Gopinath Temple

One of Vrindavan’s oldest and most distinctive temples, Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple, is situated close to Vanshi Vat and the Yamuna River. Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the shape of a Gopeshwar (lingam) that is disguised as a Gopi, is the main deity of the temple.

It is thought that Vrajanabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, built the Shri Gopeshwar lingam. It is one of the few temples in Vrindavan that is devoted to Lord Shiva, where Lord Krishna rules both the people’s thoughts and the physical surroundings of the sacred city.

This temple represents the union of the natural world’s male and female forces.

According to popular belief, Lord Shiva declared his desire to participate in the Raas Leela so that he might taste the joy of the ritual while Lord Krishna, Sri Radha Rani, and the gopis were performing it on the night of Sharad Purnima.

However, because he is a man, Lord Shiva was prevented from doing so by Vrinda Devi. Lord Shiva started meditating and praying to Goddess Radha since he was determined to take part. After entering Sakhi Bhav, she granted him permission to take part in Raas Leela.

After taking a dip in the sacred Yamuna river and emerging as a stunning lady, Lord Shiva was permitted entry into the Raas mandal. As a fervent follower of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna acknowledged him in a female form and gave her the name Gopeshwar.

It is also thought that the Brij Bhoomi gopis worshipped the lingam at the Gopeshwar temple in order to win Lord Krishna as their husband.