The  History  was  enriched  with a  Golden  Page When  Thakur Shri Radha-Gopinathji Maharaj Enshrined in The Present Mandir Shri Gopinathji, Jaipur at Purani Basti; and extended His Divine Blessing Hand to the wellbeing of this world class heritage city, the Pink City Of India. .......The Divine Delight of HIS Presence and The Perennial Fountain of Spritual Solace started Gliding Across the Atmosphere !!   Today though  physically HE resides in this Temple, Practically HE is in the Breaths of The People.  HE is Their Faith, Their Inspiration, 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  Shelter and   So    On ...............!!!     Gopinathji Majharaj  cannot be seen separately from the life of people of Jaipur.      Large number of people of Vaishnava Discipline from across the world  come here to pay their homage & take a dive into this Celestial Stream of  Boons & Blessings !     As is the Legend,  Bajranabh – The Great Grand Son of Lord Shri Krishna.  SOME 5,000 YEARS BACK WHEN HE WAS AROUND 13 YEARS OF AGE, he asked his Grand Mother (daughter-in-law of Lord Krishna) 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 came to be known with the Name Lord "Madan Mohanji".  The Second One got recognition as Lord "GOPI NATHJI".  AND the Third One is LORD "GOVIND DEVJI".      With passing of ages the glories of the Indian Culture were being forgotten and the sands of time kept piling up.  Togetherwith every other thing these pious divine images were also lost from the memories of people. Some 500  years ago Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu took his birth on the Indian Soil and did the massive work to remove the layers of ignorance & infuse back in our lives the forgotten vitality of great grand Indian Past.... Vrindavn Dham had become almost a Jungle by the early 16th Century.  No trace of the original place was left at the site.  Inspired by Mahaprabhuji, in the year 1502 Shri Madhu Pandit came to Vrindavan to dedicate himself to the Divine Cause.  The DIVINITY in his dreams inspired him to reveal out from under the Yamuna earth, the Holy Divine Images of LORD GOPINATH AND RADHA RANII.  In pursuit of the same, on Magh Shukla Purnima Samvat 1560 (year 1503)  amidst ceremonial Naam Sankirtan, from under the sacred soil of river Yamuna At VANSHI VAT,  Lord Gopinath with Radhey Rani Manifested.   With all sacred rituals, observing the Madhviya Gaudia Sampradaya cult the regular worship of Radha-Gopinath started  in the cottage .   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 Gopinathji Maharaj continues to uphold ! 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. Besides Shri Madhu Pandit,  on the behest of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, his immediate   disciples, two brothers Shri Roop Goswami & Shri Sanatan Goswami came to Vrindaban before the reign of Emperor Akbar, 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.   Construction of Temple of Lord Gopinathji- After some around 41 years of manifestation of Lord Gopi Nathji,  a red sand stone temple for HIM was made by king of Khandela, Raisal Darbari, one of emperor Akbar's courtier and great grand son of Shekha, near Nidhi Van in Vrindavan.  This was before the construction of the Heritage Red Stone Temple of Govind Devji.  Lord Gopinathji is ever since regarded as KUL DEVTA at Khandela and other many places including Shekhavati;  it is said that around 365 or more temples of Lord Gopinath came into existence in these areas.   Inclusion of another Image of Radha Rani in the temple of Lord Gopinath: -    Towards the end of 16th century, the second wife of Shri Nityanand Mahaprabhuji, Smt. Jahanva Devi came to Vrindavan.  When she visited the temple of Lord Gopinath, she had a divine inspiration that the existing image of Radhey Rani which manifested from under the Vanshi Vat with the sacred image of Lord Gopinathji, was much smaller in the size; And hence an other image of Radha Rani reasonably proportionate in size, be installed on the left of Lord Gopinathji.  After her return she accordingly sent to Vrindavan an image of Radhey Rani, proportionate in size as per divine inspiration with one vaishnav bhakt shri Parmeshwari Das through boat via the river route from the Gour Pradesh.  This image was placed on the left of Lord Gopinathji and the original sacred image as manifested from under the Vanshi Vat was placed on the right of Lord Gopinathji; This continues right since then. back to top         In the Year 1669 A.D. , during the reign of Aurangzeb when religious fanaticism was at its height,   the Divine Holy Images of Radha-Gopinathji were shifted First to Kama Via  Radhakund AND THEN to Madhovilas Jaipur in 1775.  Thereafter, finally In the year 1792, before his death the then Deewan of Jaipur, Shri Khushali Ram Bohra consecrated the holy images of Lord Radha-Gopinathji in his Haveli at Purani Basti Jaipur converting and dedicating the same to the Temple Shri Gopinathji Maharaj  (The Present Temple Premises).  The Haveli got   the   grace  to   become   the  Temple   –   The  Nucleus  of  the Divine Faith of  of People ! .   The Majestic Holy Images  were enshrined in Haveli and Right Since then LORD GOPINATHJI MAHARAJ continue to Bless THE CITY OF JAIPUR with HIS DIVINE  PRESENCE.   For around a cetury, Lord Gopinathji was at Kama  (Kam-Van) - Bharatpur - Rajasthan ) and is called the Lord of Kam-Van ()   It is said that in the sate times when Mangla & Shayan Jhanki of Govind Devji in jaipur was not open for the public, temple Gopinathji was the attraction and place of devotion for the people for both these Jhankis, besides other usual Jhankis.   The  famous sacred robe made of Tulsi mankas ()of the year samvat 1602 which Shri Madhu Pandit use to wear also came to Jaipur and is in display at the present temple premises.   Whole of the history can be summarised as uder: Striking of 6 sons of  Devki & the female child of Yashoda ( the Yogmaya HERSELF) on the black stone slab by King Kans; Incarnation of Lord Krishna and HIS Return to "NIJ DHAAM" (Vaikuntha Lok); Creation of the image of Lord Gopinath by Bajra Nabh, the great grand son of Lord Krishna; And with the passing of times disappearance of this glorious heritage under the earth Dwapar Yug On the behest of Mahaprabhuji Arrival of Shri Madhu Pandit in Vrindavan; Discovery of Vrindavan Dham by Chaitanya Mahaprabhuji Kalyug Around or After the year 1502 Manifestation of of Radha-Gopinath to Shri Madhu Pandit from under the Vanshi Vat, Vrindavan Around or after the year 1503 Construction of Red Stone Temple  near Nidhi-Van by Raja Raayasal Darbari of  Shekhavt clan Around or after  the year 1573  Stay  of Lord Radha-Gopinath in Vrindavan till year 1669 Stay of Thakur at Radha Kund and Kama (Kamvan) From 1669 till  1775 Arrival in Jaipur Savan Budi 13, Saturday, year 1775 Stay at Madho Vilas, Jaipur till 1792 Arrival at the Present Temple Premises and stay thereafter Kartik Shukla 6, Thursday, year 1792 back to top             The Temple Shri Gopi Nathji Maharaj  is a self sustained, independent Thikana (ENTITY).  Thakur Gopinathji Maharaj HIMSELF being a Perpetual Minor, the Mahant is sole  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 Gopinathji Maharaj !   The Rulers of erstwhile Jaipur State always held the Deity in high esteem.   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 Mahant Shri Ballabh Lal Goswami and  contnues to his son Shri Siddartha Goswami. back to top         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 !

back to top        

The Robes are primarily divided in Winter Wears & Summer Wears.   Winter wears are known as "Jama Paushak" – generally made of cotton / silk / Fibre / Parcha (a special ornamental festive fibre).  Summer Wears include 'Dhoti-Dupatta' made of cotton, voil, malmal and silk. 

 A decorative shining material called 'Gota' (prepared from gold / silver /any other metal or other shining material fibres) is usually applied to the robes.

The dresses also differ on the festive & auspicious days as follows:    

     1. Ekadashi (a fast day):           Natwar –Vesh Paushak in blood red colour

                                                     with 'gota',

     2. Poornima (full moon day):   White Apparels with 'gota'  on Sharad -

                                                     Poornima, it is in silver parcha.   And

                                                     On Ras Poornima, it is in golden parcha

                                                     (Jama Paushaks)

    3. Amavasya(moon less night): Black Apparels with 'gota'

    4. Hindi 'Chaitra' Month          : Apparels made from real flower buds with

                                                      flower-decorated wooden frames ( Buds of

                                                      Mogra, Rai-bel, Rajnigandha & Flowers of  

                                                      Rose etc.)

*THE ORNAMENTS & CROWNS (xgus o eqdqV)*

        ( Golden and / or Silver Metal with Jewels)

Ekadashi : Inclined Mukut (Head Cap),  Singa (fcxqy tSlk ), Chhari

                 (stick), Bansi (Flute), Kundal (Earings),

                 Chik (Neck Ornament), Hand Bangles,

                 Hath Phool, Haar, Locket Haar, Kamar

                 Peti (Waist Band), Eye Brow, Tilak, Kiran,                      

                 Kara (Leg-Bangle), etc.

Poornima:  Different type of Mukut (crown), Chhari (stick), Bansi, Kundal,

                  Hath Phool, Tilak, Kiran, Chik, Bangle, Kamar Peti, Kara,

  Locket-Haar, Eyebrow etc.

Amavasya: Different type of Mukut and other ornaments as above.

           * Shringar *

After Mangla Jhanki, the make-up of all the SACRED IDOLS is done by the Pujaris

( iqtkjh  ) in the  following sequence:

    1.  Bath is given with holy water.  In winter warm water is used.

    2.  Dresses are changed

    3.  Saffron & Sandal Makeup (dslj &panu ls J`axkj) is done

    4.  Ornaments are put on

    5.  Finally Real Flower Garlands ( rose, raibel etc.) are put on.

And then the "Dhoop Jhanki" is opened.  The make up remains the same till Sandhya Jhanki in the evening.

After closing of "Sandhya Jhanki", the ornaments are taken off and the saffron-sandal make up is removed.

Different dresses for night  are  changed (vksykbZ iks'kkd).  Thereafter "Shayan Jhanki" is opened.

After close of Shyan Jhanki, the Pujaris come out of Garbha Graha.  The doors are closed & sealed.    The temple doors are closed.

For the convenience of the visitors/ 'darshanarthis'/pilgrims, from Dhoop Jhanki to Shayan Jhanki, the Office in the temple premises remains open   which as well looks after and maintains the daily  activities.

As per Hindi Samvat Year, the following traditional festivals are celebrated:

Month of Chaitra: 1. From Chaitra Sudi 1 (Pratipada) to Chaitra Sudi 9

   ( March-April-May )              (Navmi): Navratra

                                         2. Chaitra Sudi 1 (1st day of Samvat Year,i.e.,New     

                                             Year Day):Indian New Year  Day; Worship of

                                             Elephants.                                

                                         3.Chaitra Sudi 3 (Teej) :  Sinjara – The famous             

                                            Gangaur Festival

                                         4.Chaitra Sudi 9 (Navmi): Ram Navmi; The Birth

 1                                         Day of Lord Shri Ram

                                         5.From Chaitra Sudi 12 (Dwadashi) to Baisakh

                                            Sudi 8 (Ashtami): Mesh Sankranti

                                         6.On Chaitra Sudi 11 (Ekadashi): Phool Bangla

                                            (Flower Decoration),

                                            Decoration with Rose Flowers

                                         7.From Chaitra Sudi 15 (Poornima-the full moon

                                            day) to Baisakh Sudi 15 (poornima):

                                           "Sheetal Bhog": Sheetal –Thal Bhog is offered.

Month of Baisakh  & Jyestha :

   ( April-May-June &

     May-June-July )           1. Baisakh Sudi 3 (Akshaya Tritiya). Chandan -

                                          Yatra.  Saffron & Sandal Paste is applied to the

 2                                       Divine Holy Images.

                                       2. Baisakh Sudi 14 (Chaturdashi) –

                                           Narsingh Jayanti: Pakhal Bhog is offered.          

                                                    3.  Baisakh Sudi 15 (Poornima) to Jyeshtha Sudi 13

                                                         (Trayodashi): Jalyatra;  The Divine Holy Images are

                                                         ornamentally decorated with real flowers and placed

                                                         under the water showers amidst different fountains (ty fogkj)

3                                    4.Jyestha Sudi 15 (Poornima): Snan Yatra (Luku

                        ;k=k); A holly bath is given(vfHk"ksd) with Saffron+

                                          Rose Water+Cow Milk+Honey+Curd+Ghee+            

                                          Boora(dust sugar)+Itra (b=).  Thereafter Bhog of

                                          various dishes  is offerred.

Month of Asharh:1.Asharh Sudi 2 (Dooj): Rath Yatra; Thakur shri

  ( June-July-August )             Gaur Govind (the holy Ashtadhatu Image of Lord

                                            Chaitanya  Mahaprabhuji) is placed in the chariot

4                                         and taken to circumambulation(ifjdzek). Vaishnava

                                            Mandli follows  Dancing &  Enchanting  "Harinam Sankirtan"

                                            After taking 3  rounds of the main temple, the chariot        

                                            enters the Garbh Graha from the main entrance.

                                         2.Asharh Sudi 11(ekadashi):Devshayani Ekadashi

                                            Thakur Saligramji is  placed  in the  chariot  and 

                                            taken to the "Tulsi"(Brinda Devi) stand.  After

                                            Abhishek, Thakur Saligramji comes back.

                                         3.Asharh Sudi 15 (Poornima): Guru Poornima;

                                            The Disappearance(frjksHko) ceremony of Shri Pad

                                            Sanatan Goswami is celebrated.

Month of Shravan:    1.From Shravan Sudi 2(dooj) to Shravan Sudi 15

  (July-Aug.-Sep.)                 (poornima):The Festival Of Swings (fgaMksyk mRlo);

                                           Thakurji takes the ride on the Swings.

 5                             2.Shravan Sudi 3 (teej): Ghewar (a special sweet

                                           dish) bhog is offerred.

                                        3.Shravan Sudi 15(Poornima):Raksha Bandhan;

                                           The Rakhis (various ornamental strings) are tied

                                           to the wrists of the divine holy images. On this

                                           day the sisters tie "Rakhi"  on  the  wrists of their

                                           brothers to save them from any sort of dangers.

Month of Bhadrapad:  1.Bhadva Budi 8 & 9 (Ashtmi & Navmi):   

  ( Aug-Sep-Oct )                Shri Krishna Janmashtmi, the main festival of

                                         the year; Celebrations of Lord Kirshna's Birth are

 6                              made on Ashtami & Nandotsava on Navmi.

                                         Shobha Yatra(a huge procession through the

                                         Main markets of the City) takes place on Navmi

                                         evening.

                                      2.Bhadva Sudi 8 (ashtami):Radha Ashtami; The

                                         festival of the birth of Adhya Shakti Radha Rani is

                                         celebrated   and   Chhapan   Bhog (dishes of

                                         minimum 56 varieties) are offerred to the deity.

                                      3.Bhadva Sudi 15 (Poornima):

                                         Shrimad Bhagwatotsava;   Bhagwat   Katha

                                         Ayojan (Holy discourses on Shrimad Bhagwatji)

Month of Ashvin:        1.From Asoj Sudi 1(ekam) to Asoj Sudi 9 (Navmi):

 ( Sep-Oct-Nov ):                 Navratra Sthapna;  Navratra Celebrations.

                                     2.Asoj Sudi 10 (Dashmi): Vijaya Dashmi or Dashahara Celebrations

 7                              Kheer Bhog (Sweet Dish made with Rice & Milk) is offerred.

                                      3.Asoj Sudi 15(Poornima): Sharad Poornima

                                         Celebrations;  A special additional "Jhanki"

                                         (Darshan) is opened after the rising of Moon  and

                                        "Kheer Bhog" is offerred & distributed to the devotees.

                                       4.From Asoj Sudi 15(Poornima) to Kartik Sudi 15

                                         (Poornima):Aakashi Deepak;  After evening, every

                                         day "Aakashi Deepak"(a holy heavenly Lamp) is lighted.

Month of Kartik:         1.From Asoj Sudi 15(Poornima) to Kartik Sudi 15(Main

 ( Oct-Nov-Dec )                  Punctual Sewa Pooja Month); Damodar Bhog (Malpua-Kheer)

                                         is offered daily.

 8                            2.Kartik Budi 15 (Amavasya):Deepawali Celebrations

                                      3.Kartik Sudi 1 (Pratipada): Annakut Celebrations;

                                        "Chhappan Bhog" are offered on this day.

                                      4.Kartik Sudi 8 (Ashtami): Gopashtami;

                                        The Holy "Cow"  ( xkS ekrk )  is worshipped

                                      5.Kartik Sudi 15 :(End of Punctual Sewa Pooja Month)

                                         Ras Poornima Celebrations with special additional

                                        Jhanki-Darshan; After Moon-Rise, "Kheer Bhog" is offered.

 Month of Marg-Sheersha (Mangsar) & Paush (ikS"k) :

( Nov-Dec-Jan &          1.Mangasar Sudi 12 (Dwadashi):Vyanjan Dwadashi

  Dec-Jan-Feb )                 Celebrations; Special Bhog is offered in a Special

                                       Jhanki.    In all the Jhankis, a special "Kapoor Aarti"

 9                            (Aarti with Camphor) is done.   Throughout  this whole

                                       month in the Mangla Jhanki, holy bath (Abhishek) is

                                       given to the deities daily  

                                     2.Mangsar  Sudi 15 to Paush  Sudi 15   ( Poornima ) :

                                        Paush Khichdi Bhog (both Sweet & Saline) is offered.

10                               3.Paush Budi 1 (Ekam) to Paush Sudi 15 (Poornima) :

                                       Paush Bada Bhog made of Chaulai Dal (a pulse) is

                                       offered & then prasadi distributed among  the devotees

Month of Magh:    1.Magh Budi 7(Saptami):Posh Sankranti(Mah Magh 

 ( Jan-Feb-Mar )                Punyakal,i.e., sacred period of time of the month of            

                                       Magh ).  Makar  Sankranti  is celebrated on Magh  Budi  

 11                                 Saptami.  On this day "Til (a cereal)  Bhog" is offered.

                                         2.Magh Sudi 1 (Pratipada) to Magh Sudi 15

                                       (Poonam):Peen Ka Laddoo (A sweet dish made from

                                       rice-flour & dust of sugar) is offered.

                                    3.Magh Sudi  5 (Panchami): Basant  Panchami  

                                       Celebrations (Patotsav);  The ceremonies of holy

                                       bathing (Abhishek of Thakur Shri Govind Devji) &

                                       worship of Devi Saraswati  ( goddess of intelligence &

                                       education ),  take place.  All  Basanti  Paridhan

                                       ( yellow colour robes ) are put on by the deities . 

                                       Thereafter, Bhog as usual is offered.

                                    4. Magh Sudi 7 ( Saptami ):   Bhanu  Saptami

                                       (Surya Saptami);The"Advityacharya Mahaprabhu Jayanti" is

                                       celebrated

                                    5.Magh Sudi 13 ( Trayodashi ):

                                       Nityananda  Mahaprabhu  Patotsava Ceremonies

                                       take place.  Kheer & Malpua Bhog is offered.

Month of Falgun:      1.Falguni Budi 14 (Chaudas): Maha Shiv Ratri

   ( Feb-Mar-April )            Celebrations: Pooja-Aarti done by the Temple

                                       Management in Mandir Shri Gopeshwar Mahadeo.

12                               2.From Falgun Budi 10 (Dashmi) to Falguni Sudi 15       

                                       (Poornima): Rachna Fagotsava / Holika Utsava;

                                       From Falgun Budi Dashmi "Rachna Fagotsava

                                       Jhankis are made using special type of dust colours;

                                       Cultural Programmes are organised on Falgun Sudi

                                       Ashtami, Navmi & Dashmi;  

                                       From Ekadashi to Chaudas and  Poornima,

                                       Fagotsava – the Festival of of  "Holi"  is celebrated.

                                       Bhog is offerred as usual .

                                    3.Falguni Sudi 11 (Ekadashi): Aanwala Ekadashi

                                       ( vkWaoyk ,dkn'kh ); Worship of Aanwala ( vkWaoyk ) plant

        is done in temple campus.

                                    4.Falgun Sudi 15 ( Poornima ) :

                                       Shri Gaurang  Mahaprabhu  Patotsava celebrations;

                                       In the evening 'Holy Bath' (Abhishek) is given to the

                                       Image of Maha Prabhuji and the "Panchamrit" is

                                       distributed  to all Devotees.

                *Sewa Paddati*

Mandir Govind Devji Maharaj is a Madhaviya Gauriya Sampradaya Temple. Madhaviya Gauriya Sampradaya has its origin in Bengal and was founded by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.    All the Temples & Devotional Centres of this Sampradaya (Sect) follow the  rituals, principles & system laid down in the Bengali Scriptures  such as :

                    1.Hari Bhakti Vilas, written by Shrimad Gopal Bhatt Goswami, "Goureshvacharya"

                    2.Purohit Darpana, compiled by Pandit Surendra Mohan Bhattacharya

The established routine system of Sewa (lsok) is known as 'Ashta-yam Sewa' in which Nine Jhankis are opened daily for the public.  There are set Hymns (Hktu & dhrZu) for each Jhanki linked to the theme & emotions inherent to that Jhanki. These are either in Hindi or in Bengali.  When the "Kirtan" is at it's height, it is a live experience of the presence of that OMNIPRESENT HIMSELF.  HE  Says:

It is a deep divine experience to see the devotees fondly singing these hymns with rhyme & rhythm.  One gets absorbed in the same !