“कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने।
प्रणतः क्लेशनाशाय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः।”
Meaning: “To Krishna, Vasudeva, Hari, the Supreme Soul, who removes all sufferings, I bow down again and again.”
Krishna Janmashtami is a vibrant and auspicious festival in the Hindu religion, this holy day marks the birth of Lord Krishna. The enthusiasm and devotion for the festival are evident in the homes, streets, and temples decorated for the occasion. Embark on a holy trip this Janmashtami to witness the diverse ways people celebrate this festival across the country, and give a divine experience to your soul. The occasion is observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, or Astami, in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This year, the Janmashtami festival is on Monday, August 26.
Some temple that has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties and empires, and still stands as a testimony to the people’s faith and devotion? A temple that is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the supreme personality of Godhead, and his various forms and manifestations? Don’t miss out on these below-mentioned temples to experience divinity and spirituality.
Here are the top 10 Krishna Temples to visit this Janmashtami:
1- Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, holds immense significance for the Hindu community. It is one of the key places to visit during Janmashtami. This festival is divided into two main parts, i.e., Jhulanotsav and Ghatas. Jhulanotsav is an event when devotees place swings for Lord Krishna at their homes and Lord Krishna’s idol undergoes ‘Abhishek’ where honey, milk, curd and ghee are used to bathe him. He is then adorned with new garments and placed on the swing. Meanwhile, Ghatas involves temple decoration in the city, with a uniform colour scheme and puja rituals marking the moment of Shri Krishna’s birth.
It is also considered that Lord Krishna was born at midnight, the priests in the temple bathe the deity with milk and curd, and then clothe him in new attire and place his idol. Lord Krishna is offered the ‘Chappan bhog’ (a feast of 56 dishes), later distributed to his devotees.
2- Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, is one of Lord Krishna’s most well-known shrines in India, also one of the seven Thakur of Vrindavan temples. During the Janmashtami celebration, devotees can experience the mangala aarti at the iconic Banke Bihari. Vrindavan is another destination where Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and it is located close to Mathura. It is a renowned place where Lord Krishna spent his formative years and it is believed that Vrindavan is the place where Ras Leela with Radha and Gopis took place. The celebration in Vrindavan begins ten days before the Janmashtami. The temples in the regions are decorated with sparkles with a multitude of lights. Just like Mathura, Ras Leelas are being performed in Vrindavan, reenacting the divine dance of Lord Krishna.
3- Dwarka, Gujarat
The temple has a great spiritual impact among Hindu devotees as Lord Krishna had established his kingdom here in Dwarka, Gujarat. The existing Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir), is said to have been established more than 2,500 years ago by Lord Krishna’s great grandson, Vajranabh. The temple’s sanctum has the main Krishna idol and there are other shrines also at the structure. Dwarka is considered one of the Char Dhams or the four most revered sites in Hinduism.
Dwarka also holds special religious significance. It is counted among the ‘Char Dhams’ and ranks as one of the ‘Sapta Puri’, the seven ancient religious cities in the country. Dwarka is attributed to its association with the Kingdom of Lord Krishna who is believed to live here for over 5000 years after leaving Mathura. Dwarka is the kingdom of Lord Krishna, following his departure from Mathura.
4- ISKCON Temple, Juhu, Mumbai
Located near Juhu beach, the ISKCON temple has the idols of Radha-Krishna, Shri Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, along with other deities. Even though the temple witnesses heavy crowding on most days, especially in the evenings, one gets to experience the tranquillity and serenity in the temple. Apart from the shrine, the temple also has a book store, an eatery, an auditorium, a shopping centre as well as a guest house for devotees to meditate and participate in the events of the temple.
On Janmashtami, the Midnight Maha Abhishek will be performed before the deity. The devotees are given special Prasad. Devotees sing bhajans and dance joyfully, to celebrate the birth of their beloved deity. On August 26, there will be a Mangala Aarti at 7.15 am, followed by a Sringar Darshan at 8 am. At 12.30 pm, the temple will perform the Bhog Aarti on the occasion of Janmashtami and at 7 pm, the Sandhya Aarti will be conducted. Devotees then await the Midnight Maha Abhishek at 11.30, which will go on through midnight. At 1 am, the temple will perform the Midnight Maha Aarti. There will be many events in the temple on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami so don’t forget to visit if you are in Mumbai!
5- Krishna Temple, Guruvayur, Kerala
Guruvayur, called the ‘Dwarka of the south’ is one of the most-visited Krishna temples in the country. Apart from Lord Krishna, the temple also has shrines of Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa, and Goddess Bhagvathy. The devotees perform the ‘Thulabharam’ as a part of the offerings made to the deity. Devotees are weighed against various items, such as bananas, ghee, sugar, jaggery, and coconuts, and the items are then made as an offering to the deity and then distributed among other devotees.
On Janmashtami, devotees begin lining up for darshan before 3 am – the time when the temple opens. Every corner of the temple is lit up with lamps and the temple opens amid the beats of the drums. A large feast, which includes the famous paysam, is prepared and distributed to the devotees after the bhog is offered to Lord Krishna.
6- Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi, Karnataka
The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple in southern India is known as an iconic pilgrimage site, one of Lord Krishna’s beautiful idols is said to reside there, which is decorated during the Janmashtami festival. The idol is visible to devotees only through a nine-hole window, or the Navagraha Kitiki. These prominent Krishna pilgrimages in India are some of the most visited sites during the Janmashtami celebration, where devotees across the country seek blessings from God and experience the ultimate festive spirit.
7- Govinda Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur
Jaipur, famous for its spiritual locations and architecture, is home to the magnanimous Govind Devji Mandir. The temple is located in the City Palace complex between the Badal Mahal and Chandra Mahal. Built in the year 1735 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the temple’s main deity is one of Lord Krishna’s forms, Govind Dev ji, who was also the main deity of Amber’s Kachawaha Dynasty.
8- Venugopala Swamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
The Venugopala Swamy Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Krishnagiri, a district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is located on the banks of the Ponnaiyar River and is surrounded by lush greenery and scenic hills. The temple is also known as the Krishna Temple, as it is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.
9- Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
Placed in the heart of Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu, the Rajagopalaswamy Temple stands as a magnificent testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of India. Known for its grandeur and historical significance, this temple is a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Krishna, worshipped here as Rajagopalaswamy. With its towering gopurams (gateway towers), intricate carvings, and vibrant festivals, the temple draws devotees and tourists alike, offering a serene and spiritually uplifting experience.
10- Jugal Kishore Temple, Vrindavan
Shri Jugal Kishore Temple is where the divine couple is present in the form of Jugal. Being one of the oldest in the town, the walls narrate a history spanning 300 to 400 years. Its captivating structure is crafted from red sandstone and complemented by the presence of the KC Ghat, a beloved holy spot in the town. The Jugal Kishore Temple in Vrindavan is one of the most famous Krishna temples in Mathura Vrindavan
Each temple, from the iconic Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat to the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, offers a unique religious and spiritual perspective, reflecting the rich diversity of India’s cultural heritage. Whether participating in the midnight celebrations, listening to devotional music, or witnessing the grandeur of the rituals, the journey to these temples during Janmashtami not only celebrates the birth of Krishna but also provides an opportunity for self-reflection, devotion, and a deeper understanding of the Bhakti tradition.
