Madan Mohan Temple, Vrindavan

History

Tradition links the original Madan Mohan deity and temple to Sanatana Goswami and the wider circle that re-established Vrindavan’s sacred geography in the 16th century. Like several early Vrindavan murtis, the principal image’s later history includes periods of relocation for safekeeping.

The present temple site continues as a named stop for pilgrims walking the older Vrindavan circuit, complementary to Banke Bihari, Radha Raman, Radha Vallabh and ISKCON on Brij day itineraries.

Stories

A deity found under a banyan tree

According to folklore, the Madan Mohan shrine at Vrindavan goes back to Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Krishna, but the image was later lost. Tradition says Advaita Acharya found the deity at the foot of an old banyan tree.

He is said to have entrusted its worship to his disciple Purushottam Chaube, who in turn gave the image to Sanatana Goswami, the Vaishnava teacher who helped re-establish Vrindavan's sacred places in the 16th century.

The image that travelled to Jaipur and Karauli

Accounts say the temple was rebuilt around 1580 under the guidance of Sanatana Goswami, funded by a Multan trader named Kapur Ram Das. It is counted among the earliest major temples of Vrindavan, with a Nagara-style tower near Kaliya Ghat on the Yamuna.

The original image is said to have been taken secretly to Jaipur around 1670 for safety during a time of temple attacks, and later to Karauli in Rajasthan, where it is still worshipped. A replica was installed at Vrindavan in 1748, and the present temple was rebuilt in 1819.

Good to know

Historic Krishna (Madan Mohan) temple of old Vrindavan

Linked to the 16th-century Goswami revival of Braj

Seasonal darshan hours published for winter and summer

Getting there

Within Vrindavan by auto or on foot from central temple lanes. Nearest railhead: Mathura Junction (~10–12 km). Air: Agra or Delhi, then road via Mathura.