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Govind Devji Temple

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Diety: Radha and Krishna
Original Location: Vrindavan, Uttarpradesh
Relocated By: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1590 AD

* THE DIVINE ARRIVAL *

OF

THAKUR SHRI RADHA GOVIND DEVJI MAHARAJ

TO JAIPUR

The History of Jaipur was enriched with a Golden Page When in the Year 1735 Thakur Shri Radha-Govind Devji Maharaj Enshrined in Jai Niwas Gardens ( Mandir Shri Govind Devji Maharaj ).

.......The Divine Delight of HIS Presence and The Perennial Fountain of Spritual Solace started Gliding Across the Atmosphere !!

Today though HE physically resides in this Temple, Practically HE is in the Breaths of The People. HE is Their Faith, Their Inspiration, Their Shelter!!! HE is Their Friend, Philosopher & Guide! HE is not only a Sacred Image of Worship; But HE lives in them and The People Live in HIM. In HIM Somebody finds his Brother, Somebody his Friend (Sakha), yet Somebody else his Medicine and So On ...............!!! "The Aradhya Deva of Jaipur", Lord Govind Devji Majharaj cannot be seen separately from the life of people of Jaipur.


The number of Devotees visiting the Temple daily runs to Thousands and to Lakhs on Festive Days. Large number of people of Vaishnava Discipline from Bengal, Bihar, Manipur & Assam come here to pay their homage & take a dive into this Celestial Stream of Boons & Blessings ! Celebrities feel it their proud privilege to perform before HIM !!!

As is the Legend, the Holy Image of Lord Govind Devji was also called "BAJRAKRIT" communicating thereby that it was created by Bajranabh – The Great Grand Son of Lord Shri Krishna. He asked his Grand Mother as to how Lord Shri Krishna looked like; Then He made an image as per the description given by her. She however, said that not all but the Feet of that image looked like those of Lord Shri Krishna. He made another image, yet she said that the Chest looked like that of Lord Shri Krishna. Thereafter, He made the Third Image and looking at the same she felt Blush and Nodded that yes that was what Lord Shri Krishna Looked Like!!! The First One was known with the Name Lord "Madan Mohanji". The Second One got recognition as Lord "GOPI NATHJI". AND the Third One, The Divine Majestic Holy Image is LORD "GOVIND DEVJI".


Vrindavn Dham had become almost a Jungle by the early 16th Century. No trace of the original place was left at the site. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had visited the site in 1514 A.D. and had discovered some of the places mentioned in the Bhagvat Purana. But he was not able to stay here long enough to bring out the complete Glory of The Place.

Before the reign of Emperor Akbar, On the behest of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, his immediate disciples, two brothers Shri Roop Goswami & Shri Sanatan Goswami came to Vrindaban to Spread the Doctrines of Vaishnavism & to discover the lost holy sites.

To revitalize the principles of True Love & Devotion and re-establish the glorious identity of this land of Lord Krishna, they were later joined by their nephew shri Jeeva Goswami & others, viz., Shri Raghunath Bhatta, Shri Raghunath Das and Shri Gopal Bhatta. These six distinguished disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhuji later gained the name of "SHAD GOSWAMI" (The Six Goswamis).

It was while His Holiness Shri Roop Goswami was residing in Vrindaban & preaching the Doctrines of Vaishnavism that LORD GOVIND DEVJI Revealed HIMSELF to him at GOMA TEELA in Vrindaban, on Basant Panchami in the year 1525.

The news of Manifestation of Lord Govind Devji to Shri Roop Goswami was immediately sent to CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHUJI (GAURANG MAHAPRABHU) in Nilachal at Orrissa so that He should come to Vrindaban. However, Due to his illness, Mahaprabhuji made a small image of eight metals (Ashtadhatu) depicting himself for the purpose of Getting 'Darshana' and injected his Divine Power into the image. He sent this image of him with his closely trusted & beloved Shriman Kashishwar Pandit Mahodaya to Vrindaban. The Image was given a holy bath (Abhishek) and was placed on the Right of Lord Govind Devji. It gained the name of Thakur Shri Gaur Govind . It is believed that thereafter in a span of a year Mahaprabhuji entered inside the temple of Lord JAGANNATHJI in Puri enchanting the Harinam Sankirtan AND merged his being into the Divinity.

The Great Founder of the Madhviya Gauria Sampradaya, 1008 Shri Chaitanya Dev Mahaprabhu is believed to be the spiritual incarnation of Lord Shri Krishna Himself and thereby goes the saying :


He had a unique white golden complexion and, therefore, gained the name of "Gaurang Deva". "Gaur" was his popular name. After Him ‘Bengal’ came to be known as 'Gaur Desh' as well. Nitai was his elder brother. He was born in Navadwipa ( West Bengal) at Mayapur on Phalgun Purnima in 1486 A.D.. Therefrom begins the History of This Glorious Heritage which this Thikana of Mandir Shri Govind Devji Maharaj continues to uphold !

The Imperial Divine Majesty of Lord Govind Devji Maharaj and both the brothers, Roop & Sanatan Goswami commanded a great influence over the Native Princes and the Moghul Emperor Akabar, so much so that the Emperor Akbar felt himself dignified in Bestowing 135 Bighas of Land of Vrindaban to Thakur Shri Govind Devji Maharaj !


In the year 1590, the 34th year of the reign of Akbar, under the directions of the Goswamis,
Maharaja Man Singh of Amber, the Renowned Governor in the Days of Emperor Akbar, built the Famous Red Sand Stone Temple at Vrindaban, U.P., at the same spot ( i.e., GOMA -TEELA ) where LORD GOVIND DEVJI Manifested HIMSELF to Shri Roop Goswami. The Divine Sacred Image of GOVIND DEVJI MAHARAJ was Consecrated in the Temple under the Sole


Sewa of the then Sewadhikar, Shri Hari Das Goswami, the 2nd in the Chain of Sewadhikaris.

INCLUSION OF THE DIVINE IMAGE OF ADHYA SHAKTI RADHA RANI

The Sacred Image of Radha Rani as the saying goes, was earlier in Vrindaban and known as one of the incarnations of Divine Goddess Shakti. For the reasons of security from the growing danger of yavanas, a brahamin named "Vrihadbhanu” took the Divine Image to Radhanagar in Orissa. After the death of Vrihadbhanu, The King of Orissa, Prataprudra established the Divine Image in a place called Chakravedh in Puri where it gained fame as "Laxmi Thakurani". After Prataprudra, When King Purushottam of Orrisa (Son of Raja Prataprudra) learned about the Appearance of the image of Lord Govind Devji in Vrindaban, he sent this Divine Image which actually was of Shakti Swaroopa Radha Rani, to Vrindaban. He occasioned the marriage of Radha Rani with Lord Govind Devji Maharaj with a lot of pomp in Samvat 1690 (The year 1633); AND The Adhya Shakti Radha Rani's Sacred Image was placed to the left of Lord Govind Devji.

In the Year 1669 A.D. , during the reign of Aurangzeb when religious fanaticism was at its height, Shri Shiva Ram Goswami, the then Sole Sewadhikari of Lord Govind Devji Maharaj, shifted the Divine Holy Images under the protection of the then Amber Ruler, First to Kama Via Barsana, Radhakund AND THEN to Govindpura Village (Ropara ). The Images reached Kanak Vrindavan (in Amer valley) in 1714 and were taken uphill to Jainiwas (Amer) in 1715. Finally in the year 1735, The Divine Holy Images were enshrined in the "Suraj Mahal" of the City Palace (The Present Temple Premises) in Jai Niwas Gardens .

As per a popular saying while this Pink City, JAIPUR (The Paris of India) was taking its shape to come into existence, King Sawai Jai Singh the founder of this beautiful city lived in "Suraj Mahal", situated between "Chandra Mahal" & "Badal Mahal" of the City Palace compounds in Jai Niwas Gardens. One night he dreamt that 'this place was meant for THE DIVINITY and he should leave it'. The next day he went to "Chandra Mahal". "Suraj Mahal" got the grace to become the Temple – The Nucleus of the

Divine Faith of lakhs of People ! . The Majestic Holy Images were enshrined in Suraj Mahal and Right Since then LORD GOVIND DEVJI MAHARAJ continue to Bless THE CITY OF JAIPUR with HIS DIVINE PRESENCE, truly attaining the Title of “THE ARADHYA DEVA OF JAIPUR".

Inclusion of Sakhis ( Female Friends ): On Asoj Budi 11, Samwat 1784 (Hindi Month) [The year 1727], the Image of Sakhi Vishakha was offered by Maharaja Jai Singhji (Second) of Jaipur for Itra sewa (b= lsok - offering Perfume ) and placed on the left hand side of Radha Govind Devji. Afterwards in Samwat 1858 [ The year 1801 ], Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singhji offered the image of Sakhi Lalita for Tambul Sewa (rkEcwy lsok offering Beetle Leaves). The Image was placed on the Right Hand Side of Radha Govind Devji Maharaj.

The sacred images of the personal adorations of the former Sewadhikaris are also placed on the Dais besides Lord Govind Devji Maharaj, on a small throne. These are small sacred black stone (dkLVh iRFkj ) representative idols known as "SALIGRAMJI" (depicting LORD NARAYAN HIMSELF). On a yet smaller throne is the small image of Lord Krishna in the middle of HIS two nearest sakhis (female friends), known as "JUGAL KISHORI JEU" worshipped by Late His Holiness Goswami Shri Shyam Sunder Devji at his residence (who left for Heavens in 1888), the great-great grand father of the Sewadhikari, Shri Anjan Kumar Goswami. The Ancient Image Of Lord Saligramji which came to Jaipur with Lord Govind Devji Mahraj Himself is on another smaller throne.

The present Grandeur of The Temple was attained during the period of Revered His Holiness Late Shri Pradhyumna Kumarji Goswami, the just preceding Sole Sebait (lsck;r ). Exemplary was his life. He devoted himself to the cause of the Temple and to the service of the Devotees. The poet has rightly said for such Great Lives: "Lives Of All Great Men Remind Us To Make Our Lives Sublime; And Following Them Leave Behind Us Footprints on the Sands of Time".

The Journey is not only well maintained but is Advancing Ahead to new heights in the hands of his Able Successor Shri Anjan Kumar Goswami, the Present Sole Sebait. The same drive, devotion & dedication is evident in Shri Manas Kumar Goswami (son of Shri Anjan Kumar Goswami) who after his education has joined hands with his father in the Divine Cause.

Temple Shri Govind Devji Maharaj, situated at Jai Niwas Garden Campus, Jaipur 302 002, is a Registered Public Trust with the Devasthan Vibhag, Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur vide Regn. No. 346 dated 20-9-1972. This is a self sustained, independent Thikana (ENTITY). Thakur Govind Devji Maharaj HIMSELF being a Perpetual Minor, the sole sewadhikari (lsokf/kdkjh - , the sole trustee) is the permanent guardian.


From the Emperor of India to the lay man in the street, everybody without any sectarian bias, has paid his homage by virtue of grants & gifts. Rulers of different states & people from abroad have all contributed to the cause of Thakur Shri Govind Devji Maharaj ! In Vrindavan itself, Seventy Five percent of Vrindavan was the property of Thikana Mandir Shri Govind Devji Maharaj only. Token Annuities to this Thikana from Bankura (West Bengal) & from Govt. of Rajasthan still continue. The Rulers of erstwhile Jaipur State regarded Govind Devji Maharaj as their King (Raja – jktk ).


The Trust is Governed and managed by its Sole Trustee. The Glorious Heritage finds its Origin from 1008 SHRI SHRI CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU, the founder of the MADHVIYA GOURIA SAMPRADAYA. Right Since the Times of Akbar the Great, the Heritage in its chain, descends now to the present Sole Trustee, SHRI ANJAN KUMAR GOSWAMI, Tikai (Eldest Son) of Late Shri Pradhyumna Kumarji Goswami.

True Love, Devotion & "Krishna Leela Prasar" are the Aims, Objectives & Activities of the Temple. Universal Peace, Universal Love, Universal Brotherhood and Relief from the sufferings, are the causes, the Temple nurtures. Upholding these high values of the Madhviya Gauriya Sampradaya, laid down by the Great Gaurang Deva more than 500 years ago, the Temple is constantly on the march to the Path Ahead.


In this Land of Lord Krishna, the Cow holds a sacred position & is rightly named "Gau Mata" ( The Mother Cow ). It plays a significant role in the lives of people & the economy of this Nation; the Temple commits itself to the security, service & betterment of the Cow and motivates the people at large to this benevolent & pious cause!
*The Sacred Cow - * Abode of Deities !

The Temple is the Governing Body of the Chain of Temples at Vrindaban (U.P.), Radhakund (U.P.), Barsana (U.P.), Kama (Bharatpur-Rajasthan), Village Ropara (Govind Pura,Jaipur), Amer Valley and at other different sites in Jaipur.

The Donations to The Temple are Exempt from Income Tax Under Section 80-G of the Income Tax Act of Govt. of India. The Donations may be made both in Cash & Kind. Bank Drafts & Cheques to be Marked "A/c. Payee Only". If he so intends, the Donor may also specify any specific purpose for the use of his donations. All Donations to be sent in the Name of MANDIR SHRI GOVIND DEVJI MAHARAJ, Jaipur. All Communications to be addressed to :

* THE GENEALOGY*

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sent his immediate disciple shri Roop Goswami to Vrindaban. Lord Govind Devji Maharaj Manifested HIMSELF to His Holiness Shri Roop Goswami. He thus became the First lsokf/kdkjh (Sevadhikari). After him, his successors inherited this right. In anticipation of a visit from Aurangzeb (the iconoclast Moghul Emperor), Lord Govind Devji Maharaj & other Divine Holy Images were ultimately shifted to Jaipur.


The male custom head of Goswami Family has ever since been regarded as the Head Of Endowment. The Succession inherited in the posterity to the Eldest Son by virtue of Jyeshthadhikar (T;s"Bkf/kdkj )/ law of primogeniture.

In 1972, the trust was duly registered under sole trusteeship with the Devasthan Vibhag, Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur, laying down the mode of succession to "Jyeshthadhikar" ("T;s"Bkf/kdkj ") in line with this traditional custom. In the sole trustee vest all the rights to govern & manage the property, funds, seva-puja (lsok&iwtk) and / or anything permanently or temporarily appropriated to any object belonging to the Deity. The Genealogy was well defined, ratified and decided in the court of law. It runs as follows:

*THE GENEALOGY *

1. Shri Roop Goswami

2. Shri Hari Das Goswami

3. Shri Govind Das Goswami

4. Shri Nityananda Goswami

5. Shri Radha Krishna Goswami

6. Shri Shiv Ram Goswami

7. Shri Krishna Charan Goswami

8. Shri Govind Charan Goswami

9. Shri Jagannath Goswami

10.Shri Ramsaran Goswami

11.Shri Balram Goswami

12.Shri Krishna Saran Goswami

13.Shri Ramnarain Goswami

14.Shri Hare Krishna Goswami

15.Shri Shyam Sunder Goswami

16.Shri Krishna Chandra Goswami

17.Shri Bholanath Goswami

18.Shri Pradyumna Kumar Goswami

( Left for his heavenly abode on 3-12-1997 )

19.Shri Anjan Kumar Goswami

20.Shri Manas Kumar Goswami

(Tikai son of Shri Anjan Kumar Goswami)