President Droupadi Murmu Mathura-Vrindavan Visit: President Draupadi Murmu is once again on a spiritual tour of the city of faith, Mathura and Vrindavan. During this three-day visit proposed from March 19 to 21, the President will not only visit famous temples but will also participate in many religious and cultural programs organized here. Mathura-Vrindavan, the Leela land of Lord Shri Krishna, has been a center of reverence and devotion for centuries, where lakhs of devotees from India and abroad come every year.
During this period, the major temples where the President will offer prayers are not only centers of faith but also have a special identity for their historical and mythological stories. There is a unique story, tradition and belief associated with every temple, which attracts the devotees. In such a situation, it will be interesting to know which temples are part of this special tour of President Murmu, where they are located and what are their special religious beliefs.
ISKCON Temple (Shri Krishna-Balram Temple), Vrindavan (Darshan Time: March 19, 6:30 PM)
President Draupadi Murmu will start her tour from ISKCON temple. ISKCON temple located in Vrindavan, also known as Shri Krishna-Balram Temple. This temple was established in 1975 by ISKCON’s founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This is one of the most modern and beautiful temples of Vrindavan. There are three main altars here. Shri Krishna and Balram are seated in the middle, Radha-Shyamsundar on one side and Gaura-Nitai on the other. Along with visiting Prabhupada Samadhi, the President will also perform cow worship, which is an integral part of Braj culture.
Prem Mandir, Vrindavan (Darshan Time: March 19, 7:05 PM)
After ISKCON, the President will head to Prem Mandir, which is famous across the world for its grandeur and architecture. This temple was built by Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj. It took about 11-12 years to build and it was opened to the public in 2012. The entire temple is made of white Italian marble. Krishna’s pastimes and the love affairs of Radha-Krishna have been carved very minutely on its walls. At night this temple looks like heaven in colorful lights. The President will also visit the Sita-Ram temple here.
Sita-Ram Temple, Vrindavan
Sita-Ram Temple, located in the famous Prem Mandir complex of Vrindavan, is known for its grandeur and devotional atmosphere. While there is a very beautiful tableau of Radha-Krishna in the main building (sanctum sanctorum) of Prem Mandir, a grand temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ram and Mother Sita has also been built in the same premises. Statues of Lakshman ji and Hanuman ji are also installed here. This entire temple complex was built by Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Like the main temple, the architecture of the Sita-Ram temple is also made of white Italian marble, which is famous for its fineness and shine.
Danghati Temple, Govardhan (Darshan Time: March 21, 8:45 am)
On the last day of the tour i.e. 21st March, His Highness will be in the shelter of Govardhan. It is situated at the main gate of Govardhan town. According to mythology, in the Dwapar era, Lord Krishna used to take curd and butter as donation from the Gopis here, hence it was named Daanghati. Here Giriraj ji (Govardhan Mountain) is present in the form of a rock. The people of Braj believe that all the wishes are fulfilled just by seeing Giriraj ji. After worshiping here, the President will also circumambulate the Saptakoshi using a golf cart.
Importance of Saptakoshi Parikrama
The Saptakosi Parikrama of Govardhan is considered one of the most sacred and important religious traditions of the Braj region. This parikrama is of about 21 kilometers (7 kos), hence it is called Saptakosiya Parikrama. According to the legend, Lord Shri Krishna saved the people of Braj from the wrath of Lord Indra by lifting Govardhan Mountain on his little finger. Since then Govardhan Mountain is considered to be the form of God himself. Therefore, circumambulating it is considered equivalent to worshiping Lord Krishna.
Also read: Route diversion in Mathura due to President Draupadi Murmu’s visit, these roads will remain closed; Big update regarding Prem Mandir-ISKCON Temple