Imli Tala (Imlitala), which translates to “in the shade of the tamarind tree” in simple terms, is an iconic temple located in the holy city of Vrindavan. The temple is situated on the renowned Parikrama Marg and is considered one of the most revered shrines in the region. Historically, the temple gained significance when Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, visited Vrindavan around five hundred and fifty years ago. During His stay, the saintly figure resided for several days at Akrura Ghat, located nearby. Every day, He would visit the picturesque Imli Tala Ghat, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, where He would engross Himself in bhakti (devotion) while chanting the holy names of the Supreme Lord Hari.
Over time, a magnificent temple has been constructed at Imli Tala, where devotees now come to offer their prayers and seek blessings. It was at this very site that Srila Sanatan Goswami, a prominent Vaishnava saint and scholar, installed the divine deities of Sri Nityananda and Lord Chaitanya. The sacred precincts where these holy deities are enshrined have since become a hallowed place of worship and pilgrimage for devotees of the Vaishnavite tradition. The spiritual ambiance of this revered location reverberates with the fervent devotion and deep reverence of countless followers who come here seeking blessings and inspiration from the divine. The serene and spiritual atmosphere of Imli Tala attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world every year, making it one of the most popular and sought-after destinations for spiritual seekers in Vrindavan.
Pastimes at Imlitala
In the holy land of Vraja, where the captivating pastimes of Lord Krishna transpired, there once stood an ancient and colossal tamarind (Imli) tree. Although that magnificent tree has since vanished, a new tamarind tree has now taken root in its place, bearing witness to the eternal love and devotion of Radha and Krishna.
It was during the ethereal rasa-lila, a sublime dance of love and union between Radha and Krishna, that this divine tamarind tree played a pivotal role. As the mesmerizing dance unfolded, Krishna mysteriously disappeared, leaving the other gopis in a state of confusion and disarray. Desperately seeking their beloved, the gopis eventually found Radha and Krishna at Sringar vat, a site adjacent to Imlitala.
In this tender moment, Krishna requested Radha to escape with Him so that the gopis could not catch them. But Radha, unable to walk, asked Krishna to carry her on His shoulders. Just as she went to do this, Krishna vanished again, leaving Radha in a state of inconsolable separation. The other gopis, witnessing Radha’s anguish, were overcome with distress.
Meanwhile, consumed by His own feelings of separation, Krishna found solace beneath the imli tree on the banks of the Yamuna River. Lost in thought, His dark complexion gradually transformed into a radiant golden hue, mirroring the dazzling glow of His beloved Radha.
According to the Vaishnavite tradition, when Krishna experiences intense separation from Radha, He undergoes a transformative change. His usual dark complexion fades away, and He takes on Radha’s brilliant, golden glow. Devotees hold this divine manifestation in the highest regard and strive to attain a similar state of devotion and surrender.
In the sacred realm of Vrindavan, where love and devotion reign supreme, the divine union of Radha and Krishna is a source of unparalleled beauty and wonder. When the boundless love of Srimati Radharani floods the heart of Krishna, the two lovers merge together into the glorious form of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the golden avatar. In this sacred transformation, the sweetness and intimacy of the madhurya rasa, or the romantic love between Radha and Krishna, gives way to the all-encompassing magnanimity of unconditional mercy, as embodied by Lord Chaitanya. Through His audarya, or magnanimous mood, Lord Chaitanya showers the Vrindavan mellows of love and devotion upon all who come in contact with Him.
For the maidservants of Radha, known as manjaris, the separation of Radha and Krishna is a cause for joy, as it offers an opportunity for the divine lovers to experience the depths of their devotion and longing. The manjaris eagerly await the reunion of Radha and Krishna, relishing the ecstasy that arises from their union. In this way, the love of Radha and Krishna continues to inspire and elevate countless devotees on their path of devotion and surrender in the sacred land of Vraja.
History of the Imlitala temple
When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur visited the area with his Vrindavan Parikrama party, he was heartbroken to notice the state of despair and neglect of the Imlitala temple. Despite the desolation, he could sense the divine energy of the place, and thus he declared that he was living eternally at Imli Tala. However, the temple was under the management of the Radha Madan Mohan Mandir at that time, and the Goswamis in charge refused to let Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada and his disciples acquire the administration of Imlitala temple. Though it was a disheartening moment for the devotees, they accepted the Goswamis’ decision and moved on with their service.
Years later, one of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur’s dear disciples, Srila Bhakti Saranga Goswami Maharaj, received a divine intervention. In his dream, his Guru appeared to him and said, “Nobody is taking care of my Imli Tala.” Moved by this message, Goswami Maharaj awakened and immediately went to Vrindavan. There, he went through a long and challenging process, making all the necessary arrangements to acquire the service of the Imlitala temple in Vrindavan. Eventually, the temple was handed over to Srila Bhakti Saranga Goswami Maharaj and his disciples, who began to restore the temple and its surrounding area. Today, Imli Tala stands as a shining example of devotion and dedication, a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Vaishnavite community to preserve the holy places of Vrindavan and keep the flame of devotion burning bright. The temple continues to inspire countless devotees from around the world, who visit to pay their respects and partake in the divine atmosphere of Imli Tala.
What to See :
Years ago, a grand old tamarind tree at Imli Tala had grown so large that one of its branches stretched beyond the temple’s borders and onto a neighboring property. One day, a person attempted to cut this branch, but as soon as the axe struck the wood, a strange and miraculous thing happened. Blood began to flow from the wounded branch, spilling over the ground and sending shockwaves through the local residents. This strange occurrence was seen as a divine warning, and from that day forward, no one dared to harm the tree in any way.
The venerable tree that once towered over Imlitala in Vrindavan has since passed on, but its legacy remains. The site where it once stood is now adorned with a structure that serves to protect its remaining vestiges. Just beside it, a new tree has been planted as a symbol of continuity, endurance, and devotion. Beneath its branches, a small monument has been erected in honor of Sri Chaitanya’s visit to this holy place, and a deity of him is depicted sitting in all his divine splendor.
The Imlitala temple itself is home to several stunning deities, including Radha-Gopinath and Nitai-Gauranga. The deities of Nitai-Gauranga hold a special place in the temple’s history, as they are believed to have been worshiped by Sri Sanatana Goswami himself. The temple walls are adorned with colorful and intricate bas-reliefs that depict scenes from the life and teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, capturing the essence of his teachings and inviting devotees to immerse themselves in the joy and beauty of the divine pastimes.
How to Reach
Reaching Imlitala temple in Vrindavan is a relatively easy task as it is situated in the heart of the city, close to several other important landmarks. The temple is located on the banks of the Yamuna river, near to Shringar Vat and Keshi Ghat.
If you are coming from Mathura, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or even a cycle rickshaw to reach the temple. The journey takes around 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
If you are coming from Delhi, you can take a train to Mathura Junction and then take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Delhi to Vrindavan, which takes around 3-4 hours, and then take a taxi or rickshaw to the temple.
Once you reach the temple, you will be greeted by the beautiful deity of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the enchanting atmosphere of the holy place. The temple is known for its beautiful deities of Radha-Gopinath and Nitai-Gauranga, as well as the colorful bas-relief depictions of Chaitanya Lila that adorn its walls.
Overall, visiting Imlitala temple is an experience that any devotee of Lord Krishna should not miss while on their pilgrimage to Vrindavan.