Prem Mandir

Prem Mandir, famously known as The Temple of Divine Love is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions at Vrindavan. This majestic temple is dedicated to Shri Radha Krishna and Shri Sita Ram.

This massive white-colored temple with blue sky in the backdrop paints a serene picture, and is capable of enticing anyone! Also known as Shyama Shyam Dham, it is a symbol of grandeur intertwined with elegance in the best possible way.

Prem Mandir acts like a magnet for thousands of profound spiritual seekers and devotees who long to experience the ‘Prem Bhakti’.

Prem Mandir in Vrindavan, Mathura, India is maintained by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, an international non-profit, educational, spiritual, and charitable trust.

The complex is on a 54-acre site on the outskirts of Vrindavan and is dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna and Sita Ram. The temple structure was established by the fifth Jagadguru, Kripalu Maharaj. Figures of Shri Krishna and his followers depicting important events surrounding the Lord’s existence cover the main temple.

Construction began in January 2001 and the inauguration ceremony took place from 15 February to 17 February 2012. The temple was opened to the public on 17 February. The cost was 150 crore rupees ($23 million). Shri Radha Govind (Radha Krishna) and Shri Sita Ram are the presiding deity. 73,000 square feet, pillar-less, dome-shaped satsang hall is being constructed next to Prem Mandir, which will accommodate 25,000 people at a time.
Inside the temple is a specially constructed platform that allows visitors to enjoy a grand view of 48 panels that exhibit the life of Lord Krishna. Events including the majestic Jagadguruttam Diwas Mahotsav are also celebrated here at the Mandir.
The exterior of the temple is also a sight to watch. Embedded with beautiful gardens and landscapes, the outskirts of the place are truly one of the most amazing places to visit in Vrindavan.

History of Prem Mandir

The foundation stone of the Prem Mandir was laid by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on 14 January 2001 in the presence of thousands of devotees. The Prem Mandir was dedicated to Shri Vrindavan Dham and was built under the sponsorship of Jagadguru Kripalu Prishat (JKP), which is an international, non-profit, spiritual, educational, social and charitable organisation.

The organisation was founded by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj himself. It took about 11 to 12 years to complete the temple, and after the inauguration ceremony from 15 February to 17 February 2012, the temple was finally opened to the public on 17 February of the same year.

Architecture of Prem Mandir

A Thousand artisans worked day and night to complete the structure of this magnificent temple, and the makers shelled out a whopping INR 150 crore. The architecture of the Prem Mandir is then bound to be breathtaking and mesmerising, to do justice to the enormous amounts of money and time spent on the site.

Built-in the Rajasthani Somnath Gujarati architectural style, the Prem Mandir is situated on a 54-acre site on the outskirts of Vrindavan. The entire structure has been constructed using Italian marble of the highest quality and represents a renaissance in ancient Indian art and architecture. The entire structure is 125 feet tall, 122 feet long, and 115 feet wide.
The doors and windows of the temple are beautifully carved, and the walls and floor are adorned with colourful semi-precious stones that depict floral vines blooming with buds and flowers.

The engravings on the main sanctum and the ceiling are also exquisite and manage to enthrall the onlooker. The pillars are intricately engraved with beautiful statues depicting the Kinkari Sakhis and Manjari Sakhis serving Shri Radha Krishna in various ways.

The entire temple is beautifully lit with the soft light of the beautiful chandeliers and is a sight to behold. The lighting of Prem Mandir changes colour every five minutes and is very strategically used. The temple also houses a circumambulation route, which consists of 48 panels in all that depict the pastimes of Shri Radha Krishna.

84 panels have also been set up on the exterior of the temple and display the loving pastimes of Shri Krishna. Other than this, numerous portraits of Krishna Leela, or the miracles of Lord Krishna, can also be found inside the temple. The temple’s first floor has spectacular idols of Lord Krishna and Radha, while the second floor is dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita.

Things to do at the Prem Mandir

Prem Mandir is the epitome of the celebration of divine love. Lakhs of devotees visit this grand temple to worship the eternal love of Shri Radhe-Krishna and Shri Sita-Ram.

A few of the key attributes of the temple which you can enjoy are as follows:

Musical Fountain: One of the most impressive features at the temple is the musical fountain show which is held every evening from 7.30 pm to 8.00 pm during summer and from 7.00 pm to 7.30 pm during winter. It draws thousands of people every day who are mesmerised by the twisting and twirling of water jets to the tunes of bhajans and kirtans devoted to Shri Radha Krishna.

Evening Lighting: The beauty of the temple is glorified by the splendid lighting in the evening. After sunset, the entire temple is lit up in vibrant colors offering a visual treat to everyone, be it children or adults alike.

Life Size Models: One can enjoy the life-size depictions of different Leelas of Lord Krishna. The temple complex showcases representations of Jhulan Leela, Govardhan Leela, Raas Leela, and Kaliya Naag Leela.

Festivals: Every year festivals of Shri Krishna Janmashtami and Shri Radhashtami are celebrated with fervor and great enthusiasm at Prem Mandir. The temple is decorated at its best during these festivities and people from all over the country visit Prem Mandir to take part in the grand celebrations.

Majestic Architecture: Prem Mandir is one of the best examples of exclusive workmanship. It took almost 11 years, combined with the efforts of approximately 1000 artisans to bring Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj’s vision to reality. This temple has revealed, redefined, and firmly installed the purest form of heavenly love.

Devotees love to spend time in solitude meditating on Lord Krishna and Shri Radha Rani in the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

Best Time to Visit the Prem Mandir

The holy city of Vrindavan experiences extreme weather conditions during the summer as well as winter months. The most favorable time to visit Prem Mandir is from February to April and from October to December. During these months, the temperature stays in the moderate range offering the tourists a comfortable stay. Prem Mandir is also famous for its Holi celebrations that take place during February/March.

Festivals Celebrated at Prem Mandir

The important and major festivals celebrated at the Prem Mandir are Janmashtami and Radhastami. Both these festivals are celebrated grandly with great zeal and enthusiasm, and people from all parts of the country visit the temple during this time to partake in the holy celebrations.

How to reach Prem Mandir?

• By Air: The nearest airport to Vrindavan is Agra which is 80 kilometers away from the temple. A taxi can be hired from the airport to reach the Prem Mandir.
• By Rail: Mathura is the nearest rail junction from where the temple is 8 kilometers away. A taxi, bus, or auto-rickshaw can be hired from outside the station.

Prem Mandir Darshan & Aarti Timings

Morning
Timings	Darshan & Aarti
5:00 am	Aarti & Parikrama
6:30 am	Bhog. Door Close
8:30 am	Darshan & Aarti
11:30 am	Bhog
12:00 pm	Shayan Aarti & Door Close
Evening
4:30 pm	Aarti & Darshan
5:30 pm	Bhog
7:00 pm	Parikrama
8:10 pm	Shyan Aarti
8:30 pm	Door Close
Musical and Digital Fountain
7:30 pm to 8:00 pm	Summer (1 April to 30 Sept)
7:00 pm to 7:30 pm	Winter (1 Oct to 31 March)