Renovating an ancient temple gives a hundred times more benediction than building a new one. Therefore , the revival of such a Mystical and paramount place of worship, “Maanmandir’, the eternal pastime place of Shri Radha Krishna, which is the highest Lila place of Prema Bhakti and where devotion of the Divine Couple prevails in every particle, is definitely more virtuous, beneficial and bestowing devotion than construction of thousands of temples.
2024.09.14 (Vrindavan Today News): The Braj Region is not just the birthplace and Lila Bhumi of Shri Krishna, but used to be a home to countless temples known for their intricate carvings and breathtaking beauty. The princely states from around the country had contributed to build the heritage temples, buildings and the kunds during the Bhakti movement. But many of those ancient temples have been either demolished or relegated due to the neglect of the owners.
But there are some modern temples like Prem Mandir, Kirti Mandir, Rangli Mahal which were built recently in 21st century are architectural marvel. There is an ancient temple which is being revamped is set to add yet another architectural marvel to Braj’s rich heritage. Soon, a new temple of Barsana’s Maan Mandir, distinct in its design and construction, will join the list of Braj’s unique spiritual landmarks.
What sets this temple apart is its revolutionary design. The entire structure will be built upon stone spheres, each about 1 foot in diameter. This ingenious technique allows the temple to shift up to 4 feet in the event of an earthquake, ensuring that while it may move, it will never collapse.
In an interview to ‘Vrindavan Today’, the secretary of Maan Mandir Seva Samsthan, Shri Sunil Singh (Braj Das) explained that this new temple is being constructed with modern techniques while maintaining its spiritual sanctity, under the guidance of Padma Shri awardee Pujya Shri Ramesh Baba. It is being designed to complement the ancient Man Bihari Lal temple, which has stood in the area for thousands of years. Remarkably, no cement or concrete will be used in the construction. Instead, a 40-foot-wide granite foundation will be laid, with the sanctum sanctorum (inner sanctum) carved from pristine white marble sourced from Sirohi, a region near Mount Abu in Rajasthan. Surrounding the temple will be a 9-foot-thick stone wall for additional protection.
The sanctum will span 13.5 feet in width, and the temple will house exquisite stone idols, each standing about 4.5 feet tall. To further maintain the temple’s authenticity, stones will be joined using stone pins, eliminating the need for modern bonding materials.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this project is the spherical stones upon which the temple will rest. These spheres are being designed in Sikandra, Rajasthan. The temple’s design has been entrusted to renowned architect Mithul Sompura, ensuring that the final structure will be both modern and magnificent.
The significance of this temple is heightened by the spiritual history of the region. This is the site where, according to legend, Lord Krishna playfully compared Radha’s beauty to the moon, sparking her playful anger. Radha, in her ‘maan’ or sulking mood, withdrew, and it was here that Krishna tenderly coaxed her out of her displeasure. The temple stands on Brahmanchal Hill, in the sacred area of Mangarh, where this divine episode is said to have taken place.
This temple promises to be not just a marvel of architecture, but a living symbol of the timeless love and devotion between Shri Radha and Krishna, built with cutting-edge techniques that honor centuries-old traditions.
Visitors from around the world will soon have the opportunity to witness the beauty of this extraordinary temple, a structure poised to blend myth, devotion, and modern engineering.
In the scriptures’ and ancient texts of Sanatan Dharma, the construction and renovation of temples are said to be infinitely commendable and beneficial. All the Vedas, Puranas etc. describe in detail the glory of contribution to construction of the temple. Shrimad Bhagvatam, Skanda 11, Chapter 11, Verses nos. 38 Padma Purana, Creation Section, Chapter 59, Verses 42-4 Vamana Puran, Chapter 94, Verses No. 37-4 Nrishimha Purana, Chapter 32
Construction Technique of Shri Maan Mandir is based on our ancient tradition
- Shri Garbh Griha (inner Sanctum) and Main Mandap (Prayer Hall) will be constructed only stone and not with any iron, concrete etc., so that this unique Leela place can remain intact for thousands of years.
- All the materials used for temple construction will be compatible with our Braj culture, mythological tradition and environment.
- The stone and other construction materials used are being used in such a way that minimum maintenance will be required.
About His Holiness Pujya Shri Ramesh Baba Ji Maharaj
Param Pujya Saint Shri Ramesh Baba Ji Maharaj has been unswervingly residing in Brij at Maan mandir for the last 70 years. Considering Brajdham as the sacred form of Shree Radhakrishna ,he has served Braj and devoted his whole life for the protection & preservation of the culture, environment, ancient leela places, river Yamuna, holy forests of Braj. He is also quite persuasive about spreading the love of Braj and the devotion of Shri Radha Krishna all over the world so that the people of the whole world can be connected with the true devotion of the supreme Lord.
He fought the battle to preserve the ecology of Braj, and has been inspiration for the revival of Braj`s vanishing culture, divine natural heritage of sacred hills, kunds, Yamuna, Holy forests etc. The government of India has also conferred Padma Shree award for the services being done under the direction of Pujya baba Maharaj.
ABOUT MAAN MANDIR SEVA SANSTHAN
Shri Maan Mandir Seva Sansthan is deeply involved in the preservation and protection of sacred topography, environment, and the culture of divine landscape of Braj under truly impeccable directions and inspiration of Param Pujya Shri Ramesh Baba Maharaj. The proposed renovation of ancient temple Maan mandir, which is notably the most significant eternal leela place of Shri Radha Krishna, is also one of those good efforts, through which a very unique Leela place of Braj is being revived.
The resurrection of the timeless worship place of Shri Krishna, Lord of the whole universe is undoubtedly the most auspicious job taken by the sansthan. Man Mandir Seva Sansthan believes that there is no difference between Braj seva and Lord Krishna`s Seva.
Shri Sunil Singh said, “We are relentlessly involved, striving and working hard to protect and promote Braj Culture, Braj`s environment, Mountains, Ponds, Forests etc. All our seva works till date have been dedicated only for devotion and service for Brajdham”.
SEVA WORKS BY MAAN MANDIR
After an unflinching historic movement against destructive mining on the most sacred Braj mountains, around 6000 hectares of holy hilly terrain have been saved and declared as protected forests. Now all these mountains have become safe for eternity. The work of conservation and restoration of more than 32 Holy Kunds of Braj has been done.
More than 2 lakh trees were planted in the degraded forest areas of Braj and many ancient forests of Braj were rejuvenated. For the last 20 years, many big programs, demonstrations and movement were organized for the revivification of the river Yamuna.
Braj-Vrindavan`s largest cowshed Shri Mata ji Gaushala, located in Barsana, is operated by Maan mandir where more than 55000 cows are being cared for. These are the cows that were going to be slaughtered, they were saved and most of them are weak, sick, cripplled, accident prone, dying, and non-milking cows.
The most popular Shri Radharani Braj 84 kos Parikrama is being organized every year, which preserves the culture of Braj. This 40 days devotional and ritualistic journey is completely free of cost in which about 15000 devotee walk.
Society is being awakened by the saints and sadhvis of Maan Mandir by spreading devotional lectures and sermons on a large scale in entire Braj. Prabhat Pheris are being successfully operated in more than 25 thousand villages.
Free Bhagvat Katha, Kirtan, Braj Sammelan etc. are conducted in the country and abroad to propagate Krishna devotion and indian spirituality.
Several schools, health centers and a Gurukul are run by the Maan Mandir Seva Sansthan. Free food and holy books are distributed to thousands of devotees
