Although our temple has numerous departments performing various different services, the main focus is on the deity worship, prasadam distribution, studying and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books, goshala, devotee care and 24 hour kirtan of the holy names of the Lord, and all other functions carried out in the temple are all meant to support and encourage the betterment and success of these key services.

The Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, situated in the Raman Reti area of Vrindavan, holds a special significance for devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This grand temple represents the fulfilled dream of Srila Prabhupada, Founder Acharya of ISKCON, who wished to construct a temple of unparalleled beauty for the worship of the transcendental brothers Krishna and Balaram in the same village where They played more than five thousand years ago. Srila Prabhupada directly oversaw all aspects of design and construction and personally called the Lord to come and accept the worship of His devotees from around the world. He said, “Lord Balaram is the source of spiritual strength, and I have built this temple just to give strength to the devotees”.

Now the scientists are trying to reach the moon planet, but it is very difficult for them to gain entrance, because they do not have a suitable body. But if we enter into the higher planets by this yoga system, then we will get a body suitable for those planets. For every planet there is a suitable body. Otherwise, you cannot enter. For example, although we cannot live in the water with this body, we can live in the water with oxygen tanks--for fifteen or sixteen hours. But the fish, the aquatic animals, have a suitable body--they are living their whole life underwater. And of course, if you take the fish out of the water and put them on the land, they'll die instantly. So you see, even on this planet you have to have a suitable kind of body to live in a particular place. Similarly, if you want to enter into another planet, you have to prepare yourself by getting a particular type of body.

The process for entering into the spiritual sky is also there. By constant engagement in devotional service through the nine process, one’s spiritual body is easily attained.  The nine process are simple and easily done. 

1). Hearing the name and glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead

2). Chanting His glories 

3). Remembering the Lord

4). Serving the Lord’s feet

5). Worshiping the Deity 

6). Offering obeisances to the Lord

To glorify the one hundred, twenty fifth appearance celebration of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srīla Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the International Society Of Krsna Consciousness. The Krsna Balarama Mandir, has completely renovated the museum section of the Samadhi. This extensive project was headed by His Grace Bimal Krishna Prabhu. With his team of expert artist and engineers they fulfilled the vision of Her Grace Mother Paravati, the samadhi director and designer, who selfless cared for Srīla Prabhupada’s samadhī, until her passing 3 years ago. The team spared no effort  and gave complete attention to every detail. 

The beautiful renovation makes this museum the the most valued jewel in the Mathura District.  The diorama figures, exquisitely fashioned, give the feeling the spiritual sky has descended for us all to witness. There is Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and numerous pastimes displayed.  Upon entering the viewer’s breath is taken away by the sublime transcendental display of Radha and Krsna dancing. Srīla Prabhupada’s story unfolds as one wanders throughout the museum. There are perfect replicas of the parampara acayas and the six Goswamis.   One of the Srīla Bhaktisiddhanta’s favorite displays, “Changing Bodies” is exquisite and present on the first floor.  The area has two stories, with plans for doubling the displays in the future. It’s bright, airy and fully air conditioned. 

It’s a place to take your family at least once a year. From the youngest members in your arms to your grandparents, will all appreciate the experience.  After seeing the displays one feels as if they’ve been injected with spiritual energy. In ISKCON’s legionary way there is no charge to see the museum. The hours are daily 9am to 1pm and summertime 4:30pm to 8:45pm, wintertime is 4:00pm to 8:15pm. It’s truly something everyone will want to see.

For twenty one years the Vrindavan Institute of Higher Education has been organizing retreats and seminars for the devotees all over the world.  The last two, years because of covid the retreats were done live, on line. So this year the devotees are particularly enthusiastic to meet again at the sacred place of Govardhan in the association of senior disciples such as HH Giriraja Swami, HH Sacinandana Swami, HG Bhurijana Prabhu and many others.

The Holy Name Retreat begins December 3rd. and goes to the 8th. The retreat continues for five blissful days of glorifying and absorption in the maha mantra. Some days Kirtan goes for 8 hours, one day is spent at Ter Kadamba chanting 64 rounds. Over 250 people are expected to attend the events. Over fifty percent of the attendees come every year.

There is a new guesthouse - Govardhan Retreat Center, with first class facilities. It will be opening with this event. There are three meals served daily. Breakfast offers a popular South Indian style or there is fruit and oatmeal. For lunch the devotees are served two subjis, roti, dal, and a sweet. There are steamed veggies and kitri for the more austere. Evening offers a light snack such as soup and bread.

The Govardhan Retreat begins December 12th. and goes to the 19th. The main topic is Krsna katha. There are many renowned speakers such as; HH Sacinandana Swami, HG Bhurijan Prabhu, HG Jagatrini Mataji, HG Madhavananda Prabhu, and more.  Many devotees say, this is their main spiritual event. A complete saturation of good association, spiritual practice, and in the most transcendental environment.

For more information contact:

VHIE c/o ISKCON Goshala,

Parikrama Marg,

Raman Reti, Vrindavan,

Mathura Dist, 281121

UP, India

Phone: +91 89799 43134

Email: retreats@vhie.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vihe.vrindavan/

The one thing that can be said about the Krsna Balarama restaurant, Govinda’s, is that it’s a busy place. This created a need for a restaurant with more privacy, a more intimate setting and less wait time. A place where one can get served in a timely manner. So now we are happy to introduce the Govinda’s Extension!  A very professional atmosphere, where one can meet with a couple of friends. Over 20 prasadam items to choose from.

The long buffet bar offers Italian, Chinese and Indian.  The hours will be the same as Govinda’s, 8am to 11am and 6pm to 9pm.  You can find it by going up the stairs from the lobby. It’s the first door on the right.

The Krsna Balarama Mandir is happy to offer a facility for the devotees for a variety of needs. A meeting place for between fifteen to fifty people. The room is recently remodeled with hardwood floors and recessed lighting.  Chairs and couches can be provided. It’s a large open room that is privately situated.  There is a large screen for presentations and videos and a full sound system. It’s a quite, secure area and easy to find.

A perfect place for small seminars, parties, birth and wedding announcements.  It will be an ideal place for gurus to hold meetings with their disciples. It next door to The Govinda’s Extension, so prashadam could be had before or after the event.

To reserve this space one can contact Dharmatama Prabhu through his dharmatamadas@gmail.com.