Gopal Temple of Varanasi

Varanasi. That means the city of temples. The specialty of this oldest city of the world is that temples will be found here at every step. There is a wonderful history and immense faith of the people associated with these temples. When we talk about Kashi, Shiv Temple is the first thing that comes into discussion. But the Gopal temple here is also unique and unique. This grand temple is situated in the heart of Banaras i.e. Pakka Mohal.

The special thing about this temple is that special attention is given to purity here. The situation is that the food offered to Gopal ji is also prepared in the temple premises itself, for which there is a cow shed in the temple itself. Also, a cloth that once serves God cannot be worn again and served. Only two persons have the right to touch the idol of God. The same people do adornment and aarti of God.

Lord Shri Krishna is established in two forms in this temple. A beautiful idol of Gopal ji in one form and Mukund Lal ji in the other is installed in the temple. It is said that the idol of Gopal ji and Radhika installed in the temple was long ago served by a woman named Ladhabai of the Rana dynasty of Udaipur.

Goswami Shri Gokulnath, the fourth grandson of Shrimadvallabhacharya, received this idol from that woman and started serving and his descendants are still engaged in service. The supernatural idol of Gopal ji was brought by Kashi Golok resident Goswami Jeevanlal ji Maharaj and installed in 1787 AD. Whereas the present form of the temple was constructed by Goswami Jeevan in 1834 AD.

For this reason this temple is also known as Jeevanlal Ji Ki Haveli. Next to this temple, there is also a temple of Mukund Lal ji which was constructed in 1898.

A beautiful statue of Mukund Lal in child form is installed in this temple. This huge and grand temple looks very beautiful in a very narrow area like Pakke Mohal. There is a beautiful and lush green garden just behind the temple.

Sitting at one corner of it, Goswami Tulsidas ji composed Vinaypatrika. The importance of this garden also increases because Mahatma Nandadas had meditated here.

Every year before Holi, Gopal ji’s Holi festival is celebrated in this garden. During this time, Holi is played with flowers and gulal by decorating the garden in a very attractive manner.

Along with this, bhajan-kirtan and Holi songs are sung. There are also seven ancient wells in the temple complex which were earlier called Saptakundi. The time for darshan in this temple is very short and limited. In the morning darshan one can see Mangala, adornment, cradle and royal enjoyment. At the same time, the doors of the temple open in the evening during Uthapan, Bhog, Aarti and Shayan Aarti.The septum is also closed within about 15 minutes of opening. There is also Muralidhar Library and Reading Room in this temple where scholars sit and study. The chief Mahant of the temple is Shri Shyam Manohar ji. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great pomp in the temple along with Annakoot and adornment of the Lord.This temple is situated in Chaukhambha area, about five kilometers away from Cantt station. This temple is situated in front of Chowk Police Station, after going through Thatheri Bazaar and ahead of Bhartendu Bhawan.