Govind Dev Temple Vrindavan

Constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1590, this Temple in Vrindavan is a part of the Temple at Jaipur. It is said that Akbar, the Mughal King, donated the red sandstone for this temple. It took many laborers and five years to complete it, but almost 80 years later Aurangzeb brought down five storeys, leaving only two, along with several desecrated sculptures.

Govind Dev Ji Temple, also called Radha Govind Dev Temple, is one of the most impressive temples in Vrindavan..

The major attraction of Govind Dev Ji Temple Vrindavan is its magnificent architecture. It was constructed out of red sandstone nearly 500 years ago.

The original temple was a seven-storey building. But it was destroyed by Aurangzeb. Only the three storeys remained, which we see today. The idol of Govind Dev Ji had been shifted to Jaipur for its safe keeping. And a replica of the ancient idol is in this holy temple of Vrindavan.

Govind Dev Ji Mandir Vrindavan has a spiritual atmosphere which mesmerizes its visitors. It is also a treat to the eyes. It is a serene place in the holy town of Vrindavan where the Lord is believed to have performed many miracles.

Architecture of Govind Dev Ji Vrindavan

The architecture of Govind Dev Ji Temple differs from other temples in the region. Instead of traditional temple style, it’s designed as a haveli (a mansion). The building has a mix of Hindu and Arabic architectural style. And unlike most Hindu temples, the temple walls don’t have scenes depicted from religious tales.

The entire temple is built with blocks of red sandstone. It has a high ceiling with pillars on both sides of the courtyard that leads to the sanctum.

The top four floors of Govind Dev Ji Temple Vrindavan were destroyed during the reign of Aurangzeb. But, it still has an imposing appearance.

History of Govind Dev Ji Temple

Govind Dev Ji Temple Vrindavan history goes back about 5,000 years. A Bengali saint, Sri Rupa Goswami, went to Vrindavan at the wishes of his master – Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. It was Sri Chaitanya’s desire to excavate and establish idols of Lord Krishna in many sacred sites, including Vrindavan.

Rupa Goswami met a boy who guided him to the place of the idol, and then disappeared. He realised the boy was Lord Krishna himself. So, with the help of villagers, he excavated the idol. Then, he built a small shrine of Lord’s Govind Dev Ji avatar.

In the 16th century, Raja Man Singh of Jaipur, a general of Mughal ruler Akbar, was highly influenced by the saint. So, when Akbar was on a pilgrimage to holy Vrindavan, the Raja made this majestic temple. It is at the same place where Sri Goswami established the idol.

But, when Mughal ruler Aurangzeb was destroying temples, the deity was moved to Amber. Later, in the first half of the 18th century, Raja Sawai Jai Singh established the idol of Govind Dev Ji in Jaipur. The temple is known as Govind Dev Ji Temple of Jaipur, and the deity is still worshipped there today.

Things to do at Govind Dev Ji Vrindavan

Although the original deity of Shri Radha Govind Dev Ji Temple was moved to Jaipur 300 years ago, you can still have the darshan here. A replica of Govind Ji’s idol was installed, along with the idol of Radha.

You can explore the impressive interiors and exteriors of the temple too, during your visit.