Sewa Kunj Mandir in Vrindavan
About Sewa Kunj
Address: Vatsalya Gram, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, 281121
Entry Timings: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: No entry fees
Sewa Kunj, also known as Nikunja Vana, was among the twelve small forest groves of Vrindavan, known as upavanas. Seva Kunj gets its name because Lord Krishna used to perform selfless service (Seva) for Radha, assisting her in preparing for the Raas Leela. Seva Kunj has some small paths, and a couple of them run close to its walls. The main part of this temple has a raised platform, like those seen in homes during Navratri. Interestingly, it looks like a bed, suggesting that Seva Kunj might be the last resting spot for Radha and Krishna. On the top of this platform, there is a painting of Radha and Krishna. The temple walls are adorned with murals showing Radha and Krishna engaged in the Rasleela and dancing with the Gopis.
Main Attractions of Sewa Kunj
Every wall in these temples tells a different story about the love between Radha and Krishna. In one picture, Krishna shows his love for Radha by decorating her hair, while in another, he asks a friend to let him talk to Radha. There is also a picture of Krishna gently touching Radha's feet after a dance. These stories still feel alive in the air around Nidhivan.
One painting shows Radha and Krishna celebrating Holi with their friends. Basically, these artworks show how beautiful Nikunj is. Nearby, Lalita Kund is a place where Krishna used his flute to get water for Lalita Sakhi when she was thirsty. Not far from Seva Kunj is the special Lalita Kund. According to legend, Krishna played his flute to help Lalita Devi, a friend of Radha, quench her thirst. Imli Tala, just north of Seva Kunj, has an old tamarind tree that is been there forever. People say Krishna used to relax under this tree, and after separating from Radha, his body would turn into gold. Seva Kunj Temple is decorated every night and get prepared for Lord Radha and Krishna Rasleela with all necessary items. Beautiful paintings ornated here depict Lord Krishna serving Radha Rani with massage on feet. There are Shlokas from Hindu scriptures are inscribed on the wall.
Sewa Kunj Opening and Closing Time
Sewa Kunj temple opening time is 8 am in the morning and closing time is 11 am. It opens again at 5:00 pm in the evening and closing time of Sewa Kunj is 7:30 pm.
| Timings | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM - 07:30 PM | 5:30 PM - 07:30 PM |
Mysteries of Sewa Kunj
The lovely evergreen bushes seem to possess a special ability—they gracefully bend towards the ground, as if paying homage to Lord Krishna. People believe these bushes represent the divine companions of the Almighty, known as sakhis. The temple shuts its gates once the sun sets, and no one is allowed inside after the evening prayer. According to local legend, Radha and Krishna continue their Raas Leela dance, and this mystical performance remains unseen by anyone even today. Surprisingly, even the monkeys, who usually gather around the shrine during the day, disappear once night falls.
History of Sewa Kunj
This grove is where Yugal Sarkar engages in Rasa pastimes. Following the Rasa dance, Krishna lovingly massaged the lotus feet of Radharani, decorated them with red vermillion, styled her long black hair into braids, applied cosmetics to her moon-like face, and dressed her in silk garments and jewel-encrusted ornaments. After the dance, the Gopis would prepare a soft bed of flower petals, inviting Radha and Krishna to rest together. The entire area where these divine pastimes unfold is known as Sewa Kunj.
In the 16th century, Swami Hit Harivansh discovered Seva Kunj and his sampradaya (spiritual tradition) continues to maintain and offer regular worship to the presiding deity in this sacred place. Sometimes, when the Puranas mention Seva Kunja, it means all twelve sub-forests form the innermost core of the expansive Vrindavan forest.
Distance of Sewa Kunj from Railway Station
| Place | Distance | Approx time taken |
|---|---|---|
| Mathura Railway Station | 13 Km | 41 mins |
| New Mathura Bus Stand | 12 Km | 36 mins |
| New Delhi Railway Station | 157 Km | 167 mins |
