About Prem Mandir
Prem Mandir, the Temple of Divine Love, stands on the outskirts of Vrindavan in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, in the heart of the Braj country where Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood. It is one of the newest and most visited temples of the town, set in a landscaped campus of about 55 acres with lawns, flower beds and fountains. The main shrine honours Radha and Krishna, worshipped here as Radha Govind, on the lower level, and Sita and Rama on the upper level. For many visitors, an evening at Prem Mandir, when the whole building glows with changing lights, is one of the highlights of a Braj pilgrimage.
The temple was founded by Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj, a spiritual teacher whose organisation, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, also runs the Bhakti Mandir at his birthplace and the Kirti Mandir at Barsana. The foundation stone was laid on 14 January 2001, and about a thousand artisans worked for roughly twelve years to complete it. The temple was inaugurated in February 2012 and opened to the public on 17 February of that year. Beside the temple, the organisation later built a large dome-shaped satsang hall without pillars, which can seat about 25,000 people for discourses and kirtan. The cost of the project has been reported at about 150 crore rupees.
The architecture draws on Rajasthani and Gujarati temple styles, with richly carved white stone walls, ornate pillars and domed towers. The outer walls are covered with panels showing episodes from Krishna's life and figures of saints of the devotional tradition. In the gardens, life-size sculpted scenes bring four famous leelas to life: Krishna on the swing (Jhulan), Krishna lifting Govardhan hill, the Raas dance with the gopis, and Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya. After dark the building is lit in shifting colours, and a musical fountain show is held in the garden every evening.
Prem Mandir timings & aarti
Usually open from about 8:30 AM to 12:00 noon and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, every day. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti and darshan | 8:30 AM |
| Shayan aarti (morning session) | 12:00 noon |
| Evening aarti and darshan | 4:30 PM |
| Shayan aarti (night) | 8:10 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Prem Mandir
By air
The nearest major airports are at Agra and Delhi; continue by road to Vrindavan.
By train
Mathura Junction is the main railhead for Vrindavan, with trains from Delhi, Agra and across India; Vrindavan also has a small station.
By road
Vrindavan is a short drive from Mathura and is well connected by road to Delhi and Agra. The temple is on the outskirts of the town and easy to reach by auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw.
Festivals at Prem Mandir
- Krishna JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- RadhashtamiAug/Sep
- HoliMar
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest, traditional clothing is recommended. Shoes are left outside the temple building.
- Entry
- Free. The musical fountain show in the garden is also open to visitors.
- Plan to stay until after sunset to see the temple lit up and the musical fountain show (about 7:30 PM in summer and 7:00 PM in winter).
- The temple closes at midday; arrive in the morning session or after 4:30 PM.
- Weekends and festival days are very crowded, so keep a close watch on children and belongings.
- Combine the visit with the old temples of Vrindavan such as Banke Bihari and ISKCON.
Places to visit near Prem Mandir
- ISKCON Vrindavan (Krishna Balaram Mandir)Popular Krishna temple in Vrindavan, a short drive away
- Banke Bihari TempleVrindavan's most famous old Krishna temple, in the town centre
- Shri Krishna Janmasthan, MathuraTraditional birthplace of Krishna, a short drive away in Mathura
- Kirti Mandir, BarsanaSister temple built by the same organisation in Barsana
Frequently asked questions
What are the Prem Mandir timings?
The temple is usually open from about 8:30 AM to noon and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM every day. Times may vary; check locally.
What time is the Prem Mandir fountain show?
The musical fountain show runs for about half an hour, at around 7:30 PM in summer (April to September) and 7:00 PM in winter (October to March).
Who built Prem Mandir?
It was founded by Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj and his organisation, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, and opened in February 2012.
Is there an entry fee at Prem Mandir?
No, entry to the temple and gardens is free.
Which deities are worshipped at Prem Mandir?
Radha and Krishna (Radha Govind) on the main level and Sita and Rama on the upper level.
What is the aarti time at Prem Mandir?
Morning aarti and darshan: 8:30 AM; Shayan aarti (morning session): 12:00 noon; Evening aarti and darshan: 4:30 PM; Shayan aarti (night): 8:10 PM. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Prem Mandir?
Modest, traditional clothing is recommended. Shoes are left outside the temple building.
How to reach Prem Mandir?
By air: The nearest major airports are at Agra and Delhi; continue by road to Vrindavan. By train: Mathura Junction is the main railhead for Vrindavan, with trains from Delhi, Agra and across India; Vrindavan also has a small station. By road: Vrindavan is a short drive from Mathura and is well connected by road to Delhi and Agra. The temple is on the outskirts of the town and easy to reach by auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw.
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