12th Anniversary of Prem Mandir

(Temple of Divine Love)

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, the Rasik Saint, who remained ever immersed in the bliss of Shri Radha Krishna’s most sublime divine love pastimes, offered a transcendental gift of this Supreme Love to Shri Vrindavan Dham – ‘PREM MANDIR’  (Temple of Divine Love).

Generally temples are named after various descensions of God, for example, Shri Radha Krishna Mandir, Shri Rama Mandir, Hanuman Mandir and so on. However, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj named this temple ‘Prem Mandir’ because even though God is supreme, yet the power of Prem or Divine Love is such that God remains under its control. The following couplet on the main entrance to the temple testifies to this fact:

प्रेमाधीन ब्रह्म श्याम वेद ने बताया ।

याते याय नाम ‘प्रेम मन्दिर’ धराया ॥

“The Vedas declare the supremacy of divine love.    It is so powerful that even the Supreme Lord Shri Krishna remains under its control. This inspired me to give the name ‘Prem Mandir’ to this majestic temple.”  

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

Whosoever visits Vrindavan is left speechless by the grandeur and opulence of Prem Mandir. On the ground floor, the beautiful form of Shri Radha Krishna captivates all with their life-like appearance.  Visitors stand transfixed and enthralled with the divine ambience, having become oblivious of their surroundings as they feast their eyes on the indescribable beauty of the Divine Couple. As they move upstairs, visitors are mesmerised once again by the charismatic and infinitely beautiful deities of Shri Sita Rama. It is a surreal experience for many.

As far as the eye can see, one finds the sweet pastimes of Shyama Shyam beautifully depicted on the exterior walls of the temple, creating an indelible imprint on the minds of all. So besotted with love is the visitor that he fails to decide whether he is being carried away by the stream of love for Shri Sita Rama, who appeared on earth during the Age of Treta, or whether he is being enslaved by the transcendental beauty of Shyama Shyam, who appeared on the earth during the Age of Dwapara.

This temple is spread across 54 acres of land and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, full of blossoming flowers.  It is ornamented with figurines, panels and pictures depicting various pastimes and deeds of valour of Shri Krishna.   The temple is constructed entirely of Italian marble. With its marvellous carvings, the display of refined craftsmanship and the glorious inlay work replete with semi-precious stones, this temple is a unique divine structure within Vrindavan. 

As one walks through the main entry gate, the lush green lawns on either side with wonderful displays of Shri Krishna’s pastimes such as the lifting of the Govardhan hill and the subduing of the serpent, Kaliya, jhulan lila  etc. add to the beauty of the temple complex.  They set the devotional mind ablaze, particularly at night when the atmospheric lighting combines with the Vrindavan night to show them at their best.

The divine love that seeps through the walls and hallowed floors of this sacred temple is also encapsulated within the inscriptions that render these marble walls like the pages of some ancient sacred text.  Forever inscribed for the benefit of thirsty drinkers of the bliss of Braj Rasa for generations to come, are selected verses from Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Mahraj’s  most sublime revelations, ‘Prem Rasa Madira’ and ‘Radha Govind Geet.’  

Prem Mandir is at its magnificent best at night when the pristine white marble exterior walls become the backdrop for the visual feast that is the state-of-the-art lighting.  Especially chosen colours change automatically, each adding a new charm and mystique to the look of the temple.  People can be seen standing in utter amazement at the out of this world beauty of this temple of divine love.  It seems as if the divine glittering city of Saket Lok – the abode of Lord Rama and Golok – the abode of Shri Krishna has descended upon this holy land of Vrindavan.

Another captivating feature of Prem Mandir is the amazing, colourful musical fountain that dances to the melodious sankirtan it plays, and acts as a water screen for projected video of Shri Maharaji.  No words, photos or video can ever do justice to the spectacular fountain show.

Prem Mandir has become a source of pride for the land of Vrindavan.   This unique historic temple has considerably enhanced the glory of Vrindavan and therefore everybody who happens to come here invariably is compelled to visit this Temple of Divine Love.  It is in fact already being called a wonder of the modern world.  A devotee visiting Prem Mandir for the first time, is struck by its exquisiteness and losing all sense of time and place, forgets that there are many others behind him eagerly waiting to enter the temple premises. Such is the devotional charm of Prem Mandir.

As we celebrate the 12th Anniversary of Prem Mandir, we offer our reverential salutation to Bhakti-yoga-rasavatar, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj – the Rasik of the Divine Love of Shyama Shyam, who has dedicated to Shri Vrindavan Dham and the world –  a transcendental gift of love in the form of the most beautiful temple, ‘Prem Mandir’ to spread the message of Divine Love.  Being a perennial source of divine love, an unending stream of devotion will flow for ages to come through this unique monument.

*A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (‘Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World’) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by ‘Kashi Vidvat Parishad’ (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like ‘Prem Ras Madira’, ‘Prem Ras Siddhant’, and ‘Radha Govind Geet’ to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include  -  Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh,  Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharajji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education.