Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple Vrindavan | Story, Timing And Facts

The ancient Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vrindavan is famous for its special Shiva Linga set up by a descendant of Lord Krishna. According to legend, Lord Shiva transformed into a Gopi to watch Krishna's Raas Leela dance. Devotees visit the temple, especially on Mondays, to seek blessings from Lord Shiva in his Gopi form, Gopeshwar.

Story Of Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple

In the heart of Vrindavan, the land of Krishna's love, you'll find a special temple - Gopeshwar Mahadev. This temple is unique because it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, unlike the others that worship Krishna. Legend has it that Lord Shiva, a great devotee of Krishna, wished to witness the enchanting Raas Leela dance with the Gopis. However, only women were allowed to participate. Undeterred, Shiva turned to Radha Rani, Krishna's beloved, for help. With her blessings and a purifying dip in the sacred Yamuna river, Shiva transformed into a Gopi. Even though disguised, Krishna, being divine, recognized him. He bestowed upon Shiva the name "Gopeshwar" and granted him the boon to reside in Vrindavan eternally. This temple, with its distinctive Shiva lingam, serves as a testament to Shiva's unwavering devotion and the harmonious convergence of divine energies in Vrindavan.

History Of Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple

The Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in Vrindavan. It is believed to have been established over 5,000 years ago during the Dwapar Yuga when Lord Krishna himself worshipped the Shivalingam installed in this temple. According to legend, the Shivalingam was submerged underwater and was rediscovered during the time of the Vallabhacharya sect in the 16th century CE. The present-day temple was constructed during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar by his Hindu governor Man Singh I of Amber/Jaipur in 1590 CE. 

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Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple Timings

The Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vrindavan extends a warm welcome to devotees with seasonal operating hours. In the summer, the temple opens its doors for darshan from as early as 3:30 am until 11:30 pm, with an additional evening session between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Winter hours begin slightly later at 4:00 am and conclude by noon, reopening in the afternoon from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm. These timings provide ample opportunities for devotees to experience the divine presence and seek blessings at this sacred site, aligning with the rhythms of the changing seasons.

Amazing Facts

• Unique Deity: Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as a gopi, reflecting the transcendence of gender in divine love, as per Hindu mythology.

• Divine Play: Legend has it that Lord Shiva, enchanted by Krishna's Raas Leela, disguised himself as a gopi to join the divine dance, honored at the temple.

Things To Do 

• Explore the enchanting Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vrindavan, where the love of Krishna and the devotion of Shiva come together in a unique way.

• Don't miss the captivating sight of the Shiva lingam undergoing a mesmerizing transformation, adorned with colorful clothing and jewelry, resembling a Gopi.

• After receiving blessings, immerse yourself in the purifying waters of the sacred Yamuna River, which flows nearby.

• Alternatively, find a peaceful spot within the temple to soak in the tranquility and contemplate the captivating tale of Lord Shiva's unwavering devotion that transcended all boundaries.

• Near Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple, visit Banke Bihari, Radha Vallabh, and Nidhivan for spiritual vibes. visit Shahji and Rangji Temples for cool designs. Seva Kunj, Radha Raman, and Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir are peaceful spots.

Festivals

Gopashtami : Celebrated in Kartik month (October/November), honors Lord Krishna's role as a cowherd. Dates vary each year.

Gopeshwar Mahadev Jayanti : Anniversary of special Shiva Linga installation. Usually on 13th day of Kartik (October/November).

Maha Shivaratri : Observed in Phalguna month (February/March) to honor Lord Shiva. Date varies yearly.

Radha Ashtami : Celebrated on 8th day of bright half of Bhadrapada (August/September).

How To Reach 

Getting to Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is very convenient as it's situated in the heart of Vrindavan and accessible by various modes of transportation:

By Air : The closest airports are Agra (90 km) and Delhi (170 km). Taxis and cabs are readily available from both airports, ensuring a comfortable journey to Vrindavan.

By Train : Vrindavan Railway Station (BDB) is only 1.3 km away. You can easily find cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws at the station for a quick ride to the temple. Alternatively, Mathura Junction Railway Station (14 km) offers more train connections. From there, you can easily find taxis and buses that regularly travel to Vrindavan.

By Road : Vrindavan is located on NH 19, making it easily accessible by car or bus from various cities. Public buses connect major towns, and taxis and cabs are also available for convenient doorstep service.

Best Time To Visit

Vrindavan's weather can be a double-edged sword. To make the most of your visit to Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple, consider the season. Skip the extremes! Aim for the comfortable months, typically October to December or February to April. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures, allowing you to fully enjoy the temple and explore Vrindavan without battling the scorching summer heat or feeling the bite of winter's chill. 

Exact Location

The Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple stands proudly in the heart of Vrindavan, right along the Parikrama Marg. This sacred path encircles the town, and the temple finds its place on the vibrant street called Loi Bazaar. Known for its bustling market and lively ambiance, Loi Bazaar adds to the charm of this divine location. With the renowned Banke Bihari Temple and the Shri Radha Raman Temple as its closest neighbors, the Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is not only easily accessible but also easily recognizable within the town.

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Hotels In Vrindavan Near Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple

Kadamb kunj ( Guest house ) - Guest rating: 4.5 on Google Maps with 6 reviews. Price: ₹3,016 per night.

Hotel Radha Rani Palace - Hotel. Understated hotel featuring a restaurant & bike rentals, plus breakfast & parking. Guest rating: 3.9 on Google Maps with 276 reviews. Price: ₹1,982 per night.

Shri Mudgal Rishi Dham - Hotel. No-frills rooms, some sleeping up to 10 guests, in a pared-back hotel offering breakfast & Wi-Fi. Guest rating: 4.2 on Google Maps with 449 reviews. Price: ₹2,094 per night.

Source - Google Hotels

Note : Please Be sure to check the above hotel details

In our opinion, book hotels offline only after going to Vrindavan because hotels are available at much cheaper rates when you go offline.

FAQ About Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple 

Q. Why is Shiva called Gopeshwar?

Ans. Shiva is called Gopeshwar after disguising himself as a gopi to witness Krishna's divine Raas Leela dance in Vrindavan.

Q. What is the history of Gopeshwar Mahadev Vrindavan?

Ans.  Lord Shiva disguised as a gopi to witness Krishna's Raas Leela, honored at Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Q. Is Gopeshwar Mahadev real?

Ans. Gopeshwar Mahadev is a revered deity in Hindu mythology and a significant aspect of spiritual belief.

Q. Is Gopeshwar Mahadev real?

Ans. The exact historical builder of the Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vrindavan is not widely documented.

Summary : 

• Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vrindavan is unique as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Gopi form, showcasing the transcendence of gender in divine love.

• Legend has it that Lord Shiva disguised himself as a Gopi to join Krishna's Raas Leela dance, earning the name "Gopeshwar" and the right to reside in Vrindavan forever.

• The temple has specific timings for darshan, with longer hours in summer and shorter hours in winter, providing ample opportunities for devotees to seek blessings.

• To reach the temple, visitors can use various modes of transportation such as air, train, or road, with Vrindavan being easily accessible from Agra and Delhi.

• The best time to visit the temple is during the comfortable months of October to December or February to April to avoid extreme weather conditions.

• Located on Parikrama Marg in Vrindavan, near popular temples like Banke Bihari and Shri Radha Raman, the Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is easily recognizable and accessible.

• Nearby accommodation options include Kadamb Kunj, Hotel Radha Rani Palace, and Shri Mudgal Rishi Dham, with offline booking recommended for better rates.