Prem Mandir: A Temple of Divine Love in Vrindavan
In the Hindi language, the word used for love is ‘Prem.’ Prem is just 2.5 characters long, yet it is the power of love that sustains life itself, including the entire creation. Vedic knowledge expresses that God is the foundation of creation; however, it is the power of Divine love that enables Him to be so. Or you can say, God is love and love is God. For this reason, any soul who comes to love Him enslaves Him with their love. He becomes powerless to it, and rushes with open arms to embrace such a soul. Love is the goal, love is the journey, and love is the way.
Attaining the Divine love of God is the only way to realize Him. It is the only goal of every living being.
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj has named this Temple “Prem Mandir” after that power of love which is even greater than God.
Prem Mandir stands in the holy land of Raman Reti in Vrindavan. It is a result of incessant labor in stone cutting, abrading, polishing, and inlaying by 1,000 sculptors and architects from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. This temple is an exceptional example of astounding architecture, magnificent beauty, and unfathomable devotion. Prem Mandir has been constructed from 30,000 metric tonnes of imported Italian Carrara marble. It is the only temple in the entire world that has been constructed from solid Italian marble.
On 15th, 16th, and 17th February 2012, Prem Mandir was inaugurated in the manner prescribed by the Vedas.
Water was fetched from holy places all over India, including all the holy rivers, and poured into several beautifully decorated pots called Kalash. On February 15, 2012, the inaugural ceremonies started with a Kalash Yatra, which means a procession of Kalash. In this procession, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj led thousands of devotees from India and abroad, and together they entered the temple to wash its entirety with holy water.
On February 16, 2012, Lord Sita-Ram and Lord Radha Krishna were taken in a grandiose procession around the entire perimeter of the temple.
On February 17, 2012, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj released thousands of balloons into the air to spread the message of divine love. Thereafter, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj entered the temple, kindled the lamp, and along with several devotees, performed the first aarti of Shri Radha Krishna and Lord Sita Ram.
Viewed from a distance, the first view one sees is the fluttering flag atop the 125-foot-tall Shikhar. Below that is a 53-foot-high dome on a raised platform. This dome on either side is surrounded by two big and four smaller domes on a platform. There are raised platforms on the ground floor and first floor. All of it together seems like a very beautifully engraved white Kailash mountain range.
Engraved into all of the outside walls are 80 panels providing vivid details in vibrant colors, depicting the pastimes of Shri Krishna. Covering both floors, the panels are in chronological order as mentioned in Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran.
The ground floor depicts the most nectarous leelas of Braj, while the first floor shows leelas of Mathura and Dwarika.
Inside, the visitor is blessed with the darshan of the deities of Shri Radha Krishna and Shri Sita Ram. Represented also are the past four Jagadgurus and several Braj Rasik saints, a true sign of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj’s reconciliatory philosophy.
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, known for his profound spiritual wisdom and deep devotion, has been a guiding light for countless souls on the path of bhakti. His teachings emphasize the importance of loving God with all one’s heart and soul, and Prem Mandir stands as a testament to his vision of divine love.
For millennia to come, Prem Mandir will provide another indispensable link to the rich cultural heritage of India. May it continue to drown all in divine bliss for those who seek shelter.
