Bazaar around the Dauji temple
Sweet and snack shops. No shop names found. In August 2026 the food department took a ghevar sample from a Baldeo shop, so buy only fresh sweets from a visible counter
दाऊजी मंदिर, बलदेव
Dauji Temple (Baldeo)
The temple of Krishna's elder brother Balarama, with the stately Dauji and Revati Maiya, and the wild Huranga on the day after Holi.
TempleGokul, Mahavan and BaldeoDauji (Balarama) and Revati Maiya
The story: Balarama, the elder brother who never leaves
Balarama was the seventh child of Devaki, drawn by Yogamaya into Rohini's womb and born in Gokul (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.2 and 10.8). Fair-skinned and strong, he carries a plough and a club. The brothers grew together as cowherd boys, and Balarama killed the demon Pralamba in Bhandirvan (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.18).
Balarama is also the incarnation of Shesha, the serpent on whom Vishnu rests. The Braj people call him Dauji, 'elder brother', and ask his protection. At Baldeo, Dauji is a majestic figure with a tall dark idol beside his wife Revati.
On the day after Holi, the Huranga (Hurunga) festival has the men carrying colour and the women of the village tearing their shirts in play. It is a celebration of friendship and joy between the brothers' families.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.2 and 10.8: Balarama's birth
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.18: Pralambasura
- Local tradition holds the idol was discovered by Gokulnath's descendants in the 16th century
History
- The idol of Dauji is said to have been found in the 16th century and installed in the 1580s (traditional; check locally).
- The temple has high walls like a fort and a large courtyard. It was restored in the 19th century.
- The nearby Kshir Sagar tank is a bathing tank with temples.
What to see
- Dauji and Revati Maiya
- The fort-like walls and courtyard
- Kshir Sagar tank
- Huranga festival (day after Holi)
Key festivals
- Feb to Mar: Dauji ka Huranga, the day after Holi
- Aug to Sep: Dauji Purnima (Balarama's birth, around Shravana Purnima/Raksha Bandhan)
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | About 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | About 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm |
| Closed | Afternoon |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | Not inside the sanctum. Check locally. |
Indicative. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Open space near the main chowk of Baldeo.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Huranga closes the approach to vehicles
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at the chowk.
Walk: 3 to 5 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Gokul, Mahavan and Baldeo guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 21 km, 40 to 55 minutes |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 25 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 150 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Morning, any weekday.
Crowds: Light, except at Huranga.
Monkeys: Some.
Comfort
Footwear: Stand at the gate.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Steps.
Scams to avoid
- Few
Where to eat nearby
This list comes from desk research in published guides and listings. We have not visited these places for this guide. Walk and drive times are rough, and opening hours, prices and onion/garlic policy can change, so check locally before you go.
Common questions
What is Huranga?
A festival on the day after Holi, in which women play-fight the men with colour.
Check locally
- Timings
- History dates
- Parking
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
Book a cab for Dauji Temple (Baldeo)