Vrindavan

{{Short description|City in Uttar Pradesh, India}} {{about|the city in Uttar Pradesh, India|the spiritual Vrindavan|Goloka|altar for Tulasi plant|Tulasi Vrindavana}} {{Redirect|Brindavanam|the 2010 film|Brindavanam (2010 film)|the 2017 film|Brindavanam (2017 film)}} {{Use Indian English|date=April 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Vrindavan | other_name = Vrindaban, Brindaban | nicknames = City of Widows | settlement_type = City | image_skyline = {{Photomontage | photo1a = Iskon Temple, Vrindawan.jpg | photo1b = Madanmohan Mandir Vrindavan.JPG | photo2a = Radha Damodar Temple.JPG | photo2b = Radhavallabhlalj.jpg | photo3a = Prem Mandir Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India (2014).jpg | spacing = 2 | position = center | color_border = white | color = black | size = 266 | foot_montage = '''Clockwise from top:''' ISKCON Temple, Radha Madanmohan Temple, Radha Damodar Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Prem Mandir}} | pushpin_map = India Uttar Pradesh#India | pushpin_map_alt = | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Uttar Pradesh, India | pushpin_label_position = right | coordinates = {{coord|27.58|N|77.7|E|display=inline,title}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{IND}} | subdivision_type1 = State | subdivision_type2 = District | subdivision_name1 = Uttar Pradesh | subdivision_name2 = Mathura | established_title = <!-- Established --> | established_date = | founder = | named_for = | government_type = Municipal Corporation | governing_body = Mathura-Vrindavan Municipal Corporation | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Vinod Agarwal<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.etnownews.com/news/live-mathura-vrindavan-mayor-election-result-2023-counting-news-online-latest-updates-vinod-agarwal-bjp-raja-mohtasim-ahmed-bsp-liveblog-100204223|title=BJP's mayoral candidate from Mathura Vinod Agarwal wins|date=13 May 2023|work=ET Now News|access-date=22 May 2023}}</ref> | leader_party = BJP | unit_pref = Metric | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = | area_rank = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = 170 | population_total = 63,005 | population_as_of = 2011 | population_footnotes = <ref name="Census2011Gov"/> | population_density_km2 = auto | population_rank = | population_demonym = Vrindavan wasi | demographics_type1 = Languages | demographics1_title1 = Official | timezone1 = IST | utc_offset1 = +05:30 | postal_code_type = PIN | postal_code = 281121 | area_code = 0565 | area_code_type = Telephone code | registration_plate = UP-85 | website = | footnotes = | demographics1_info1 = Hindi | demographics1_title3 = Native | demographics1_info3 = Braj Bhasha }} '''Vrindavan''' ({{IPA|hns|ʋɾɪnˈdɑːʋən|pron|Vrindavan.ogg}}; {{IAST3|Vṛndāvana}}), also spelt '''Vrindaban''' and '''Brindaban''',<ref name=":0" /> is a historical city in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located in the Braj Bhoomi region and holds religious importance for Hindus, who believe that Krishna, one of the main Gods in Hinduism, spent most of his childhood in this city.<ref name="Hawley">{{cite book |surname=Hawley |given=John Stratton |title=Krishna's Playground: Vrindavan in the 21st Century |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2020 |isbn=978-0-19-012398-7 |place=Oxford; New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=UP gets first officially designated 'teerth sthals' in Vrindavan and Barsana|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/up-gets-first-officially-designated-teerth-sthals-in-vrindavan-and-barsana/articleshow/61277272.cms|date=27 October 2017|publisher=Times of India}}</ref><ref name="route">{{cite web |title=NHAI |url=http://www.nhai.org/NH2_Delhi_Kolkata_main.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204065036/http://www.nhai.org/NH2_Delhi_Kolkata_main.htm |archive-date=4 December 2016 |access-date=14 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Keene|first=Henry George|author-link=Henry George Keene (1826–1915)|title=A Handbook for Visitors to Agra and Its Neighbourhood|chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/ahandbookforvis00keengoog#page/n113/mode/1up|chapter=Bindrabun|date=1899|publisher=Thacker, Spink & Co.|pages=98–106}}</ref> Vrindavan has about 5,500 temples dedicated to the worship of Krishna and his chief consort, Radha.<ref name="Madan">{{cite book |last=Gopal |first=Madan |url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada |title=India through the ages |publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India |year=1990 |editor=K.S. Gautam |page=[https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/176 176]}}</ref> It is one of the most sacred places for Vaishnava traditions.<ref name="Hawley" /><ref name="Madan" />

Vrindavan forms a part of the "Krishna pilgrimage circuit" under development by the Indian Ministry of Tourism. The circuit also includes Mathura, Barsana, Gokul, Govardhan, Kurukshetra, Dwarka and Puri.<ref>{{cite web |title=Development of Ramayana and Krishna Circuits |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1513307 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=15 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bhattacharya |first=G. |title=Oxford Art Online |chapter-url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.t090249 |chapter=Vrindavan |date=2003 |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.t090249 |isbn=978-1-884446-05-4 }}</ref>

== Etymology == The ancient Sanskrit name of the city, {{lang|sa|वृन्दावन}} ({{IAST|Vṛndāvana}}), comes from its groves of ''vṛndā'' (holy basil) and ''vana'' (grove, forest).<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V09_023.gif|title=Brindaban|publisher=The Imperial Gazetteer of India|date=1909|access-date=20 February 2021|archive-date=4 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604212836/https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V09_023.gif|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== History == [[File:Swiatyniamadanmohan.jpg|thumb|The 17th century Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple was built by Raja Gopal Singhji of Karauli dynasty]] Vrindavan has an ancient past, associated with Hindu culture and history, and was established in the 16th and 17th centuries as a result of an explicit treaty between Muslims and Hindu Emperors,<ref>{{cite news |date=25 January 2020 |title=Watch {{!}} John Stratton Hawley on His Latest Book on 'Krishna's Playground' |work=The Wire |url=https://thewire.in/urban/watch-john-stratton-hawley-book |access-date=3 March 2020}}</ref> and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site since long.

Vallabhacharya, a 15th-century Indian saint, visited Vrindavan at the age of eleven. Later on, he performed three pilgrimages of India, barefoot giving discourses on Bhagavad Gita at 84 places. These 84 places are known as Pushtimarg Baithak and have since become places of pilgrimage. He stayed in Vrindavan for four months each year. Vrindavan thus heavily influenced his formation of Pushtimarg.{{citation needed|date=April 2026}} alt=Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan|thumb|Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan The essence of Vrindavan was lost over time until the 16th century when it was rediscovered by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In the year 1515, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Vrindavan, with the purpose of locating the lost holy places associated with Krishna's life.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discovery of Vrindavan by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu |url=http://www.mvtindia.com/history/discovery.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123021950/http://www.mvtindia.com/history/discovery.htm |archive-date=23 January 2011 |access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref>

In the last 250 years, the extensive forests of Vrindavan have been subjected to urbanisation, first by local Rajas and in recent decades by apartment developers. The forest cover has been whittled away to only a few remaining spots, and the local wildlife, including peacocks, cows, monkeys and a variety of bird species has been virtually eliminated.

=== Prem Mahavidyalaya ===

In 1909, Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh established India’s first polytechnic college, Prem Mahavidyalaya in Vrindavan, with the dual vision of promoting education and nurturing nationalist thought.<ref name="o379">{{cite web |date=10 September 2021 |title=जहां राजा महेंद्र का बचपन बीता वहां से ग्राउंड रिपोर्ट: वृंदावन में बनाया था एशिया का पहला पॉलिटेक्निक कॉलेज, यमुना किनारे बनी है राजा की समाधि; लेकिन अब खंडहर हो गया निवास स्थान |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/news/asias-first-polytechnic-college-was-built-in-vrindavan-the-samadhi-of-king-mahendra-pratap-is-built-on-the-banks-of-yamuna-128909737.html |access-date=10 October 2025 |website=Dainik Bhaskar |language=hi}}</ref> During the inauguration of Prem Mahavidyalaya, Madan Mohan Malviya was also present. Over time, it evolved into an intellectual centre for revolutionary ideas and a meeting place for freedom fighters and Congress leaders.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mathura: स्वतंत्रता आंदोलन का केंद्र बिंदु रहा प्रेम महाविद्यालय, अब बनेगा स्मारक |url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/uttar-pradesh/agra/prem-mahavidyalaya-of-vrindavan-will-now-take-the-form-of-a-memorial |access-date=10 October 2025 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref>

Prominent figures such as Subhas Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu, C.F. Andrews, and Jawaharlal Nehru visited the college, leaving their remarks in its visitor book. Mahatma Gandhi spent a day there on 19 April 1915, recording his admiration for Singh’s dedication to the national cause. In 1914, Mahendra Pratap Singh left Prem Mahavidyalaya to seek international backing for India’s independence.<ref name="u253">{{cite web |last=Today |first=Vrindavan |date=15 August 2021 |title=Independence-Day Special: The story of Vrindavan's Prem Mahavidyalaya, Raja Mahendra Pratap and India's freedom struggle |url=https://vrindavantoday.in/independence-day-special-the-story-of-vrindavans-prem-mahavidyalaya-raja-mahendra-pratap-and-indias-freedom-struggle/ |access-date=10 October 2025 |website=Vrindavan Today}}</ref> == Geography == Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, about 15 kilometres north of Mathura<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/36/Vrindavan.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Vrindavan, India|website=www.fallingrain.com|access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref> and 125 km from Delhi, Vrindavan has an average elevation of 170&nbsp;metres (557&nbsp;feet).{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} The Yamuna river flows through the city.

=== Climate ===

The climate is hot semi-arid (BSh), bordering a humid subtropical climate (Cwa).

{{Weather box | location = Mathura (1981–2010, extremes 1974–1995) | metric first = yes | single line = yes | width = auto | Jan record high C = 29.6 | Feb record high C = 34.1 | Mar record high C = 40.1 | Apr record high C = 45.1 | May record high C = 47.1 | Jun record high C = 47.6 | Jul record high C = 44.6 | Aug record high C = 42.7 | Sep record high C = 40.6 | Oct record high C = 42.1 | Nov record high C = 35.1 | Dec record high C = 30.1 | year record high C = 47.6 | Jan high C = 21.3 | Feb high C = 24.4 | Mar high C = 30.4 | Apr high C = 36.6 | May high C = 41.2 | Jun high C = 41.2 | Jul high C = 36.1 | Aug high C = 34.6 | Sep high C = 34.2 | Oct high C = 33.3 | Nov high C = 29.1 | Dec high C = 23.3 | year high C = 32.1 | Jan low C = 6.4 | Feb low C = 8.3 | Mar low C = 13.2 | Apr low C = 17.9 | May low C = 23.9 | Jun low C = 25.9 | Jul low C = 25.5 | Aug low C = 25.0 | Sep low C = 23.5 | Oct low C = 18.3 | Nov low C = 11.6 | Dec low C = 7.7 | year low C = 17.3 | Jan record low C = 1.0 | Feb record low C = 0.5 | Mar record low C = 5.0 | Apr record low C = 7.0 | May record low C = 8.5 | Jun record low C = 17.0 | Jul record low C = 11.5 | Aug record low C = 17.5 | Sep record low C = 17.6 | Oct record low C = 11.5 | Nov record low C = 4.0 | Dec record low C = 2.0 | year record low C = 0.5 | rain colour = green | Jan rain mm = 10.4 | Feb rain mm = 13.6 | Mar rain mm = 6.8 | Apr rain mm = 10.1 | May rain mm = 17.8 | Jun rain mm = 35.5 | Jul rain mm = 164.7 | Aug rain mm = 205.2 | Sep rain mm = 165.0 | Oct rain mm = 18.0 | Nov rain mm = 3.9 | Dec rain mm = 9.0 | year rain mm = 660.1 | Jan rain days = 0.9 | Feb rain days = 1.3 | Mar rain days = 1.0 | Apr rain days = 0.9 | May rain days = 1.5 | Jun rain days = 3.0 | Jul rain days = 9.0 | Aug rain days = 9.1 | Sep rain days = 4.9 | Oct rain days = 0.9 | Nov rain days = 0.3 | Dec rain days = 1.1 | year rain days = 33.9 | time day = 17:30 IST | Jan humidity = 65 | Feb humidity = 59 | Mar humidity = 53 | Apr humidity = 48 | May humidity = 39 | Jun humidity = 43 | Jul humidity = 67 | Aug humidity = 72 | Sep humidity = 71 | Oct humidity = 63 | Nov humidity = 56 | Dec humidity = 60 | year humidity = 58 | source 1 = India Meteorological Department<ref name=IMDnormals> {{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf | archive-date = 5 February 2020 | url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf | title = Station: Mathura Climatological Table 1981–2010 | work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010 | publisher = India Meteorological Department | date = January 2015 | pages = 481–482 | access-date = 22 September 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes> {{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf | archive-date = 5 February 2020 | url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf | title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012) | publisher = India Meteorological Department | date = December 2016 | page = M220 | access-date = 22 September 2020}}</ref> }}

== Demographics == As of 2011 Indian Census, Vrindavan had a total population of 63,005, of which 34,769 were males and 28,236 were females. The population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 7,818. The total number of literates in Vrindavan was 42,917, which constituted 68.11% of the population with male literacy of 73.7% and female literacy of 61.2%. The effective literacy rate of the 7+ population of Vrindavan was 77.8%, of which the male literacy rate was 83.7% and the female literacy rate was 70.3%. The sex ratio is 812 females per 1000 males. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population was 6,294 and 18, respectively. {{As of|2011|post=; more recent census data is not yet available on Wikipedia}}<ref name="Census2011Gov">{{cite web |title=Census of India: Vrindavan |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=143385 |access-date=9 October 2019 |website=www.censusindia.gov.in}}</ref><ref name="nayaka1974">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kNQLHQAACAAJ |title=A students' history of education in India (1800–1973) |publisher=Macmillan |year=1974 |edition=6 |author=Jayant Pandurang Nayaka |author2=Syed Nurullah }}</ref>

Vrindavan lies in the cultural region of Braj.<ref name="LuciaMichelutti1">{{cite web |author=Lucia Michelutti |date=2002 |title=Sons of Krishna: the politics of Yadav community formation in a North Indian town |url=http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/2106/1/U613338.pdf |access-date=20 May 2015 |work=PhD Thesis Social Anthropology |publisher=London School of Economics and Political Science University of London |page=49}}</ref>

==Culture and cityscape== === Religious heritage === {{Main|Radha|Krishna|Radha Krishna}} [[File:Aindra Dasa Kartik 2009.JPG|thumb|ISKCON devotee singing bhajan in Vrindavan]] Vrindavan is considered to be a sacred place for Vaisnavism tradition of Hinduism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=vrindavan mahatmya |url=https://www.purebhakti.com/resources/ebooks-magazines/library/bengali-lib/books-2/979-vrndavana-mahatmya |access-date=25 July 2023 |website=purebhakti.com|date=11 February 2021 }}</ref> It is believed that Krishna spent part of his childhood in this city.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sengupta |first1=Arjun |date=9 March 2023 |title=Holi: Bringing fleeting color to the lives of Vrindavan's widows |language=en |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/widows-vrindavan-holi-8484907/ |access-date=4 June 2023}}</ref> The other prominent areas surrounding Vrindavan are Govardhana, Gokul, Nandgaon, Barsana, Mathura and Bhandirvan. Along with Vrindavan, all these places are considered to be the center of Radha and Krishna worship. Millions of devotees of Radha Krishna visit Vrindavan and its nearby areas every year to participate in a number of festivals.<ref name="kk2007">{{cite book |author=Klaus Klostermaier |title=A Survey of Hinduism |publisher=State University of New York Press; 3 edition |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-7914-7081-7 |page=204 |quote=The center of Krishna-worship has been for a long time Brajbhumi, the district of Mathura that embraces also Vrindavana, Govardhana, and Gokula, associated with Krishna from the time immemorial. Many millions of Krishna ''bhaktas'' visit these places every year and participate in the numerous festivals that re-enact divine scenes from Krishna's life on Earth, of which were spent in those very places |author-link=Klaus Klostermaier}} Vrinda means Tulsi (A sacred species of flora) and van as forest, therefore Vrindavan is a holy forest of Tulsi. Vijaypal Baghel, known as GreenMan is promoting, planting, and farming Tulsi in mass around the Vrindavan.</ref> The common salutation or greetings used in Braj region by its residents is ''Radhe Radhe'' which is associated with the Goddess Radha<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lynch |first=Owen M. |title=Divine Passions |date=31 December 1990 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-30975-3 |pages=3–34 |language=en |chapter=ONE. The Social Construction of Emotion in India |doi=10.1525/9780520309753-002 |chapter-url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1525/9780520309753-002/html}}</ref> or Hare Krishna which is associated with Krishna. Devotees of Krishna believe that he visits the town each night to adore Radha.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Srivastava |first1=Priya |date=12 August 2020 |title=Do you know about the 'mysterious' Nidhivan in Vrindavan where Krishna still performs Raasleela? |newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/do-you-know-about-the-mysterious-nidhivan-in-vrindavan-where-krishna-still-performs-raasleela/articleshow/65654845.cms |access-date=4 June 2023}}</ref>

=== Temples === thumb|Govind Dev Temple, Vrindavan Vrindavan, the land of Radha Krishna has about 5500 temples dedicated to them to showcase their divine pastimes.<ref>{{cite book |author=Rājaśekhara Dāsa |url={{Google books|Q1cvAAAAYAAJ|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} |title=The Color Guide to Vṛndāvana: India's Most Holy City of Over 5,000 Temples |publisher=Vedanta Vision Publication |year=2000}}</ref><ref>[http://news.vrindavantoday.org/2016/06/seven-main-temples-of-vrindavan Seven main temples of Vrindavan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813165834/http://news.vrindavantoday.org/2016/06/seven-main-temples-of-vrindavan/ |date=13 August 2017 }}, Vrindavantoday.org</ref> Some of the important pilgrimage sites are<ref>{{Cite book |last=Anand |first=D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EsvSwdUgQYcC&q=radha+purana |title=Krishna: The Living God of Braj |date=1992 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-280-2 |pages=42–86 |language=en |chapter=Temples and Places}}</ref> - *Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple, located near the Kalidah Ghat was built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. One of the oldest temples in Vrindavan, it is closely associated with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The original deity of Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for safekeeping during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, a replica of the original (deity) is worshipped at the temple. *Sri Radha Raman Mandir, constructed at the request of Gopala Bhatta Goswami and houses a saligram deity of Krishna as Radha Ramana, alongside Radha.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Radha Raman in Vrindavan |url=http://www.salagram.net/sstp-RadhaRamanVrindavan.html |access-date=6 December 2019 |website=www.salagram.net |archive-date=11 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011192707/http://www.salagram.net/sstp-RadhaRamanVrindavan.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> *Banke Bihari Temple, built in 1862<ref>{{Cite web |title=Banke-Bihari Temple website |url=https://www.bihariji.org/may08/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032027/https://www.bihariji.org/may08/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref> after the image of Banke-Bihari was discovered in Nidhivan by Swami Haridas. *Radha Vallabh Temple is one of the ancient temples of Vrindavan. It was constructed in 1585 AD and was the first temple made up of red sandstones.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Hare Krishnas in India |date=14 July 2014 |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=978-1-4008-5989-4 |pages=176–198 |language=en |chapter=Chapter 7. Cross-Cultural Dynamics of Mystical Emotions in Vrindaban |doi=10.1515/9781400859894.176 |chapter-url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781400859894.176/html}}</ref> *Radha Damodar Temple is a Gaudiya Vaishnavism temple, which is dedicated to Radha Krishna and was constructed in 1542 CE.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 July 2016 |title=Radha Damodar Mandir, Vrindavan - Info, Timings, Photos, History |url=https://www.templepurohit.com/hindu-temple/radha-damodar-mandir-mandir-vrindavan/ |access-date=2 September 2021 |website=TemplePurohit - Your Spiritual Destination {{!}} Bhakti, Shraddha Aur Ashirwad |language=en-US}}</ref> *Sri Krishna-Balarama Temple was built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Raman-Reti.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISKCON Vrindavan - Home |url=https://www.iskconvrindavan.com}}</ref> The principal deities of this temple are Krishna and Balaram, with Radha–Shyamasundar and Gaura-Nitai alongside. Adjoining the temple is the samadhi of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, built in pure white marble. *Prem Mandir, one of the ten largest Hindu temples in the world,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Top 10 Largest Hindu Temples Worldwide |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/religion/top-10-largest-hindu-temples-worldwide-visual-story-2292925.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821165051/https://www.moneycontrol.com/religion/top-10-largest-hindu-temples-worldwide-visual-story-2292925.html |archive-date=21 August 2024 |access-date=1 June 2025 |language=en}}</ref> is a spiritual complex situated on a 54-acre site on the outskirts of Vrindavan dedicated to divine love. The temple structure was established by spiritual guru Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 August 2013 |title=Famous Krishna Temples in India |url=https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/slideshow/famous-krishna-temples-india_297.html |access-date=6 December 2019 |website=Zee News}}</ref> The main structure built in marble and figures of Krishna cover the main temple.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Mayank |date=13 February 2012 |title=Kripaluji Maharaj's Prem Mandir will be inaugurated on 17 February |publisher=Aaj Ki Khabar |url=http://www.aajkikhabar.com/News/Region/Kripaluji-Maharaj-s-Prem-Mandir-will-be-inaugurated-on-17th-February/690284.html |access-date=29 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330113922/http://www.aajkikhabar.com/News/Region/Kripaluji-Maharaj-s-Prem-Mandir-will-be-inaugurated-on-17th-February/690284.html |archive-date=30 March 2014}}</ref> *Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir is housed in a modern geodesic structure with a traditional gopuram based on Khajuraho style of architecture. It is being built by one of the ISKCON factions based in Bangalore.<ref>{{Cite web |title=News18.com: CNN-News18 Breaking News India, Latest News Headlines, Live News Updates |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iskcon-to-build-worlds-tallest-temple-at-mathura-from-today/458198-3-242.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316105823/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iskcon-to-build-worlds-tallest-temple-at-mathura-from-today/458198-3-242.html |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=6 December 2019 |website=News18}}</ref> At cost of {{INRConvert|300|c}} it will be the tallest temple in the world on completion. *Shri Rambag Mandir, Vrindavan Shri Rambag Mandir is a Ramanandi Sampradaya temple, which is the first and oldest Shri Ram Mandir. Made up of white sandstones and dedicated to Shri Ram Darbara, the temple was constructed in 1930.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

== Festivals == === Holi === Holi is among the most prominent festivals observed in Vrindavan. As part of the Braj region, Vrindavan holds a central place in the festival's mythology and traditions owing to its association with Krishna and Radha.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Holi |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Holi |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref>

Unlike much of India, where Holi is observed as a single-day celebration, the festivities in the Braj region are extended, spanning a week or more, beginning from Rangbhari Ekadashi on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Phalguna.<ref>{{cite web |last=Murarka |first=Harshita |title=7 Things About Braj Ki Holi You Must Know |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/7-things-about-braj-ki-holi |publisher=The Quint |date=11 March 2017 |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref>

A distinctive tradition observed in Vrindavan is '''Phoolon ki Holi''' (Holi of flowers), held at the Banke Bihari Temple, in which priests shower devotees with fresh flower petals — including marigold and rose — in place of coloured powder, accompanied by devotional singing.<ref>{{cite news |title=Phoolon ki Holi begins in Vrindavan amid massive crowd and tight security |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/phoolon-ki-holi-begins-in-vrindavan-amid-massive-crowd-and-tight-security-watch-101772254537541.html |newspaper=Hindustan Times |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref> The nearby towns of Barsana and Nandgaon are known for '''Lathmar Holi''', in which women playfully beat men with bamboo sticks in a traditional reenactment of Krishna's visits to Radha's village.<ref>{{cite web |last=Murarka |first=Harshita |title=7 Things About Braj Ki Holi You Must Know |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/7-things-about-braj-ki-holi |publisher=The Quint |date=11 March 2017 |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref> Vrindavan's widows have also historically participated in Holi celebrations at local temples, a practice that has received wide attention.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sengupta |first=Arjun |title=Holi: Bringing fleeting color to the lives of Vrindavan's widows |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/widows-vrindavan-holi-8484907/ |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=9 March 2023 |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref>

== City of Widows == Vrindavan is also known as the "city of widows"<ref name="cnn">{{cite news |title=India's widows live out sentence of shame, poverty |url=http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9711/16/india.women/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061129032657/http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9711/16/india.women/ |archive-date=29 November 2006 |work=CNN |date=16 November 1997 |access-date=25 March 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 May 2013 |title=The Indian town with 6,000 widows |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-21859622 |access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=8 March 2019 |title=The widows of Vrindavan |work=cnbctv18.com |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/photos/buzz/the-widows-of-vrindavan-2537551-12.htm |access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref> due to the large number of widows who move into the town and surrounding area after losing their husbands. There are an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 widows.<ref name="catalyst">{{cite magazine |last=Sheik |first=Fazal |date=6 July 2006 |title=Catalyst Magazine: ''Moksha: the widows of Vrindavan'' |url=http://www.catalystmagazine.org/Default.aspx.LocID-0hgnew0ha.RefLocID-0hg01b001006009.Lang-EN.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403073306/http://www.catalystmagazine.org/Default.aspx.LocID-0hgnew0ha.RefLocID-0hg01b001006009.Lang-EN.htm |archive-date=3 April 2007 |magazine=Catalyst |access-date=25 March 2007}}</ref><ref name="cnn2">{{cite news |date=5 July 2007 |title=''Shunned from society, widows flock to city to die'' |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/05/damon.india.widows/index.html |access-date=5 July 2007}}</ref> Many live in extreme poverty and spend time singing bhajan hymns at bhajanashrams, as documented in historian William Dalrymple's ''The Age of Kali'' (1998). An organisation called Guild of Service was formed to assist these deprived women and children.<ref name="cnn" /><ref name="cnn2" /> According to a government survey report, several homes for widows are run by the government and various NGOs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sulabh dons mantle |url=http://www.sulabhinternational.org/content/sulabh-dons-mantle-good-samaritan-save-vrindavan-widows |access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref>

==Culinary tradition== Vrindavan and Mathura, the twin cities associated with Krishna, are the main centres of Braj Cuisine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Braj Cuisine Echoes The Legends Of Lord Krishna, Radha And Holi |url=https://www.slurrp.com/article/holi-2023-braj-cuisine-echoes-the-legends-of-lord-krishna-radha-and-holi-1677850126840 |access-date=17 August 2024 |website=Slurrp |language=en |quote=Even now, Krishna is an integrated part of the Braj community and diet, influencing the culture in indelible ways. The essential elements of Braj cuisine are based on a few beliefs and traditions}}</ref> Vrindavan Peda, Vrindavan Dahi Arbi jhor, Vrindavan khichdi,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 July 2010 |title=Budget bites |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/budget-bites/articleshow/5517195.cms |access-date=23 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |quote=There's even a dry fruit khichdi, which we didn't have the stomach to try and a Vrindavan khichdi, which comes with a side of Gatte ka saag and papad}}</ref> Bedmi puri, Dubki Aloo jhor, Moong Dal cheela, Heeng Kachori are some of the famous cuisines popular in this religious city. thumb|left|300px|Vrindavan Dahi Arbi with paratha

==Transportation== ===Road=== Vrindavan is well connected by roads and is connected to Delhi by National Highway (NH) 44 of the Golden Quadrilateral network. Earlier it was NH 2.<ref name="route" />

129&nbsp;km from New Delhi

117&nbsp;km from Gurgaon

54&nbsp;km from Agra

9&nbsp;km from Mathura

While in Vrindavan, battery-powered e-rickshaw are available for commuting within city limits.

===Rail=== *BDB/Vrindavan is on the Mathura-Vrindavan MG link. *VRBD/Vrindavan Road is on the Agra-Delhi chord.

=== Air === The nearest Airports are Agra Airport which is 71.3 km away and New Delhi International Airport is 150 km away.

Noida International Airport in Jewar was inaugurated on 28 March 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with commercial flights expected to commence subsequently.<ref>{{cite news |title=Noida International Airport inauguration: PM Modi to launch Delhi-NCR's new airport at Jewar on March 28 — key details |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/noida-international-airport-inauguration-pm-modi-launch-delhi-ncrs-new-airport-jewar-march-28-key-details-10602367/ |newspaper=The Indian Express |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>

== Gallery == <gallery> KesiGhat River.JPG|Keshi Ghat on banks of the Yamuna river Vrindavan, India (20566547434).jpg|Rangaji Temple of Vrindavan PremMandirSideViewFromCanteen.jpg|Prem Mandir, Vrindavan ISKON TEMPLE 1.jpg|Krishna Balaram Mandir Madanmohan Mandir Vrindavan.JPG|Radha Madan Mohan Temple, Vrindavan Radharani 5.jpg|Wall art of the name Radha Pagal Baba Mandir.jpg|Pagal Baba Temple </gallery>

== See also == {{Portal|India|Hinduism }} * Barsana * Bhandirvan * Gokul * Goverdhan * Mathura * Nandgaon * Phulhar * Radha Kund

== References == {{Reflist|40em}}

== External links == {{Wikiquote}} {{Commons category}} {{Wikivoyage inline}}

{{Hindu holy cities}} {{Krishna}} {{Mathura district}} {{Uttar Pradesh}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Vrindavan Category:Krishna Category:Cities and towns in Mathura district Category:Widowhood in India Category:Yamuna River Category:Krishna temples Category:Places in Hindu mythology Category:Hindu holy cities Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India Category:Ancient Indian cities