EP 3 Mathura-Vrindavan Darshan | Mathura Peda, Raval Dham, Prem Mandir

Summary

This video takes viewers on a captivating journey through Vrindavan and nearby spiritual sites, offering rich insights into local temples and cultural practices. The tour highlights sacred landmarks such as Shri Pagal Baba Mandir, Shri Rangnath Temple, and the birthplace of Radha Rani in Raval. The guide, Ashu Ji, provides historical and devotional context, showcasing the beauty of the architecture, the significance of each location, and the deep spiritual connections of the region. From unique experiences with monkeys to serene darshans and traditional vegetarian meals, this journey through Braj is both enlightening and immersive.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shri Vrindavan Dham is a significant spiritual destination, with various temples and locations associated with Lord Krishna and Radha.
• 😀 The Paagal Baba Mandir, a 9-storey structure, was built in 1980 by Shri Paagal Baba, who was known for his devotion to Mata Kali and Lord Krishna.
• 😀 The Govind Dev Temple was originally a 7-storey structure, famous for a lamp that was visible from Agra. The temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb, and its idols were relocated to Jaipur.
• 😀 Shri Rangnath Mandir, built by Laxmi Chandra Jain in 1845, is famous for its golden pillars and being one of the richest temples in Northern India.
• 😀 Mathura pedas, made from khoya and rava with a flavor of elaichi (cardamom), are a must-try sweet in Vrindavan, available at Brijwasi.
• 😀 The Fogala Ashram offers a simple, pure vegetarian meal (Sattvik Bhojan) at an affordable price, with rooms available for lodging.
• 😀 The architecture of Shri Rangnath Temple is inspired by South Indian temples, with a golden pillar weighing about 500 kg.
• 😀 Raval Dham, the birthplace of Radha Rani, holds a significant spiritual history with an ancient tale of Radha’s birth connected to the Yamuna river.
• 😀 The Prem Mandir in Vrindavan is known for its beautiful lighting effects, musical fountains, and impressive jhaankis (tableaux) depicting various incidents from Lord Krishna's life.
• 😀 The tour guide emphasizes the importance of visiting early in the day to make the most of the temple visits, as many temples close during midday and reopen in the afternoon.
• 😀 Throughout the journey, the guide encourages visitors to be mindful of the monkeys in Vrindavan, as they are known to snatch belongings from tourists.

Q & A

What is the significance of Shri Pagal Baba Mandir?

Shri Pagal Baba Mandir, built in 1980 by Shri Paagal Baba, is a nine-story temple dedicated to Shri Radha and Govind Ji. Paagal Baba was a devout follower of Mata Kali and became known as 'Paagal Baba' due to his intense devotion and spiritual practices. The temple's architecture and the various life stories of Lord Krishna are depicted within its galleries.

Why was Paagal Baba referred to as 'Paagal Baba'?

Paagal Baba earned the name due to his deep devotion to Mata Kali, which would sometimes lead him to become so immersed in his worship that people referred to him as 'Paagal' (crazy). This intense devotion eventually led him to worship Shri Radha and Govind Ji, which further solidified his spiritual identity.

What happened to the ancient idols from the Govind Dev Temple?

During the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the original seven-story Govind Dev Temple was destroyed. The priests shifted the ancient idols of deities, including Govind Dev Ji, Radha-Krishna, and others, to Jaipur for protection. These idols are now housed in temples near Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.

What is unique about the Shri Rangnath Mandir?

Shri Rangnath Mandir, built in 1845, is one of the richest temples in Northern India. The temple is known for its golden pillar, which weighs approximately 500 kg and is made of Ashta-Dhatu, an alloy of eight metals. It also features silver statues of elephants and horses that hold the deities.

What is the history behind Shri Radha's birthplace in Raval?

Raval is believed to be the original birthplace of Shri Radha, not Barsana. According to local legends, Radha was found as a baby inside a lotus flower by her father, Vrishbhan Ji, while he was bathing in the Yamuna river. The temple in Raval is a significant pilgrimage site where Radha is worshipped as 'Laadli Laal'.

How is the Prem Mandir different from other temples in Vrindavan?

Prem Mandir, built by Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, is unique for its beautiful lighting effects, which change colors and enhance the temple's architecture. The temple celebrates the theme of divine love, and its ground floor showcases the 'Thakur Ji's Durbar', while the upper floor features 'Ram Durbar'.

What can visitors expect at the Fogala Ashram?

Fogala Ashram offers a peaceful atmosphere with facilities for both lodging and dining. The ashram serves sattvik (pure vegetarian) meals, which are wholesome, simple, and reasonably priced. It also has rooms available for accommodation, with a special emphasis on a home-like environment.

What is the importance of Mathura pedas in local cuisine?

Mathura pedas are a famous sweet delicacy, loved by locals and tourists alike. Made from khoya (milk solids) and flavored with elaichi (cardamom), these pedas are soft, rich, and melt in the mouth. They are a must-try when visiting the region, and Brijwasi shop is particularly renowned for its authentic Mathura pedas.

Why is the Shri Rangnath Temple known for its South Indian architectural style?

The Shri Rangnath Temple, influenced by South Indian temple architecture, is designed with intricate carvings and unique structures. The temple's design reflects the spiritual heritage of Shri Rangacharya Ji, a Southern Indian saint, and houses residential quarters for South Indian priests who serve at the temple.

What are the visiting hours for temples in Vrindavan, and what should one keep in mind?

Most temples in Vrindavan are closed between 10:45 AM and 3 PM. It’s advisable to visit temples early in the morning to avoid missing the darshan. Visitors should also plan their trip accordingly, as temples like the Govind Dev Temple and Shri Rangnath Temple have specific timings for darshan.