[www.keralites.net] Famous Krishna Temples

Famous Krishna Temples

There are a number of temples dedicated to Bhagwan Krishna, spread all across India. The number of temples in North India is far more than those in South India. The city of Vrindavan (Northern India) alone, hosts close to 5000 temples. There are a chosen few temples which are quite famous and significant. Lakhs of devotees visit these temples every year for darshans of their beloved Bal Gopal. These temples are very powerful and highly regarded by Hindus also helping to promote and flourish the richness of the Hindu religion, culture, and philosophyKrishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir, Mathura

Mathura, the birth city of Bhagwan Krishna is situated on the banks of river Yamuna and is approximately 145 kms from the capital city Delhi. The town is renowned for being host to the most revered temple of Shri Krishna-the famous Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. The temple is the place where lord is said to have been born thousands of years ago. Along with neighboring towns Govardhan, Nandgaon and Vrindavan, the area is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.

According to historians, the prison cell,popularly known as 'Garbha Griha', in the temple premise is the exact place where lord Krishna was born. The stone walled cell is reminiscent of the cruelty of King Kansa. Many statues and sculptures of the bygone era were found on excavating the site. The prison cell was gradually turned into the present beautiful temple. Lakhs of devotees throng the temple during Janmashtami. The festivities and celebrations during the festival is famous all over India. Celebrations begin during mid night with the birth of Bhagwan

Banke Bihari Mandir, Vrindavan The twin city of Mathura and Vrindavan resound with the stories of Lord Krishna till date; located 15 kms from Mathura,the city has more than 5000 temples dedicated to him. The place got its name from sacred tulsi also known as Vrinda. It is said that the place was a vine of tulsi groves hence the name Vrindavan. God spent quite a few years in Vrindavan also known as Braj bhoomi. The city has both centuries old as well as modern temples.

Though there are quite a few popular temples like Radha Raman temple, Rangaji temple, Radha Vallabh temple, ISKCON temple but the most revered among them is the Banke Bihari temple.

The temple was built by Swami Haridas in the year 1864. According to folklore, Swami Haridas discovered Banke Bihari in Nidhivan and it was later moved to the present temple premise. The temple is a special attraction during the month of Sravana when it adorns a special look. The entire premise is covered with flowers and other decorative. Special pooja is performed during Janmashtami, the idol of Shri Krishna is adorned with pitamber(yellow cloth) and jewellery. It is quite popular with Hindus

Guruvayur Temple, Kerala Situated approximately 33 kms from Thrissur, Guruvayur temple is one of the most famous temples of Lord Krishna in South India. It is also considered to be the Dwarka of Southern region. It is said that Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Krishna's idol and gifted it to Lord Vishnu during Krishnavtaram. After Bhagwan Krishna left for heavenly abode, and the city of Dwarka was submerged, Vayu-lord of winds and Guru were entrusted with the work of finding a suitable place to install the holy idol. After a long search, it is said that both Guru and Vayu installed the idol at the temple at the insistence of guru Parshuram.