Maan Mandir Revamp: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

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 21^st 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.