ISKCON Temple
A Comprehensive Guide to Śrī Vṛndāvana Dhāma
Bhaktivedänta Swami Ashrama
This beautiful property was formerly owned by the Mahäräja of Chattarpur in Madhya Pradesh and was used by him whenever he came to Vraja on pilgrimage. It has been planned to gradually develop the property into a regular temple with facilities for devotees visiting Govardhana Hill and going on parikramä.
There was existing on the property a small shrine where the Mahäräja of Chattarpur had been worshipping Lord Krishna in the form of a beautiful Govardhana-silä. When the devotees moved in they continued the worship of this Deity. When digging a large hole for an underground water tank, the devotees discovered a Govardhana-silä that on inspection turned out to be Balaräma-silä. This newly found Balaräma-silä was exactly the same size and shape as the existing Krishna-sila. It was also whitish color just like Balaräma. In great jubilation the devotees installed Lord Balaräma next to Lord Krishna and the two transcendental brothers are now being worshipped together here at Govardhana Hill. From the roof of this palatial building one can get a panoramic view of Govardhana Hill as well as the nearby town of Govardhana.
In this temple are two Govardhana-silas, one black and the other whitish. This temple is an old palace with a good-size yard and a new stone boundary wall. The black Govardhana-sila was originally worshipped by the Maharaja of Chattarpur. There is a great view of Govardhana Hill from the roof. It is a peaceful place to spend the day, or a good place to rest while doing Govardhana parikrama. There are some basic living facilities here, which should be arranged in advance.
Directions:
This temple is located about 1/2 km outside the town of Govardhana, on the left side of the parikrama path. There is a small white stone sign saying ISKCON on the wall. The left gate is a black metal gate. Most of the taxi and motor rickshaw drivers outside the Krishna Balarama Mandir know how to get here.