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/Prem Mandir (Temple of Divine Love), Vrindavan
State Temple
Prem Mandir (Temple of Divine Love), Vrindavan
प्रेम मंदिर, वृंदावन
Location
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Darshan
–
Deity
🪔Sri Radha-Krishna (Sri Sri Radha-Govinda)
Entry
Free entry
Prem Mandir's name — "Temple of Divine Love" — captures Kripaluji Maharaj's central teaching: that pure love for Radha-Krishna is the highest spiritual practice. The temple is dedicated equally to Radha-Krishna and Sita-Ram — representing the two principal forms of divine love in Vaishnava theology (Vatsalya/Madhurya for Krishna and Maryada for Ram). The temple is unusual in modern Vaishnavism for its scale, architectural ambition, and its public-spectacle approach (the evening light show, dancing fountain, sculptural depictions of Krishna's lila). It is one of the most visited temples in Vrindavan among modern pilgrims and tourists.
History
**Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj (1922–2013):** Born in Mangarh, Pratapgarh district, UP, on 5 October 1922. Recognised as the fifth Jagadguru ("Jagat Guru" — "world teacher") by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat in 1957 — the first such recognition in approximately 700 years (the previous four being Jagadgurus Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, and Nimbarkacharya/Vallabhacharya tradition). His exposition of Vedic philosophy emphasises Radha-bhava (devotion to Radha as the primary path to Krishna). **JKP Founding:** Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat was founded as a non-profit charitable trust operating temples, schools, hospitals, and humanitarian works. **Prem Mandir Construction:** Land was acquired at Raman Reti, Vrindavan. Construction began in 2001 using Italian Carrara marble. The temple was inaugurated on 17 February 2012. The complex covers 54 acres. **After Kripaluji Maharaj:** Kripaluji Maharaj passed away on 15 November 2013. His three daughters (the "Tridevis") — Sushri Vishakha Tripathi, Sushri Shyama Tripathi, and Sushri Krishna Tripathi — continue the JKP organisation and Prem Mandir.