About Prem Mandir, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Prem Mandir is a Hindu temple in Vrindavan dedicated to Shri Radha Krishna and Shri Sita Ram. Established by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, the temple was inaugurated in February 2012 and is maintained by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat.
The temple is known for its white Italian Carrara marble, carved depictions of Radha Krishna's leelas, the two-level arrangement of Radha Krishna and Sita Ram, and the devotional philosophy of divine love associated with its founder. Its gardens, parikrama path and evening fountain and illumination programme have also become part of the identity of the temple complex.
Story of Prem Mandir
The idea of Prem Mandir goes back to Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's early years. According to the history recorded by the temple trust, he expressed a desire in 1946, while visiting the temples of Vrindavan, to build a grand temple in the sacred land of Braj. That vision eventually took concrete form decades later.
The foundation stone of Prem Mandir was laid on 14 January 2001. Construction continued for around twelve years and involved about 1,000 artisans. The temple was formally inaugurated from 15 to 17 February 2012, with the consecration and Pran Pratishtha ceremony taking place during the inauguration period. The temple was then opened to the public.
The main temple is built with white Italian Carrara marble over a deep granite foundation. The structure rises about 125 feet and measures approximately 190 feet in length and 128 feet in width. Its walls, pillars and domes are covered with detailed carving rather than relying on painted decoration alone. A circumambulation route around the temple platform allows devotees to view the sculpted panels depicting the loving pastimes of Radha and Krishna. The temple's official architecture page records 84 such panels on the outer walls.
Prem Mandir is arranged across two levels. Shri Radha Krishna are worshipped on the lower level, while Shri Sita Ram are worshipped on the upper level. Inside the temple are depictions of the four earlier Jagadgurus, Rasik saints, Ashtamahasakhis and different leelas of Radha Krishna. Verses and devotional compositions associated with Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj are also incorporated into the temple's visual programme.
What Makes Prem Mandir Sacred for Devotees
The name Prem Mandir, or “Temple of Divine Love,” reflects the central place given to divine love in Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's devotional teaching. The temple's official account explains that the name was chosen to express the belief that divine love occupies the highest place in the relationship between the devotee and Shri Krishna.
Prem Mandir stands within Vrindavan, the sacred Braj landscape associated in Hindu tradition with the pastimes of Shri Krishna and Shri Radha. The temple therefore places its own devotional tradition within a much older religious landscape. Its sculptures and displays repeatedly return to the themes of Radha Krishna bhakti and the leelas associated with Braj.
The four major leela tableaux around the temple depict Jhulan Leela, Govardhan Leela, Raas Leela and Kaliya Naag Leela. These are not simply decorative scenes; they form a visual retelling of familiar Krishna traditions and connect the modern temple directly with the devotional stories of Braj.
The temple also honours earlier spiritual teachers and Rasik saints within its sculptural and interior programme. This reflects the lineage and devotional tradition associated with Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj and gives the complex a clear religious identity beyond its architectural appearance.
Annual Festivals & Rituals at Prem Mandir, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Daily Darshan and Aarti Celebrations at the Temple
Prem Mandir follows a daily cycle of darshan, aarti, bhog and shayan. The present official schedule lists morning darshan and aarti at 8:30 AM, bhog at 11:30 AM, evening aarti and darshan at 4:30 PM, bhog at 5:30 PM, parikrama at 7:00 PM and shayan aarti at 8:10 PM. The schedule can change on special occasions.
Janmashtami Celebrations at the Temple
Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is one of the principal festivals associated with Prem Mandir. Special worship, decoration and devotional programmes take place around the festival.
Radhashtami Celebrations at the Temple
Radhashtami celebrates the appearance of Shri Radha. The observance holds particular importance in Vrindavan's Radha-Krishna devotional tradition and is marked at Prem Mandir with special worship and decoration.
Holi Celebrations at the Temple
Holi forms an important part of the Braj religious calendar. At Prem Mandir, the festival connects the temple with the wider Holi traditions of Vrindavan and the devotional culture surrounding Radha and Krishna.
Jagadguruttam Diwas Mahotsav Celebrations at the Temple
Jagadguruttam Diwas is associated with Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj and commemorates the day on which he received the title of Jagadguruttam in 1957. The observance has a particular place in the religious calendar of the Kripalu tradition.
Sacred Places to Visit Near Prem Mandir
ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir : Located in Raman Reti, the Krishna Balaram Mandir is an important modern Vaishnava temple in Vrindavan and is closely associated with the devotional life of the town. The District Mathura administration lists it among the principal places of interest in Vrindavan.
Banke Bihari Mandir : Banke Bihari Mandir is one of the best-known Krishna temples of Vrindavan and is traditionally associated with the devotional image of Krishna worshipped by Swami Haridas. It forms an important part of the older temple landscape of the town.
Radha Raman Temple : Radha Raman Temple is an early modern Vrindavan shrine dedicated to Krishna as Radha Ramana. The District Mathura administration dates its construction to around 1542 and lists it among the revered temples of Vrindavan.
Nidhivan : Nidhivan is one of the sacred places associated with Vrindavan's Krishna tradition. The District Mathura administration describes it as a place closely connected with the devotional history of Swami Haridas and the worship of Banke Bihari.
Kesi Ghat : Kesi Ghat is a historic Yamuna-side pilgrimage site in Vrindavan. Its association with Krishna's Kesi episode forms part of the sacred geography traditionally connected with the town.
Plan Prem Mandir Darshan
For current darshan planning, entry preparation and Naman Darshan's date-specific Guided Darshan Assistance, continue to the dedicated Prem Mandir Darshan page.
Common Questions About Visiting Prem Mandir
Visitor Information
Entry Fee
Free – Current travel sources list no general entry fee.
Darshan Timing
Address
Prem Mandir, Raman Reti, Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh – 281121, India
Notable Events
1946 — Early vision for a grand Vrindavan temple – According to the temple's official history, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj expressed his wish to build a large temple in Vrindavan after visiting its temples with fellow students. • 14 January 2001 — Foundation stone laid – Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj laid the foundation stone for Prem Mandir in Vrindavan. Construction then continued for around twelve years with about 1,000 artisans involved. • 15–17 February 2012 — Inauguration and Pran Pratishtha – The temple's grand inauguration and consecration ceremony took place over three days, after which Prem Mandir opened to the public. • 19 March 2026 — Presidential visit – President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu visited Prem Mandir in Vrindavan and performed aarti during her March 2026 visit to Uttar Pradesh.
How to Reach the Temple
By air: Kheria Airport in Agra is the nearest major airport serving the Mathura-Vrindavan region. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is another major option for travellers arriving from other parts of India or overseas.
By rail: Mathura Junction is the major railway station serving Vrindavan and has regular connections with major Indian cities. Local taxis, autos and other road transport connect Mathura with Vrindavan.
By road: Vrindavan is connected by road with Mathura, Agra and Delhi. Taxis, buses, autos and local e-rickshaws are commonly used for the final journey to the temple.
Within Vrindavan: Prem Mandir is located in the Raman Reti area. Local road conditions and vehicle access can change during major festivals and periods of heavy pilgrim movement.
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh