Online edition of India's National Newspaper "THE HINDU", Wednesday, Mar 03, 2004, New Delhi

Shekhawat to inaugurate Govinda temple in Vrindaban MATHURA, MARCH 2. The magnificent `Govinda' temple in Vrindaban to be inaugurated by the Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, on March 4 will prove to be the strongest link between the north and south, Acharya Krishna Balaram Swami has said. The brainchild of the noted Acharya, the temple is a replica of the Govind Deo temple, which was constructed 500 years ago, and is constructed in the Thanjavur style. The Uttaranchal Chief Minister, N.D. Tiwari, over 300 foreign devotees and some 3000 south Indian devotees would attend the week-long programme which includes Govind bhajans by noted singer Anoop Jalota, `Gaurangleela' by Hargovind Sharma and his troupe, `bhajans' by Dwaram Laxmi from Tirupati and `Holileela' by noted troupe of Swami Ram Swaroop Sharma. A picture of architectural beauty, the temple is a pleasing mix of heritage religion, philosophy, science and vaastu. It has been attracting scores of pilgrims. The Acharya, who is a master of the Vedas and Bhagawatam Mahant and fluent in over a dozen languages, got the idea of constructing the Govinda temple after he saw the remains of the ancient `Govind Deo' temple, built 500 years ago. According to a legend, Srila Rupa Goswami, a disciple of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu undertook excavation of a mound atop a hillock where it was said a cow gave milk unattended. During the digging, a rare idol of Govinda, dating back 5000 years (worshipped by Vajranabha, the grandson of Lord Krishna) was unearthed. As instructed by his divine teacher Rupa Goswami, a seven-storeyed temple with intricate carvings was constructed by King Man Singh in 1590. The majestic temple had a 35-ft high gate and an octagonal sanctum sanctorum. Later, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ordered four storeys of the temple to be destroyed. However, the principal deity was shifted to Jaipur before the emperor's orders could be carried out. As a result, the worship continued uninterrupted. The Govinda temple has some novel features. Instead of cement, mortar and iron, a specially imported liquid has been used for joining heavy pieces of stone in constructing the temple. About seven kg gold has been used in the temple top. A special chemical has been used to prevent decay of stone and prevent theft of even minor pieces from the temple. Govinda is one of the names of Lord Krishna, hailing him as the protector of cows. -- UNI Printer friendly page

"THE STATESMAN"   Delhi,  Wednesday 21, January 1998

'India a spiritual leader'            
STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE      

MATHURA, Jan.20 - The relevance of spirituality in India, as written in the Vedas and Upanishads, would remain through the ages, as it was the driving force to provide peace to the entire world, the UP governor, Mr. Romesh Bhandari said here yesterday.

     Speaking at the Tamra Patra and Baluka Mahotsva organized at the Sri Radha Govind temple being constructed in Vrindaban after nearly 500 years, Mr. Bhandari said the culture of India was the oldest in the world and could withstand all pressure of time due to its inner strength.  In spite of the immense progress that some countries had made, even people of those countries were coming to India in search of mental peace.

     India, he said, had to play a leading role in the years to come in order to attract more people to its culture. The country would be proud of the temple, the Governor said.

    Owing to the specialty of Vrindaban, the temple should be given the status of cultural heritage so that it might propagate the message of brotherhood, love and harmony, thus paving the way to making India a symbol of world peace and unity. He congratulated the founder of the temple, Mahant Krishna Balaram Swami Maharaj, who said in order to assuage the feeling of the people hurt due to the breaking of the magnificent Govind Deo temple by Aurangzeb nearly 500 years ago, this temple was being constructed.

     "Former President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, when told about the temple, had advised me then that it should be historic one. Ever since it was decided that the seven-storyied temple should prove a land mark in the history of India," he said.

     The copper plate depicting the age and time period has been placed near the foundation of the temple, which was also being constructed in order to propagate the rich culture and principles of India, he said. He also requested the Governor to see the Govind Deo temple in Vrindaban, which was partially ruined by Aurangzeb.

     Earlier, Mr Bhandari participated in a pooja and havan program organized on the occasion. He also placed the COPPER PLATE. The Governor earlier offered prayers at the famous Bankey Behari temple, Vrindaban.