Shri Krishna Balaram Temple, also known as ISKCON Vrindavan, is one of the world’s most important ISKCON temples dedicated to Lord Krishna And Balram. It is a Gaudiya Vaishnava temple in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh’s city of Vrindavan, Mathura district. The temple honours the Hindu gods Krishna and Balarama. The temple’s other deities are Radha Krishna and Gauranga Nityananda.

The ISKCON Temple was constructed in 1975 and dedicated to the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, laid the temple’s foundation. It was the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) first temple.

Overview Of Shri Krishna Balaram Temple

Sri Krishna Balaram Temple, also known as ISKCON Temple, is a significant and popular temple in Vrindavan. This temple, located in Vrindavan’s Raman Reti area, represents the realisation of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. This breathtaking temple holds a special place in the hearts of ISKCON devotees.

This temple, unique in its tradition, honours the kinship of two divine brothers, Shri Krishna and Shri Balaram, in the place where they spent their childhood. The ISKCON temple stands tall as the embodiment of Srila Prabhupada’s vision of being a source of strength for devotees. Srila Prabhupada personally oversaw all aspects of the temple’s design and construction.

History of Shri Krishna Balaram Temple

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was founded in New York City in 1966 by Shri A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada with an aim to spread the divine message of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The principles and practises of ISKCON are founded on the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1532), His brother Nityananada Prabhu, and six of His closest associates, the Goswamis of Vrindavan, namely Santana, Rupa, Jiva, Gopal Bhatta, Raghunatha Dasa, and Raghunatha Bhatta.

The architecture of Shri Krishna Balaram Temple

This magnificent Sri Krishna Balaram Temple was inaugurated by Srila Prabhupada in 1975 and was ISKCON’s first temple in India. It is a Gaudiya Vaishnavism Temple founded in the 15th century by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The temple, built of white marble, is one of the most impressive structures in Vrindavan. It is a work of art, with intricately carved walls and domes, a winding staircase, and archways.

At the temple’s central altar, the presiding deities are Krishna and Balarama. On the right altar, Radha Krishna appears as Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar, accompanied by the gopis Lalita and Vishakha. On the left altar, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is accompanied by Nityananda, and A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his guru Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati. The Prabhupada Samadhi mandir, built of white marble, is located near the temple at the complex’s entrance.

The Sri Krishna Balaram Temple complex has three shrines: one for Lord Krishna and His brother Lord Balarama, one for Sri Gaura-Nitai (Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananada), and one for Sri ShyamaSundar (Lord Krishna and Radha Rani). The checkered black and white marble courtyard draws your attention as you walk through the temple doors.

The temple complex is massive, with corridors depicting various Krishna leelas. A guest house, residential brahmachari ashram, deity department, restaurant, bakery, souvenir shop, and Srila Prabhupada ji’s samadhi are all part of the sprawling ISKCON temple complex.

Facts about Shri Krishna Balaram Temple

• The Sri Krishna Balaram Temple, located in Vrindavan’s Raman Reti area, has special significance for devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
• Sri Krishna Balaram Temple is regarded as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)’s first temple.
• The temple is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, where Sri Krishna and Balrama once herded their cows.
• As one enters the holy lands of Vrindavan, the magnificent structure of the Iskcon Temple comes into view.
• The temple grounds are quite large, with the main building surrounded by a magnificently carved Rajasthani-style entrance with steep steps leading to the temple courtyard.
• The temple contains images of other gods and goddesses. The temple complex is extremely beautiful and appealing.
• The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna-Balaram, which is housed under the central shrine of the temple.
• In front of the temple is Swami Prabhupada’s Samadhi Mandir. His body was laid to rest here after his death in 1977.
• Swami Prabhupada’s home has been turned into a museum. There is also a guest house, goshala, restaurant, and gurukula on the premises.
• This temple is a powerhouse spreading the Lord Shri Krishna ideology all over the world.

Famous Festivals In Shri Krishna Balaram Temple

• Krishna Janmashtami – Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadra. The celebrations at the Dwarkadhish Temple begin early in the morning and continue until late at night.
• Holi – This festival is celebrated in the month of  Phalgun (Feb – March). During the celebration, people celebrate with colours and also celebrate and enjoy in temples complex.
• Balarama Purnima – Birth anniversary of Balarama
• Gaura Purnima – Birth anniversary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
• Nityananda Trayodashi – Birthday anniversary of Nityananda
• Gopashtami – Festival dedicated to pastimes of Krishna with Cows
• Dhulandi: Dhulandi is the day following Holika Dahan. It is the day when Holi is celebrated across the country, and people of all ages enjoy playing with colours. Devotees offer colours to their beloved Lord on this day. Another major draw of the Holi celebrations is Huranga or Lathmar Holi.
• Radhashtami – On the eighth day of the Bhadrapad month (Hindu Calendar), Shrimati Raadharani incarnated as the daughter of Shri Vrishnubhanu ji. Radha Rani’s birthday is celebrated with great pomp and show at Bankey Bihari Ji temple.

Best Time to Visit Shri Krishna Balaram Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to Reach Shri Krishna Balaram Temple

The best time to visit Shri Krishna Balaram Temple is between November and February, and during Janmashtami which is celebrated grandly here.

By Air: The nearest airport is Agra Airport, which is around 46 km away from the Shri Krishna Balaram Temple And 136 km away from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi, Delhi

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Mathura Junction which is around 17 km from Shri Krishna Balaram Temple.

By Road: The city is well connected by robust state-run buses and taxis. You can reach Shri Krishna Balaram Temple by local bus/taxi after reaching Mathura city.

Also Read – Banke Bihari Temple, Mathura