The town of Vrindavan is where the young Krishna is said to have grown up. Pilgrims flock here from all over India and, as it’s the centre of the Hare Krishna community, from all over the world. Dozens of temples, old and modern, dot the interesting backstreets and come in all shapes and sizes, making a visit here more than just your average temple hop.
But the town has an altogether different vibe during the Holi week. Celebrations are held like in no other place and many tourists flock here with cameras to capture the perfect Holi shot.
In proper consciousness, one can perceive that everything about Mathura and Vrindavan is spiritual. Visit Shri Bankey Bihari Temple, the holiest and most famous temple of Lord Krishna. This temple houses a sacred image of Lord Krishna known as Thakur Ji. Take part in Shringar Aarti at Bankey Bihari Temple. You can offer flower garlands and sweets to Lord Krishna and also meditate for some time in the temple complex.
Also Read: Eight best places to spend the Holi week
Also Read: In pics: Special food items during Holi
The other temples to be visited are:
Krishna Balaram Temple Complex- The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, also known as the Hare Krishnas, is based at the Krishna Balaram temple complex. Accessed through a beautiful, white marble gate, the temple houses the tomb of Swami Prabhupada (1896–1977), the founder of the Hare Krishna organisation.
Rangaji Temple- The largest temple in Vrindavan, this is dedicated to the god Vishnu (of whom Krishna was an avatar). It’s built in a South Indian Dravidian style, and from the outside looks more like a fortress than a temple. In summer, a half-hour aarti (prayer ceremony) is performed at 5.30am and 6.30pm; in winter, aarti timings are 6am and 6pm.
Nidhivan Temple- Surrounded by an orchard filled with twisted tulsi (holy basil) trees that are decorated with votive threads and red powder; it’s believed that Krishna visits this temple every night to perform a sacred dance.
Govind Dev Temple- This cavernous, red-sandstone temple, built in 1590 by Raja Man Singh of Amber, has ‘bells’ carved on its pillars. The resident monkeys here are particularly cheeky, so stay alert!
Later, relish local food from the streets.
Agra
from Lonely Planet India https://ift.tt/2TK0YoO
No comments:
Post a Comment