Travel

Vrindavan: How to reach and its importance

network August 17, 2024No Comments

Location:
- Vrindavan is a city in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Coordinates: 27.58°N 77.7°E.
- Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, about 15 km north of Mathura and 125 km from Delhi.
Historical and Religious Significance:
- Vrindavan is historically significant and holds religious importance for Hindus.
- Believed to be the place where Krishna spent most of his childhood.
- It has around 5,500 temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha.
Geographical Context:
- Average elevation: 170 meters (560 feet).
- The city is located in the Braj Bhoomi region.
Population:
- As of the 2011 Census, the population was 63,005.
- Gender distribution: 34,769 males and 28,236 females.
- Literacy rate: 68.11% overall, with male literacy at 73.7% and female literacy at 61.2%.
Transportation:
- Road: Connected by NH 44 to Delhi; 129 km from New Delhi.
- Rail: BDB/Vrindavan on the Mathura-Vrindavan MG link; VRBD/Vrindavan Road on the Agra-Delhi chord.
- Flight: Nearest airports are Agra (71.3 km) and New Delhi International Airport (150 km). Noida International Airport (Jewar) is under construction and expected to open in 2024.
City of Widows:
- Known as the “city of widows” due to a large population of widows living there.
- Estimated 15,000 to 20,000 widows, many living in poverty.
- Organizations like Guild of Service assist these women.
Religious Heritage:
- Considered a sacred place for Vaisnavism tradition of Hinduism.
- Major pilgrimage sites include Govardhana, Gokul, Nandgaon, Barsana, Mathura, and Bhandirvan.
- Popular salutations: “Radhe Radhe” and “Hare Krishna.”
Historical Context:
- The essence of Vrindavan was rediscovered by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century.
- Maratha forces, led by Mahadaji Shinde, captured Vrindavan in 1788.
Temples:
- Vrindavan has about 5,500 temples, including:
  - Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple (one of the oldest temples).
  - Sri Radha Raman Mandir.
  - Banke Bihari Temple.
  - Radha Vallabh Temple.
  - Radha Damodar Temple.
  - Sri Krishna-Balarama Temple (ISKCON).
  - Prem Mandir.
  - Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir (under construction, will be the tallest temple in the world upon completion).
  - Shri Rambag Mandir.
Climate:
- Average rainfall: 600.1 mm annually.
- Mean daily maximum temperature ranges from 21.3°C in January to 47.6°C in June.
- Average relative humidity: 58%.