Vrindavan is a holy place where Lord Krishna played as a child. Many ancient sculptures like the Harivamsha Purana, Shrimad Bhagavatam and Vishnu Purana describe its greatness. The famous poet Kalidasa also mentioned Vrindavan in Raghuvamsha while talking about King Sushena of Shurasena. This shows that Vrindavan had beautiful gardens even in ancient times.
Vrindavan has many old and sacred temples. Among them, the Sapt Devalaya & Sapt Nidhi are special groups of temples Each temple is dedicated to a different deity and offers a unique spiritual experience. These temples were built by the Goswamis of Vrindavan and are some of the oldest and most important temples of Radha and Krishna.
People believe these temples hold great spiritual power and bring blessings to those who visit with devotion. Visiting them is considered very lucky, as they remind devotees of the divine love and pastimes of Radha and Krishna.
What is Sapt Devalaya and Sapt Nidhi?
Sapt Devalaya
The term “Sapt Devalaya” means “Seven Temples”. These temples were built in the 16th and 17th centuries by the followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great saint who revived Krishna Bhakti in Vrindavan.
The seven temples in this group are:
- Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple
- Shri Radha Govind Dev Temple
- Shri Radha Gopinath Temple
- Shri Radha Raman Temple
- Shri Radha Gokulananda Temple
- Shri Radha Damodar Temple
- Shri Radha Shyamsundar Temple
Sapt Nidhi
The term “Sapt Nidhi” means “Seven Treasures”. These are the seven most powerful temples of Vrindavan, each associated with a great saint and a divine event.
These temples were established by the followers of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the saint who revived Krishna Bhakti in India. They house beautiful deities of Radha and Krishna, worshipped for centuries by millions of devotees.
Here are the seven sacred temples that form the Sapt Nidhi:
- Shri Radha Madan Mohan Ji
- Shri Radha Govind Dev Temple
- Shri Radha Gopinath Temple
- Shri Radha Damodar Temple
- Shri Banke Bihari Temple
- Shri Radha Vallabh Ji Temple
- Shri Radha Yugal Kishore Ji Temple
Also, read the History of Vrindavan.
Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple
The temple is located near the Kaliya Ghat, is the oldest temple in Vrindavan. It was established by Sanatan Goswami, one of the six disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Devotees believe that worshiping Madan Mohan Ji helps in attaining Krishna’s mercy.
- The temple stands on a hill, offering a beautiful panoramic view of Vrindavan.
Shri Radha Govind Dev Ji Temple
The Govind Dev Ji Temple was built by Raja Man Singh of Amber in 1590. It is one of the most magnificent temples in Vrindavan.
- The temple’s architecture is a mix of Rajasthani, Mughal and Hindu styles.
- Originally, it had seven stories.
- The deity of Govind Dev Ji was later moved to Jaipur, but the temple remains an important spiritual site.
Shri Radha Gopinath Temple
The temple was built by Madhavendra Puri’s disciple, Paramananda Bhattacharya.
- The deity of Gopinath Ji is said to have been installed by Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Krishna.
- The temple is famous for its beautiful deity of Radha Gopinath.
- Devotees believe that Gopinath Ji fulfills the desires of all his devotees.
Shri Radha Raman Temple
The Radha Raman Temple was established by Gopal Bhatt Goswami in 1542. The temple is unique because the Shaligram Shila of Lord Krishna self-manifested into a deity.
- The deity of Radha Raman Ji is self-manifested, meaning it appeared on its own.
- Unlike other temples, this deity is still worshiped in its original form.
- The temple has one of the most disciplined worship rituals in Vrindavan.
Shri Radha Gokulananda Temple
The Radha Gokulananda Temple houses multiple deities worshiped by different Goswamis.
- The temple has the Shaligram Shila of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
- It enshrines deities worshiped by Loknath Goswami, Vishwanath Chakravarti Thakur and Narottam Das Thakur.
- This temple is less crowded, making it perfect for peaceful meditation.
Shri Radha Damodar Temple
The temple was established by Jiva Goswami, one of the greatest scholars of Vrindavan.
- It houses the samadhi of Rupa Goswami, a key figure in spreading Krishna Bhakti.
- The temple also has a sacred Shila with Krishna’s footprints, which was gifted by Lord Krishna to Sanatan Goswami.
- Devotees believe that circling this temple grants the same benefits as circumambulating Govardhan Hill.
Shri Radha Shyamsundar Temple
The Radha Shyamsundar Temple was founded by Shyamananda Prabhu, a great devotee of Radha-Krishna.
- The deity of Shyamsundar Ji was gifted to Shyamananda Prabhu by Srimati Radharani herself.
- The temple has a divine atmosphere that attracts true Krishna lovers.
- It is a must-visit for those seeking a deep spiritual connection with Radha-Krishna.
Shri Banke Bihari Temple
The Banke Bihari Temple was established by Swami Haridas ji in the 16th century and is located on the Banke Bihari Mandir Road. The temple is known for its special sevas and lively Krishna Bhakti.
- The deity of Banke Bihari Ji is in the Tribhanga posture.
- This is one of the most-visited Krishna temples in India.
- The eyes of the deity are half-closed to prevent devotees from fainting on Krishna’s beauty.
- The Mangala Aarti is not performed as Krishna does not like to be disturbed in the early morning.
Check out the Banke Bihari Temple Timings.
Shri Radha Vallabh Ji Temple
The Radha Vallabh Ji Temple is located near Nidhivan and was built by Harivansh Mahaprabhu. A must-visit temple for those seeking deep love and devotion towards Radha and Krishna.
- The temple focuses on the love of Srimati Radharani.
- The deity of Radha Vallabh Ji is worshipped without a physical idol of Radharani, symbolizing that Krishna is never separated from Radha.
- The temple follows a very intimate and unique style of worship.
Shri Radha Yugal Kishore Ji Temple
The Radha Yugal Kishore Ji Temple is dedicated to Radha Yugal Kishore. It is believed that chanting the name of Krishna here fulfills desires and brings peace of mind. It is established by Gaudiya Vaishnav Saints and was located near Keshi Ghat.
- The temple is known for its spiritual environment near Keshi Ghat, where Krishna killed the demon Keshi.
- The temple carries a peaceful and divine vibration, perfect for spiritual seekers.
Why Visit the Sapt Devalaya and Sapt Nishi in Vrindavan?
Vrindavan is a land of Bhakti and the Sapt Devalaya temples represent the heart of Krishna consciousness. While visiting the Sapt Nidhi temples is not just about exploring Vrindavan but also experiencing the divine presence of Radha and Krishna.
Reasons to Visit Sapt Devalaya and Sapt Nidhi Temples:
- Spiritual Upliftment: Feel the divine presence and love of Radha and Krishna.
- Rich History: Experience temples that are over 400 years old.
- Unique Architecture: Admire the fusion of Rajasthani, Mughal and Hindu architecture.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Perfect place for meditation and prayer.
- Blessings of Radha and Krishna: Fulfillment of spiritual and material desires.
Best Time to Visit Sapt Devalaya and Sapt Nidhi
The best time to visit Vrindavan’s Sapt Devalaya and Sapt Nidhi is between October and March due to the pleasant weather. Kartik Purnima is also considered the most auspicious time to visit Vrindavan.
The temples celebrated the grand festivals, Holi and Janmashtami, in Vrindavan. You can also visit during this festival to feel the divine charm of Vrindavan.
How to Cover All Sapt Devalaya and Sapt Nidhi Temples in One Day?
Visiting all the sacred temples of Sapt Devalaya and Sapt Nidhi in one day is possible with proper planning. You need to start early, use fast transport and follow a smart route.
Start your journey at 5:00 AM, which you will cover approximately at 6 PM. Also, explore the divine charm of Prem Mandir in between.
Here is a simple and time-efficient itinerary to cover all these temples while enjoying the divine experience:
- Visit Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple, the oldest temple in Vrindavan. It is located on Dwadashaditya Tila, near the Yamuna River and then travel to the next temple in just 10 minutes by auto.
- Reach Radha Govind Dev Ji Temple, built by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur. Then travel to the next temple in just 5 minutes by walking.
- Explore the Radha Gopinath Ji Temple, where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited and performed kirtan. Travel to the next temple by auto in just 10 minutes.
- Reach Shri Radha Raman Temple, which is self-manifested by Gopal Bhatta Goswami. The deity is believed to be alive. Take an auto and travel to the next temple, which takes approximately 10 minutes.
- Visit Shri Radha Damodar Ji Temple, worshipped by Rupa Goswami. Then, reach the next temple within 10 minutes by auto.
- Reach Shri Radha Gokulananda Temple, a small but spiritually powerful temple. Travel to the next temple 10 minutes by auto.
- Explore Shri Radha Shyamsundar Temple, famous for deep devotion and bhakti energy.
- Prem Mandir comes in the journey from Radha Shyamsundar Temple to Shri Banke Bihari Ji. Hence, explore the divine charm and love of Prem Mandir.
- Visit Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple, the most popular temple in Vrindavan. After that travel next temple by auto within 10 minutes.
- Reach Radha Vallabh Ji Temple, a unique temple where only Krishna’s deity is present, while Radha is worshiped as the divine presence. Travel to the next temple, which will take 10-15 minutes by walk.
- Visit Shri Radha Yugal Kishore Ji, dedicated to Radha Yugal Kishore. It is believed that chanting the name of Krishna here fulfills desires and brings peace of mind.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey in Vrindavan
- Use E-richshaws & Autos: Saves time and energy.
- Wear Comfortable Clothes: You will be walking a lot.
- Carry Water & Snacks: To stay hydrated.
- Start Early & Avoid Crowds: Morning is the best time for darshan.
- Respect Temple Rules: Follow the dress code and darshan timings.
How to Reach Vrindavan
If you are planning to reach Vrindavan, here is how you can reach Vrindavan easily by road, rail and air.
Air
- The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, which is approximately 150 km away.
- Take a private taxi or bus to Mathura and then use local transport like rickshaw or local to reach Vrindavan.
- You can also take a train from New Delhi to Mathura and then take a rickshaw, taxi, or local bus to Vrindavan, which is about 12 km away.
Train
- The nearest railway station is Mathura Junction, which is about 12 km away.
- Auto-rickshaws, local buses and taxis are available at the station.
Road
- Vrindavan is well-connected by national highways, so you can travel by car, bus or taxi.
- If you are traveling from Mathura or staying in Vrindavan, then e-richshaws, local buses and private cabs are the best options to explore Vrindavan.
The Sapt Devalaya and Sapt Nidhi of Vrindavan is not just about a group of temples; it is a gateway to a spiritual journey that transforms lives. Each temple has its own divine energy, divine story, special blessings and charming beauty.
If you are a devotee of Radha-Krishna, then visiting these seven temples is a must. Feel the presence of Lord Krishna, immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere and experience the magic of Vrindavan.
Book Your Stay With YatraDham in Vrindavan.
