Famous Krishna Temples in India

Temples to Lord Krishna are found across every part of India, but a handful stand apart because of their connection to episodes of his life, their deep antiquity, or the distinct devotional traditions built around them.

Mathura and Vrindavan — the Land of Krishna

Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura — Mathura is revered as Krishna's birthplace, and the present temple complex stands at the site traditionally identified as King Kansa's prison cell, where Krishna is believed to have been born. The site has gone through cycles of destruction and rebuilding over the centuries, and the current structure dates to the 20th century. A historic mosque stands adjacent to the complex, the subject of a long-running legal dispute that remains active in Indian courts today.

Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan — Tradition holds that the deity was revealed at Nidhivan through the devotion of Swami Haridas, revered as the guru of the legendary musician Tansen. The present temple building dates to the 19th century. It follows an unusual practice — no conch or bell is sounded, and the deity's gaze is considered so powerful that priests draw a curtain across it every few moments rather than leave it open continuously.

Shri Govind Dev Temple, Vrindavan — Built around 1590 CE by Raja Man Singh I of Amber (Jaipur), the temple is known for its striking fusion of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. It's said to have originally risen seven storeys, with the upper floors dismantled during a later phase of Mughal rule; the original deity was moved to Jaipur for safekeeping, where it is still worshipped today near the City Palace.

Shri Madan Mohan Temple, Vrindavan — Built around 1580 CE by Krishna Das Kapoor, a merchant from Multan, under the guidance of Sanatana Goswami, one of the six principal Goswamis. It's counted among Vrindavan's oldest surviving temples. The original deity was moved to Karauli in Rajasthan for safekeeping during Aurangzeb's reign, and continues to be worshipped there today.

Dwarka and Puri

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka (Gujarat) — Set in the city traditionally believed to be Krishna's ancient capital, this temple is one of the four Char Dham. Full details are covered in this site's guide, "Char Dham: A Complete Guide."

Jagannath Temple, Puri (Odisha) — Here, Vishnu is worshipped as Jagannath, a form of Krishna, and it too is part of the Char Dham. Its full history and the world-famous Rath Yatra are covered in this site's dedicated article, "Jagannath Temple: History & Rath Yatra."

Other Major Krishna Temples

Guruvayur Temple (Kerala) — According to legend, the idol here was installed by Guru (Brihaspati) and Vayu (the wind god) on Krishna's own instruction, giving the temple its name. It's counted among Kerala's oldest and most revered Vaishnava shrines.

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha (Karnataka) — Founded in the 13th century by Madhvacharya, the propounder of Dvaita Vedanta. Its most distinctive tradition is the "Kanakana Kindi" (Kanaka's Window) — legend holds that the saint-poet Kanakadasa, once denied entry on caste grounds, was granted a vision when the idol miraculously turned to face him through a rear window; devotees still view the deity through this same window today.

Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara (Rajasthan) — The image of Shrinathji was originally enshrined on Govardhan hill in Braj. In the late 17th century, during Mughal rule, it was moved for safety and installed here under the protection of Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar — giving the town its name, Nathdwara, "the gate of the Lord." It is the principal centre of the Pushtimarg tradition founded by Vallabhacharya.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lord Krishna traditionally believed to have been born?

In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, where the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple stands today.

Why aren't conches or bells sounded at Banke Bihari Temple?

Tradition holds that the deity's gaze is so powerful that priests draw a curtain across it every few moments instead of leaving it open continuously, and conches or bells are avoided for the same reason.

What is the "Kanakana Kindi" tradition at Udupi?

It's the window through which the saint Kanakadasa received darshan after the idol miraculously turned toward him. Devotees still view the deity through this same window today.

How did the Shrinathji idol reach Nathdwara?

It was moved from Govardhan hill in Braj during the late 17th century, under Mughal rule, for safety, and installed at its present site in Mewar.

Where can I read more about Dwarkadhish and Jagannath Temple?

This site's "Char Dham: A Complete Guide" and "Jagannath Temple: History & Rath Yatra" articles cover both in full detail.