SHRI RADHA MADAN MOHAN JI TEMPLE
Shri Radha Madana-Mohan Temple is one of the oldest and most significant Gaudiya Vaishnava temples in Vrindavan, carrying the deep spiritual legacy of the early acharyas. The presiding deity of Shri Madana-Mohan is considered the sambandha-deity in Gaudiya tradition, who helps devotees establish their eternal relationship with Shri Krishna.
Spiritual & Historical Significance
The origin of this divine temple is deeply connected to Advaita Acharya, one of the prominent associates of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
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Discovery of the Deity: Advaita Acharya discovered the original deity of Madana-Mohan at the base of an ancient banyan tree (Advaita Vata) during his stay in Vrindavan, where he performed his bhajana.
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Worship Tradition: Advaita Acharya entrusted the worship of Madana-Mohan to his disciple Purusottama Chaube, who later handed the deity over to Srila Sanatana Goswami, one of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan.
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Radha & Lalita Deities: Along with Madana-Mohan, the deities of Shri Radharani and Lalita Devi were installed. These were sent from Jagannath Puri to Vrindavan by Purusottama Jena, the son of Maharaja Prataparudra, a great devotee of Lord Chaitanya.
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Philosophical Role: In Gaudiya philosophy, Madana-Mohan is revered as the deity who blesses devotees with sambandha-jnana—the foundational understanding of one’s eternal relationship with the Divine Couple.
Location
The temple stands gracefully on the Madan Mohan Hill, on the banks of the holy Yamuna River in Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Temple Timings
Summer:
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Morning: 05:00 AM – 12:15 PM
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Evening: 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Winter:
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Morning: 05:30 AM – 12:15 Noon
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Evening Aarti: 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Key Highlights
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One of Vrindavan’s Oldest Temples: A historic Gaudiya temple, central to the Six Goswamis’ devotional service.
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Deity of Sambandha: Worship of Shri Madana-Mohan helps devotees realize their eternal relationship with Krishna.
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Advaita Vata: The sacred banyan tree where Advaita Acharya performed his bhajana and discovered the deity.
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Deities of Radha and Lalita: Enhancing the divine beauty and completeness of worship.
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Connected to Great Saints: Advaita Acharya, Purusottama Chaube, and Srila Sanatana Goswami.
Spiritual Essence
The Shri Radha Madana-Mohan Temple stands as a spiritual cornerstone of Vrindavan, reminding devotees of the importance of sambandha—establishing one’s eternal bond with the Lord. Every darshan of Shri Madana-Mohan invokes a deeper realization of bhakti, guiding the soul towards divine love and eternal service at the lotus feet of Radha and Krishna.