Pagal Baba Temple, Vrindavan - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Pagal Baba Temple

At a distance of 3 Km from Vrindavan Railway Station, Pagal Baba Temple is a beautiful and magnificent temple located in Vrindavan. Situated on Mathura - Vrindavan road, this temple is devoted to Lord Krishna. Known for its unique blend of spirituality and architectural splendor, the temple stands as an epitome of devotion to Lord Krishna, and it was founded by a saint affectionately called Pagal Baba. This is one of the prime temples to visit as part of the Mathura - Vrindavan tour packages.

History of Pagal Baba Temple

The Pagal Baba Temple was built by Shri Sheela Nand Ji Maharaj, a former judge of the Calcutta High Court who gave up his position in search of spiritual enlightenment. He was said to be a wandering ascetic who roamed the streets of Mathura clad in tattered robes, his unkempt hair and beard flowing freely as he chanted hymns and danced in ecstatic rapture. His unique behavior and profound devotion led to him being called 'Pagal Baba,' which translates to 'Mad Saint.' With the help of his followers, he founded this splendid temple in 1969, which has since emerged as a symbol of faith for devotees around the globe.

Mythology of Pagal Baba Temple

The Pagal Baba Temple in Vrindavan is enveloped in a rich tapestry of mystery and devotion. According to legend, there was a poor Brahmin who was a devoted follower of Sri Banke Bihari Ji. He had borrowed a small sum of money from a mahajan and was repaying it gradually each month. When only the final installment remained, the mahajan issued a court notice claiming that the loan had not been fully repaid, demanding the entire amount along with interest. The Brahmin approached the moneylender in an attempt to resolve the issue, but the moneylender refused to listen, leading to the matter being taken to court.

During the court proceedings, the Brahmin recounted his situation to the judge, stating that he had repaid all but one installment to the moneylender. The judge inquired if there were any witnesses who could confirm the payments made to the mahajan. After a moment of contemplation, the Brahmin replied, 'Banke Bihari will bear witness to my claims.' This statement astonished everyone present, yet, out of consideration for the Brahmin, the judge requested the address of Banke Bihari Ji and sent a notice to the temple.

The Brahmin presented the summons before the idol, declaring, 'Banke Bihari, you must appear in court to testify on my behalf.' On the day of the testimony, an elderly man indeed appeared before the judge, affirming that he had been present when the Brahmin made the payments. He also confirmed the timing of the repayments. Upon reviewing the moneylender's records, the judge found the testimony to be accurate. Consequently, the Brahmin was exonerated and left the court with great respect.

The Judge was really confused after whatever happened in the court, and to clear out his turmoil, he asked the Brahmin about the old man. The Brahmin responded, 'He was my Banke Bihari Ji. He came to rescue me and my unwavering faith in him.' The Judge then asked, 'Where does he reside?' The Brahmin replied that he exists everywhere, within you and within me. Subsequently, the Judge chose to resign from his position and departed from his home in search of Thakur. After many years of effort, he ultimately arrived in Vrindavan, seeking the one and only Thakur Ji. He tirelessly roamed about, seeking the whereabouts of Banke Bihari Ji, and before long, the locals began to refer to him as 'Pagal Baba.' With the assistance of devotees, he constructed a temple dedicated to Banke Bihari Ji, which became renowned as the Pagal Baba Temple in Vrindavan.

Architecture of Pagal Baba Temple

Built with white marble, the Pagal Baba Temple showcases a contemporary yet magnificent Nagara-style architecture that is visually striking both inside and out. Built in 1969, this temple is a nine-storey structure, with each level dedicated to a different Dham honoring deities such as Lord Shiva, Maa Durga Dham, Shri Radha Krishna, Shri Ganesh Ji, Shri Krishna Balram Dham, and Shri Ram, among others. What distinguishes this temple from others in Vrindavan is its dramatic representation of Lord Krishna's life through automated robotic performances, bringing mythology to life for both devotees and visitors. Additionally, the temple is renowned for its puppet show on the ground floor, where puppets enact scenes from the epic tales of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Festivals of Pagal Baba Temple

Pagal Baba Temple serves as a significant hub for the observance of various Hindu festivals, especially those associated with Lord Krishna and Radha, such as Janmashtami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. This festivals feature special prayers, ceremonies, and events that draw a considerable number of devotees. Holi, known as the festival of colors, is another significant festival celebrated here with lively colors and cultural performances.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Pagal Baba Temple

Pagal Baba Mandir in Vrindavan has a dress code that mandates visitors to don modest and traditional clothing. Men are expected to wear long pants, or dhotis along with shirts or kurtas, whereas women should opt for sarees, salwar kameez, or other forms of Indian attire that adequately cover the shoulders and knees. It is advisable to refrain from wearing Western garments such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

Generally, non-Hindus are allowed to visit Pagal Baba Temple. However, there may be restrictions on accessing certain areas or participating in specific rituals.

Pagal Baba Temple Timings

Monday: 5 AM - 11:30 AM & 3 PM - 9 PM in summer & 6 AM - 12 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Tuesday: 5 AM - 11:30 AM & 3 PM - 9 PM in summer & 6 AM - 12 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Wednesday: 5 AM - 11:30 AM & 3 PM - 9 PM in summer & 6 AM - 12 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Thursday: 5 AM - 11:30 AM & 3 PM - 9 PM in summer & 6 AM - 12 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Friday: 5 AM - 11:30 AM & 3 PM - 9 PM in summer & 6 AM - 12 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Saturday: 5 AM - 11:30 AM & 3 PM - 9 PM in summer & 6 AM - 12 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter
Sunday: 5 AM - 11:30 AM & 3 PM - 9 PM in summer & 6 AM - 12 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM in winter

Pagal Baba Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Pagal Baba Temple

The best time to visit Pagal Baba Temple in Vrindavan is from October to March. During this period, the climate is pleasant, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple and participate in the festivities. For individuals wishing to experience the temple at its most spiritually enriching, it is recommended to schedule your visit during the Janmashtami festival, which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and generally takes place in August/September. Another favorable occasion to visit the temple is Holi, the festival of colors, which typically happens in March. Vrindavan endures extremely hot summers and heavy monsoons, rendering those months less suitable for travel and exploration.

How to Reach Pagal Baba Temple

Agra Airport is the closest airport, which is 70 Km away from Vrindavan. Vrindavan has a Railway Station but Mathura is the major railhead, which is about 13 Km away. Mathura Junction Railway Station is a major rail head with regular train services to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Vizag, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Trivandrum, Shirdi, Jammu Tawi, Chennai, Hubli, Goa, Patna, Lucknow, Bangalore and Chhattisgarh. Vrindavan is also well connected by road with Mathura, Agra, Jaipur, Lucknow, Delhi, Indore and Allahabad. One can reach Pagal Baba Temple by hiring a cab, or an auto-rickshaw from all parts of Vrindavan.