Rang ji ka Mandir is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Goda-Rangamannar. A famous South-Indian saint composed “Tiruppavai” in the 8th century, which centres around her devotion to and love for Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. She dreamt of marrying him one day. Lord Ranganatha, who was the honest Lord Krishna, made her wish come true, and he became her groom. In Rang ji ka Mandir, the idol of Lord Krishna stands as the groom with a stick in his hand (one of the customs in traditional South Indian weddings). This temple stands as the epitome of both passionate love and divine love. It is a popular tourist attraction in the city of Vrindavan.
Rang Ji Ka Mandir History
According to belief, Goda Devi was a saint who meditated, prayed, and fasted to attain Lord Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu). Lord Rangamannar or Lord Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu) made her wish come true by becoming Goda Devi’s groom. She expressed her three wishes to the lord. Her first wish was to spend her life at his feet in Vrindavan.
Her second wish was that he would accept her as his bride, and her third was that Lord Vishnu be offered “Ksheerannam”(a dessert made from rice and milk) in a hundred pots. The 11th-century saint Sri Ramanujacharya fulfilled this wish. Sri Rangadeshik Swamiji fulfilled the first by building this temple where they reside as a couple.
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Rang Ji Temple Location And Timings
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Rang Ji ka Mandir is in Goda Vihar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. Rangji Temple, also known as Sri Ranganatha Temple, is located on the Vrindavan – Mathura Marg. It was made in dedication to Sri Goda Devi and Lord Ranagamannar. The timings of the temple are listed below –
During Summers –
- Mangla Aarti: 5:30 am
- Sandhya Aarti: 6:00 pm
During Winters –
- Mangal Aarti: 5:30 am
- Sandhya Aarti: 6:30 pm
- Bhog and Prasad Distribution: 8 am to 9 am
Activities At Rang Ji Ka Mandir
Tourists can participate in the Brahmotsav festival, which lasts 10 days from March to April every year. The festival is popular among the locals as “Rath ka Mela” and attracts huge crowds to see the mighty chariots carrying the ‘utsava-vigraha’ of several deities. Only at Rangji Temple can one play Holi with the Lord Himself during this festival.
This magnificent mandir is a brilliant example of Dravidian architecture blended with Rajasthani style. Around the Garbha Griha, there are concentrated rectangular enclosures with two stone gates carved on the eastern and western sides. Rangji ka Mandir is spread over a vast expanse of land. You can sit on the temple tank ‘Pushkarni’ steps and enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a serene garden view.
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Places To Visit Near Rang Ji Ka Mandir
Vrindavan is a fantastic tourist destination with a multitude of places to explore. Some of the most popular places to visit are mentioned below:
1. Shri Banke Bihari Mandir
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Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, Vrindavan, Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh. It is located near Shri Radha Vallabh Temple. This temple is one of the 7 temples of Thakur of Vrindavan. ‘Bānke’ literally means ‘bent’, and ‘Bihāri’ means ‘the one who enjoyer or ‘supreme enjoyer’’. This is how Kṛishna was named ‘Bankey Bihari Ji’ since all his idols were bent in three places. He was initially worshipped in the Nidhivana. The images and idols of Lord Krishna are always spotted in the Tribhanga pose. Swami Haridas originally worshipped this image of Lord Krishna or Kunj-Bihari.
Address: Bihari Pura, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Timings: 7:30 am–12 pm, 5:30–9:30 pm
2. Radha Raman Temple
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Sri Radha Raman Mandir/Sri Radha Raman Temple is an early modern temple in Vrindavan that is visited by most Hindu tourists and devotees. The temple worships Lord Krishna as Radha Ramana. It was constructed on request by Gopala Bhatta Goswami (1542 AD). The temple is intricately crafted and is one of the most visited temples in Vrindavan, especially by Vaishnavism followers. It also worships the original Shaligram of Krishna with Radharani. ‘Radha Raman’ means the lover of Shri Radha.
Address: Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Timings: 9 am–12 pm, 5:30–9 pm
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3. Prem Mandir
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The premise is on a 54-acre property in the suburbs of Vrindavan, which was built in dedication to Radha-Krishna and Sita-Ram. The temple structure was constructed by the 5th Jagadguru, Shri Kripalu Maharaj. Idols of Shri Krishna and other deities tell essential events and stories and surround the main temple. The construction of Prem Mandir began in 2001, January and its inauguration took place from the 15th – 17th of February in 2012. The temple was then open to the public after 17 February. It cost around Rs 150 crore to build the temple. Hundreds of devotees come here to worship their beloved Shri Radha Govind and Sita Ram. A 73,000 sq. ft, dome-shaped event and satsang hall is in the process of construction next to this temple, which can accommodate more than 20,000 devotees at a time.
Address: Sri Kripalu Maharaj Ji Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Rajpur Khadar, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Timings: 8:30 am–12 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm
4. Nidhivan
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Nidhivan is considered one of the most mysterious places in Mathura, Vrindavan. It is a dense jungle with serene green trees, and the prominent tree of Tulasi is grown around the premises. Tulasi is a holy medicinal plant in Vaishnavism and Hinduism. What’s more interesting is that the trunk of the trees is hollow from the inside, and the soil in the ground always remains dry. However, the trees here are lush, with bright green leaves throughout the year. All the trees are bent towards the ground. Nidhivan is home to many monkeys and peacocks, which can be spotted while visiting. It is believed and often noticed by people that these trees transform into ‘gopis’ after night and perform the Raslila along with Lord Krishna and then return to their original form, trees at dawn. Every plant on the premises is found in pairs, and it is also said that the locals around have heard faint, harmonious tunes of music and dance coming from the area, but no one is allowed to go there after dark.
Address: HMMX +M5P, Nidhivan Rd, Gotam Nagar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Timings: 8–11 am, 5:30–7:30 pm
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How To Reach Rang Ji Temple
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By Road: Rang Ji ka Mandir is about 11 km from Mathura, Vrindavan, and is easily accessible by taxis, rickshaws, and private cars.
By Air: The nearest Rang Ji Ka Mandir airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, 164 km away.
By Train: Mathura Junction is the closest railway station to the temple, about 14 km away.
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Rang Ji Ka Mandir is a holy and spiritual place in Vrindavan. In this temple, the idol of Lord Krishna stands as the groom with a stick in his hand (one of the customs in traditional South Indian weddings). Now that you have enough information about Rang Ji Ka Mandir, it is time to seize the opportunity. Book your tickets for a much-awaited trip to Vrindavan now. Hurry!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rang Ji Ka Mandir
What is the best time to visit the temple?
The best time to visit Rang Ji Ka Mandir in Vrindavan is when the cold commences from October to the end of March. These months are perfect for comfortable sightseeing and the best time to view the beauty of the River Yamuna. It is not advised to visit Vrindavan in summer due to scorching weather. Monsoons are also a good time as the weather is serene with cool air and pleasant weather all through the day.
Is there any entry fee to visit the temple?
There is no entry fee to visit Rang ji Ka Mandir in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh.
What are the rules and restrictions one should keep in mind while visiting the temple?
Photography of Moola-Vigraha is not permitted. Please make sure to maintain order and decorum on the temple premises. Do wear proper attire while visiting the temple.
What is the famous local food of Vrindavan?
Kachori with Sabzi, Lassi, Pedha and Aloo Tikki are some must-have dishes when in Vrindavan.
How much time does it take to cover the temple?
It takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to explore the entire temple premises along with darshan, taking the prasad and exploring the Dravidian architecture and Rajagopuram.
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