Information of Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple, Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is regarded as one of the oldest temples in Vrindavan. Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to lord Shiv and is located in Vamsivata region of Vrindavan. It is believed that the ShivLinga in Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple was installed by Vajranabha who is the great grandson of lord Krishna. Furthermore, it is also believed that there is a large pipal tree in the area of Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple. The tree is also known as 'kalpavriksya tree' which can satisfy the requests of any devotees.

Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple Religious Significance

Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple enshrines lord Shiv in the form of Gopeshwar, who appears as a big Shiv Linga. Gopeshwar in the temple is dressed in asaree and is appears in its female characteristics. During morning time, several devotees come to Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple in order to see the lord. Some of the devotees also bath him with either milk or water or honey. Devotees also offer worship and pray to the god. It is believed that visiting this temple can remove any pains and wrenchesin life.

Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple Mythology & History

There is a great mythology behind the name Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple. It was believed that long time before, on a pleasant night, lord Krishna was performing Maharasa in the array of Yamuna River near Vrindavan. Lord Shiv, along with his wife goddess Parvati was quite desirous to watch that event. Goddess Parvati was permitted to enter in the ground of Rasalila, but lord Shiv was not allowed because except lord Krishna, no male was permitted to enter. The soul of Rasa is to satisfy goddess Radha as a friend and a male devotee can never develop such friendship and therefore was not considered worthy into entering Rasalila ground. As a consequence, lord Shiv was quite upset being deprived of entering in the arena of Rasalila. It left no choice for lord Shiv, but to wait at the entrance point of Vrindavan and to watch the superb event of spirituality.

However, lord Shiv was quite determined to enter in the arena of Rasalila hence, he started to mediate deeply on Rasheshwari goddess Radha herself. Understanding his determination Vrinda devi elucidated the secret to enter into Rasalila arena to lord Shiv. Lord Shiv was told to take a bath in sacred place of Manasarovar in Yamuna River. By following the guidance of Vrindadevi, lord Shiv take a dip in that river and after coming out from it, he acquired a female body. Lord Shiv then successfully entered into Rasalila, where lord Krishna on observing his new form smiled impishly and called him Gopeshwar. Afterwards, lord Krishna designated the responsibility of Gopeshwar that he should stay always at the entrance of Rasalila as a position of protector that he would only allow those who are fit to enter. From that day, Gopeshwar maintains his loyalty to lord Krishna. Gopeshwar is also regarded as the guardian of Vrindavan and in order to worship the new form of lord Shiv, Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple was established.

Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple Architectural Significance

Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple has scenic architectural beauty which makes it attractive for travellers to visit. It is believed that the form of lord Shiv in Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is known among the divinest of other avatars in other temples. His idol is installed inside the temple in order to honour the relationship between lord Shiv as Gopeshwar and lord Krishna as a form of Gopi.