Sri Gopeshwar Mahadev Mandir – timings, location & how to reach
Gopeshwar Mahadev Mandir near Vanshi Vat in Vrindavan is the shrine of Shiva as a gopi, about 13 km from Mathura Junction. Entry is free; in the evening the Shivling is dressed in a gopi's shringar.
- LocationVanshi Vat, Goda Vihar, Vrindavan
- Darshan timingsWinter: about 4 AM–12 PM & 4–8:30 PM. Summer: about 3:30–11:30 AM & 5–9 PM
- Time needed30 minutes
- Entry feeFree
- From Mathura JunctionAbout 13 km (35–40 min)
- Best time to visitEvening shringar, when Shiva is dressed as a gopi; Mahashivratri
Like most Braj temples, timings change between summer and winter and on festival days. Please confirm with us on the day of your visit.
About Sri Gopesvara Mahadeva Mandir
Sri Gopesvara Mahadeva Mandir is one of the most revered and ancient temples in Vrindavan, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated near Vamshi Vat and close to the sacred Yamuna River, this temple holds profound significance in the Vaishnava tradition. The temple enshrines a Shiva Linga, believed to have been established by Vrajanabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. What sets this temple apart is the unique depiction of Lord Shiva in the form of a Gopi, symbolizing his deep devotion and desire to participate in Lord Krishna's divine Raas Leela.
According to legend, during the Raas Leela on Sharad Purnima, Lord Shiva wished to join the dance of divine love. However, being male, he was denied entry. Upon the guidance of Vrinda Devi, he took a dip in the Yamuna River and emerged in the form of a Gopi. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Krishna named him Gopesvara, the guardian of the Gopis. This temple beautifully represents the confluence of masculine and feminine energies, with the Shiva Linga worshipped in its original form during the day and adorned as a Gopi in the evening.
Braj Bhoomi Tour and Travels includes Sri Gopesvara Mahadeva Mandir in its curated itineraries, ensuring devotees experience the spiritual essence of Vrindavan. Our packages provide comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and ample time for darshan and participation in temple rituals, making your pilgrimage both meaningful and memorable.
Book a Darshan Tour – Short Trips
Done in a day – private cab, driver and darshan plan included
Address:
Wanshivat, Near Temple, Goda Vihar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, 281121, India
Sri Gopesvara Mahadeva Mandir- Darshan & Aarti Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 4:00 am – 12:00 pm | 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Winter) 3:30 am – 11:30 am | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Summer) |
| Tuesday | 4:00 am – 12:00 pm | 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Winter) 3:30 am – 11:30 am | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Summer) |
| Wedesday | 4:00 am – 12:00 pm | 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Winter) 3:30 am – 11:30 am | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Summer) |
| Thursday | 4:00 am – 12:00 pm | 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Winter) 3:30 am – 11:30 am | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Summer) |
| Friday | 4:00 am – 12:00 pm | 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Winter) 3:30 am – 11:30 am | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Summer) |
| Saturday | 4:00 am – 12:00 pm | 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Winter) 3:30 am – 11:30 am | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Summer) |
| Sunday | 4:00 am – 12:00 pm | 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Winter) 3:30 am – 11:30 am | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Summer) |
Sri Gopesvara Mahadeva Mandir - Distance From Mathura Railway Station and Bus Stand
| Place Distance | Distance | Apporex Time Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Mathura Railway Station | 13.2 Km | 40 min |
| New Mathura Bus Stand | 12.1 Km | 37 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Gopesvara Mahadeva Mandir is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Vrindavan, dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, Lord Shiva desired to witness Lord Krishna's divine Raas Leela. To do so, he took the form of a gopi with the blessing of Vrinda Devi and was thus named "Gopesvara" by Lord Krishna. This temple symbolizes the deep connection between Shaivism and Vaishnavism, highlighting Lord Shiva's devotion to Lord Krishna.
The temple is located near Vamshi Vata in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, close to the holy Yamuna River. It is approximately 12 km from Mathura Junction Railway Station. Visitors can reach the temple by hiring a taxi or taking an auto-rickshaw from Mathura. The narrow lanes leading to the temple are best navigated on foot or by cycle rickshaw.
The temple is open daily with no entry fee. Timings vary by season:
Summer: 3:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Winter: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Mangala Aarti is performed at 3:30 AM in summer and 4:00 AM in winter.
A distinctive feature of this temple is the evening ritual where the Shiva Linga is adorned as a gopi, reflecting Lord Shiva's transformation to partake in the Raas Leela. This shringar ceremony is a unique blend of devotion and tradition, attracting many devotees.
The ideal time to visit is between October and December or February and April, when the weather is pleasant. Visiting during Sharad Purnima is especially significant, as it commemorates the night of the Raas Leela.
Plan for 30 minutes. Very busy on Shivratri and Shravan Mondays.
It is about 13 km (35–40 min) from Mathura Junction railway station; from Banke Bihari Temple it is about 1.5 km. All our Mathura Vrindavan cab packages include pickup from Mathura Junction, Delhi or Agra.
You can easily cover Banke Bihari Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Imlitala Temple, Seva Kunj on the same trip.
Legend says Shiva came to join Krishna's Raas Leela and was allowed in only as a gopi – a story unique to Vrindavan.
Modest clothing; follow the priests' guidance for jal abhishek.
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