
Imlitala
Imlitala, Vrindavan: A sacred tamarind tree site where Radha Rani disappeared and Krishna meditated, also revered by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
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Serene atmosphere for reflection

Imlitala
Best Time
Serene atmosphere for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Imlitala, Vrindavan: A sacred tamarind tree site where Radha Rani disappeared and Krishna meditated, also revered by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
"A transcendental place where a tree which is inside the temple precinct, is the one where Shrimati Radha Rani ji used to sit."

🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site.
🌳 Touch the Ancient Tree
Feel the spiritual energy of the ancient tamarind tree, a central part of Imlitala's lore.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Tamarind Tree
Imlitala Temple
The heart of Imlitala, this ancient tamarind tree is believed to be where Radha Rani meditated and Krishna chanted her name.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's Meditation Spot
Imlitala Temple
Meditate where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sat, absorbed in divine love for Krishna, his complexion turning golden.

Radha Rani's Abhishek Site
Imlitala Temple
Witness the sacred spot where Radha Rani is believed to have had her divine ablutions, a place of immense spiritual significance.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Imlitala
Respectful Exploration of Imlitala
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site.
🌳 Touch the Ancient Tree
Feel the spiritual energy of the ancient tamarind tree, a central part of Imlitala's lore.
🧘♀️ Meditate in Peace
Find a quiet spot to reflect and absorb the divine atmosphere.
💧 Yamuna River Proximity
Imlitala is near the Yamuna River, offering a chance for a peaceful riverside visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred site.
🌳 Touch the Ancient Tree
Feel the spiritual energy of the ancient tamarind tree, a central part of Imlitala's lore.
🧘♀️ Meditate in Peace
Find a quiet spot to reflect and absorb the divine atmosphere.
💧 Yamuna River Proximity
Imlitala is near the Yamuna River, offering a chance for a peaceful riverside visit.
💰 Ashram Stays Available
Affordable rooms are available at the ashram, starting around 500 INR.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Imlitala as a deeply spiritual and tranquil place, centered around an ancient tamarind tree with significant religious lore. The ashram offers very affordable accommodation and food, making it a budget-friendly option. While some find the facilities basic, the spiritual atmosphere is consistently praised.
"Stayed here for 2 days, it's a small ashram.Talking about the rooms, starts from 500rs (non AC) . We booked a room for 650rs . The washroom of not every room is functional,so make sure that you check it.
Food is provided here at 70rs per meal,which imo is affordable.Full sattvik bhojan."
Priyambada Mandal
"It is a transcendental place where a tree which is inside the temple precinct, is the one where Shrimati Radha Rani ji used to sit. In other words it's about 5200 yrs old"
Devender Yadav
""At the time of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes in Vraja, the ancient imlī (tamarind) tree that stood here was enormous. That tree has since disappeared, and a new imlī tree stands in its place.
Midway through rāsa-līlā, Śrī Kṛṣṇa disappeared in order to dispel the other gopīs’ pride in their good fortune (saubhāgya-mada) and to soothe Priyājī’s māna. He followed Priyājī to Śṛṅgāravaṭa, where He began to decorate Her with flowers. At that time, the other gopīs, who were searching for Kṛṣṇa, came closer to the place where Rādhikā and Kṛṣṇa were. Śrī Kṛṣṇa requested Priyājī to leave with Him, but She said, “I am unable to walk. You can carry Me on Your shoulders.” Kṛṣṇa squatted down, indicating that Priyājī should sit on His shoulders. Just as She went to do this, Kṛṣṇa disappeared again. Now, She also called out in separation, “O Nātha, O Ramaṇa!” and fell down unconscious. The other gopīs became very distressed to see Her in this condition.
Having left Śrīmatī Rādhikā, Śrī Kṛṣṇa began to feel deep separation from Her. Sitting under an imlī tree on the bank of the Yamunā, He became so absorbed in thinking of Her that His bodily lustre turned golden like Hers. In connection with this incident, our most worshipful oṁ viṣṇupāda Śrī Śrīmad Bhakti Prajñāna Keśava Gosvāmī Mahārāja has presented a wonderful verse that penetrates the heart:
rādhā-cintā niveśeṇa
yasya kāntir vilopitā
śrī-kṛṣṇa-caraṇaṁ vande
rādhāliṅgita vigraham
Śrī Rādhā-vinoda-bihārī Tattvāṣṭakam (Text 1)
“I worship the lotus feet of the form of Śrī Kṛṣṇa that manifests when He is thoroughly immersed in separation from Śrīmatī Rādhikā (who is displaying māna, Her mood of jealous anger), or when He is embraced by Śrīmatī Rādhikā (after Her māna is broken). At these times‚ His own dark complexion vanishes and He assumes Her bright, golden lustre.”
The transcendental sentiments that lay within the heart of Śrī Gurupādapadma are profound and full of excellent siddhānta. It is the bhāva of the mañjarīs, the maidservants of Śrīmatī Rādhikā, to feel that Kṛṣṇa should indeed experience great distress when He is separated from Śrīmatī Rādhikā. They become very pleased to see this distress, and arrange Kṛṣṇa’s meeting with Rādhā at that time. This bhāva is prominent in Śrī Rūpānuga Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas.
While visiting Vraja some five hundred and fifty years ago, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu resided for several days at Akrūra-ghāṭa. Daily, He would come to this very beautiful Imlītalā-ghāṭa on the bank of the Yamunā, where He was immersed in bhāva as He chanted the holy names of the Supreme Lord Hari. He bestowed His mercy upon the Rājapūta Kṛṣṇadāsa here.
One day, while Mahāprabhu was staying here, some people requested Him to come to Kālīya-hrada and take darśana of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who they said was again manifesting His pastimes there at night. Mahāprabhu told them to wait for a few days. Nonetheless, crowds of people began to throng to Kālīya-daha at night. At last, it became evident that the spectacle on the Yamunā was nothing more than some Muslims in a boat catching fish. A light was burning on the bow of the boat. When the fishermen on the bow stood up and moved about, it appeared as if someone was dancing. The boat looked like a serpent, and the burning light like the serpent’s jewel. When the facts were revealed, Mahāprabhu said to the people, “Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa does not manifest such pastimes before the masses of ordinary people of Kali-yuga. Such pastimes appear only in the hearts of pure devotees.” Some days later, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Śrī Vallabha Bhaṭṭācārya proceeded to Nīlācala via Sauroṅ and Prayāga.
It is said that several years ago someone cut into a branch of the ancient imlī tree here and blood oozed from it. The person who severed the branch realised that he had committed an offence and repeatedly prayed for forgiveness. Residents of the dhāma believe that liberated great souls (siddha mahātmās) are still performing bhajana in Vṛndāvana in the form of the trees and creepers."
Excerpt from the book 'Sri Vraja-mandal Parikrama' by Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja"
Krsna Katha
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Imlitala is located in Vrindavan, easily accessible by auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws from the main town. Many visitors combine a visit to Imlitala with other key Vrindavan sites like Banke Bihari Temple or Prem Mandir.
Imlitala is in Vrindavan, which is about 15-20 km from Mathura. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Mathura to Vrindavan and then a rickshaw to Imlitala.
Cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are the most common and convenient ways to get around Vrindavan and reach Imlitala. Negotiate fares beforehand.
Imlitala is situated near the Yamuna River and is often visited alongside other significant temples in Vrindavan.
Yes, you can take a bus from Mathura to Vrindavan and then a local rickshaw to Imlitala.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Imlitala is a temple and a sacred site, and typically there is no entry fee. Donations are always welcome to support the upkeep of the temple.
While specific hours aren't always strictly defined for such sacred spots, it's generally open from early morning until evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours.
No, tickets are not required for Imlitala as it's a free-access religious site.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always respectful to ask permission before taking photos of deities or during prayer ceremonies.
Yes, there is an ashram associated with Imlitala where rooms are available for a nominal fee, starting around 500 INR.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Imlitala is significant as the spot where Radha Rani disappeared during Rasa Lila, and Krishna meditated under the tamarind tree. It's also where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu meditated.
It's recommended to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious nature of the site.
Crowds can vary, but visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can offer a more peaceful experience.
The ancient tamarind tree is believed to be the very tree under which Krishna chanted Radha's name in deep separation and where Radha Rani used to sit.
Yes, there is an ashram offering basic accommodation and sattvic meals at an affordable price.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the ashram at Imlitala provides sattvic (pure vegetarian) meals at an affordable price of around 70 INR per meal.
The food served is sattvic, meaning it's pure vegetarian and prepared without onion or garlic, adhering to spiritual dietary principles.
Vrindavan has numerous restaurants and food stalls offering a variety of Indian cuisine. You can find options ranging from local street food to more formal dining experiences.
While you can bring your own food, it's respectful to consume it outside the main temple area. The ashram food is a very affordable and authentic option.
The ashram primarily serves sattvic meals. For other specific dietary needs, you might need to explore restaurants outside the immediate vicinity of Imlitala.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted at Imlitala, allowing you to capture the spiritual ambiance and the ancient tamarind tree.
The ancient tamarind tree, the deities, and the overall serene atmosphere of the temple complex offer great photographic opportunities.
Drone photography is generally not permitted at religious sites without prior official permission. It's best to avoid using drones.
Early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the golden hour, provide beautiful lighting for photography.
Yes, always be considerate of devotees and avoid disrupting their prayers or meditation. Ask for permission before photographing individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the focus here is on devotion and meditation. It might be best to visit during less crowded times, like early mornings, to ensure a more comfortable experience for younger children. The proximity to the Yamuna River also offers a chance for a brief, peaceful interlude.
🙏 Devotees and Spiritual Seekers
The ashram accommodation provides an opportunity for a more immersive spiritual stay. Engage in chanting, prayer, and quiet contemplation. The stories associated with Imlitala, particularly Krishna's intense longing for Radha and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's ecstatic devotion, can deepen one's spiritual practice.
🚶 Budget Travelers
As a sacred site, there's no entry fee, allowing you to experience its spiritual significance without any cost. Combine your visit with other free or low-cost attractions in Vrindavan to maximize your budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Imlitala
Furthermore, Imlitala is revered as a place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, spent considerable time meditating. He would visit daily from Akrura Ghat, sitting under the same tamarind tree, absorbed in ecstatic devotion and chanting the holy names of Krishna. It is said that during his meditations here, his own dark complexion transformed to a golden hue, mirroring Krishna's appearance when immersed in Radha's thoughts. A deity of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is now installed at the site, commemorating his presence.
The spiritual aura of Imlitala is further enhanced by the belief that Radha Rani's divine ablutions (abhishek) also took place here. This imbues the site with a powerful feminine divine energy. Visitors often come to Imlitala seeking blessings, spiritual solace, and a deeper connection to the divine love stories of Radha and Krishna. The presence of the ancient tree and the historical resonance of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's devotion make it a pilgrimage destination for many.
Visiting Imlitala: Practicalities and Etiquette
The site itself is relatively simple, often centered around the ancient tamarind tree and a small temple complex. Many visitors find the tranquility here conducive to meditation and prayer. It's a place to absorb the spiritual energy rather than a bustling tourist attraction. While photography is generally allowed, always be considerate of devotees engaged in prayer or meditation.
For those looking for an immersive experience, the ashram at Imlitala offers very affordable accommodation, with non-AC rooms starting around 500 INR and meals available for about 70 INR. This provides a unique opportunity to stay close to the sacred grounds and experience the devotional life of Vrindavan. Remember to maintain a respectful demeanor and engage with the spiritual essence of the place.





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