wide that even Emperor Akbar decided to pay a visit to Vrindavan in the year 1570. Jiva Goswami led him blindfolded into the sacred kunja of Nidhuvan. So great was the Emperor’s spiritual experience there, that to commemorate the event, he granted permission to construct four grand temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temples were Govindaji, Gopinath, Madhan Mohan and JugalKishor. The Emperor also donated funds to set up a library for the preservation of the Goswamis’s books at Radha Damodhar temple. This library used to be in the room to the left of the altar and is still known as grantha ghar (book house). Akbar even provided first class red sandstone, normally reserved for the Emperor’s palaces and forts; so much he appreciated the Six Goswamis. Other devotees gradually came but later Vrindavan was raided by Muslims, particularly by Emperor Aurangzeb in the year 1670. This fanatic Muslim leader was responsible for destroying as many as 60 thousand temples throughout India during his rule, many of which were in Vrindavan. Many deities were destroyed along with the temples, while some such as Govinda, Gopinath and Madhan Mohan were moved to safer places like Nathadwar, Jaipur and Karoli in neighboring state of Rajasthan. Pratibhu-murtis were installed and worshipped as substitute deities by the Goswamis of those temples. The famous female saints Mirabai and Karmetibai also lived in Vrindavan like the Six Goswamis. Many kings gave great impetus to the glory of Vrindavan by making it the most famous place of pilgrimage. One of the most outstanding places as far as architecture is concerned is the Jaipur mandir constructed by the king of Jaipur from the Nimbarka Sampradaya. Even today, more and more beautiful temples make their appearance. The mystical enchantment of Vrindavan reaches out to the longing souls in search of divine love. The past and the present of the Vraja Mandal gives ample evidence to this fact. Today some restorations of Vrindavan are underway to bring the Dham back to its former glory. One notable example is Brahma Kunda which was restored by Braj Foundation.
Watercolor of the Madhan Mohan temple at Vrindavan from “Views” by Seeta Ram.
It is the duty of all devotees to keep Vrindavan clean and restored.