Govinda's Restaurant (ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir campus)
Sattvic thali and buffet, South Indian items and sweets. The strongest lead in Vrindavan
कात्यायनी शक्तिपीठ
Katyayani Shakti Peeth
The Goddess the gopis prayed to for Krishna as their husband, and one of the 51 Shakti Peeths by tradition.
TempleVrindavanMaa Katyayani
The story: The gopis' vow to Katyayani
In the cold month of Hemanta, the young gopis of Braj made a clay image of the goddess Katyayani on the Yamuna bank. Each morning they bathed, sang her praise and prayed that Nanda's son Krishna might become their husband. After a month, Krishna, who knew their hearts, came to the bank and took their clothes (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.22), a lesson that nothing can be hidden from God and all pride must be left behind.
The Bhagavatam gives the Katyayani prayer in its first verses: 'katyayani maha-maye maha-yoginy adhisvari, nanda-gopa-sutam devi patim me kuru te namah' (10.22.4).
Devotees also say this is the Shakti Peeth where Sati's hair (kesh) fell, according to Shakti Peeth tradition. Not every list names Vrindavan, so treat it as local belief.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.22.1 to 10.22.4: the Katyayani vrata of the gopis
- Devi Bhagavata Purana: the Shakti Peeth tradition (Vrindavan's place in it is local)
History
- The present temple was built in 1923 by Swami Keshavananda (by common accounts).
- Located in Radha Bagh on the Chhatikara road in Vrindavan.
What to see
- Katyayani Devi's shrine
- Shiva and Hanuman shrines in the complex
- The courtyard garden
Key festivals
- Mar to Apr, Sep to Oct: Chaitra and Sharad Navratri (largest crowds)
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | About 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | About 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, and 3:30 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 parking at the temple.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Navratri crowds: parking can be cut off
Cab drop and walk
Drop: The cab drops you at the gate.
Walk: 2 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Vrindavan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 10 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 3.5 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: Navratri mornings if you like crowds. Otherwise, any morning.
Crowds: Moderate; large at Navratri.
Monkeys: Possible.
Comfort
Footwear: At the gate.
Toilets: Yes.
Accessibility: Mostly flat.
Scams to avoid
- Few
Where to eat nearby
The Royal Braj (Harshika Complex, opposite Gate 5 of Prem Mandir, Chhatikara Road)
Fine-dining sattvik vegetarian
Namaste Restaurant (opposite Prem Mandir)
Vegetarian breakfast and mocktails
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 this a Shakti Peeth?
Local tradition says so. Check which list you follow.
Check locally
- Timings
- Shakti Peeth claim
- Parking
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
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