The history of the Govind Dev Ji Temple traces back to the 16th century when Srila Rupa Gosvami, under the instructions of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, established the temple. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had instructed Rupa Gosvami to uncover the lost holy sites of Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna and his followers once lived and worshipped. Thousands of years earlier, Krishna’s grandson, Bajranaba, had installed several deities in Vrindavan, including Govindaji.

After years of searching, Rupa Gosvami finally discovered the resting place of the original deity of Govindaji. Under the guidance of Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, the construction of the grand temple began in 1570, led by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur. The temple became one of the most magnificent structures in all of Northern India, with a seven-story height, an ornate marble altar, and a spectacular lotus flower sculpture in its main hall.

Less than a century later, Emperor Aurangzeb, angered by the grandeur of a Hindu shrine being taller than any nearby Muslim buildings, ordered its destruction after spotting the bright light of a ghee lamp burning atop the temple from his fort in Agra. Although the temple was severely damaged, the deities, including Lord Govindaji, were safely moved before the attack.

Today, the original Govindaji is worshipped in Jaipur, where Raja Sawai Jai Singh built a new temple in the 18th century to honor the deity. The smaller replica of Radha Govinda is revered in Vrindavan, where the temple continues to be a significant pilgrimage site.