Radha Bihari Misthan Bhandar (Banke Bihari temple market)
Mathura peda and khoya sweets. The shop's own claim is a sweet shop here since 1965
गोविंद देव मंदिर
Govind Dev Temple
A ruined seven-storey red sandstone giant that was once the grandest temple in North India.
TempleVrindavanGovind Dev ji (the original lives in Jaipur; a replica is here)
The story: The deity Rupa Goswami found under the ground
Rupa Goswami, a disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, is said to have received a vision that the original Govind Dev, a form Krishna's great-grandson Vajranabha had installed, lay hidden at Gomatila. A cow was seen pouring milk daily on the mound. Rupa dug there and the lost deity emerged, smiling.
Govind means 'the one who brings joy to the cows and the senses' (a name from Srimad Bhagavatam 10.27, when Indra and the divine cow Surabhi crown Krishna as Govinda after the Govardhan Lila). Devotees say the deity's face resembles Krishna's own form. His left foot is tilted like a child's.
The temple's old tower is mostly gone, but the wide arches and the mandapa (hall) of red stone are still stunning. It feels like a lost cathedral of Braj.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.27: Indra and Surabhi's abhisheka of Krishna as Govinda
- Chaitanya Charitamrita on Rupa Goswami; the Gomatila discovery is local tradition
History
- Built in 1590 by Raja Man Singh I of Amber (Jaipur) under Akbar, with a tower of seven storeys, by common accounts.
- Aurangzeb's army damaged the upper storeys in the late 17th century. The deity was moved to Jaipur, where Govind Dev ji is now the family deity of the Jaipur royal house.
- The ruin is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India (check locally for the entry rules).
What to see
- The red sandstone mandapa and arches
- The ruined towers
- The replica deity and the small active shrine
Key festivals
- Aug to Sep: Janmashtami
- Feb to Mar: Holi
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | About 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | About 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm |
| Closed | Midday |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | Photos of the ruin are usually fine. Not in the shrine. Check locally. |
Indicative. Check locally for entry and ASI timings.
Parking and getting there
Parking
On the road in front of the temple, a few spaces.
Charge: Small fee. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Narrow road, avoid large vehicles
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at the temple's front.
Walk: 2 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Vrindavan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 12 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 1.5 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 170 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Morning or golden evening for photos of the stone.
Crowds: Quiet.
Monkeys: Some.
Comfort
Footwear: Leave at the gate.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Steps and uneven stone.
Scams to avoid
- Touts claiming it is closed
Where to eat nearby
Lakshman Prasad Kachori Wale (Banke Bihari area)
Khasta bedai and kachori with aloo sabzi, from a generations-old stall
Agarwal Mithai Wale (near the police chowki at Banke Bihari)
Urad-dal kachori in desi ghee, potato-pumpkin sabzi, fresh curd
Purohit Ji's kachori (Banke Bihari gali)
Kachori; one source gives Rs 25 each, which may be stale
Stalls on the lanes to Banke Bihari (Loi Bazaar)
Hot jalebi, peda, chaat, rabri, kulfi. Liveliest in winter evenings
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
Is the original deity here?
No, the original Govind Dev ji is in Jaipur. A replica is worshipped here.
Check locally
- Timings
- Entry rules
- 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 Govind Dev Temple