We had been pretty unsure about opening and closing timings of Krishna Temples after our experiences at Dwarka where temple is closed on more than 08 occasions in a single day, presumably for 'bhog'. So, we went to Vrindavan with apprehensions in mind despite double checks at the internet sites.
Well, it turned out to be Not Bad as far as timings were concerned, especially at Mathura (except four hours long break at ISKCON, Vrindavan and where crowds swell up during the time and hawkers and vendors do brisk business every single day (someone's gain is some one else's loss)).
So, just a glimpse with pics and captions..... BUT remember, no cameras allowed inside Krishna Janambhoomi complex at Mathura. So, here are few before that and after that temple...
India shines, though in patches.... the Yamuna Expressway!
A neat, well -kept complex of ISKCON but they have a long lunch break
The signboard
While waiting for the temple to open, some fruitful use of time
These guys make a killing during 'closing' hours of ISKCON complex
The Presiding dieties
The main quadrangular.... gets too crowded for first half an hour after opening in the evening!
A piece of art
The bridge
Czia and her book on Krishna
Meditating amidst not very quiet settings!
Not using camera inside the main Janambhoomi complex (Mathura) was more than compensated by orderly darshans inside. The complex is huge and with fencing separating it from a disputed structure; both live on side by side. We had good 'langar' there that had been organised by someone (May he be blessed). But the shoe stands guys, despite notices everywhere, telling us not to pay tips, do look at you with lots of hopes (ignore those looks... they are all well-paid).
They are very strict about stuff like cameras, mobiles, matchboxes, cigarettes not entering the complex and to that extent, they search you pretty well and at more than one places. However, they also provide you with a good locker/cloak room; so it is OK. A recent addition of a cave (artificial one) is, however, an eye sore! Parking is an issue too but it is manageable.
Back to Vrindavan......the worst part is the simple fact that GOVERDHAN does not exit, as a hill, at least. But they have a huge parikrama marked and devotees walk around the imaginary hill that is not visible nor does it exist; the area is actually covered by buildings and localities instead.
......... life goes on as parikrama goes on there! it happens
