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Jugal Kishore Temple, Vrindavan: a 1627 temple by Keshi Ghat
Jugal Kishore Temple stands at the lower end of Vrindavan, a minute from Keshi Ghat on the Yamuna, which is why locals often call it the Keshi Ghat temple. Completed in 1627, it is one of the four temples built after Akbar's visit to Vrindavan in 1570. It is a red sandstone building with a tall curving tower, usually with almost no one around. No official timings are published.
One of four temples permitted after Akbar came to Vrindavan in 1570, and the one that came through the Aurangzeb years in better shape than its sisters. Completed in 1627 at the lower end of town, so close to the river steps that locals simply call it the Keshi Ghat temple. Red sandstone, a tall curving shikhara (the tower over the sanctum) and, most days, almost no one: a heritage building to stand in front of rather than a shrine to queue for. Best folded into an evening walk along the ghats next door.
Four centuries of sandstone a minute from Keshi Ghat, and rarely more than a few people
History
After the Mughal emperor Akbar came to Vrindavan in 1570, four temples were permitted in the town. Jugal Kishore, completed in 1627, is one of them, and of the four it came through the reign of Aurangzeb in better shape than its sisters.
Jugal Kishore means "the youthful couple": it is counted among Vrindavan's Radha Krishna temples. The building is a Monument of National Importance protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (N-UP-A196).
What to see
The temple is built of red sandstone, with a tall, curving shikhara (the tower over the sanctum). It is a heritage building to stand in front of and walk around rather than a shrine with a queue, and most days you will have it nearly to yourself.
Keshi Ghat next door
Keshi Ghat is one of the main bathing ghats on the Yamuna in Vrindavan. It is named after Keshi, the horse-demon sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna; in the Bhagavata Purana Krishna thrusts his arm into the horse's mouth and chokes him, and this is held to be the place. The temple fits naturally into an evening walk along the ghats.
Timings and entry
No temple trust or government page publishes hours for Jugal Kishore, and India GO has none confirmed, so the card above shows none. Entry is free. Daylight is the time to see the building; as at any temple in Vrindavan, be ready to take off your shoes if you go in, and dress modestly.
❓ FAQ
Where is Jugal Kishore Temple?
At the lower end of Vrindavan, a minute from Keshi Ghat on the Yamuna.
How old is Jugal Kishore Temple?
It was completed in 1627, almost four hundred years ago.
What are the timings of Jugal Kishore Temple?
No official timings are published. Visit in daylight; entry is free.
Is Jugal Kishore Temple crowded?
Rarely. Most days only a few people are there.