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
मदन मोहन मंदिर
Madan Mohan Temple
The oldest stone temple in Vrindavan, on a hill above the Yamuna, where Sanatana Goswami saw Krishna as a little boy.
TempleVrindavanMadan Mohan ji (a replica; the original is at Karauli)
The story: The boy who asked for a bit of salt
Sanatana Goswami, in his old age, lived on the dry flour of chapatis, offered to the deity. A merchant, Ram Das Kapur, whose boat had been stuck on a sandbank in the Yamuna, was rescued after he prayed to the deity. In thanks, he built the great temple on this hill. The scene is a tale of Krishna as a helper in everyday troubles.
The tradition adds that the small boy Krishna used to come and eat from Sanatana's own food. Madan Mohan means 'the one who bewilders even Cupid (Madana)'.
The place is also linked with Kaliya Ghat, just below, where Krishna danced on the serpent Kaliya (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.16 and 10.17).
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.16 and 10.17: Kaliya Lila (at the neighbouring Kaliya Ghat)
- Chaitanya Charitamrita (Madhya Lila 20) names Madan Mohan as the deity of 'sambandha' (the relationship)
- The merchant and the boat story is local tradition
History
- Built about 1580 by Kapur Ram Das of Multan, by common accounts, on the Dvadashaditya hill.
- The red sandstone tower once stood very tall; the upper part fell or was damaged in later centuries.
- The original deity was moved to Karauli in Rajasthan in the 18th century during the unrest, and a replica is worshipped here.
What to see
- The red sandstone temple and the view over the Yamuna
- Madan Mohan replica deity
- Sanatana Goswami's samadhi nearby
- Kaliya Ghat below
Key festivals
- Aug to Sep: Janmashtami
- Oct to Nov: Kartik lamp offerings
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 rest |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | No photos of the deity. Check locally for the exterior. |
Indicative. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Near Kaliya Ghat on the Yamuna side. Small roadside space.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Narrow lane, so tempo travellers and big vehicles park away
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at the base of the hill.
Walk: About 100 steps up a stair path.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Vrindavan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 13 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 2 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 175 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Morning light.
Crowds: Quiet.
Monkeys: Yes, on the steps.
Comfort
Footwear: Leave at the base or with the gatekeeper.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: A long staircase; not suitable for those who cannot climb.
Scams to avoid
- Uninvited 'guides' at the ghat
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 is at Karauli in Rajasthan. A replica is worshipped here.
Check locally
- Timings
- Patron details
- 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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