Southern and Western combination of cultures and imagination of Kripaluji Maharaj has become a reality in Vrindavan Dham. 150 crore Indian rupee (thirty million USD) Prem Mandir’s grandeur is challenging the Tajmahal of mogul times. Made with Italian marble this temple exhibits stunning combination of modern and ancient times. This magnificent temple made in Vrindavan is 125 feet high. The length of the temple is 122 feet and the width is 115 feet. The influence of south Indian culture of craftsmanship can be seen in the Temple. Water fountains and gardens on all four sides were adding to the beauty of the temple. Every modern service is available on this temple facility that extends on 54 acres of land.
The special feature of art of Vastu is that the temple has doors that open in all directions. Temple has magnificent carvings on the inside and outside. In Temple premises one can have view of Shree Krishn’s Giriraj leela, Jhulan leela, Kaliya nag leela and Maharas leela. The family of artisan from Sompura, Gujrat has contributed in completing Prem Mandir. Thousands of artisans and workmen from Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have worked on the temple.
Built in 11 years: with the intentions of uniting the world in love, Kripaluji Maharaj started the temple on 14th of January 2001 on Makar Sankranti day. Just like its name Prem Mandir is going to give the message of unity in diversity in Indian culture.
Visiting Prem mandir is like u r going to GOLOK of lord Krishna....... amazing place on earth
Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali. It is the day Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain. As per the story, Krishna saw huge preparations for the annual offering to Indra and questions his father Nanda about it. He debated with the villagers about what their 'dharma' truly was. They were farmers, they should do their duty and concentrate on farming and protection of their cattle. He continued to say that all human beings should merely do their 'karma', to the best of their ability and not pray or conduct sacrifices for natural phenomenon. The villagers were convinced by Krishna, and did not proceed with the special puja (prayer). Indra was then angered, and flooded the village. Krishna then lifted Mt Govardhan and held it up as protection to his people and cattle from the rain. Indra finally accepted defeat and recognized Krishna as supreme. This aspect of Krishna's life is mostly glossed over - but it actually set up on the basis of the 'karma' philosophy later detailed in the Bhagavad Gita.
Govinda Dev Temple was a grand seven-story structure, with an altar of marble, silver and gold. Architecturally this temple is one of the finest in North India. A sculptured lotus flower weighing several tons decorates the main hall ceiling. It was built in 1590 by Raja Man Singh from Jaipur, a general in Akbar's army, who was inspired to do it after meeting Rupa Gosvami. It was said to have cost ten million rupees and several thousand men were working for five full years to complete it. Akbar himself had donated the red sandstone for its construction. In 1670, during the rule of a later Mughal king, Aurangzeb, it was plundered and destroyed leaving only three stories of the original temple. During this attack, when few stories remained, all of a sudden the ground began to shake violently and Aurangzeb's men were terrified and ran for their lives, never to return.
Temple is now empty and the replica of Govindaji is worshiped in the new Govindaji Mandir (located behind the original temple). The original Govindaji is worshiped in Jaipur.
