www.mvtindia.com/history/discovery.htm |archive-date=23 January 2011 |access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref>


In the last 250 years, the extensive forests of Vrindavan have been subjected to urbanization, first by local Rajas and in recent decades by apartment developers. The forest cover has been whittled away to only a few remaining spots, and the local wildlife, including ]s, ], ]s and a variety of bird species has been virtually eliminated. A few peacocks are left in the city but monkeys and cows can be seen almost everywhere. In the last 250 years, the extensive forests of Vrindavan have been subjected to urbanisation, first by local Rajas and in recent decades by apartment developers. The forest cover has been whittled away to only a few remaining spots, and the local wildlife, including ]s, ], ]s and a variety of bird species has been virtually eliminated.


== Geography == == Geography ==
Vrindavan is located at {{Coord|27.58|N|77.7|E|}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/36/Vrindavan.html|title=Falling Rain Genomics, Inc Vrindavan}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 170&nbsp;metres (557&nbsp;feet). Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, about 15 kilometres north of ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/36/Vrindavan.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Vrindavan, India|website=www.fallingrain.com|access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref> and 125 km from ], Vrindavan has an average elevation of 170&nbsp;metres (557&nbsp;feet).{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} The ] river flows through the city.

=== Climate ===
{{Weather box
| location = Mathura (1981–2010, extremes 1974–1995)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| width = auto
| Jan record high C = 29.6
| Feb record high C = 34.1
| Mar record high C = 40.1
| Apr record high C = 45.1
| May record high C = 47.1
| Jun record high C = 47.6
| Jul record high C = 44.6
| Aug record high C = 42.7
| Sep record high C = 40.6
| Oct record high C = 42.1
| Nov record high C = 35.1
| Dec record high C = 30.1
| year record high C = 47.6
| Jan high C = 21.3
| Feb high C = 24.4
| Mar high C = 30.4
| Apr high C = 36.6
| May high C = 41.2
| Jun high C = 41.2
| Jul high C = 36.1
| Aug high C = 34.6
| Sep high C = 34.2
| Oct high C = 33.3
| Nov high C = 29.1
| Dec high C = 23.3
| year high C = 32.1
| Jan low C = 6.4
| Feb low C = 8.3
| Mar low C = 13.2
| Apr low C = 17.9
| May low C = 23.9
| Jun low C = 25.9
| Jul low C = 25.5
| Aug low C = 25.0
| Sep low C = 23.5
| Oct low C = 18.3
| Nov low C = 11.6
| Dec low C = 7.7
| year low C = 17.3
| Jan record low C = 1.0
| Feb record low C = 0.5
| Mar record low C = 5.0
| Apr record low C = 7.0
| May record low C = 8.5
| Jun record low C = 17.0
| Jul record low C = 11.5
| Aug record low C = 17.5
| Sep record low C = 17.6
| Oct record low C = 11.5
| Nov record low C = 4.0
| Dec record low C = 2.0
| year record low C = 0.5
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 10.4
| Feb rain mm = 13.6
| Mar rain mm = 6.8
| Apr rain mm = 10.1
| May rain mm = 17.8
| Jun rain mm = 35.5
| Jul rain mm = 164.7
| Aug rain mm = 205.2
| Sep rain mm = 105.0
| Oct rain mm = 18.0
| Nov rain mm = 3.9
| Dec rain mm = 9.0
| year rain mm = 600.1
| Jan rain days = 0.9
| Feb rain days = 1.3
| Mar rain days = 1.0
| Apr rain days = 0.9
| May rain days = 1.5
| Jun rain days = 3.0
| Jul rain days = 9.0
| Aug rain days = 9.1
| Sep rain days = 4.9
| Oct rain days = 0.9
| Nov rain days = 0.3
| Dec rain days = 1.1
| year rain days = 33.9
| time day = 17:30 ]
| Jan humidity = 65
| Feb humidity = 59
| Mar humidity = 53
| Apr humidity = 48
| May humidity = 39
| Jun humidity = 43
| Jul humidity = 67
| Aug humidity = 72
| Sep humidity = 71
| Oct humidity = 63
| Nov humidity = 56
| Dec humidity = 60
| year humidity = 58
| source 1 = ]<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Mathura Climatological Table 1981–2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = January 2015
| pages = 481–482
| access-date = 22 September 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M220
| access-date = 22 September 2020}}</ref>
}}


== Demographics == == Demographics ==
As of ], Vrindavan had a total population of 63,005, of which 34,769 were males and 28,236 were females. The population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 7,818. The total number of literates in Vrindavan was 42,917, which constituted 68.11% of the population with male literacy of 73.7% and female literacy of 61.2%. The effective literacy rate of the 7+ population of Vrindavan was 77.8%, of which the male literacy rate was 83.7% and the female literacy rate was 70.3%. The sex ratio is 812 females per 1000 males. The ] population was 6,294 and 18, respectively. Vrindavan had 11,637 households in 2011.<ref name="Census2011Gov">{{cite web |title=Census of India: Vrindavan |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=143385 |access-date=9 October 2019 |website=www.censusindia.gov.in}}</ref><ref name="nayaka1974">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kNQLHQAACAAJ |title=A students' history of education in India (1800–1973) |publisher=Macmillan |year=1974 |edition=6 |author=Jayant Pandurang Nayaka |author2=Syed Nurullah }}</ref>
{{As of|2001}} India ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archivedate=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|accessdate=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Vrindavan had a population of 56,618. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. Vrindavan has an average literacy rate of 65%, lower than the national average of 74.04%.<ref name="nayaka1974">{{cite book| title=A students' history of education in India (1800–1973) | authors=Jayant Pandurang Nayaka, Syed Nurullah | year=1974 |edition=6 | isbn= | publisher=Macmillan | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kNQLHQAACAAJ}}</ref> In Vrindavan, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age. The number of females is 24,200 including 13% who are under 6 years of age.

Vrindavan lies in the cultural region of ].<ref name="LuciaMichelutti1">{{cite web |author=Lucia Michelutti |date=2002 |title=Sons of Krishna: the politics of Yadav community formation in a North Indian town |url=http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/2106/1/U613338.pdf |access-date=20 May 2015 |work=PhD Thesis Social Anthropology |publisher=London School of Economics and Political Science University of London |page=49}}</ref>


==Culture and cityscape==
== Religious heritage ==
=== Religious heritage ===
{{Main article|Krishna}}
{{Main|Radha|Krishna|Radha Krishna}}
]
] ] devotee singing bhajan in Vrindavan]]
Vrindavan is considered to be a sacred place for ] tradition of ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=vrindavan mahatmya |url=https://www.purebhakti.com/resources/ebooks-magazines/library/bengali-lib/books-2/979-vrndavana-mahatmya |access-date=25 July 2023 |website=purebhakti.com|date=11 February 2021 }}</ref> It is believed that Krishna spent part of his childhood in this city.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sengupta |first1=Arjun |date=9 March 2023 |title=Holi: Bringing fleeting color to the lives of Vrindavan's widows |language=en |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/widows-vrindavan-holi-8484907/ |access-date=4 June 2023}}</ref> The other prominent areas surrounding Vrindavan are ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Along with Vrindavan, all these places are considered to be the center of ] and ] worship. Millions of devotees of ] visit Vrindavan and its nearby areas every year to participate in a number of festivals.<ref name="kk2007">{{cite book |author=Klaus Klostermaier |title=A Survey of Hinduism |publisher=State University of New York Press; 3 edition |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-7914-7081-7 |page=204 |quote=The center of Krishna-worship has been for a long time Brajbhumi, the district of Mathura that embraces also Vrindavana, Govardhana, and Gokula, associated with Krishna from the time immemorial. Many millions of Krishna ''bhaktas'' visit these places every year and participate in the numerous festivals that re-enact divine scenes from Krishna's life on Earth, of which were spent in those very places |author-link=Klaus Klostermaier}} Vrinda means Tulsi (A sacred species of flora) and van as forest, therefore Vrindavan is a holy forest of Tulsi. Vijaypal Baghel, known as GreenMan is promoting, planting, and farming Tulsi in mass around the Vrindavan.</ref> The common salutation or greetings used in ] by its residents is '']'' which is associated with the Goddess Radha<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lynch |first=Owen M. |title=Divine Passions |date=31 December 1990 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-30975-3 |pages=3–34 |language=en |chapter=ONE. The Social Construction of Emotion in India |doi=10.1525/9780520309753-002 |chapter-url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1525/9780520309753-002/html}}</ref> or ] which is associated with Krishna. Devotees of Krishna believe that he visits the town each night to adore Radha.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Srivastava |first1=Priya |date=12 August 2020 |title=Do you know about the 'mysterious' Nidhivan in Vrindavan where Krishna still performs Raasleela? |newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/do-you-know-about-the-mysterious-nidhivan-in-vrindavan-where-krishna-still-performs-raasleela/articleshow/65654845.cms |access-date=4 June 2023}}</ref>
] bathing ghat, in the ] area]]
]
]
Vrindavan is considered to be a holy place for ] tradition of ]. It is a center of Krishna worship and the area includes places like ] and ] that are associated with Krishna. Millions of devotees of ] visit these places of pilgrimage every year and participate in a number of festivals.<ref name = kk2007>{{cite book
|author=]|year=2007|title=A Survey of Hinduism|publisher=State University of New York Press; 3 edition
|isbn=0-7914-7081-4|quote = The center of Krishna-worship has been for a long time Brajbhumi, the district of Mathura that embraces also Vrindavana, Govardhana, and Gokula, associated with Krishna from the time immemorial. Many millions of Krishna ''bhaktas'' visit these places every year and participate in the numerous festivals that re-enact divine scenes from Krishna's life on Earth, of which were spent in those very places|page=204}} Vrinda means Tulsi (A sacred species of flora) and van as forest, therefore Vrindavan is a holy forest of Tulsi. Vijaypal Baghel, known as GreenMan is promoting, planting and farming Tulsi in mass around the Vrindavan.</ref> According to ], Krishna was raised in the cow herding village of ] by his foster parents ] and ]. The Bhagavata Purana describes ] in the Vrindavan forest where he, his brother ] and his cowherd friends engaged in childhood pranks.


=== Temples === === Temples ===
]
Vrindavan, the land of Radha Rani, the City of Temples has more than 5000 temples to showcase the pastimes of Radha and Krishna.<ref>http://news.vrindavantoday.org/2016/06/seven-main-temples-of-vrindavan</ref> Seven temples, Thakurs of Vrindavan, the gems of those that have survived to this day are<ref>http://www.gopinatha.net/</ref> -
Vrindavan, the land of ] has about 5500 temples dedicated to them to showcase their divine pastimes.<ref>{{cite book |author=Rājaśekhara Dāsa |url={{Google books|Q1cvAAAAYAAJ|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} |title=The Color Guide to Vṛndāvana: India's Most Holy City of Over 5,000 Temples |publisher=Vedanta Vision Publication |year=2000}}</ref><ref>, Vrindavantoday.org</ref> Some of the important pilgrimage sites are<ref>{{Cite book |last=Anand |first=D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EsvSwdUgQYcC&q=radha+purana |title=Krishna: The Living God of Braj |date=1992 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-280-2 |pages=42–86 |language=en |chapter=Temples and Places}}</ref> -
*Sri Radha Madana Mohana Temple
*], located near the Kalidah Ghat was built by Kapur Ram Das of ]. One of the oldest temples in Vrindavan, it is closely associated with ]. The original deity of Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to ] in Rajasthan for safekeeping during ]'s rule. Today, a replica of the original (deity) is worshipped at the temple
*Sri Radha Govinda Temple
*], constructed at the request of ] and houses a ] deity of Krishna as ], alongside ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Radha Raman in Vrindavan |url=http://www.salagram.net/sstp-RadhaRamanVrindavan.html |access-date=6 December 2019 |website=www.salagram.net}}</ref>
*Sri Radha Damodar Temple
*], built in 1862<ref>{{Cite web |title=Banke-Bihari Temple website |url=https://www.bihariji.org/may08/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032027/https://www.bihariji.org/may08/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref> after the image of Banke-Bihari was discovered in ] by ].
*Sri Radha Shyamasundara Temple
*] is one of the ancient temple of Vrindavan. It was constructed in 1585 AD and was the first temple made up of red sandstones.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Hare Krishnas in India |date=14 July 2014 |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=978-1-4008-5989-4 |pages=176–198 |language=en |chapter=Chapter 7. Cross-Cultural Dynamics of Mystical Emotions in Vrindaban |doi=10.1515/9781400859894.176 |chapter-url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781400859894.176/html}}</ref>
*Sri Radha Ramana Temple
*] is a ] temple, which is dedicated to Radha Krishna and was constructed in 1542 CE.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 July 2016 |title=Radha Damodar Mandir, Vrindavan - Info, Timings, Photos, History |url=https://www.templepurohit.com/hindu-temple/radha-damodar-mandir-mandir-vrindavan/ |access-date=2 September 2021 |website=TemplePurohit - Your Spiritual Destination {{!}} Bhakti, Shraddha Aur Ashirwad |language=en-US}}</ref>
*Sri Radha Gokulananda Temple
*] was built by the ] (ISKCON) in Raman-Reti.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISKCON Vrindavan - Home |url=http://www.iskconvrindavan.com}}</ref> The principal deities of this temple are Krishna and Balaram, with Radha–] and ]-] alongside. Adjoining the temple is the samadhi of ], the founder of ISKCON, was built in pure white marble.
*Sri Radha Gopinatha Temple
*] is a spiritual complex situated on a 54-acre site on the outskirts of Vrindavan dedicated to divine love. The temple structure was established by spiritual guru ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 August 2013 |title=Famous Krishna Temples in India |url=https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/slideshow/famous-krishna-temples-india_297.html |access-date=6 December 2019 |website=Zee News}}</ref> The main structure built in marble and figures of Krishna cover the main temple.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Mayank |date=13 February 2012 |title=Kripaluji Maharaj's Prem Mandir will be inaugurated on 17 February |publisher=Aaj Ki Khabar |url=http://www.aajkikhabar.com/News/Region/Kripaluji-Maharaj-s-Prem-Mandir-will-be-inaugurated-on-17th-February/690284.html |access-date=29 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330113922/http://www.aajkikhabar.com/News/Region/Kripaluji-Maharaj-s-Prem-Mandir-will-be-inaugurated-on-17th-February/690284.html |archive-date=30 March 2014}}</ref>
*] is housed in a modern geodesic structure with a traditional gopuram based on ] style of architecture. It is being built by one of the ] factions based in ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=News18.com: CNN-News18 Breaking News India, Latest News Headlines, Live News Updates |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iskcon-to-build-worlds-tallest-temple-at-mathura-from-today/458198-3-242.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316105823/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iskcon-to-build-worlds-tallest-temple-at-mathura-from-today/458198-3-242.html |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=6 December 2019 |website=News18}}</ref> At cost of {{INRConvert|300|c}} it will be the tallest temple in world on completion.
*Shri Rambag Mandir, Vrindavan Shri Rambag Mandir is a Ramanandi Sampradaya temple, which is the first and oldest Shri Ram Mandir. Made up of white sandstones and dedicated to Shri Ram Darbara, the temple was constructed in 1930.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}


=== City of Widows ===
And Vrindavan continues to be a venue of numerous temples and ashrams that are being regularly built, some of which are architectural master pieces.
Vrindavan is also known as the "city of widows"<ref name="cnn">{{cite news |title=India's widows live out sentence of shame, poverty |url=http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9711/16/india.women/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061129032657/http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9711/16/india.women/ |archive-date=29 November 2006 |work=CNN |date=16 November 1997 |access-date=25 March 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 May 2013 |title=The Indian town with 6,000 widows |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-21859622 |access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=8 March 2019 |title=The widows of Vrindavan |work=cnbctv18.com |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/photos/buzz/the-widows-of-vrindavan-2537551-12.htm |access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref> due to the large number of ]s who move into the town and surrounding area after losing their husbands. There are an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 widows.<ref name="catalyst">{{cite magazine |last=Sheik |first=Fazal |date=6 July 2006 |title=Catalyst Magazine: ''Moksha: the widows of Vrindavan'' |url=http://www.catalystmagazine.org/Default.aspx.LocID-0hgnew0ha.RefLocID-0hg01b001006009.Lang-EN.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403073306/http://www.catalystmagazine.org/Default.aspx.LocID-0hgnew0ha.RefLocID-0hg01b001006009.Lang-EN.htm |archive-date=3 April 2007 |magazine=Catalyst |access-date=25 March 2007}}</ref><ref name="cnn2">{{cite news |date=5 July 2007 |title=''Shunned from society, widows flock to city to die'' |work=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/05/damon.india.widows/index.html |access-date=5 July 2007}}</ref> Many live in extreme poverty and spend time singing ] hymns at ], as documented in historian ]'s '']'' (1998). An organisation called Guild of Service was formed to assist these deprived women and children.<ref name="cnn" /><ref name="cnn2" /> According to a survey report prepared by the government, several homes run by the government and different NGOs for widows.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sulabh dons mantle |url=http://www.sulabhinternational.org/content/sulabh-dons-mantle-good-samaritan-save-vrindavan-widows |access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref>
*Madan Mohan Temple, located near the Kali Ghat was built by Kapur Ram Das of ]. One of the oldest temples in Vrindavan, it is closely associated with the Lord ]. The original deity of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to ] in Rajasthan for safe keeping during ]'s rule. Today, a replica of the original (deity) is worshiped at the temple.
*Govind Dev Temple (Sri Radha Govinda Temple) was a seven storeyed structure built by ] with red sandstone donated by ] in 1590. It was destroyed by Mughal ruler ].<ref>http://uptourism.gov.in/pages/top/explore/top-explore-mathura---vrindavan/govind-dev-temple</ref>. See Also, ]
*New Radha Govinda Temple was built by Sri Krishna Balaram Swamiji and was completed in 2004 is based on a historic temple built about 500 years ago by Srila Rupa Goswami, a direct Sanyasi disciple of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.krsna.org/temple.htm |title=Red Stone Temple}}</ref>
*], constructed at the request of ] and houses a ] deity of Krishna as ], alongside ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salagram.net/sstp-RadhaRamanVrindavan.html|title=The history of Sri Radha Raman Temple}}</ref>
*Radha Damodar Mandir, located at Seva Kunj was established in 1542 by ]. The main deities are Radha–].
*Radha Vallabh Temple, set up by Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu has a crown of Radharani placed next to the Krishna in the sanctum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radhavallabh.com|title=Radhavallabh Temple website}}</ref>
*Shahji Temple, designed and built in 1876 by Shah Kundan Lal of ]. Noted for its magnificent architecture and beautiful marble sculptures, the temple has twelve spiral columns each 15 feet high and a hall with Belgian glass chandeliers and paintings.
*Meera Bai Temple, located at southern side of Shahji temple near Nidhivan and is dedicated to ]. Some hagiography state she miraculously disappeared by merging into a deity of Krishna at Dwarika in 1547.<ref>Usha Nilsson (1997), Mira bai, Sahitya Akademi, {{ISBN|978-8126004119}}, pages 1-15</ref> While miracles are contested by scholars for the lack of historical evidence, it is widely acknowledged that Meera dedicated her life to Hindu deity Krishna, composing songs of devotion and was one of the most important poet-sant of the Bhakti movement period.<ref>Usha Nilsson (1997), Mira bai, Sahitya Akademi, {{ISBN|978-8126004119}}, pages 16-17</ref><ref>John S Hawley (2005), Three Bhakti Voices: Mirabai, Surdas and Kabir in Their Times and Ours, Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|978-0195670851}}, pages 128-130</ref>
]
*], built in 1862<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bihariji.org/may08/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26|title=Banke-Bihari Temple website}}</ref> after the image of Banke-Bihari was discovered in Nidhi Vana by ].
*] is a spiritual complex situated on a 54-acre site on the outskirts of Vrindavan dedicated to divine love. The temple structure was established by spiritual guru ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/slideshow/famous-krishna-temples-in-india_297.html/3|title=Prem Mandir}}</ref> The main structure built in marble and figures of Krishna cover the main temple.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aajkikhabar.com/News/Region/Kripaluji-Maharaj-s-Prem-Mandir-will-be-inaugurated-on-17th-February/690284.html|title=Kripaluji Maharaj's Prem Mandir will be inaugurated on 17 February|publisher=Aaj Ki Khabar}}</ref>
*] was built by the ] (ISKCON) in Raman-Reti.<ref>http://www.iskconvrindavan.com</ref> The principal deities of this temple are Krishna and Balaram, with Radha–] and ]-] alongside. Adjoining the temple is the samadhi of ], the founder of ISKCON, built in pure white marble.
*Rangaji Temple, built in 1851 is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha or Rangaji depicted as Lord ] in his sheshashayi pose, resting on the coils of the sacred ] Naga. The temple built in the Dravidian style has a ] of six storeys and a gold-plated Dhwaja stambha, 50 feet high. The 'Brahmotsdav' celebration in March–April is marked by the pulling of the ] car by the devotees from the temple to the adjoining gardens.
*Sneh Bihari Mandir, Vrindavan - This temple located in the heart of Vrindavan is based on Haridasiya Sampradhay. About 250 years ago there existed a small temple established by Shri Snehi Lal Goswami, the 10th generation Goswami of Swami Shri Haridas. This complex was well expanded and renovated in 2003 by Bhagwat Mission under the leadership Guru Ji Goswami Shri Mridul Krishna ji Maharaj. Built across 1000 square yards, it is the result of the dedication of over 1500 workers. Made up of exclusive white and red marble, it is elegantly designed with traditional carvings. There are over 80 beautifully designed columns that gives the temple a touch of royalty.<ref>http://www.bhagwatmission.org</ref>
*Jaipur Temple, built by Sawai Madho Singh II, the Maharaja of ] in 1917 dedicated to ]–].<ref>http://www.vrindavanonline.in/city-guide/jaipur-mandir-in-vrindavan</ref>
*Pagal Baba Temple, Liladham, Vrindavan - Temple is beautifully designed with white marble stone. There are seven temples, one on top of another. All temples have beautiful deities. Presently this is the tallest temple in vrindavan. The temple is famous for its puppet exhibition. Liland Thakur was a Justice in High court of Calcutta, and after resigning from the post he came to Vrindavan in search of truth and lord Krishna. He was wondering here like a mad man so people were calling him Pagal Baba only to later realise his powers.<ref>http://uptourism.gov.in/post/pagal-baba-temple</ref>
*Neeb (Neem) Karori Baba Samadhi Temple, Gaushala Nagar - Maharajji's beautiful Vrindavan ashram is the likely the most propitious of the ashrams and temples of Maharajji Neem Karoli Baba who is renowned world over with ashrams and temples built in over one hundred places in his name. The first temple was inaugurated in 1967. It was in Vrindaban that Maharajji chose to leave His body in 1973. The temple at the cremation place of Maharajji's last known body is called Samadhi Sthal. This is the site of Maharaj-ji's Mahasamadhi Bhandara in September each year.<ref>http://www.maharajji.com/Vrindavan/vrindavan-ashram.html</ref>
* Vrinda Kunja, Goda Vihar - this 200 year old ashram and temple originally built by the queen of ], renovated in 1989 by Paramadvaiti Swamiji is now a majestic building.<ref>http://vrindakunja.org</ref>
*Mandir Sri Dham Goda Vihar, Goda Vihar is located close to Vrinda kunja.<ref>http://godavihar.blogspot.in</ref>
*Jagannatha Mandir, Goda Vihar, Vrindavaan - ], a Vaishnav saint of Vrindavan brought idols of Shri Jagannath ji, Shri Balram ji and Subhadra Devi from ] and installed here. The temple is one of the most famous and old temples of Vrindavan, built about five centuries ago.<ref>http://srijagannathmandir.in/Vrindavan.php</ref>
*Maa Katyayani Mandir is situated in Radha Bagh, near Rangnath mandir. This is one of suddh ] of ], established in 1923 by a Kriya Yogi, ].
*Tekari Rani Temple, Goda Vihar - located close to Tekri Rani Ghat on the banks of River Yamuna along Mathura road, this vast Tekari Rani Temple built in Rajasthani architecture is one of the finest monuments in Vrindavan. About two hundred years ago the queen of Tekri while visiting Vrindavan was hounded by dacoits. Queen with her beloved deity of Lord Gopal managed to escape from them safely. Later on a temple complex was built here in. There is also a small palace built in this place.<ref>http://www.vrindavanonline.in/city-guide/tekari-rani-temple-in-vrindavan</ref>
*Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, a shrine believed to be a ] where ringlets of hair of ] is believed to have fallen.<ref>{{cite book |last= (Translator)|first= ] |title= The Upanishads, Vol I |date= 1 June 2004|publisher= Kessinger Publishing, LLC | ISBN= 1-4191-8641-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= (Translator)|first= ] |title= The Upanishads Part II: The Sacred Books of the East Part Fifteen |date= 26 July 2004|publisher= Kessinger Publishing, LLC | ISBN= 1-4179-3016-0}}</ref>
*Garud Govind Temple is located on the turn of NH-2 to Vrindavan in Chhatikara village.<ref>http://www.brajdarshan.in/garud-gobind</ref>
*Chintaharan Hanuman Mandir, temple of Lord ] is situated near Atalvan
*Radha Ras Bihari Ashta Sakhi Temple, dedicated to the divine couple Radha-Krishna and their Ashta Sakhis (eight companions).
*Vrindavan-Chandra Mandir is housed in a modern geodesic structure with a traditional gopuram based on khajuraho style of architecture.
*Maa Vaishno Devi Dham, Chhatikara - this recently constructed Maa Vaishno Devi Dham near Vrindavan hosts an array of statues, articles, and abodes which are awe-inspiring. Maa Vaishno's Murti is the star attraction of the Dham. This statue is a colossal neoclassical sculpture measuring 141 ft tall from the ground level and weighing 1700 ton.<ref>http://www.maavaishno.org</ref>
*Priyakantju Mandir, Allhepur - Vishwa Shanti Sewa Charitable Trust built this temple in 2009. This unique lotus shaped temple complex spreading over a land of 2.5 acres was built at around the cost of about 40 crores.<ref>http://www.vssct.com</ref>
*] is a temple under-construction at Vrindavan, ] by ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iskcon-to-build-worlds-tallest-temple-at-mathura-from-today/458198-3-242.html |title=ISKCON to build world's tallest temple at Mathura from today}}</ref> At cost of {{INRConvert|300|c}} it will be the tallest temple in world on completion.
*Bhajan kutir Ashram was established by Golokbasi 1008 Bhagawat Sharan Maharaj Ji who was originally from Nepal. This ashram has been a long lasting symbol of ] and India Friendship at peoples level. Several thousands of Nepalese devotees, students, saints has been part of this almost 150 yrs old ashrams and contributed for the Shri Vrindavandham's diverse heritage.<ref>http://bhajankutirashram.se</ref>


=== Other sacred sites === ===Culinary tradition===
Vrindavan and ], the twin cities which are associated with Krishna are main centers of ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Braj Cuisine Echoes The Legends Of Lord Krishna, Radha And Holi |url=https://www.slurrp.com/article/holi-2023-braj-cuisine-echoes-the-legends-of-lord-krishna-radha-and-holi-1677850126840 |access-date=17 August 2024 |website=Slurrp |language=en |quote=Even now, Krishna is an integrated part of the Braj community and diet, influencing the culture in indelible ways. The essential elements of Braj cuisine are based on a few beliefs and traditions}}</ref> Vrindavan ], Vrindavan Dahi Arbi jhor, Vrindavan khichdi,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 July 2010 |title=Budget bites |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/budget-bites/articleshow/5517195.cms |access-date=23 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |quote=There's even a dry fruit khichdi, which we didn't have the stomach to try and a Vrindavan khichdi, which comes with a side of Gatte ka saag and papad}}</ref> Bedmi ], Dubki Aloo jhor, Moong Dal cheela, Heeng ] are some of the famous cuisines popular in this religious city.
Other places of interest include Seva Kunj, Kesi Ghat, Sriji Temple, Jugal Kishore Temple, Lal Babu Temple, Raj Ghat, Imli Tal, Kaliya Ghat, Raman Reti, Varaha Ghat, Chira Ghat, samadhi of ] and samadhi of ].
]


==Transportation==
In honor of Swami Haridas, a meet is organized, in which renowned musicians take part every year. The renovation of ancient Seva Kunj is being carried out by The Braj Foundation.
===Road===
Vrindavan is well connected by roads and is connected to ] by ] of the ] network. Earlier it was NH 2.<ref name="route" />


129&nbsp;km from ]
== City of Widows ==
Vrindavan is also known as the "city of widows"<ref name="cnn">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9711/16/india.women/|title=India's widows live out sentence of shame, poverty|accessdate=25 March 2007 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20061129032657/http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9711/16/india.women/ |archivedate = 29 November 2006}}</ref> due to the large number of widows who move into the town and surrounding area after losing their husbands. There are an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 widows<ref name="catalyst">{{cite web|url=http://www.catalystmagazine.org/Default.aspx.LocID-0hgnew0ha.RefLocID-0hg01b001006009.Lang-EN.htm|title=Catalyst Magazine: ''Moksha: the widows of Vrindavan''|accessdate=25 March 2007}}</ref><ref name="cnn2">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/05/damon.india.widows/index.html|title=''Shunned from society, widows flock to city to die''|accessdate=5 July 2007 | work=CNN | date=5 July 2007}}</ref> who spend time singing ] hymns for in ]. An organization called Guild of Service was formed to assist these deprived women and children.<ref name="cnn" /><ref name="cnn2" /> According to a survey report prepared by the government, several homes run by the government and different NGOs for widows.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sulabhinternational.org/content/sulabh-dons-mantle-good-samaritan-save-vrindavan-widows|title=Sulabh dons mantle}}</ref>


117&nbsp;km from ]
In India, equal inheritance rights are protected by law, but customs can override rights of widows.<ref>{{cite news |title=Life after loss |author=Cynthia Gorney |publisher=] |date=February 2017 |url=http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/02/global-images-of-widows-india-bosnia-uganda-discrimination-exile/ |accessdate=April 8, 2017}}</ref>

54&nbsp;km from ]

9&nbsp;km from ]

While in Vrindavan, battery-powered ] are available for commuting within city limits.


==Transportation==
===Rail=== ===Rail===
''']''' is on the Mathura-Vrindavan MG link. *] is on the Mathura-Vrindavan MG link.
''']''' is on the Agra-Delhi chord. Most Important train is : '''51901/Agra Cantt. - Old Delhi Passenger (UnReserved)''' Avg Speed: 23&nbsp;km/hr. *] is on the Agra-Delhi chord.


===Air=== === Flight ===
The nearest Airports are ] which is 71.3 km away and ] is 150 km away.
{{As of|2016}} the city has no ]. Nearest International airport is IGI Airport, New Delhi.

Is under-construction Airport ] Located in ] is expected to be open in his Phase 1 in 2024.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
KesiGhat River.JPG|Keshi Ghat on banks of the ] river
Vrindavan, India (20566547434).jpg|Rangaji Temple of Vrindavan
PremMandirSideViewFromCanteen.jpg|]
ISKON TEMPLE 1.jpg|]
Madanmohan Mandir Vrindavan.JPG|]
Radharani 5.jpg|Wall art of the name ]
Pagal Baba Mandir.jpg|Pagal Baba Temple
</gallery>


== See also == == See also ==
{{Portal|India|Hinduism}} {{Portal|India|Hinduism
}}
*] * ]
* ]
*]
* ]
*]<ref>The white and saffron hues of Vrindavan</ref>
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

== References ==
{{Reflist|40em}}


== External links == == External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}} {{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage-inline}} {{Wikivoyage inline}}
*
*


{{Hindu holy cities}} {{Hindu holy cities}}
{{Krishna|state=autocollapse}} {{Krishna}}
{{Mathura district}} {{Mathura district}}
{{Uttar Pradesh}}
{{Authority control}}


]
] ]
]
]
] ]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
]

]
== References ==
]
{{Reflist|40em}}
]
]

Latest revision as of 07:36, 28 December 2024

City in Uttar Pradesh, India This article is about the city in Uttar Pradesh, India. For the spiritual Vrindavan, see Goloka. For altar for Tulasi plant, see Tulasi Vrindavana. "Brindavanam" redirects here. For the 2010 film, see Brindavanam (2010 film). For the 2017 film, see Brindavanam (2017 film).

City in Uttar Pradesh, India
Vrindavan Vrindaban, Brindaban
City
Clockwise from top: ISKCON Temple , Radha Madanmohan Temple, Radha Damodar Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Prem Mandir
Nicknames: City of Widows
Vrindavan is located in Uttar PradeshVrindavanVrindavanLocation in Uttar Pradesh, IndiaShow map of Uttar PradeshVrindavan is located in IndiaVrindavanVrindavanVrindavan (India)Show map of India
Coordinates: 27°35′N 77°42′E / 27.58°N 77.7°E / 27.58; 77.7
Country India
StateUttar Pradesh
DistrictMathura
Government
 • TypeMunicipal Corporation
 • BodyMathura-Vrindavan Municipal Corporation
 • MayorVinod Agarwal (BJP)
Elevation170 m (560 ft)
Population
 • Total63,005
DemonymVrindavan wasi
Languages
 • OfficialHindi
 • NativeBraj Bhasha dialect
Time zoneUTC+05:30 (IST)
PIN281121
Telephone code0565
Vehicle registrationUP-85

Vrindavan (pronounced [ʋɾɪnˈdɑːʋən] ; IAST: Vṛndāvana), also spelt Vrindaban and Brindaban, is a historical city in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located in the Braj Bhoomi region and holds religious importance for Hindus who believe that Krishna, one of the main Gods in Hinduism, spent most of his childhood in this city. Vrindavan has about 5,500 temples dedicated to the worship of Krishna and his chief consort, Radha. It is one of the most sacred places for Vaishnava traditions.

Vrindavan forms a part of the "Krishna pilgrimage circuit" under development by the Indian Ministry of Tourism. The circuit also includes Mathura, Barsana, Gokul, Govardhan, Kurukshetra, Dwarka and Puri.

Etymology

The ancient Sanskrit name of the city, वृन्दावन (Vṛndāvana), comes from its groves of vṛndā (holy basil) and vana (grove, forest).

History

The 17th century Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple was built by Raja Gopal Singhji of Karauli dynasty

Vrindavan has an ancient past, associated with Hindu culture and history, and was established in the 16th and 17th centuries as a result of an explicit treaty between Muslims and Hindu Emperors, and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site since long.

In contemporary times, Vallabha Charya, aged eleven visited Vrindavan. Later on, he performed three pilgrimages of India, barefoot giving discourses on Bhagavad Gita at 84 places. These 84 places are known as Pushtimarg Baithak and since then have the places of pilgrimage. Yet, he stayed in Vrindavan for four months each year. Vrindavan thus heavily influenced his formation of Pushtimarg.

Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan

The essence of Vrindavan was lost over time until the 16th century when it was rediscovered by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In the year 1515, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Vrindavan, with the purpose of locating the lost holy places associated with Krishna's life.

In the last 250 years, the extensive forests of Vrindavan have been subjected to urbanisation, first by local Rajas and in recent decades by apartment developers. The forest cover has been whittled away to only a few remaining spots, and the local wildlife, including peacocks, cows, monkeys and a variety of bird species has been virtually eliminated.

Geography

Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, about 15 kilometres north of Mathura and 125 km from Delhi, Vrindavan has an average elevation of 170 metres (557 feet). The Yamuna river flows through the city.

Climate

Climate data for Mathura (1981–2010, extremes 1974–1995)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 29.6
(85.3)
34.1
(93.4)
40.1
(104.2)
45.1
(113.2)
47.1
(116.8)
47.6
(117.7)
44.6
(112.3)
42.7
(108.9)
40.6
(105.1)
42.1
(107.8)
35.1
(95.2)
30.1
(86.2)
47.6
(117.7)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 21.3
(70.3)
24.4
(75.9)
30.4
(86.7)
36.6
(97.9)
41.2
(106.2)
41.2
(106.2)
36.1
(97.0)
34.6
(94.3)
34.2
(93.6)
33.3
(91.9)
29.1
(84.4)
23.3
(73.9)
32.1
(89.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 6.4
(43.5)
8.3
(46.9)
13.2
(55.8)
17.9
(64.2)
23.9
(75.0)
25.9
(78.6)
25.5
(77.9)
25.0
(77.0)
23.5
(74.3)
18.3
(64.9)
11.6
(52.9)
7.7
(45.9)
17.3
(63.1)
Record low °C (°F) 1.0
(33.8)
0.5
(32.9)
5.0
(41.0)
7.0
(44.6)
8.5
(47.3)
17.0
(62.6)
11.5
(52.7)
17.5
(63.5)
17.6
(63.7)
11.5
(52.7)
4.0
(39.2)
2.0
(35.6)
0.5
(32.9)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 10.4
(0.41)
13.6
(0.54)
6.8
(0.27)
10.1
(0.40)
17.8
(0.70)
35.5
(1.40)
164.7
(6.48)
205.2
(8.08)
105.0
(4.13)
18.0
(0.71)
3.9
(0.15)
9.0
(0.35)
600.1
(23.63)
Average rainy days 0.9 1.3 1.0 0.9 1.5 3.0 9.0 9.1 4.9 0.9 0.3 1.1 33.9
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 65 59 53 48 39 43 67 72 71 63 56 60 58
Source: India Meteorological Department

Demographics

As of 2011 Indian Census, Vrindavan had a total population of 63,005, of which 34,769 were males and 28,236 were females. The population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 7,818. The total number of literates in Vrindavan was 42,917, which constituted 68.11% of the population with male literacy of 73.7% and female literacy of 61.2%. The effective literacy rate of the 7+ population of Vrindavan was 77.8%, of which the male literacy rate was 83.7% and the female literacy rate was 70.3%. The sex ratio is 812 females per 1000 males. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population was 6,294 and 18, respectively. Vrindavan had 11,637 households in 2011.

Vrindavan lies in the cultural region of Braj.

Culture and cityscape

Religious heritage

Main articles: Radha, Krishna, and Radha Krishna
ISKCON devotee singing bhajan in Vrindavan

Vrindavan is considered to be a sacred place for Vaisnavism tradition of Hinduism. It is believed that Krishna spent part of his childhood in this city. The other prominent areas surrounding Vrindavan are Govardhana, Gokul, Nandgaon, Barsana, Mathura and Bhandirvan. Along with Vrindavan, all these places are considered to be the center of Radha and Krishna worship. Millions of devotees of Radha Krishna visit Vrindavan and its nearby areas every year to participate in a number of festivals. The common salutation or greetings used in Braj region by its residents is Radhe Radhe which is associated with the Goddess Radha or Hare Krishna which is associated with Krishna. Devotees of Krishna believe that he visits the town each night to adore Radha.

Temples

Rangnathji Temple, Vrindavan

Vrindavan, the land of Radha Krishna has about 5500 temples dedicated to them to showcase their divine pastimes. Some of the important pilgrimage sites are -

City of Widows

Vrindavan is also known as the "city of widows" due to the large number of widows who move into the town and surrounding area after losing their husbands. There are an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 widows. Many live in extreme poverty and spend time singing bhajan hymns at bhajanashrams, as documented in historian William Dalrymple's The Age of Kali (1998). An organisation called Guild of Service was formed to assist these deprived women and children. According to a survey report prepared by the government, several homes run by the government and different NGOs for widows.

Culinary tradition

Vrindavan and Mathura, the twin cities which are associated with Krishna are main centers of Braj Cuisine. Vrindavan Peda, Vrindavan Dahi Arbi jhor, Vrindavan khichdi, Bedmi puri, Dubki Aloo jhor, Moong Dal cheela, Heeng Kachori are some of the famous cuisines popular in this religious city.

Vrindavan Dahi Arbi with paratha

Transportation

Road

Vrindavan is well connected by roads and is connected to Delhi by National Highway (NH) 44 of the Golden Quadrilateral network. Earlier it was NH 2.

129 km from New Delhi

117 km from Gurgaon

54 km from Agra

9 km from Mathura

While in Vrindavan, battery-powered e-rickshaw are available for commuting within city limits.

Rail

Flight

The nearest Airports are Agra Airport which is 71.3 km away and New Delhi International Airport is 150 km away.

Is under-construction Airport Noida International Airport Located in Jewar is expected to be open in his Phase 1 in 2024.

Gallery

See also

References

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  2. ^ "Census of India: Vrindavan". www.censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  3. ^ "Brindaban". The Imperial Gazetteer of India. 1909.
  4. ^ Hawley, John Stratton (2020). Krishna's Playground: Vrindavan in the 21st Century. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-012398-7.
  5. "UP gets first officially designated 'teerth sthals' in Vrindavan and Barsana". Times of India. 27 October 2017.
  6. ^ "NHAI". Archived from the original on 4 December 2016. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
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  8. ^ Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 176.
  9. "Development of Ramayana and Krishna Circuits". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
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  13. "Maps, Weather, and Airports for Vrindavan, India". www.fallingrain.com. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
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  17. Lucia Michelutti (2002). "Sons of Krishna: the politics of Yadav community formation in a North Indian town" (PDF). PhD Thesis Social Anthropology. London School of Economics and Political Science University of London. p. 49. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
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  20. Klaus Klostermaier (2007). A Survey of Hinduism. State University of New York Press; 3 edition. p. 204. ISBN 978-0-7914-7081-7. The center of Krishna-worship has been for a long time Brajbhumi, the district of Mathura that embraces also Vrindavana, Govardhana, and Gokula, associated with Krishna from the time immemorial. Many millions of Krishna bhaktas visit these places every year and participate in the numerous festivals that re-enact divine scenes from Krishna's life on Earth, of which were spent in those very places Vrinda means Tulsi (A sacred species of flora) and van as forest, therefore Vrindavan is a holy forest of Tulsi. Vijaypal Baghel, known as GreenMan is promoting, planting, and farming Tulsi in mass around the Vrindavan.
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  39. "Sulabh dons mantle". Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  40. "Braj Cuisine Echoes The Legends Of Lord Krishna, Radha And Holi". Slurrp. Retrieved 17 August 2024. Even now, Krishna is an integrated part of the Braj community and diet, influencing the culture in indelible ways. The essential elements of Braj cuisine are based on a few beliefs and traditions
  41. "Budget bites". The Times of India. 1 July 2010. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 August 2024. There's even a dry fruit khichdi, which we didn't have the stomach to try and a Vrindavan khichdi, which comes with a side of Gatte ka saag and papad

External links

Vrindavan travel guide from Wikivoyage

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