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Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan
Krishna & Balaram · ISKCON · Uttar Pradesh
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
The Krishna-Balaram Mandir at Vrindavan is the great ISKCON temple of Braj, raised in 1975 under Srila Prabhupada, founder of the worldwide Hare Krishna movement. Set at Raman Reti, the sandy grove where the boy Krishna and his brother Balaram are said to have played, it enshrines the two brothers together and holds the samadhi of Prabhupada himself.
Krishna and Balaram at Raman Reti
The temple stands at Raman Reti, “the sands of play,” where tradition holds Krishna and Balaram roamed with the cowherd boys. The central altar shows the two brothers side by side — dark Krishna with his flute and fair Balaram — with Radha-Shyamasundar and Gaura-Nitai on the flanking altars, worshipped with the kirtan and deity-service that mark the ISKCON tradition.
Srila Prabhupada’s temple
The temple was built under the direction of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who carried the chanting of the holy name across the world, and it opened in 1975. After his passing in 1977 his samadhi was raised within the temple grounds in white marble, a place of pilgrimage for devotees from every country.
A meeting of the world in Braj
The Krishna-Balaram Mandir draws devotees and visitors from across the globe to the lanes of Vrindavan, its halls filled with kirtan from dawn. Janmashtami is celebrated with great splendour, and the temple is a starting point for the parikrama of the holy places of Krishna’s childhood in Braj.
How to reach the temple
- By road: the temple is at Raman Reti in Vrindavan, about 15 km from Mathura.
- By train: Mathura Junction is the nearest major railhead.
- By air: Delhi is the nearest major airport, about 150 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Krishna-Balaram Mandir?
It is the principal ISKCON temple in Vrindavan, built in 1975 under Srila Prabhupada, enshrining the brothers Krishna and Balaram together at Raman Reti.
Why is it at Raman Reti?
Raman Reti, “the sands of play,” is the grove where tradition holds Krishna and Balaram played as boys with the cowherds, making it a fitting place for their joint shrine.
Is Srila Prabhupada’s samadhi here?
Yes — the white-marble samadhi of Srila Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, stands within the temple grounds and is a place of pilgrimage.
Which deities are on the altars?
The central altar holds Krishna and Balaram, with Radha-Shyamasundar and Gaura-Nitai on the side altars.
What is the main festival?
Janmashtami, the birth of Krishna, is celebrated with great splendour, alongside the daily round of kirtan and deity worship.
How do I reach the temple?
It is at Raman Reti in Vrindavan, about 15 km from Mathura; Mathura Junction is the nearest railhead and Delhi the nearest major airport.
॥ हरे कृष्ण हरे राम ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Krishna and Balaram |
| Tradition | ISKCON (Hare Krishna movement) |
| Built | 1975, under Srila Prabhupada |
| Setting | Raman Reti, Vrindavan |
| Special | Samadhi of Srila Prabhupada |
| Main Festival | Janmashtami |