Visited Govardhan Ecovillage of ISKON to and also visited Mahalaxmi Temple near Dahanu on 30-Jan-2024 along with 31 senior citizens by an airconditioned bus. The trip was organized by Shreenagar Jeshtha Nagarik Sangh, Thane
Govardhan Ecovillage of ISKON
The village is located at Galtare Village, post Hamarapur, taluka Wada, district Palghar which is about 85 kms. away from Shreenagar, Thane. The temple complex is developed based on the vision of Radhanath Swami. The 85-acres complex is also recognised by United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with an award for sustainable tourism.
We visited the following two main temples before embarking on the Vrindavan Forest Guided Tour, ed Tour:
- Sri Sri Radha Vrindabanbehari Temple is constructed with fine Rajasthani style architecture using red stones and a good example of the rich traditions of Indian Architecture.
- Sri Sri Radha Madanmohan Temple re-constructed in Govardhan Ecovillage is having unique temple structure and design and is the replica of the temple in Vrindavan and the deities are replicas of original deities in Karoli, Rajasthan.
While taking a Vrindavan Forest Guided Tour, we covered the following points, and we were told about the importance of the following places by our tour guide:
- Radha Gokulananda Temple is one of the ‘Seven Goswami Temples’ of Vrindavana and was established by Lokanatha Goswami.
- Radha Gopinath Temple is on the banks of Radhakunda
- Radha Shyamsundar Temple is one of the ‘Seven Goswami Temples’ of Vrindavana and was established by Shyamananda Pandita Goswami
- Radha Govinddeva Temple at Yoga-pitha has main Deities of the Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya,
- Radha Shyamsundar Temple:
- Srila Prabhupada room at Radhadamodar is located adjacent to the temple courtyard, it was here that Srila Prabhupada resided and wrote his first three volumes of Srimad Bhagavatam from 1962 until his voyage to America in 1965.
- 25 Lilasthalis
- Govardhan Hill in the Vrindavan forest is the holy mountain of Govardhana.
The complex is equipped with a good canteen facility known as Shrinathji Café with eating facilities like breakfast/snacks, lunch and Dinner, Goshala, Community Dispensary, a Primary English School, a gift\shop and so on. Free Mahprasad (Meals) is offered free, but one can have meals at reasonable prices as well.
This Day Visit at Govardhan Ecovillage provided an opportunity to all of us to explore the temples and beauty of nature in serene environment.
Mahalaxmi Temple near Dahanu:
On our return to Thane. we visited Mahalaxmi Temple This temple was built by Koli king Jayaba Mukne of Jawhar State in 1306 at the establishment of Jawhar. Earlier, I had visited this temple many times on my entourage to Gujrat. Thiusanda of devotees from Maharashtra and Gujrat visit this temple every year.
Please Click Here to see the photos of the Ecovillage and the Mahalaxmi Temple.
A very satisfying and enjoying day out with energetic senior citizens …!!!
Related Posts:
DY's Blog on Travel & Pilgrimage 