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Stories from Vrindavan

History, temples, rituals and festivals of Vrindavan, explained simply. Read before your visit, so every darshan means a little more.

History

A short history of Vrindavan: from tulsi forest to temple town

How Vrindavan got its name, how Chaitanya Mahaprabhu found Krishna's lost holy places in 1515, and the story behind its oldest temples.

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Temples

Why the curtain at Shri Banke Bihari Temple is drawn every few minutes, the story of Swami Haridas, and customs you will only see here.

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Beliefs

Why no one stays in Nidhivan after dark, what is left in Rang Mahal each night, and tips for visiting this sacred grove in Vrindavan.

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Beliefs

What "Radhe Radhe" means, why people in Vrindavan greet with Radha's name before Krishna's, and how visitors can use it.

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Rituals

How long the Vrindavan parikrama is, what you see on the 10 km route along the Yamuna, and practical tips for first-time walkers.

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Festivals

A simple guide to Braj Holi: Laddu Holi and Lathmar Holi in Barsana, flower Holi at Banke Bihari, widows' Holi and Huranga at Dauji.

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Temples

History of ISKCON Vrindavan (Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir), its three altars, the 24-hour kirtan, Prabhupada's samadhi and visiting tips.

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Festivals

How Vrindavan celebrates Janmashtami: the midnight abhishek, Banke Bihari's once-a-year mangala aarti, Nandotsav and tips for visiting.

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