Gorakhpur is a city with a plethora of well-preserved delights and people of all backgrounds have been enthralled by exploring the city’s places of renown. With treasures to visit at every nook and corner, Gorakhpur truly depicts India’s medieval splendour in all her glory. The Geeta Vatika is one such place that has been a proud landmark for the city’s residents and tourists alike. Located at a distance of around 4 kilometers from the city’s railway station, this religious monument is also a tribute to India’s glorious past.
Attractions of Geeta Vatika in Gorakhpur
While the primary attraction that the Geeta Vatika has for visitors is religious in nature, it is also a delight for those who would like to dwell a bit on India’s ancient history and take in some of her architectural splendour. Spread over 5.2 acres of land, it is most renowned for the temple of Sri Radha Krishna.
The Geeta Vatika was founded by Swami Hanuman Prasad Poddar, who was also the founder-editor of
Kalyan. He lived on the premises of this place for 45 years, and set up the Hanuman Prasad Poddar Memorial Samiti here. The Shri Radha Krishna Meditation Centre is a product of the efforts of the
Samiti, and so is the temple of Sri Radha Krishna, where constant prayers are carried out for Krishna’s divine love, Radha.
The temple is built in North India’s
Naagra style, and since 1968, there have been constant chants of
Hare Ram and
Hare Krishna, carried out through the day and night. In recent times, there has been a majestic canopy, or
mandap, set up specifically to facilitate the prayers and chants that keep the Geeta Vatika alive.
Festivals at Geeta Vatika
There is much activity at the Geeta Vatika, especially during the
Radha Ashtami celebrations where a large number of devotees flock to the temple. The day after the festival
Diwali is also important, when devotees offer
Annakoot here and worship
Giriraj.
How to Reach Geeta Vatika in Gorakhpur
The Geeta Vatika is located to the northern part of the city on Jail Road, quite close to Asuran Chowk at Shahpur. You can reach it with ease either by boarding a bus or by hiring a cycle-rickshaw or auto-rickshaw. It is open on all days, throughout the year.