Chandroday Mandir, located in the city of Mathura in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple is not just any ordinary temple; it is a marvel of modern Hindu architecture and engineering, and one of the largest temple complexes in the world.
The idea for Chandroday Mandir was conceived by the devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), who wanted to create a grand temple that would showcase the glory and beauty of Lord Krishna. The temple complex is spread over 62 acres of land and comprises several buildings, including a massive main temple, a Vedic expo center, a Krishna heritage museum, and a Vedic cosmology exhibition.
The most striking feature of Chandroday Mandir is its height. Standing at a towering height of 700 feet, the main temple of the complex is the tallest temple in the world. The temple is designed in a blend of traditional and modern architecture, with intricate carvings and beautiful marble work adorning the walls and ceilings.
The temple is built using the latest construction techniques and materials, including precast concrete panels and steel frames, which were used to construct the massive structure. The temple is earthquake-resistant and can withstand winds of up to 220 km/h. It is also equipped with modern amenities, such as elevators and air conditioning, to provide comfort to the visitors.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped in the form of Radha Krishna, the divine couple. The main sanctum of the temple houses the beautiful idols of Radha and Krishna, which are adorned with precious jewels and dressed in exquisite clothes. The temple also has several other shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Rama.
Apart from being a place of worship, Chandroday Mandir is also a cultural and educational center. The Vedic expo center showcases the rich cultural heritage of India, including its art, music, dance, and literature. The Krishna heritage museum displays rare artifacts and exhibits related to the life of Lord Krishna. The Vedic cosmology exhibition explains the ancient Indian science of cosmology and astronomy.
Chandroday Mandir is not just a temple; it is a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to modernity and progress. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to blend tradition and modernity, spirituality, and science, and create something truly magnificent.
In conclusion, Chandroday Mandir is a marvel of modern Hindu architecture and engineering, and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in India's rich cultural heritage. Its towering height, intricate architecture, and spiritual ambience make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Govardhan Hill Parikrama is a significant pilgrimage in the Hindu religion that is considered sacred and auspicious. It involves a circumambulation of the Govardhan Hill, which is located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India.
The Govardhan Hill holds a special place in the hearts of the devotees of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra, the god of rain and thunder. This act of Lord Krishna is celebrated as the Govardhan Puja, which is an important festival in the Hindu calendar.
The Govardhan Hill Parikrama is a traditional ritual that involves walking around the entire circumference of the Govardhan Hill. The parikrama is a way of paying homage to Lord Krishna and seeking his blessings. It is believed that by performing the Govardhan Hill Parikrama, one can attain spiritual enlightenment and purification.
The Govardhan Hill Parikrama is typically done in a clockwise direction and covers a distance of about 23 km. The parikrama can be completed on foot, by bicycle, or even by car. The walk takes around 6-8 hours to complete, depending on one's pace and the number of stops made for rest and food.
During the Govardhan Hill Parikrama, devotees stop at various points of interest, such as the Manasi Ganga, the Kusum Sarovar, and the Radha Kund. These places are considered sacred and are associated with various stories and legends related to Lord Krishna.
The Manasi Ganga is a holy pond that is believed to have been created by Lord Krishna by striking the ground with his heel. The Kusum Sarovar is a picturesque lake that is surrounded by lush greenery and is said to have been the site of Lord Krishna's pastimes with his beloved Radha. The Radha Kund is another sacred pond that is associated with Lord Krishna's love for Radha.
The Govardhan Hill Parikrama is a challenging but fulfilling experience for devotees. It is an opportunity to connect with the divine and to experience the spirituality and devotion that are at the heart of the Hindu religion. The parikrama is not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one, where one can introspect and reflect on one's life and seek guidance from the divine.
In conclusion, the Govardhan Hill Parikrama is a significant pilgrimage that is deeply rooted in the Hindu religion and mythology. It is a journey of faith and devotion that offers a unique opportunity to connect with the divine and to seek spiritual enlightenment. The parikrama is a testimony to the enduring power of faith and the deep-rooted spirituality of the Indian people.
As you know, Krishna is the eighth and most powerful incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Lord made a lasting impression on mankind's collective consciousness. He is the most worshipped God in Hinduism. The Lord educated us about Dharma and enlightened us about life's realities through the GITA. This sacred text tells you how to live and attain the lotus foot gracefully without pains or regrets. Lord Krishna is one of the most admired Hindu gods. Krishna Janmashtami Mathura 2022 falls on 19th August.
It is the auspicious day on which Lord Krishna was born on earth. It usually occurs between August and September and is referred to as Krishna Jayanti, Sree Jayanti, Gokulashtami, and Krishna Janmashtami. However, it is celebrated with much love, happiness, and zeal in different parts of India and by Krishna Worshippers and lovers worldwide. Janmashtami is celebrated on Ashtami thrithya of Krishna paksha. This year, it happens to be on the 18th and 19th of August. The birth of Sree Krishna is special because it took place to dispel evil and spread peace and happiness. It is indeed one of the Hindu festivals celebrated by almost all Hindus universally apart from Deepavali.
Having mentioned that Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated throughout India, you need to know that Janmashtami in Mathura is special. This is because Mathura is where the birth of Sree Krishna took place about 5200 years ago. Hence Mathura is also referred to as Krishna Janmabhumi. You will surely fall in love with the Krishna Janmashtami Mathura Visit.
Lord Krishna was born on this planet on the eighth or Ashtami Tritiya of Krishna paksha, usually between August and September. It is the month of Shravan. Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudev. Devaki was none other than the loving sister of Kans, the king of Mathura, who jailed his sister and brother-in-law because he feared that the eighth child born to Devaki would kill him.
Janmashtami is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. People observe fast, decorate their homes, and make delicacies to offer to the Lord. However, if you want to witness the zeal and grandeur of the celebrations, you will be in Mathura and Vrindavan. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, while Vrindavan is the place where he spent his childhood days as the son of Yadav chief and friend of Vasudeva called Nandraja and his wife, Yasodha. People worldwide travel to Mathura to participate in the celebrations and get blessings from the Lord.
Some of the important rituals and festivals that you can witness as part of the Krishna Jayanthi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan include
Dahi handi festival is one of the most popular and important functions of the Janmashtami celebrations. A pot filled with buttermilk will be tied at a great height. Devotees try to break the earthen pot by forming a human pyramid. The person or team who breaks the Dahi handi will be rewarded. This is very popular in most places in the northern part of India. But, it is indeed special in Mathura and Vrindavan.
Raasleela program refers to folk theatre programs that depict various aspects of Krishna's life. Some Raasleelas are performed by companies that have been in the business for over 50 years. It is indeed a treat to watch
Apart from the above celebrations and festivities, the main event is the Aarti offered to the Lord. This follows the melodious singing and chanting of the Lord's name throughout the day. You will also witness the ceremonial bathing of the deities of Krishna, Radha, and even Balaram. The festivities continue until the next day. This is called Nandotsav in Mathura Vrindavan.
Let us take a brief look at Krishna Janmashtami Tour Packages that the travel companies and tourism department have put forth.
It is a 2 night 3 days tour package from Delhi. The package involves a visit to all significant sites
in Mathura and Vrindavan. You will be visiting all the temples of significance in Madhura and Vrindavan. It will indeed be a spiritual experience that you will cherish.
There cannot be a better time to visit these places and temples during the festive season. All the temples will be decorated and lit up brilliantly, making it look like heaven. Additionally, the feeling that you are in the land where the Lord himself lived and spent his childhood is a great feeling.
It is indeed a pleasure to visit the place during Krishna Janmashtami Madhura and enjoy the activities which are part of e joyous celebration of the Lord. This is a 3 night 4 days tour package that has been curated to help you visit the magnificent temples dedicated to Kanha in festive glory. Also, you will get to see all the important places in Vrindavan that speak of the eternal love of Radha and Krishna.
Apart from this, you will also visit the monument of historical value – the Taj. This will be the last stop before you reach Delhi.
This is another tour package and probably the longest trip for 5 nights and 6 days. Again this package is from Delhi. You will visit Mathura, Gokul, Mahavan, Govardhan, and Mathura. From Mathura, you will visit Nandgaon and Barsana too. This means you would have visited almost all the significant places where the Lord himself spent his childhood days. Also, you will enjoy the pleasure of watching the Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in Vrindavan. You will also visit the national monuments, including Taj in Agra and India gate in Delhi.
Having discussed the tour packages, one must also mention that you would have to make the bookings early if you plan to visit Mathura and Vrindavan this festive season and be a part of the Janmashtami celebrations.
Holi, known popularly as the festival of varying colors has always remained popular among Indian people and celebrated across the country for last thousands of years. This year also, Indian people celebrated Holi on the 18th of March 2022 i.e. Friday with Dahan of Holika and saving Prahlad preceding the festival on 17th of March night.
While the celebration of the Holi festival takes place in every region and city of India, the Holi celebration in Barsana has remained famous for the last many years. This is because; Barsana is a historical area covering a huge area of Vrindavan, Mathura and other nearby areas.
Here, the festival entices worldwide pilgrims and tourists in the name of Mathura Vrindavan Holi, while it has many special traditions and customs. Mathura is popular as the birthplace of the deity Lord Krishna and Vrindavan serves the place, where Gopala (Lord Krishna as a small boy) grew up during his childhood.
Krishna during his young age cribbed in front of his mother Yashoda about the fairness of Radha, while he had a dark complexion. On listening this, Yashoda suggested Krishna to color Radha with varying colors in a playful way. Over the years, Lord Krishna thus travels from Nandgaon, his own village to Barsana, where Radha stays. This leads to the evolution of a new tradition i.e. Barsana Holi, in which Krishna colored Radha and other Gopis (her friends). On the other side, Radha and other girls playfully beat Krishna with sticks.
If you follow Hindi calendar dates and days, you will likely come to know that Holi in Barsana, also popularly known as Mathura Holi begins just before one week of the actual date for the Holi festival. Barsana is a nearby village of Mathura and the native place of Radha. For many years, the place has remained famous for Lathmar Holi, where women playfully beat women with sticks. On the other side, men use shields to protect them as much as they are able to do so. Lathmar Holi in Barsana would be celebrated on March 12th 2022.
Lastly, if you give your time to know the unique aspects of Vrindavan Holi, you will likely come to know about the famous Banke Bihari Temple of Vrindavan known popularly for the celebration of Phoolon wali Holi on 11th day i.e. Ekadashi before the actual date of Holi. According to this festival, temple gates opened at about 4 pm in the evening, while priests throw flowers at their devotees.