As the auspicious festival of Janmashtami approaches, devotees across India are gearing up to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with great zeal and enthusiasm. If you're looking to embark on a spiritual journey and seek the divine blessings of Krishna on this special occasion, here are the top 10 Krishna temples in India that you must consider visiting this Janmashtami:
1. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
-Location: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
- Significance: Known as the birthplace of Krishna, this temple holds immense importance for devotees celebrating Janmashtami.
Based on the discovery of religious objects during excavations, the location has been religiously significant since at least the sixth century BCE. Over the ages, the temples have been demolished several times; the most recent destruction occurred in 1670 under the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It is there that he constructed the still-standing Shahi Eidgah mosque. With financial assistance from industrialists, the modern temple complex next to the mosque was constructed in the 20th century.
A collection of Hindu temples called the Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex is located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India. Within the premises are three primary temples: Bhagvata Bhavan, where the presiding deities are Radha Krishna, Garbh Griha, where Krishna is thought to have been born in the Dvapar Yuga, and the Krishna-focused Keshavdev Temple.
2. Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat
- Location:Dwarka, Gujarat
- Significance: Dedicated to Krishna as the "King of Dwarka," this temple is a sacred pilgrimage site for Krishna devotees.
Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, is thought to have founded the Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, more than 2500 years ago. It is the main attraction for travelers visiting Dwarka. Numerous renovations have been made to the ancient temple, with the 16th and 19th centuries leaving their mark in particular. The temple has elaborately carved walls that enclose the sanctum containing the primary Krishna deity, and it is perched on a tiny hill that is reachable by more than fifty steps. There are many little shrines scattered over the complex. Mythical figures and traditions are deftly etched on the walls. A 52-yard-long flag, which flutters in the gentle Arabian Sea breeze behind the temple, atop the majestic 43-meter-tall tower. Swarag and Moksh are the two doors.
3. Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
- Location: Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
- Significance: Worshiped as "Banke Bihari," Krishna is revered at this popular temple known for its unique darshan rituals.
Banke Bihari Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the town of Vrindavan, Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Banke Bihari who is believed to be the combined form of Radha and Krishna. Banke Bihari was originally worshipped at Nidhivan, Vrindavan. Later, when Banke Bihari temple was constructed around 1864, the icon of Banke Bihari was moved to its present temple.
In Banke Bihari temple, the icon of Radha Krishna's united form stands in the Tribhanga posture. Swami Haridas originally worshipped this murti under the name of Kunj Bihari which means the one who enjoys in the groves or Kunj of Vrindavan
4. ISKCON Temple, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Significance: One of the largest ISKCON temples globally, this temple hosts elaborate Janmashtami celebrations with devotional music and cultural activities.
There is a gold-plated dhwaja-stambha (flag post) 17 m (56 ft) high and a gold plated kalash shikhara 8.5 m (28 ft) high. There is free distribution of Sri Krishna prasadam to all visitors during the darshana hours.[4]
Shrines (altars)
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ISKCON Bangalore has six shrines:
Main deities is of Radha-Krishna
Krishna Balrama
Nitai Gauranga (Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda)
Srinivasa Govinda (also known as Venkateswara)
Prahlada Narasimha
Srila Prabhupada[5]
Daily ceremonies
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The day begins at 4:30 with a ceremony called mangala-arati followed by worship of Tulasi Devi, Sri Narasimha Arati, and Suprabhata Seva for Sri Srinivasa Govinda. Later there is Shringara Darshana Arati, and Japa Meditation session. At 19:00 arati starts, where devotees sing kirtan. In the main temple, the arati is performed by three priests. This arati is followed again by kirtan where devotees can be seen dancing to the rhythm of "Hare Krishna Hare Rama".
5. Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur, Kerala
- Location: Guruvayur, Kerala
- Significance: Referred to as the "Dwaraka of the South," this temple is a significant pilgrimage center for Krishna devotees.
6. Prem Mandir, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
- Location:Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
- Significance: A symbol of divine love, Prem Mandir is a visually stunning temple adorned with intricate decorations for Janmashtami.
7. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
- Location: Puri, Odisha
- Significance: While primarily dedicated to Jagannath, this temple also attracts Krishna devotees during festivals such as Janmashtami.
8. Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi, Karnataka
- Location: Udupi, Karnataka
- Significance: Famous for its adorned Krishna idol, this temple was established by the revered saint Madhvacharya.
9. Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Significance: Situated in the City Palace complex, this temple witnesses a large influx of devotees on Janmashtami.
10. Shree Nathji Temple, Nathdwara, Rajasthan
- Location: Nathdwara, Rajasthan
- Significance: Devotees worship Shree Nathji, an incarnation of Krishna, and the temple is renowned for its grand Janmashtami festivities.
Embark on a spiritual sojourn to these revered Krishna temples across India this Janmashtami to immerse yourself in the divine aura and experience the rich cultural traditions associated with the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth. May your visit to these sacred temples bring you peace, blessings, and a deeper connection with the divine
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