30 Famous Krishna temples with map of 4000+ Worldwide Krishna Kshetrams – Part 2 of 2

Index of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Map of  4000+ Worldwide Krishna temples 
3. Famous  Krishna Kshetrams
   1. Venugopalaswamy Temple, Movva, Andhra Pradesh  
   2. Thiruvarppu Sri Krishna Temple In Kottayam, Kerala                                       
   3. Bhalka Tirth Temple, Somnath, Gujarat
   4. Trichambaram Temple, Taliparamba, Kerala
   5. Shri Radha Rani Temple, Barsana
   6. Neelamegha Perumal Temple, Thirukannapuram, Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu
   7. Champaran temple, Champaran, Chhattisgarh
   8. Chennakeshava Temple,  Belur, Karnataka 
   9. Charbhuja nath temple, Merta, Rajasthan
   10. Oothukadu Kalinga Narthana Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu    
   11. Krishna Temple,  Patan. Lalitpur ,Nepal    
   12. Choto Govinda Temple, Krishnapur, Bangladesh 
   13. Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy Temple Ryali, Andhra Pradesh   
   14. Murlidhar Krishna Mandir , Naggar, Himachal Pradesh  
   15. ISKCON Chandrodaya Temple,Mayapur                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

1. Introduction

I have created several Customized Thematic Google Maps of Temples as follows :

1. Map of  2500+ Sri Rama Temples with 30 Famous Temples . Web link  
2. Map of 1000+ Subhramanya temples with 30 Famous Temples , web link  
3. Map of Sri Parashurama  Prathishta Shiva , Bhagavathy and Dharma Sastha  Temples and Parashurama Kshetrams (650) with Top 10 Parashurama Temples. Web Link 
4. Google Map of  300+ Thevara  Vaippu  Sthalangal . Web Link 
5. Map of 1000+ Sri Narasimha with 25 Famous temples, web link  
6. Map of 1500 + Saraswati Temples with 20 Famous temples web link NEW
7. Map of  4000+ Worldwide Krishna Kshetrams with 30 Famous Temples Part 1 of 2 Part 2 of 2 NEW !!
8. Map of  500+ Ranganatha temples with 30 Famous Temples Part 1 Part 2   NEW !!
9. In continuation, I have created a Map of  4000+ Worldwide Krishna temples  and given in this blog. It has taken taken lot of efforts for the same and I have stopped at 4000 temples – still many more thousands yet to be mapped! I had not anticipataed that so many Krishna temples are there ! A great surprise for me was to find a large number of Krishna temples in Bangla Desh and Nepal. It is truely commendable that Iskcon Has established several temples alround the world spreading Krishna Conciousness Also surprise was to see large numbers in Assam, Tripura, Agartala – Probably due to the influence of the Great Saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in these regions. Within India, one can find a Krishna Temple in every nook and corner.Combined with Sri Rama temples and Sri Narasimha temples, one can easily see more than 10,000 temples. Likewise there are equal number of Shiva and Ganapathy temples. We are blessed to be born and living in this Holy land.  

2. Map of  4000+ Worldwide Krishna temples

Google Interactive Map of 4000+ Krishna Temples is given below. For some of the temples, weblink for more details are given 

3. Famous  Krishna Kshetrams 

In Part 1 of this Blog details of 15 Famous / Important Krishna Temples were given.. The balance 15 are given in this Part . It is extremely difficult to pick 30 out of 5000 + Krishna Temples. So some of the Important and Ancient temples have been selected .One New temple is added                                    To Return to the INDEX of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue

3.1 Venugopalaswamy Temple, Movva, Andhra Pradesh

Venugopalaswamy Temple,  6WG7+2RJ, Movva, Andhra Pradesh 521135  Famous Venugopalaswamy Temple is located at  Movva, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh  at a distance of 55 Kms from Vijayawada and is the birthplace of the legendary poet and composer Kshetrayya.

As per the Legend,, once when Krishna was dancing, a bead from his anklet( Muvva) fell upon the earth at this place. He ordered Narada to search for the missing Muvva who whoever could not locate it. When he did severe penance, Vishnu himself appeared at that place in a blinding light, following which he made the murthy of him, and got it installed by Indra himself.

The Muvva that fell down, was reborn as Moudgalya Rishi,who became a devotee of Krishna. On doing penace to him, he appeared in a Swayambhu sand sculpture form, and the temple was built before dawn. As Vishnu descended here due to Rishi Moudagalya’s penance he was called as Muvva Venu Gopala Swamy, and the village came to be known as Movva. The temple is quite a charming place, with a sculpture of Kshetrayya, and beautiful paintings depicting the life of Krishna, set amidst green paddy fields and coconut groves.

Mahakavi Kshetrayya was a 17th century composer, whose real name was Varadayya, and was a devotee of Venugopala Swamy there.Though born in a Brahmin family, Varadayya never showed much interest in learning, and was more attracted towards music and dance. He also learnt Kuchipudi from an acharya. He was attracted towards a Devadasi called Mohanangi, who was known for her intellect and wisdom. She put a condition that she would accept his love, if he were able to compose 4 poems in praise of Venugopala Swamy and impress her. In order to fulfill her condition, Varadayya began to master the language, and as he composed the poems, he came to realize that only Gopala was the Supreme Lord, and gained enlightenment.

Another version states that Varadayya was an illiterate cowherd, who was taught the Gopala Mantra by a Rishi, and became a great scholar and poet, somewhat like Kalidasa. As he began to tour all the main temples down South, singing the glory of Krishna, as well as describing about those temples, he was called as Kshetragna or Kshetrayya( the one who travels). Along with Tyagayya and Annamayya, Kshetrayya is regarded as one of the 3 great composers and poets in Telugu. He composed around 4000 padams and keertanas, mostly on his Ishta Devata, Venugopala Swamy.

The padam format perfected by Kshetrayya is used to date. Most of his padams are sung in Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam recitals. One unique feature is that the anupallavi is sung first, followed by the pallavi, and they center around theme of longing for Krishna. His compositions had Sringara as the main theme, expressing the madhurabhakti, where the relationship between the couple is a metaphor for the Jeeva( usually the Nayaki) to unite with the Divine. He used the signature of Muvva Gopala for his compositions.

His work has been a major influence in Telugu poetry, dance and music, on par with Annamayya, Tyagayya. Intimately connected with the devadasis of South temples, who interpreted his work through music and dance for a long time. With it’s Venugopala Swamy temple, and it’s association with Mahakavi Kshetrayya, and the picturesque surroundings around it, Movva is one of those places worth a visit, tucked off the beaten track.

There are separate shrines for Sri Venugopala Swamy and Godadevi in this temple. The temple has the Dasavatarams carved too, and the deity is flanked by his consorts Rukmini, Satyabhama. 

Festivals Celebrated : Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Deepavali, Sravana Masam, Dasara, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Vasanthotsavam,Dhanurmasam Timings to visit  05:30 AM – 01:00 PM | 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM

Near by Temples : Mopidevi Sri Subramanya swamy Temple – 20km  Hamsaladeevi Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple – 47km, Vijayawada Sri Kanakadurga Temple – 54km, Mangalagiri Panakala Swamy Temple – 66km.

3.2 Thiruvarppu Sri Krishna Temple Kottayam, Kerala                                       

Thiruvarppu Sreekrishna Swami Temple, Thiruvarpu, Kerala 686020  Thiruvarppu Sree Krishna Temple is located at Thiruvarpu, Kerala at a distance of 7 kms from Kottayam  on the shores of Meenachil River. (Varppu is the cast used by smiths to make bell metal vessels). It is one of the famous temples of Krishna in Kerala which is at least 1500 years old. There are several legends of recovering the idol of Lord Krishna with 4 hands which was kept in an Uruli (Flat vessel made of bell metal).

As per one legend, when the Pandavas lived in the forest, Lord Krishna gave them his statue with four hands so that they can daily worship it.   When Pandavas finished their sojourn in the forest and wanted to go back, the people of that area, requested for that idol. This was worshipped by the people of Cherthalai. But after some time due to reasons beyond their control, they were not able to continue their worship. So they simply dropped the idol in the sea.

After a long time a sage was travelling by a boat in these parts. Suddenly his boat became immobile. When some one got in to the sea to find out the reason, the sea dried at that spot and they were able to recover this idol. The sage took the idol with him. Though he wanted to go west, the boat travelled to the east via Kunnam and Pallikkara and reached the present spot of the temple. The sage got down there along with the idol and found that a temple of Dharma Sastha was without any idol and hence he consecrated the idol in that temple.

As per another legend, the above sage got down from the boat along with the idol but due to inclement weather he was unable to proceed any further. Hence he kept the idol in an Uruli, which he found near the tank and went away. Later when he came back, he found that the idol had got fixed to the Uruli. That Uruli belonged to an individual called Kunnan Kari Menon. As soon as he heard about this incident, he gave the land for temple construction and completed the temple with the help of a saint called Madappurathu Samiyar. Even today special Pushpanjali ( offering of flowers) is done on behalf of the Asram of Madappurathu Samiyar in this temple.

As per another legend, the Pandavas deposited the idol they were worshipping along with their Akshaya Pathra in the sea, before leaving for their Agnatha Vasa. Some fishermen fishing in the Vembanad back waters at a place near Vechur (called Mangalathu Vila) recovered only the idol but not the vessel. They built a temple in a place called Chara Mangalam and consecrated the idol there. Soon various calamities occurred in their village and hence,they returned the idol to the backwaters. This time the idol fell directly into the original vessel itself. It was then that the divine person referred to earlier recovered the idol as also the vessel.

His boat travelled via Kunnam and Palikkara and was not able to travel further due to dense aquatic plants. The people of the area swam in to the water and made way for the boat to reach the shores. The idol in the vessel was kept in the shore temporarily in a structure called Valiya Madam.   Later the idol was shifted to the present temple.

The architectural style of the shrine resembles the typical architecture of the temples found in Kerala. The Lord faces west along with his four hands. A  peculiarity of this temple is that, the priest is given an axe as well as the key to open the door in the early morning. People believe that this God cannot tolerate hunger and so if there is any delay in opening the door with the key, the priest is permitted to break open the door with an axe.

Another peculiarity of this temple is that even during eclipse, the temple is not closed. People believe that this God would become hungry. This temple has a very peculiar drum made of bell metal. It is said that Lord Krishna announced the killing of Kamsa, playing on this drum. Another peculiar celebration of this temple is Pullattu Pooja,.

3.3 Bhalka Tirth Temple, Somnath, Gujarat

Bhalka Tirth Temple,  tirth temple, Bhalka, Veraval, Somnath, Gujarat 362265  Bhalka Tirth Temple is located in Bhalka, Somnath, Gujarat  at a distance of 190 Kms from Rajgot and 90 Kms from Junagadh, Gujarat. Bhalka is part of the Lord Krishna circuit (Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Govardhan, Kurukshetra and Dwarka). It is located just 4 KM from Somnath Temple, a Jyotirlinga, situated in Veraval, Gujarat,

Bhalka Teerth is one of the most magnificent temples of Somnath city. The temple at Bhalka Teerth is known as Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak, and a tulsi tree has been planted in Lord Krishna’s honour. Banyan trees dot the courtyard of the spectacular Krishna temple that is built in sandstone. Inside the shrine is an unusual idol of Shri Krishna in a semi-reclining position. The temple also contains a beautiful tribhangi idol of Lord Krishna playing his flute.

As per the Legend,  the Kurukshetra war resulted in the death of all the hundred sons of Gandhari. On the night before Duryodhana’s death, Krishna visited Gandhari to offer his condolences. Gandhari felt that Krishna knowingly did not put an end to the war, and in a fit of rage and sorrow, Gandhari cursed that Krishna, along with everyone else from the Yadu dynasty, would perish after 36 years. Krishna himself knew and wanted this to happen as he felt that the Yadavas had become very haughty and arrogant (adharmi), so he ended Gandhari’s speech by saying “tathastu” (so be it).

After 36 years passed, a fight broke out between the Yadavas, at a festival, who killed each other. His elder brother, Balarama, left his body through Yoga. Krishna retired into the forest and started meditating under a tree.

The Mahabharata also narrates the story of a hunter who becomes an instrument for Krishna’s departure from the world. The hunter Jara mistook Krishna’s partly visible left foot for that of a deer, and shot an arrow, mortally wounding him. After Jara realised his mistake, while still bleeding, Krishna told Jara, “O Jara, you were Vali in your previous birth, killed by myself as Rama in Treta Yuga. Here you had a chance to even it and since all acts in this world are done as desired by me, you need not worry for this”. Then Krishna, with his physical body  ascended back to his eternal abode, Goloka and this event marks departure of Krishna from the earth. 

According to Puranic sources,[a] Krishna’s disappearance marks the end of Dvapara Yuga and the start of Kali Yuga, which is dated to 17/18 February 3102 BCE. The Lord left for his heavenly abode after this episode, but not before walking 4km from here to Shri Goloknathdham Tirth. The meaning of arrow is known as Bhall, so this pilgrimage has been known as Bhalka Tirth. In the 9th century AD Shri Vallabhacharya gave discourses on Shrimad Bhagavat Gita here for 9 full days.

This ancient temple was previously ransacked by Mahmud of Ghazni and looted precious jewels along with treasures back to his hometown. This ancient town was razed to the ground several times and it was later reconstructed by the Hindu community. Festivals celebrated : Janmashtami, Shivaratri, Shravan, Golokdham Utsav, Diwali|Kartik Purnima Fair, Somnath Sthapana Divas, Ekadasi  Temple Timings : 6  AM – 9 PM

3.4 Trichambaram Temple, Taliparamba, Kerala

Trichambaram Temple,Trichambaram Temple Road, Trichambaram, Kannur District, Taliparamba, Kerala 670141  Trichambaram Temple  is located at  Trichambaram, Taliparamba, Kannur district Kerala at a distance of 20 kms from Kannur.  It is  one of the three of the best known Krishna temples in Kerala :Guruvayur, Ambalappuzha and Trichambaram. The temple is mentioned in the 11th century CE Sanskrit kāvya Mūṣikavaṃśa.

The temple is believed to have got the name from Thiru Shambara or the holy Shambara in reverence to Maharishi Shambara who is supposed to have meditated here. The main deity of the temple is Shree Krishna after “Kamsavadham”, (after the killing of Kamsa the King and uncle of Sreekrishna) sitting in Raudra posture (ferocious posture).  Lord Krishna is supposed to be very hungry and so Nivedhyam (feeding) is done soon after opening the door of shrine. There is an old saying ‘open the sanctum sanctorum with food in one hand’. In the olden days rice of previous day was offered. After feeding Abhishekam is done.

Since Trichambaram Sreekrishna sits in Raudra style (ferocious) it is believed not to worship him during dawn. The Bali bimbam in the temple is of Child Krishna and also believed Parasurama did the installation and suggested the poojas, festival styles, etc. It is believed that to reduce the seriousness of Siva of Taliparamba Raja Rajeswara temple this Krishna is placed here, facing east with three pooj as daily. Kambrathillam do the tantries.

Sub deity Vishak Senan is facing south. The famous saint Sambaran has done ‘Thapassu'(meditation) in this temple and thus the name ‘Trichambaram’ came to this temple. Festival is from 22nd of Kumbam to 6th of Meenam. No elephants are allowed for the festival. Balaraman from Mazhoor temple will come here on Kumbam 22nd. On his way he should not see any elephants. Till Meenam 2nd there will be ‘thidambu dance’ and race in Pookothu gate, 3rd is holiday, on 4th procession around the village, on 5th Arattu in the Chira (small pond), on 6th the brothers Krishna and Balarama join together and say farewell.

This scene is made touching by repeated joinings and farewells accompanied by sorrowfull musical instruments. At last by showing milk: Krishna will be attracted back.to the temple. This is a rare proceeding which do not have any other temples. It is believed Devaki and Vasudev (parents of Krishna and Balarama) come to attend this festival. The ancient sculptures and murals on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum are captivating.

In the temple complex, there is also a shrine dedicated to goddess Durga which is in middle of a tank. The temple timings are : 05.00 am to 12.00 pm;  and 05.30 pm to 08.00 pm. Ph: 0460 2201022.

3.5 Shri Radha Rani Temple, Barsana

Shri Radha Rani Mandir, Barsana, Shree Ji Mandir, bramachal parbhat, Barsana, Uttar Pradesh 281405  Shri Radha Rani Mandir is located in Barsana,  Uttar Pradesh at a distance of 50 Kms from Mathura and 42 Kms from Vrindavan. Radha Rani Temple is also called ‘Barsane Ki Ladli Ka Mandir’ and ‘Radha Rani Ka Mahal’.

The temple is dedicated to the goddess Radha. The main deities of the temple are Radha  and Krishna who are worshipped together in the form of Shri Laadli Lal which means beloved daughter and son of the town.

It is one of the most revered places that appeals devotees across the world. Being the homeland and birthplace of Shri Radha Rani, this little suburb of Braj region is believed to be amongst the favorite spot of divine destinations not only for pilgrims but also for travelers with spiritual instincts. The Radha Rani temple in the city is also known as LadiLalji or Shree ji temple.  Ladli lal Ji or Shree ji means beloved Radha .

Radha Rani is believed to be the Goddess of Brajwasis. She is believed to be the secret power of Lord Krishna. For Brajwasis, Radha Rani is not just a consort of Krishna, but the ultimate source of his prowess. Due to her eminent character, she is the only worshipped Goddess of the Braj region. The Radha Rani Temple in Barsana is believed to be the place where Shreeji is always omnipresent and is believed to be blessing every pilgrim visiting the temple with unending devotion.  Brijwale lets you enjoy the spirituality of this miraculous temple with its joyous tour packages of Nandgaon-Barsana.

The temple is stretched on the top of Bhanugarh hills, which is about 250 meters in height. The temple attracts huge crowd of devotees and tourists visiting temple from across the world for its most popular festivals – Radhashtami and Lathmar Holi.

As per the Legend, Radha Rani Temple is originally believed to be established by King Vajranabh (great-grandson of Krishna) around 5000 years ago. The temple was said to be in ruins; the icons were rediscovered by Narayan Bhatt (a disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) and a temple was built in 1675 AD by Raja Bir Singh Deo. Later, the present structure of temple was built by Narayan Bhatt with the help of Raja Todarmal, one of the governors in the Akbar’s court   Red and white stones have been used for the construction of the temple,.

 As per a popular legend associated with the temple. Krishna’s father Nanda and Radha’s father Vrishbhanu were close friends. While Nanda was head of Gokula, Vrishbhanu was head of Rawal. However, fed up with the atrocities of Mathura’s king Kamsa, both of them with their people shifted to Nandgaon and Barsana. Nanda made Nandishvar hill his home and Vrishbhanu made Bhanugarh hill his permanent abode, which also ultimately became the abode of Radha. Presently, in both the twin towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, there stands the historical temples dedicated to Radha and Krishna on the peak of Nandishvar and Bhanugarh hills respectively. While Nandgaon temple is called the Nand Bhawan, Barsana temple is named after Radha, called Radha Rani temple or Shriji (Shreeji temple).

Shreeji Temple, with its arches, pillars and red sandstone, looks like a structure dating back to the Mughal era. This popular temple in Barsana is a classic example of the Rajput architecture prevailing during that time.  The temple looks like a magnificent palace which is made up of red sandstone and adorned with intricate hand carvings, beautiful arches, domes and exquisite paintings on its inner walls and ceilings. Red and white stones have been used for the construction of the temple, which are considered to symbolize the love of Radha and Krishna.

There are more than 200 stairs which leads to the main temple from ground. At the foot of the steps that lead to this temple is the palace of Vrishabhanu Maharaj where there are idols of Vrishabhanu Maharaj, Kirtida, Shridama (Sibling of Radha) and Shri Radhika. Near this palace is the temple of Brahma. Also, close by, there is Ashtasakhi temple where Radha along with her principal sakhis (friends) are worshiped.  As the temple is on the peak of hill, the whole Barsana can be seen from the temple’s premises.

Festivals : Radhashtami and Krishna Janmashtami, birthdays of Radha and Krishna, are the chief festivals of the Radha Rani temple. On both these days, the temple is decorated with flowers, balloons and lights. The deities are dressed in new dresses and jewellery sets. After performing “Aarti”, 56 types of dishes, also called “Chappan Bhog” is offered to Radha Krishna which later gets distributed to the devotees as “Prasada”.

Besides Radhastami and Janmashtami, Lathmar Holi is also one of the significant festivals of the temple. To celebrate Lathmar Holi, devotees and tourists visit the temple. The Holi in Barsana starts a week before the actual day of the festival and lasts till Rang Panchami.Timings  Summer Timings – 5 am to 2  pm and 5 pm to 9 pm.  Winter Timings – 5:30 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm To Return to the INDEX of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue

3.6 Neelamegha Perumal Temple, Thirukannapuram, Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu

Sowri Raja Perumal Kovil,VP93+9XW, Tirukkanapuram Road, Thirukkannapuram, Tamil Nadu (Sowri Raja Perumal Kovil, VP93+9XW, Tirukkanapuram Road, Thirukkannapuram, Tamil Nadu 609704 (Divya Desam , Neelamegha Perumal Temple or Sowriraja Perumal Temple))  Divya Desam Sri Sowriraja Perumal, located at Thirukkannapuram, at a distance of 30 kms from Kumbvakonam,Tamil Nadu, is one of the  108 Divya Desams (wherin 12 Vaishnavaite Alwars have sung songs in praise of Lord Vishnu). This place is one among the five Krishna Kshetrams: Thirukkannankudi, ThirukkannaMangai, Thirukkannapuram, Thirukannan Kavithalam and  Thirukovilur. Here, Lord Krishna is in a standing posture. Andal, Thirumangai Alwar & Kulasekara Alwar have done mangalasasanam for this temple(Given pasurams)

The Main Deity is Thiru Neelamega perumal  along with  Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayar . The Processional deity  is worshipped  as   Lord Sowriraja perumal. Lord Sowriraja perumal is seen with prayoga chakkra in his hands. The place is considered as Bhoolokha vaikundam.The temple has a 7-tier rajagopuram and a vast temple complex.The Nithya pushkarini in front of the Temple is quite big.

As per legend,  once the temple priest presented a garland that was offered to the Lord  to  a women  who had come there to have darshan.-. The  Chola king  unexpectedly  visited the temple.  The Priest was worried and  he  got the garland back  from the women  and gave it to the king.  , To his surprise, king   noticed a strand of hair in the garland and became furious. To escape from his  anger and further wrath, the priest humbly submitted to the king that the Lord had a tuft of hair and that strand of hair was from the tuft.The King forced the priest to  prove his  innocence .Terrified with the  Kings roar , the priest rushed into the sanctum and prayed LORD to rescue him from the Kings  temper  and save his life .To save the priest, the Lord  out of abundant mercy ,   gave darshan with a black ‘savuri’ in to the king. From that day on, He has been known as ‘Sowriraja Perumal

As Tirupati is famous for  ‘laddu’  prasad  , Srirangam  for ‘payasam’, Thirukannapuram is famous for ‘muniyodharan pongal’.  As per the legend,  there was  a chieftain, Munayadarayan by name,  who was ruling this Nagapattinam region .He used to take  his food only after praying to Lord Sowri Raja Perumal of Thirukannapuram and  due to his devotion  he spent all his wealth in the service of the Lord .For defaulting tax payment to the king, he was arrested. The Lord appeared in the dream of the king and ordered him to release Munayadarayan immediately.When the chieftain returned from the custody at night, his wife served him Pongal . As usual he offered it to the Lord at the temple .But the temple doors were closed .He became sad and so he offered the prasadam  through his manasika pooja and then took  the  prasadam.Next day, when the priest opened the temple, they  found  to their surprise the pudding was seen  on the lips of the Lord Sowri Raja Perumal. . The king also was surprised to see the Lord accepting the Pongal offered by the chieftain.  Since then , Pongal is offered to the Lord during the night puja and this is called Munayadarayan Pongal.

This is the temple where the Lord  graced   Vibheeshana, brother of demon king Ravana, his walking beauty. After seeing the sleeping beauty of Vishnu as Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam, Vibheeshna wanted to see the walking beauty of the Lord, upon which he was directed by the Lord to his “Keezh(akku) Veedu’ (Eastern Gateway of the Lord).It is believed that Lord Vishnu displayed his ‘walking beauty’ to Vibheeshana here on the new moon day. To mark this event, on every Amavasya day at 12noon, Lord SowriRajan is carried out of the Sanctum and walks to the Vibheeshna Sannidhi.

As per one more legend  once , Garuda was returning with the ‘amrutam’ for his mother – As he flew  over  this place, he lost his power and fell in the  nearby ocean. Realizing that he had committed a sin, he performed penance here and begged   pardon of the Lord.The Lord  out of compassion graced him and took him as his vehicle. As the reminder of this event  , every  Feb- March  ( tamil month ) Masi Magam, the lord  goes to the seashore and blesses all his devotees there. Hence the devotees greet the Lord calling him as Mappillai – son-in-law.

3.7 Champaran temple, Champaran, Chhattisgarh

Champaran temple, 2WJG+W4X, Champaran, Chhattisgarh 493992  Champaran temple is located in Champaran, Chhattisgarh at a distance of 48 Kms from Raipur.

Champaran or Champaranya formerly known as Champajhar named after forests of Champa Flowers which are extinct from here. It  is a small but famous village as it’s the birthplace of the  Great Saint Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu, the reformer and founder of the Vallabh Sect also known as Pushtimarg. A beautiful temple has been constructed in honor of this great saint, which has enhanced the religious holiness of the place. It is  a Vaishnava peeth (pilgrim site). The temple complex is also referred to as Sudamapuri. The shrine attracts large number of pilgrims, mostly Gujaratis during the Hindu month of Shravan.

Champaran temple   complex uses marble in its interiors to exude the feeling of peace and serenity. A long Corridor with multicolored arches and pillars takes one  to the inner courtyard where a series of marble statues depicts the saint in various phases of his life.

There are two temples dedicated to Shri Mahaprabhuji in Champaran. The first one is known as Prakatya Baithakji Mandir, where seva is performed by HDH Param Pujya Goswami 108 Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri and HDH Param Pujya Goswami 108 Shri Purshottamlalji Maharajshri. The second Baithakji is Mool Prakatya that is normally known as Chhatti Baithak. In this temple seva is done by Goswami shri Vallabhlalji and Shri Raghunathlalji (Shri Pinky Bawa) of 5th house of Kamvan.

Apart from this there is a Haveli temple dedicated to Shree Girirajji and Shree Balkrishnalalji. A small stream of Mahanadi River flows near the temple which is believed to be from Yamuna river and worshipped. Mahaprabhuji’s Prakatya Utsav is celebrated every year on eleventh day of Baisakh and many of followers of the sect gather at the temple to pay homage. The Champeswar Madadev Temple haves rare shivling which had dedicatd to Lord Shiv, Parvati and Ganesh.

The Vallabh faith has always been a prominent part of Indian religions. The followers of Guru Vallabhacharya regard Champaran as a holy land as on this very place their revered master reincarnated several centuries back. Emerged as one of the notable founder of the Vallbh religion, the Guru has been paid homage by his devout devotees through the building of the Vallabhacharya temple within the premises of Champaran. 

Vallabhācārya (1479–1531 CE), also known as Vallabha,  founded the Krishna-centered Puṣṭimārga sect of Vaishnavism in the Braj (Vraja) region  and propounded the philosophy of Śuddhādvaita. Vallabha was born in a Telugu Tailang Brahmin family that was residing in Varanasi. They escaped to Champaran of Chhattisgarh state while expecting a Muslim invasion in Varanasi during the late 15th century. Vallabha studied the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Shaddarshana as a child, and then traveled throughout the Indian subcontinent for over 20 years.  He became one of the important leaders of the devotional Bhakti movement. 

He rejected asceticism and monastic life, suggested that through loving devotion to the deity Krishna, any householder could achieve salvation – an idea that became influential all over India, held by his 84 Baithakjis (places of worship) across India. He is the prominent Jagadguru Acharya of Rudra Sampradaya out of the four traditional Vaishnava Sampradayas. He authored many texts including but not limited to, the Aṇubhāṣya (his commentary on Brahma Sūtra), Ṣoḍaśa Grantha or sixteen tracts and several commentaries on the Bhāgavata Purāṇa.

Vallabha’s writings and kirtan compositions focus on baby Krishna and his childhood pranks with Yashoda (unconditional motherly love), as well as a youthful Krishna’s protection of the good (divine grace) and his victory over demons and evils, all with allegory and symbolism. Vallabha founded the Puṣṭimārga, which is present in the Braj region as well as the Nathdwara and Dwarkadhish Temple in Mewar region of India – are important Krishna pilgrimage center. Temple Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM. 

3.8 Chennakeshava Temple,  Belur, Karnataka

Shri Chennakeshava Swami Temple Beluru, Belur, Karnataka 573115  Chennakeshava Temple  is located at  Belur, Karnataka at a distance of 224 Kms from Bangalore is one of the grandest examples of Hoysala architecture,.It is one of the Pancha Narayana Kshetras of Karnataka: Thondanur Nambi Narayana, Melukote Cheluvanarayana, Veeranarayana in Gadag, Keertinarayana in Talakadu, and Vijayanarayana or Chennakeshava in Belur.

The Chennakeshava Temple was a centrepiece of the Hoysala kingdom and it is believed to be closely related to the military achievements of the king who commissioned it in 1117 AD, King Vishnuvardhana. The king had fought wars with the Western Chalukyas and had also defeated the Cholas. The temple was built after the land’s best architects and artists were recruited and engaged in producing new designs and styles that would be the hallmark of the complex.

The Chennakesava temple is a fine example of fine quality work of art in stone. There are more than 80 Madanika sculptures in the temple, dancing, hunting, standing under canopies of trees and so on. The 4 Madanika figures (striking elegant dancing poses) on the wonderfully engraved columns of Navaranga are unique creations of Hoysala workmanship. The Garbhagriha is stellar in shape and its zigzag walls make the figures of 24 forms of Vishnu look different at different times of the day due to light.

The temple was built by master craftsmen – Dasoja and Chavana, a father and son duo, hailing from Balliganve, a centre of Kalyana Chalukya art in Shimoga district. It is said that Shantaladevi, the accomplished queen of King Vishnuvardhana is the model for one of the sculptures in the Vavaranga – Darpana Sundari. This work of art alone, speaks for the beauty of the magnificient temple. The temples of Kappe Chennigaraya, Soumyanayaki, Andal and other Vaishnava manifestations surround this main temple. Belur also has a samadhi believed to be of Raghavanka, the celebrated Kannada poet of the 13th century. As one enters this vast complex, a large rajagopura or gate arches above. The centre-piece the temple sits in the centre, facing the east, following the most followed orientation of temple architecture.

On the right of the temple is the Kappe Channigraya temple and a smaller temple dedicated to a Lakshmi reincarnation, the goddess Sowmyanayaki, sits slightly behind the two. On the left of the Chennakeshava temple, one can find the Ranganayaki temple.Attractions in the temple complex include two ornate pillars, one of the Garuda and one with a lamp. The former was built during the Vijaynagar period and the latter is attributed to the Hoysala period.

Built with soapstone, the Chennakesava temple features a very detailed finish built around a typical Hoysala style blueprint. The temple’s scale is what distinguishes it from many other temples of the Hoysala period and it is considered to be one of the earliest creations of the dynasty. At its highest, the temple stands 37 metres tall. Its outer walls are adorned with finely done artwork, with dancing girls in various postures.

The pillars of the temple exhibit some of the best details and finishing of sculpture and art work in the entire complex. The Narasimha pillar is one of the most popular of these temple pillars. There are a total of 48 pillars, all uniquely carved and decorated. The four central pillars were hand chiselled by artisans and feature madanikas or celestial damsels. The madanikas are in different poses and some of the popular ones which gain the attraction of tourists and art enthusiasts include the lady with a parrot and the huntress.

Visitors who are keen to study the details of the wall sculptures at the Temple will find many references and depictions of important events from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. A careful observation would reveal subtle pieces of eroticism hidden amidst the detailed depictions. Animals that commonly feature in the wall sculptures include horses, elephants and lions. Contact : Krishna swamy bhattar Archakar 9448621438 ;Temple timings :7:30 AM – 5:30 PM,

3.9 Charbhuja nath temple, Merta, Rajasthan

Charbhuja nath temple,  Charbhuja chok meera mandir, J2XM+73C, Sikhwalo Ka Mohala, Merta, Rajasthan 341510  Charbhuja nath temple  is located in  Merta, Rajasthan   next to Meera Mahal,  of Nagaur district in Rajasthan.Around 60 kms from Pushkar towards Jodhpur  In .this nondescript town   the Rajput Saint Princess Meera Bai was born. Merta is a small town in the Nagaur district, Rajasthan. Meera Bai was born as a daughter of Ratan Singh, grand-daughter of Merta’s Rao Duda; and great-granddaughter of Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. Meera’s mother died when the girl was 10 and the princess went to live with grandfather, Rao Duda, at Merta.

Charbhuja Temple in Merta is the Temple where Meera Bai worshipped Lord Krishna before her marriage to Prince Bhoj of Chittor. The 400 year old Temple is also known as Meera Temple of Merta.  Mirabai is well-known in India to this day as a Bhaktai (a worshipper) and composer of devotional songs to Krishna that continue to live on. Charbhuja temple houses the idol of Lord Krishna  which Saint Meerabhai had worshipped. Nice calm, serene and divine temple – quite spacious inside – lectures and musical discourses take place in this temple. 

The historic Charbhuja Nath temple built during the tenure of Meera Bai’s father Rao Duda. This tradition continues here from the 15th century till today. At 12 o’clock in the night, congratulations are given for the birth of Lord Krishna with the blowing of conch shells and then after Maha Aarti, Prasad Panchamrit is distributed to the devotees. Almost the entire city throngs here to take Panchamrit of Janmashtami. Only after that people go home and break their fast by worshiping Laddu Gopal. The historical Charbhuja Temple was built in the 15th century.

According to legends, Rao Duda, son of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, had laid the foundation of Merta. Even before that, Merta had been settled and destroyed many times, but Rao Duda built Dudagarh here in the 15th century. There is a story of that time that Ramdhan Mochi of Merta City had a cow. One day his wife told him that the cow does not give milk in the evening, someone milks it before evening. On this, Ramdhan chased the cow and came to know that the cow automatically sheds milk at one place. This news reached Rao Duda, the ruler of Merta. He also saw with his own eyes that Ramdhan Mochi’s cow automatically sheds milk. When that place was excavated on the orders of Duda, a black colored idol of Lord Krishna with four hands was found there. Rao Duda named it Charbhuja Nath and first built a platform there and later a grand temple was built there. Today the Charbhuja temple here is famous by the name of Meera temple. Here, right in front of the idol of Charbhuja, there is also a standing statue of his devotee Meera Bai.

It seems that the family members of Ramdhan Mochi had the first bhog. Ravduda, while building the Charbhuja temple, started a new tradition which is still a living example of social harmony. He said that Ramdhan Mochi’s cow used to feed milk to the idol of Charbhuja Nath, hence as soon as the doors of the temple open in the morning, the first offering i.e. milk would be made by Ramdhan Mochi. After that this tradition continues even today. Even today, the family members of the same Ramdhan Jeenagar cobbler continue to offer the first offering to Charbhuja Nath here. At present, child bhog is being offered on behalf of Bhajanlal Chhaganlal Gehlot (Cobbler) family, son of Damodar Jinagar, a member of Ramdhan’s clan. Apart from this, sandalwood from this family is also offered to God. Meera, born in Merta, got absorbed in the idol of God in Dwarka.

Bhaktashiromani Meera Bai was born in Merta in Samvat 1561 i.e. 1504  Once a procession was passing in front of the palace. Girl Meera Bai asked her grandmother who would be her groom, then grandmother gave an idol of Lord Krishna in her hand and said that this is your groom. From that very day Meera Bai became crazy about Krishna. Although she was married to Kunwar Bhojraj, the eldest son of Rana Sanga of Mewar in 1516, she considered Lord Krishna as her husband throughout her life. It is said that after the sudden demise of Bhojraj, Meera Bai started living among the groups of saints and at the age of 48, she reached Dwarkadham in Gujarat and got absorbed in the idol of Lord Krishna there. That is why it is said that no one on earth was as crazy about Lord Krishna as Meera Bai.

That is why it is said…Dhinmira, Dhin Medto, Dhin Charbhuja ro Nath, Jathe biraje hain sada, Meera ro Ghanshyam.Panorama has been telling a glimpse of Meera’s life.

In the courtyard of Rao Duda Garh near Charbhuja temple, where Meera Bai was born, Vasundhara Sarkar, during her last tenure, built a panorama of Meera Bai, which is today famous by the name of Meera Memorial. Every year thousands of domestic and foreign tourists come here to get information related to the life of Meera Bai. This panorama was completed in October 2008. Since then, more than 10 lakh devotees have acquired information from the life of Meera Bai here. In this memorial, there are statues made of fiber depicting many incidents from the life of Meera Bai as well a large collection of paintings depicting Saint Meera’s life,. Because of this memorial, Krishna devotee Meera Bai has become immortal in Merta.

Most legends about Mirabai mention her fearless disregard for social and family conventions, her devotion to Krishna, her treatment of Krishna as her husband, and her persecution by her in-laws for her religious devotion. She has been the subject of numerous folk tales and hagiographic legends, which are inconsistent or widely different in details.

Millions of devotional hymns in passionate praise of Krishna are attributed to Meerabai in the Indian tradition, but just a few hundred are believed to be authentic by scholars, and the earliest written records suggest that except for two hymns, most were first written down in the 18th century. Many poems attributed to Meera were likely composed later by others who admired Meera. These hymns are a type of bhajan, and are very famous across India.Temple timings are : 5 am to 10 pm

3.10 Oothukadu Kalinga Narthana Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu                                             

Oothukadu Kalinga Narthana Perumal Temple, Shri Krishna Vilasam, Agraharam Oothukkadu, P.O, VIA, Avoor, Oothukadu, Tamil Nadu 612701  Oothukadu Kalinga Narthana Perumal temple is located at Oothukkadu,  Tamil Nadu , 14 kms from Kumbakonam. Mahakavi Venkata Subba Iyer, popularly known as Venkata Kavi, who is beleived to be the reincarnation of Sage Naradha is believed to have lived  here

As per legend,, Sage Narada prayed to Krishna to provide water for this place and immediately a pond appeared from a spring. Hence, the name Oothukadu, derived from the Tamil words ‘oothu’ (spring) and ‘kaadu’ (forest). In this pond,

As per legend, this place was once a Pushpa Vanam. Residing at the Kailasanatha temple in Aavoor, Nandini and Patti, the children of Kamadhenu, were providing milk to the Lord. Every morning, the two would also graze across to the nearby Oothukadu Village and collect flowers for the Lord from the Pushpa Vanam. Once the two little ones listened to Sage Narada’s narration of the story of Lord Krishna and his Kalinga Narthana. Hearing the story of the five year old   Krishna taking on the poisonous asura snake (Kalinga) and performing the Kalinga Narthana, Nandini and Patti  broke out into tears for the hardship and the onerous task imposed on the little boy Krishna.

Worried about her children, Kamadhenu approached Krishna at Vaikuntam seeking a solution to her children’s shocked state of mind. Responding to her request, Krishna appeared here at the Pushpa Vanam at Oothukadu and performed yet again, with ease, the Kalinga Narthana in front of a delighted Nandini and Patti thus convincing them that this was a child’s play for him. Wanting all the devotees to enjoy this unique form of Krishna, Narada requested the Lord to be present here at Oothukadu as Kalinga Nardana.

Narada is said to have installed the idol of Krishna as Kalinga Narthana with Nandini and Patti standing on either side of the Lord in front of him and referred to this place as ‘Then Gokulam’.The main deity here is not Krishna, but a large stone image of Vedanarayana Perumal in a seated posture with Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side. The utsavar  is Kalinga Nartana Krishna, flanked by consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama, and with Nandini and Patti along with their calves. This image is believed to be Svayambhu (self-manifested).

The idol of Sri Kalinga Narthana Perumal is  beautiful  and is about 2.5 ft high. Lord Krishnaa, portrayed as a five year old child is seen dancing with his left foot on the serpent’s head and his right leg in the air.His left hand does not fully hold the serpent’s tail. There is a hairline gap between the serpent’s hood and the left foot of the idol  through which a piece of paper can be passed.. The right hand is in abhaya mudra (blessing) and it appears as though this deity is holding the tail of the snake with the left hand. However, Krishna touches the tail of Kaliya with only the thumb. Krishna, as a young boy, is shown fighting with Kalinga and the scars resulting from the whipping of the tail are seen on Krishna’s ankles.

The temple is small. Other Sannidhis are Narthana Vinayakar at the main entrance, Panchamukha Hanuman, Aandal and Oothukkadu Venkata Kavi inside the temple. Mahakavi Venkata Subba Iyer, popularly known as Venkata Kavi, who is beleived to be the reincarnation of Sage Naradha is believed to have lived  here in early 18th century. Not being able to find a proper music teacher, he surrendered to Krishna in the Oothukadu temple who is believed to have blessed him. It is said that Krishna listened to his songs and kept the beat (tala) for him. He composed hundreds of compositions in Sanskrit and Tamil of which over 500 are available. He was proficient in a variety of musical forms such as the kriti, tillana and kaavadicchindu. He used taalas and themes that many other Carnatic composers had or have not. His compositions are a blend of a high degree of scholarship on a variety of subjects and inspired expression.

It is a surprise that somehow none of the twelve Alwars have visited here and mentioned about Lord Sri Kalinga Narthana Perumal and about Oothukkadu in any of their verses and hence this is not considered as a Divya Desam. To compensate this, Venkatakavi with selfless and pure devotion to Lord Krishna, had composed and sung about the plays enacted by Krishna at Oothukkadu. Even after centuries, these compositions holds us in a trance and sung in every occassion by our popular Carnatic singers. There is a small shrine for Oothukadu Venkata Kavi in this temple. A visit to the Kalinga Narthana temple will liberate one from Rahu and Kethu doshams and Sarpa Dosham as well. Temple timings : 8 am to 12 noon; 5pm – 8 pm                To Return to the INDEX of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue

3.11 Krishna Temple,  Patan. Lalitpur ,Nepal    

Krishna Temple, M8FF+CXG, Lalitpur 44700, Nepal  Krishna Temple, is located in , Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal.  Up until 2008, Nepal,was the only Hindu country in the World (now a secular state) where about 80% of the population is Hindu. Perhaps that’s why one can find temples and shrines in every nook and corner of the cities, especially Kathmandu and Patan. Kathmandu (the capital) has been rightfully termed the city of temples, closely followed by neighboring cities – Patan and Bhaktapur.

For followers of Lord Krishna everywhere, the Krishna Mandir of Patan has great architectural and spiritual importance.Situated in the center of the city of Lalitpur (Patan) in Nepal, Patan Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a perfect sample of the Newari Architecture.

Krishna temple was built by King Siddhi Narasimha Malla of Patan in 1637 AD. As per the Legend  it was built because of a dream. One night, King Siddhi Narasigh Malla dreamt that the god Krishna and Radha were standing in front of the palace. The King ordered a temple built on the same spot. During a war with a neighboring kingdom a decade later, the King emerged victorious after calling on Krishna to vanquish his enemies. In gratitude, the King built a temple replica inside the Sundari Chauk courtyard.

Krishna Mandir of Patan is perhaps Kathmandu Valley’s finest stone wrought monument. Krishna temple is made in the Shikhara architectural style, a style that is commonly found in what is now known as the Indian Subcontinent. The temple is made of stone, and the carving is finer than that of the other smaller Krishna Mandir at Patan Durbar Square, built by Yogamati, the great-granddaughter of Siddhi Narasimha Malla, in 1723. Beneath its 21 golden pinnacles are three floors. The first floor enshrines Krishna, the second Shiva, and the third Lokeshwor. Scenes from the Ramayana narrated in the Newari script decorate the temple’s interior.

Its architecture successfully blends two styles: the solidly formed Southern Gupta shikhara form and the open multi-storied style of Moghul. The craftsmanship of the stone carvers can be seen in the intricate images of gods and the perforated stone screen railings of the passages. There is an open passage on the ground floor, and it is empty inside. A narrow and low passage leads to the center of the first floor.

The first floor is the main area of worship, where a large hall holds an image of Krishna with two consorts, Radha and Rukmini, all beautifully carved out of black stone. The flooring also contains images of the ten incarnations of Vishnu.The delicate stone carvings along the beam on the 1st-floor recount events from the Mahabharata. The second floor contains an image of Shiva. The hard-to-see beam on the 2nd floor features scenes from the epic Ramayana. The small fourth floor contains no images now; however, the people say that there was formerly a statue of Avalokitesvara. Perhaps such placement acted as an example of the harmonious blend of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal.

The steps to the temple’s first floor are narrow and small, and it is not common for the first-timers to hit their head while climbing down the stairs. From the balcony of the first floor, one could look around Durbar Square. The temple is adjacent to the Patan Museum because of which one can glance at the temple from the window of the museum. Viewing with a binocular from the museum window would give a clear view of the idols of Lord Krishna and his consorts enshrined in the temple. The  images of Vishnu and his mount, Garuda, are found throughout the temple. Four full-size statues of Vishnu upon Garuda surround the base of the sikhara, while bas-reliefs of the same theme are located on the ground floor cornices. Depictions of the 10 avatars of Vishnu are also set on the outside face of the ground-level gallery. A freestanding statue of gided Garuda, mounted upon a pole, is set in front of the temple. It was erected by Siddhi Narasingh Malla about ten years after construction of the temple.

The Krishna Mandir is managed by local Brahmins and is still used, though entrance is forbidden to non-Hindus (as was the case with the nearby Bhimsen temple, currently awaiting restoration as it was completely destroyed in the 2015 earthquake). It was painstakingly restored by the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT)  and reopened to pilgrims and tourists in 2018. The temple is usually opened at all times, and during the festival of Krishna Janmashtami, large numbers of devotees throng the square to offer worship to Lord Krishna. The temple is beautifully decorated with colorful papers, lights, and flowers during the festival.

3.12 Choto Govinda Temple, Krishnapur, Bangladesh 

Choto Govinda Temple,  9R6M+WWP, Krishnapur, Bangladesh –  Puthia Temple Complex Choto Govinda Temple is located in Puthia Temple Complex, Krishnapur, Bangladesh at a distance of 220 Kms from Dhaka.and 23 kilometres to the east of Rajshahi city. Bangladesh has a very large number of Krishna temples outside India.

Puthia Temple Complex  is a cluster of centuries-old Hindu temples  which were built by Hindu Zamindars of the Puthia Raj family. They were noted philanthropists and followers of Vaishnavism mainly.  Some 17 large and small temples still exist at Puthia now. The temples are laid out around lakes Shyam Sarobar & Gobind Sarobar with a sprawling lawn. The notable features of the temples are their terracotta works, and their architectural style is very similar to the Bengali architectural style. However, it also has the impression of other architectural styles.

A large four storey structure coated with white plaster towering above the surrounding lakes, bazaar and all other buildings and guards the entrance to the palace precinct. This square shaped fortress like building is actually the largest temple of the Puthia temple complex. Housing ancient black-stone statues of the holy Hindu couple Krishna and Radha. According to an inscription Dol-Govinda-Mandir was constructed in 1778 by the Panch Ani Raja Vubanendra Narayan.

In the palace courtyard lies another impressive offering to the divine lovers Radha and Krishna which is called Bara Govinda temple. Placed on a high stone carved platform, this gigantic brick built structure is famous for its exquisite terracotta ornamentation. The outer wall of the temple has gracefully depicted the legends of Ramayan, Radha-Krishna. It is assumed from its architectural style that it was built in the second of half of 17th century. Puthia royal family was converted to Vaishnavism by Radhamohana Thakura.

The palace courtyard is studded with many small beautiful and exquisite terracotta shrines belonging to many deities. Just a few metres across, beside the treasury house of the palace, situated a complex of four temples. These four historic temples are Boro Ahnik temple, Chhoto Ahnik temple, Chhoto Govinda temple and Gopal temple. Chhoto Govinda temple is believed to date to 1790-1800s period.

Chhota Ahnik Mandir : Its inner are highly decorated with terracotta plaques depicting Radha-krishna-Balram legends, the episode of Ramayana and floral motifs like the Bara Govinda Mandir. The whole structure is covered by a do-chala roof with curved cornice. The date of construction is unknown to us. But it is assumed that it may be erected during the last of 18th or the first decade of the 19th century. The temple is constructed on a high platform and has a pyramid-shaped vault covering it. The interior of the temple consists of a single chamber with porches on the eastern and southern sides.

Terracotta Decorations: The southern frontage of the Chauchala Chhota Govinda Mandir is extensively adorned with terracotta plaques. These terracotta plaques depict various themes, including the ten incarnations (Avatars) of Lord Vishnu, scenes from the Ramayana, particularly the Lankakanda chapter, depictions of the Radha-Krishna legends, floral designs, geometric patterns, and scenes portraying the civic life of the period.

The west-facing frontage of the temple also features terracotta ornamentation panels, although some of them may be in a deteriorated condition or have been pilfered over time. Gopal Mandir : It is a flat roof Dalan temple, situated near the Chhota Govinda Mandir also known as Radhakanta Mandir. This south facing and two storied building is placed on a high platform. There is a staircase on the west to reach the platform. It is a very simple structure. Structurally it may be called one ratna temple. Inner and outer wall surfaces of the whole structure are covered with plaster only. It is the building of 20th century.

3.13 Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy Temple Ryali, Andhra Pradesh   

Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy Temple Ryali, Temple street, Ryali, Andhra Pradesh 533236  Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swami Temple, Ryali, Andhra Pradesh  Ryali is located 40 Km from Rajahmundry and 74 Km from Kakinada   and it is situated between the rivers Vashista and Gautami, Tributaries of river Godavari. he exquisite idol, made of black stone depicting Maha Vishnu and Mohini on its front and rear sides, is a real marvel of sculptural dexterity.

According to the legend “Bhagavatam” while Devatas and Rakshas were quarrelling over sharing of holy Devine nectar “Sree Maha Vishnu” came to the rescue of Devatas in the guise of Mohini and convinced both the rivalry groups promising to distribute holy Devine nectar in equal share to Devatas and Rakshas. But in the interest of universal peace and welfare of sages, holy and Devine nectar was distributed among Devatas alone by the beautiful Mohini distracting the asuras and then Mohini disappeared.

Lord Siva having seen the most fascinating beauty of Mohini allured her.    One flower from the plait of Mohini fell down and it was smelt by Lord Siva. Then he surprisingly found “Sree Maha Vishnu” in the form of Mohini  . The place where the flower from the plait of Mohini fell is named as RYALI the Telugu meaning of “Fall”.This place known as Ryali for the above reason became abode of Lord Siva. Lord Brahma consecrated the Siva Lingam with his Kamandalam and hence Lord Siva at Ryali is worshipped as Sri Uma Kamandalesara Swamy Varu .Sri Mahavishnu with the form of Mohini on backside is worshipped as Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy varu both Siva and Vishnu Temples are located facing each other. This is very rare feature at Ryali where Vishnu and Lord Siva Temples faces each other in East, West direction.

Raja Vikrama Deva, Chola king came to this place for hunting , had a dream that Maha Vishnu shrine was located in the under ground of this area ; accordingly he dig  the land where the nail of chariot fell   and found the idol making the dream of Raja true. He constructed a small temple during 11th Century and arranged worship during his regime. Gradually prakarams were developed in the year 1936 it was renovated.The Shrine of Sri jaganmohini kesava Swamy varu is Salagrama Ekasila with 5 feet height and 3 feet width.Salgramasila is itself the form of Sri Maha Vishnu. The idol of Sree Kesava Swamy varu of “Sri Mahavishnu” in front side and Jagan Mohini on back side

3.14 Murlidhar Krishna Mandir , Naggar, Himachal Pradesh  

Murlidhar Krishna Mandir,  4558+FR6, Naggar Castle Rd, Naggar, Himachal Pradesh 175101 Murlidhar Krishna Mandir is located in   Naggar, Himachal Pradesh at a distance of 25 Kms from Kullu and 5 km from Naggar, the shrine of Krishna can be found situated close to the Thawa village in Naggar on the outskirts of Manali..

Naggar’s most magical temple sits on a hilltop terrace with lovely views. This was the site of the ancient town of Thawa, which pre-dated Naggar by more than  1000 years. The temple courtyard is intoxicatingly scented with citrus and honeysuckle. The patched-up 11th century shikhara (stone tower) includes musical and (defaced) karma sutra mini-carvings. The sanctum enshrines a black-faced Krishna playing the murli (flute), hence the temple’s name.

The shortest route to get there is around 25 minutes on foot, starting up the cobbled lane that starts from the sharp corner of the road between the Naggar castle and the Roerich gallery. This initially climbs beside the stream but soon swerves right. At the third zigzag, walk between two buildings (one mural daubed and named North) then take the stairway up to the left immediately after. Just before you arrive, the new building on your right is the temple priest’s family house, a new place that doubles as guesthouse and yoga centre.

It is claimed to be 1000 to 5000 years old Thawa Krishna Temple in the hills over Naggar. A very ancient and very spiritual place. As per the  legend Lord Krishna himself  meditated in this spiritual place on Thawa hill, This shikhara temple has a mandapa standing on wooden pillars.The sanctum sanctorum of Murlidhar temple has a very attractive bronze murti of Murlidhar – Krishna playing the flute.

It is a pyramidal carved temple with a neatly sculpted shikhara or dome. After the earthquake of 1905, a portion of the temple was rebuilt.This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and also has the idols of Radha, Garuda, Laxminarayan and Padam Sambhava.The temple used to get patronized by the royal family of Kullu.The deities over here was built by pandavas during there 12 year exile period , they visited here and this Krishna deity was carved by them, this Krishna deity is believed to be 5000 years old.

Initially when the Murlidhar Temple was built, the deity of Radha was not kept there. It was believed that as the deity of Radha was not there, Lord Krishna used to be away (absent) from the temple premise quite often. Lord Krishna stayed in the Temple’s sanctum only after Radha’s idol was installed in the temple. There is a small ‘Rath’ to the south of the temple which is used as a chariot for Lord Krishna during Dussehra.Dussehra Festival, the most popular festival of Kullu is celebrated here for a day with lots of pomp and gaiety.The temple is located at Thawa high on a ridge above the town. This shikhara temple has a mandapa standing on wooden pillars.

The sanctum sanctorum of Murlidhar temple has a very attractive bronze murti of Murlidhar – Krishna playing the flute. There is another murti of Goddess Lakshmi sitting on the thighs of Bhagavan Vishnu, while Bhagavan himself sits on the four-armed Garuda, the divine vehicle or vahana.There is a murti of Buddhist master Padmasambhava. Panels and brackets inside the temple are carved with flowers and some erotic images.The presiding deity is Krishna, and there are also idols of Radha, Garuda and Laxmi-Narayan duly worshipped inside the temple. A small chariot or rath is kept to the south of the temple which is used during a festive procession at the time of Dusshera. It is known for its architectural style which is similar to that of the pyramids of Egypt

3.15 ISKCON Chandrodaya Temple,Mayapur  

Chandrodaya Temple, Mayapur,  C9FQ+865, Mayapur, West Bengal  741302        Chandrodaya Temple is located at  Mayapur West Bengal at a distance of 130 Kms from Kolkata. It is under construction dedicated to the Pancha-Tattva deities, Radha Madhava, Nrisimhadeva and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, It will be the Largest Religious Krishna Temple in the world after completion of construction. The scheduled Opening is on Feb 29, 2024 .

ISKCON Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir or the temple of the Vedic Planetarium also called ISKCON Mayapur, is a Hindu mandir and the headquarters of ISKCON, located in Mayapur, West Bengal. Ganges flows on the western side of the temple premises, while Jalangi river flows on the southern side.

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded Mayapur as a place of pilgrimage in the 20th century. The  temple complex consists of several buildings and structures, namely the Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir, Srila Prabhupada’s Pushpa Samadhi Mandir and Srila Prabhupada’s Bhajan Kutir. Also a large temple under construction named Temple of Vedic Planetarium belongs to the Mayapur Chandradoya Mandir premises.

The main altar of Sri Sri Radha Madhav Mandir has a life size Radha Madhav, surrounded by Ashta-sakhis (eight principal gopi friends). Madhava (Krishna) stands in flute-playing posture, and Radha stands on his left. In the center of this temple is the merciful deity of Nrisimhadeva. The deity was installed here after the temple was attacked by dacoits in 1986. A large brass idol of Srila Prabhupada is worshiped at the Pushpa Samadhi Mandir. The Samadhi Mandir has extensive gardens. A large diorama exhibit inside the mausoleum depicts the life of Srila Prabhupada and his struggle to establish ISKCON. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with terra-cotta art depicting various descriptions of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Bhajan Kutir is thatched huts where Srila Prabhupada stayed from 1972 to 1976 when the first main building (Lotus Building) was built. The Kutir has an deity of Nitai Gaurasundar made of neemwood. The Temple of Vedic Planetarium houses the deity of Radhakrishna, a combined form of the Hindu god Krishna with his chief consort and shakti Radha.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu  was a 15th-century Indian Hindu saint from Bengal who is considered to be the combined avatar of Radha and Krishna by his disciples and various scriptures. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mode of worshipping Krishna with bhajan-kirtan and dance had a profound effect on Vaishnavism in Bengal. He was also the chief proponent of the Vedantic philosophy of Achintya Bheda Abheda Tattva. Mahaprabhu founded Gaudiya Vaishnavism (a.k.a. the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya). He expounded Bhakti yoga and popularized the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra.  He composed the Shikshashtakam (eight devotional prayers).

Gaudiya Vaishnavism teaches the acceptance of Bhakti yoga as a method to realize the ultimate truth. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is credited with popularizing the ‘Maha Mantra’ or ‘Hare Krishna Mantra.’ He is also known for composing in Sanskrit a prayer of eight verses, known as ‘Siksastakam.’ Said to have been born with features similar to that of Lord Krishna, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a child prodigy, and became a scholar at a very young age.

Chaitanya is sometimes called Gauranga or Gaura due to his molten gold–like complexion. His birthday is celebrated as Gaura-purnima.  He is also called Nimai because he was born underneath a Neem tree. The Iskcon temple is dedicated to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu  as well Accomadation is also available in the Iskcon Guest houses at Mayapur.Temple Timing – 7  AM to 12:30 PM and 4  PM to 8 PM                                  To Return to the INDEX of Contents, Click Here.