Discovering the Most Revered Krishna Temples in India: Welcome to our exhaustive list of important Krishna Temples in India, where devotion to Lord Krishna is profoundly ingrained in the hearts of the people. Join us on a spiritual journey through these revered abodes, from the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, with its vibrant Rath Yatra festival, to the captivating Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat, believed to be Krishna’s ancient kingdom, to the sacred Guruvayur Temple in Kerala, a place of palpable devotion. These temples attest to the devotion and reverence people have for Lord Krishna, a revered Hindu deity. Explore the world of age-old traditions, rituals, and festivals that bring together devotees from across the nation. Admire the architectural marvels that demonstrate the artistic brilliance of previous periods. Immerse yourself in the distinctive traditions that reflect India’s diverse cultural heritage.
Experience the unwavering devotion that has woven these Krishna Temples into the religious and cultural fabric of India. These temples offer an experience that touches the soul and uplifts the spirit, whether you seek spiritual connection or merely wish to admire the beauty of faith. Join us on this enthralling tour of India’s most revered Krishna Temples. Prepare to be enchanted, inspired, and spiritually enlightened as we investigate the divine essence that permeates these sacred grounds.
Discovering the Most Revered Krishna Temples in India: Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur, Kerala
Considered the “Dwarka of the South,” the Guruvayoor Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala, is one of the most revered Lord Krishna temples in Southern India. The 1638-built temple contains a statue of Lord Krishna with four arms, adorned with a sacred Tulsi garland and a pearl necklace. The vast tank of the temple is believed to be where Lord Shiva’s family worshipped Vishnu.
Festivals such as Ulsavam, Vishu, Vaishka, Ashtami Rohin, and Kuchela’s Day are celebrated with great zeal and draw enormous crowds. The temple has a dress code, requiring men to don dhotis and women to wear sarees or salwar. The distinctive practise of offering elephants at the temple captivates devotees. A special feeding programme for elephants, Aanayoottu, is conducted at 10:00 AM. The temple is open from 3:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., making it an ideal location for spiritual seekers.
Temple of Jagannath in Puri, Odisha
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a revered Lord Krishna temple and important pilgrimage site. This sacred temple is of great religious significance to both Hindus and Buddhists. Unlike the stone murals found in most temples, the primary sanctum of this temple features a statue of Jagannath carved from wood, making it architecturally distinct.
The temple’s rituals and practises are distinct from those of other Hindu temples, making it a spiritual destination with a unique identity. Notably, the temple casts no visible shadow, and despite its proximity to the ocean, the sound of the waves cannot be heard within its grounds. Festivals such as Chandana Yatra, Snana Yatra, Ratha Yatra, Sayana Ekadasi, and Dakshinayana Sankranti are enthusiastically celebrated and draw large audiences. The Ratha Yatra or Chariot Festival, during which the deities are transported to the Gundicha Temple, is renowned. The fact that the temple was once part of the sun temple and was later dismantled and reassembled by the Marathas in the 18th century demonstrates its historical significance.
Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat
Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir or Trilok Sundar, is an illustrious Lord Krishna temple located in Dwarka, Gujarat. As one of India’s four divine abodes and one of the Sapt Puris, the temple has immense mythological significance for devotees of Krishna. According to legend, the original structure of the temple was commissioned by Vajranabhji, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is depicted with the Sudarshana Chakra and conch shell on the temple’s primary idol, which is carved from black marble and adorned with precious gems.
The temple’s Chalukya-style architecture and intricate carvings of elephants, dancers, celestial beings, and musicians contribute to its magnificence. Visitors to Dwarka can also visit the adjacent Rukmini Temple. The temple is open from 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, making it an essential spiritual destination to visit.
Sri Sri Radha Madhan Mohan Mandir, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Sri Radha Madan Mohan Mandir, situated atop a 50-foot-tall hill in Vrindavan known as Dvadasaditya Tila, is one of the earliest Krishna temples. Lord Krishna is the principal deity of the temple, along with Radharani and Lalita Sakhi. According to legend, Madana-Mohan discovered the main temple idol beneath an old vat tree in Vrindavan, where he used to sing devotional melodies.
In 1580, the temple was constructed by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. It is believed that the original idol was relocated to Karauli, Rajasthan, for safekeeping during the reign of Aurangzeb. Even though a copy of the deity is venerated in Vrindavan, the original idol is still located in Karauli. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, has a special relationship with the temple. This historically significant temple is accessible to devotees in Bankebihari Colony, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh.
Discovering the Most Revered Krishna Temples in India: Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
The Banke Bihari Temple maintains a special place in the hearts of Krishna devotees, among the seven prominent ancient temples in Vrindavan. The temple, constructed by Goswamis in 1863, contains an idol donated to Swami Haridas by the divine couple Shyama-Shyam (Radha-Krishna). Unique to the temple is the fact that the lotus feet of the idol are concealed until Akshaya Tritiya. Devotees believe that incessantly gazing into the eyes of the idol can lead to a loss of self-awareness; consequently, the eyes of the idol are covered the majority of the time.
The temple hosts numerous celebrations, with Shri Krishna Janmashtami being the most vibrant. During the summer (after Holi) and winter (after Diwali), the temple hours vary. The temple in Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Bankebihari Colony, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, is a must-see for devotees of Krishna.
Temple ISKCON, New Delhi
The ISKCON Temple in New Delhi, situated on Hare Krishna Hill to the east of Mount Kailash, is a magnificent Krishna temple and a major tourist attraction in northern India. The temple was designed by architect Achyut Kanvinde and features magnificent architecture. In numerous atriums, visitors can admire statues of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman, and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. The museum of the temple contains manuscripts of the Bhagavad Gita in numerous languages. At Govinda’s Restaurant, devotees can also enjoy scrumptious vegetarian cuisine. In the evening, the temple hosts the mesmerising Mangala Aarti and a captivating Robot Show. The temple is open from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., except from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Shri Gopal Krishna Temple, Mangalore, Karnataka
The premises of the Shri Gopal Krishna Temple in Mangalore, Karnataka, offer a breathtaking view of the city and seashore. The architecture of the temple adheres to Vastu principles, producing an ideal spiritual atmosphere. The primary sanctum, dedicated to Chaturbhuja Mahavishnu, is accessible via 108 steps, each of which represents a name of the Lord.
Shree Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Mandir, Dakor, Gujarat
Shree Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Mandir in Dakor, Gujarat, on the shores of Lake Gomti, is an architectural masterpiece. The current structure dates from 1772 and features eight golden domes and twenty-four golden turrets. The inner sanctum contains the black granite statue of Chaturbhuja Mahavishnu. In addition, a temple dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi is situated near the primary temple. It is believed that Lord Krishna visits the temple of Goddess Lakshmi every Friday, accompanied by a large weekly procession.
Birla Mandir, Kurukshetra, Haryana
The Birla Mandir in Kurukshetra, Haryana, exemplifies exquisite architecture. The temple, constructed in 1950 by Jugal Birla, features a marble chariot depicting Lord Krishna, Arjuna, and eighteen other characters from the epic Mahabharata. Numerous tourists are drawn to the temple’s artistic use of marble, particularly in the garden area. The temple is accessible to visitors and devotees in Thanesar, Haryana’s Railway Station Area.
Discovering the Most Revered Krishna Temples in India: Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Sri Dwarkadheesh Mandir, located in the northern region of Mathura, is among the earliest and largest Krishna temples. It includes the beautiful black marble statue of Dwarkanath and the white marble statue of Sri Radharani. The architecture of the temple captivates visitors with its intricately carved Rajasthani-style entrance and tiers of ornately decorated central courtyard columns. During celebrations of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the temple comes to life. The temple is open to devotees from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Triplicane, Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathyasamy Temple, Chennai
The Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathyswamy Temple in Triplicane, Chennai, is a sacrosanct abode of Lord Vishnu, who is venerated here as ‘Parthasarathy,’ signifying his role as Arjuna’s charioteer in the epic Mahabharata. As the only Divya Desam among the 108 Vishnu temples within the municipal limits of Chennai, this temple is of great religious significance. Its history traces back to the Chola dynasty, which constructed it in the eighth century. Over the centuries, the Chola and Vijayanagara monarchs supported the expansion of the temple. Among its distinguishing characteristics are Lord Vishnu’s exquisite standing, seated, and reclined poses. The temple is open to the public from 5:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Mallapuzhassery’s Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple in Kerala
Nestled in the picturesque village of Mallapuzhassery in Kerala, the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is a revered Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Krishna, known here as ‘Parthasarathy.’ This name represents his function as Arjuna’s charioteer during the great Mahabharata conflict. The temple performs a crucial role in the Thiruvabharanam procession to Sabarimala and protects Lord Ayyappa’s golden attire, the Thanka Anki. The primary sanctum, known as Sreekovil, contains the deity’s idol, which is only accessible to the chief priest and second priest. The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily.
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Discovering the Most Revered Krishna Temples in India: Trichambaram Temple, Thaliparamba, Tamil Nadu
The Trichambaram Temple in Thaliparamba, Kerala, is notable for its depiction of Lord Krishna in his ferocious guise following Kamsavadham, the slaying of the demon king Kamsa. This temple’s annual Kumbham ceremony, held in March, is renowned. It is a captivating religious site due to its architecture and the statue of Lord Krishna in his Raudra avatar. The temple is open to devotees from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple/Kesava Deo Temple, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
The Kesava Deo Temple, also known as the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, is situated on the holy site where Lord Krishna was born, making it a highly revered location among devotees. The temple was initially commissioned by Raja Vir Sinh Bundela, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson, and has survived numerous destructions and reconstructions throughout history. Along with Krishna, Radha, and Balarama idols, the main sanctum contains a magnificent marble statue of Lord Krishna. This temple celebrates major holidays such as Janmashtami, Chhappan Bhog, and Lathamar Holi with fervour. From 5:30 a.m. to noon and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., devotees can request blessings.
Discovering the Most Revered Krishna Temples in India: Bhalka Tirtha & Dehotsarg, Somnath, Gujarat
The Bhalka Tirtha Temple in Somnath, Gujarat, is of great significance because it marks the location where Lord Krishna was accidentally struck by an arrow, causing his ascension to heaven. The temple contains an exquisite tribhangi statue of Lord Krishna playing the divine flute. In close proximity to the temple is Dehotsarg, the confluence of three sacred rivers where Lord Krishna shed his earthly body and returned to his celestial abode. Due to its association with Lord Krishna’s ascension to heaven, this location is deemed auspicious for the performance of the last rituals.
