Prem Mandir

A modern marble temple complex founded by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, whose foundation stone was laid on 14 January 2001 and which opened to the public on 17 February 2012 after roughly twelve years of construction by around 1,000 artisans, at a reported cost of 150 crore rupees (about $23 million). Spread across 22 hectares in a blend of Rajasthani, Somnath, and Gujarati architectural styles, its pillar-less central dome hall (about 6,800 square metres) can hold some 25,000 people, and its grounds and inner walls are lined with life-size sculpted scenes depicting Krishna’s childhood pastimes (leela) — including the Jhulan leela, Govardhan leela, Raas leela, and Kaliya Naag leela — alongside scenes from the lives of other saints. It serves as the primary ashram of its founder and has become one of Vrindavan’s most-visited modern pilgrimage sites, known especially for its nightly illuminated fountain and light show.