Jugal Kishore Temple, Vrindavan

Jugal Kishor Temple, located in Vrindavan, is one of the oldest and most famous temples in the area. Situated next to the sacred Kesi Ghat, it is also known as the Kesi Ghat Temple. The temple was built after Emperor Akbar visited Vrindavan in 1570 and granted permission for its construction. Made of red sandstone, the temple has a simple yet beautiful design that resembles other Rajput-style temples built in the Braj region during the Mughal era.

One of the temple’s main attractions is its connection to Keshi Ghat, a popular bathing spot where many pilgrims come to take a sacred dip in the Yamuna River. The architecture features exquisite carvings, including a stunning sculpture of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain. The temple’s main spire, or shikhar, resembles that of the nearby Sri Madan Mohan Temple.

The story of the temple’s deity, Sri Jugal Kishore, is quite special. It is said that the idol was discovered by Sri Hariram Vyas during his meditation in a place called Kishor Van in Vrindavan.

In 1670, during Aurangzeb’s rule, the Mughal army attacked Vrindavan. To protect the sacred deities, the idols of Jugal Kishor and other important deities were moved to safer places before the soldiers arrived. The original deity of Jugal Kishor Temple was taken to Panna, where a new temple was later built.