Prem Mandir is a Hindu temple in the Indian city of Vrindavan, Mathura district. Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj (the sixth Original Jagadguru) founded the temple. Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, a worldwide non-profit educational, spiritual, and charitable trust, looks after it.

The temple is situated on a 55-acre plot of land on the outskirts of Vrindavan. It is named after Radha Krishna and Sita Ram. Radha Krishna is on the first level, while Sita Ram is on the second. Various Leelas of Shri Krishna and Rasik saints are depicted on the main temple’s wall.

Overview of Prem Mandir Vrindavan

Construction began in January 2001, and the inauguration ceremony was held from February 15 to 17, 2012. On February 17, the temple was opened to the public. The total cost was Rs. 150 crore ($23 million). Shri Radha Govind (Radha Krishna) and Shri Sita Ram are the presiding deities. A pillar-free, dome-shaped satsang hall of 73,000 square feet is being built next to the Prem Mandir, with a capacity of 25,000 people.

The Prem Mandir Vrindavan complex is surrounded by exquisite gardens and ponds and features life-size replicas of Shri Krishna’s four leelas – Jhulan Leela, Govardhan Leela, Raas Leela, and Kaliya Naag Leela. It is the sister temple of Bhakti Mandir which was opened in 2005 and another sister temple which is known as Kirti Mandir, Barsana opened in 2019.

History of Prem Mandir Vrindavan

On 14 January 2001, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj laid the foundation stone in the presence of thousands of devotees. The structure took over 12 years to build and involved over 1000 craftspeople. Kripalu Ji Maharaj, whose primary ashram was in Vrindavan, created the Vrindavan site. He dedicated his loving gift to Shri Vrindavan Dham.

Architecture of Prem Mandir Vrindavan

Prem Mandir is entirely made of Italian marble. The temple, including its flag, stands 125 feet tall and 190 feet long, with a raised platform 128 feet wide serving as the seat of the two-story white monument. A circumambulation route has been built on the temple’s platform, allowing visitors to view the 48 panels representing Shri Radha Krishna’s pastimes that are carved on the temple’s outside walls. The walls are 3.25 feet thick and composed of pure Italian marble.

The garbha-griha’s walls are 8 feet thick to support the weight of the massive shikhar, Swarna Kalash, and flag. 84 panels depicting Shri Radha Krishna’s loving pastimes have also been installed on the temple’s facade. Aside from that, several portraits of Radha Krishna Leela, or Lord Krishna’s miracles, can be found inside the temple.

Facts about Prem Mandir Vrindavan

• Prem Mandir is a white marble temple in Vrindavan founded by Kripalu Maharaj in 2001 and opened to the public in 2012.
• The temple is divided into two levels. The ground story houses Sri Radha and Krishna deities, while the second-floor houses Sri Sri Sita Rama deities.
• Pilgrims admire the temple’s ornaments and carvings, which are constructed of Italian marble. In addition, unlike other temples in Vrindavan, photography is permitted here, therefore you can find tourists and pilgrims filming videos and taking photographs on their smartphones in various portions of Prem Mandir.
• Evenings are especially magical here since the coloured lights illuminate the entire white marble temple and its compound, giving it a sense of grandeur and beauty.
• A circumambulation walk on the temple platform allows visitors to see the magnificence of the 48 panels representing Shri Radha Krishna’s pastimes carved on the temple’s outside walls.
• Musical Water Show: At 6 p.m., there is a musical water show reflecting Krishna’s pastimes (lilas). The images of Krishna’s pastimes are projected on the water foundation, which is quite stunning. It appears to be something incredibly exceptional and one-of-a-kind.

Famous Festivals In Prem Mandir Vrindavan

• Shree Krishna Janmashtami is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Radhaastmi is also a major occasion for celebration in the temple.
• Holi – Holi is celebrated with all visitors a few days before the Holi festival.
• Depawali celebrated during the Kartik month of Amavasya.

How to reach Prem Mandir Vrindavan

Prem Mandir Vrindavan is the most visited place in the city and it is on the entry point of Vrindavan.

By Air: The nearest airport is New Delhi International Airport, which is located about 160 km from the temple.

By Railway: The nearest railway station is the Mathura Railway Station, which is about 12 km away from the temple.

By Roadways: The temple is located in the heart of the city, and there are several buses and taxis available to reach the temple. You can simply hire a cab or auto from Mathura junction to Prem Mandir Vrindavan. The Temple is merely 12 Km From the railway station. Also, Mathura is only 2 hours from New Delhi.

Also, Read – Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir