GOVIND DEV TEMPLE

The Govind Dev Temple is another important temple of Vrindavan and was built in AD 1590 by Raja Man Singh (one of the Hindu generals of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar). This bulky red sandstone temple is one of the most impressive temples in Vrindavan. It is also architecturally one of the most advanced temples in the whole of north India. Originally, this temple had seven stories out of which the top four floors were torn down during the time of the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb (the last great Mughal ruler), who doubtless considered the place as one of idolatry. However, what remains of this red sandstone edifice, particularly its vaulted ceiling, is impressive.

 

RANGJI TEMPLE

The towering Rangaji Temple is another important temple of Vrindavan and dates back to AD 1851. This temple is a bizarre mixture of architectural styles, which includes a Rajput-styled (architectural style prevailing in the present Indian state of Rajasthan) entrance gate, a soaring South Indian-styled gopuram (gateway tower), and an Italian-influenced colonnade. One of the enclosures within the precincts of this magnificent temple has a 15-meter-high pillar made of gold.

 

PAGAL BABA TEMPLE

Apart from the above-mentioned temples, Vrindavan also has some modern temples. The towering temple of Pagal Baba, a gleaming white edifice, has eleven stories in all and is one of the more modern examples of architecture to be found in Vrindavan. This temple was built by Pagal Baba (mad saint), who died a few years back. His infectious spirit lingers on in the playfulness of his disciples who are ready to welcome one and all into the temple interior. The top floors of this temple provide a good view of the surrounding area. However, on the ground floor, there is an exhibition of puppets, some mechanized to move occasionally making simple gestures. The puppets depict scenes from two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the latter being the record of Lord Krishna's time. This eleven-storied white edifice soars high into the sky, as if trying to reach it.

 

ISKCON TEMPLE

One of the most impressive of temples is another new construction, the ISKCON Temple (ISKCON: International Society of Krishna Consciousness), which was built with funds from devotees overseas. The temple is actually a group of buildings, made of marble, with intricate carvings on them. This temple owes its existence to Swami Prabhupada, a Hindu devotee born in Bengal in 1896. The followers of the ISKCON movement from all over the world visit this temple.