Vrindavan Today | Bureau Report
12th July, 2026, Vrindavan: The Braj Vrindavan Devalaya Samiti convened a meeting at Panda Wala Kunj, bringing together sevayats (temple custodians) from several prominent temples across Braj to discuss the deteriorating condition of the historic Shri Jugal Kishore Temple at Keshi Ghat, a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The participants expressed deep concern over the inadequate conservation and maintenance of the temple and emphasized the need to ensure convenient access for devotees, pilgrims, tourists, and researchers. The meeting resolved to submit a memorandum to the Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Agra Circle, urging immediate intervention for the preservation of the monument.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Deepak Goswami, sevayat of Bade Dauji Temple, observed that despite being protected by the ASI, the temple remains neglected due to inadequate maintenance. He stressed that such an important heritage monument deserves regular care and scientific conservation.
Shri Gopesh Goswami, sevayat of Banke Bihari Temple, pointed out that the temple’s main entrance remains closed for most of the day, depriving devotees, visitors, and scholars of the opportunity to have darshan and appreciate one of Vrindavan’s most significant historical monuments.
Goswami Krishnanand Bhatt, Peethadheeshwar of Lalita Peeth, Uncha Gaon (Barsana), demanded that the temple be opened to the public for at least four hours every day and that a dedicated caretaker be appointed to oversee its maintenance and visitor management.
Speaking on the issue of cleanliness, Dev Goswami, sevayat of Bihari Ji Temple, said that the temple premises and surrounding areas suffer from poor sanitation, diminishing the dignity and sanctity of the protected monument.
Brajesh Shukla, sevayat of Yamuna Temple, highlighted the deteriorating structural condition of the temple, noting that several stone blocks have developed cracks and vegetation has begun growing on the temple shikhara (spire). He urged the ASI to take immediate conservation measures before further damage occurs.
Harishchandra Goswami, sevayat of Gopinath Temple at Khadir Van, called for the immediate implementation of Heritage Bye-laws around the protected monument. He stated that such regulations are essential to prevent unplanned construction, encroachments, and activities that adversely affect the temple’s visual integrity and cultural landscape.
The President of the Braj Vrindavan Devalaya Samiti, Shri Alok Krishna Goswami, appealed to the Archaeological Survey of India to fulfill its responsibility towards safeguarding this invaluable historical and cultural heritage. He emphasized that timely conservation measures are essential to preserve the dignity, architectural significance, and spiritual legacy of the Jugal Kishore Temple for future generations.
Among those who also addressed the meeting were Shri Bhagwat Joshi, sevayat of Pisava Van Bihari Temple; Manish Goswami, sevayat of Gopinath Temple, Kamyavan; Shri Anuj Sharma, sevayat of Gadadhar Dant Samadhi; and Shri Balram Goswami, sevayat of Shri Radha Raman Temple.
The proceedings were conducted by Jagannath Poddar, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Jaydev Das.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous commitment to pursue the matter with the Archaeological Survey of India until effective conservation, regular maintenance, and public access to the historic Jugal Kishore Temple are ensured.
