Sacred Heritage

Shri Lala Gopal Behari Lal Mathur

Shri Lala Gopal Behari Lal Mathur, son of Lala Shree Narayan Mathur, famously known as “Sadar Behari”, served as the Managerof Shri Thakur Rajgopalji Maharaj Virajman Mandir, Madanpur. His life reflects a rare blend of traditional Zamindari stewardship and a modern, visionary approach to rural development. His transition through the abolition of the Zamindari Act after Independence marks him as the final link in a historic lineage, representing a shift from feudal leadership to community service. His tenure from 1928 to 1953 marks a significant era in the history of the Shri Thakur Rajgopalji Maharaj Virajman Mandir.

Sadar Behari’s appointment by the Swamiji Maharaj of Sri Rangji Mandir, Vrindavan, speaks volumes about his character. His management style was defined by:

• Integrity: Chosen specifically for his honesty and simplicity among many contestants.
• Cultural Preservation: He ensured that Utsavs and the Ram Leela were conducted with strict adherence to religious traditions.
• Total Dedication: He treated the temple and its properties not just as assets, but as a sacred trust.

Perhaps his most tangible impact on the Madanpur community was transforming the village into a national business hub.

• The Cattle Mela: By organizing a grand animal fair, he attracted traders from across India.
• Financial Independence: This initiative created a local economy that provided revenue and business opportunities for rural residents, long before modern economic development models existed.

Sadar Behari demonstrated deep respect for the land and the well-being of its people:

• Horticulture: Under his watch, Madanpur became a botanical marvel, housing rare Indian and European fruit species.
• Altruism: He provided free homeopathic medicine to villagers, ensuring healthcare access for the poor.

Shri Kailash Narain Mathur

Shri Kailash Narayan Mathur son of Shri Shyam Narayan Mathur lovingly known as “Babue” served as Manager of Shri Thakur Rajgopalji Maharaj Virajman Mandir Madanpur from 1954 -1972. He was a Bachelor and resides in Madanpur village throughout his life. He also served as village Pradhan. He was a staunch devotee of Rajgopalji Maharaj and oversees the temple and its related activities with dedication.

• Apart from temple management he was instrumental in organizing festivals and cultural events like the Madanpur Chaitra Mela and Ram Leela. He was also involved in Philanthropic work viz. distribution of free of cost homeopathic medicine to the villagers.

• The school was founded with the efforts of Shri Surendra Mohan Mathur around 1963. Initially the school was operated from his Haveli and was for a long period of time was operational from his Haveli. Later on, Shri Kailash Narayan Mathur was instrumental in the relocation of the school on a Panchayat land near a pond. He along with the help of his brother (Dr. Rajendra Narayan Mathur) with personal funding for the first time build the dedicated school building, constituting of 2-3 classrooms and a temporary shed. Thus, strengthening educational infrastructure and ensuring improved access to quality education for future generations.

Shri Sant Narain Mathur

Shri Sant Narain Mathur (1901–1992) son of Shri Madho Narain Mathur, affectionately known as Shyamji, was a science graduate and polymath who dedicated his life to innovation, community service, family upliftment and spiritual preservation in Madanpur and Mathur family. He was awarded with title “Tennel” by British government for his contribution to public welfare during the British Raj, higher social standing and direct access to colonial administrators.

• He was appointed as Secretary of Mandir Shri Banke Bihariji Maharaj, (Rithara Mandir) Shikohabad.
• As devoted follower of Thakur Rajgopalji Maharaj, Shyamji served as the Manager of Shri Thakur Rajgopalji Maharaj Virajman Mandir, Madanpur from 1973 to 1992. His tenure was marked by:
• Organizing grand festivals and cultural events like the Madanpur Chaitra Mela and Ram Leela.
• The addition of the Hansa Vahan Sawari during Bhramoutsav.
• Overseeing the significant relocation of the Gopalji and Radharani idols from the Mathur Haveli to the temple’s main sanctum.

Despite leaving his engineering studies at Banaras Hindu University to support his family, he utilized his chemistry expertise to develop and commercialize several products:

• Photography: He formulated his own chemical fixer and developer. He established a unique photo studio in Shikohabad using high-quality English lenses and held exclusive photography contracts for government sectors and colleges.
• Free Flow Ink: He manufactured and marketed high-quality fountain pen inks under the brand "FREE FLOW INK."
• Personal Care: He developed innovative boot polish and an herbal toothpowder effective for treating toothaches.

• Narain College: Served as the Accounts Head at Narain College, Shikohabad.
• Drafting Expertise: Renowned for his command of the English language, he was frequently sought out by government officials to draft formal letters and applications.
• Rural Development: He successfully petitioned the UPSRTC to establish a dedicated bus service between Madanpur and nearby towns, facilitating travel for students and medical emergencies.
• Philanthropy: He practiced homeopathic medicine, distributing treatments to villagers free of charge, and led local afforestation efforts.

Shri Dinesh Narain Mathur

Shri Dinesh Narain Mathur (1938–2022) son of Shri Sant Narain Mathur, affectionately known as Dinnu Dada, by all his younger brothers. He was a pivotal figure from Madanpur Mathur clan in the preservation of the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Shri Thakur Rajgopalji Maharaj Virajman Mandir in Madanpur.

• Administrative Leadership: After serving as Head Clerk at Narain Degree College, Shikohabad he was appointed as Deputy Manager of Madanpur temple and Secretary of Mandir Shri Banke Bihariji Maharaj, (Rithara Mandir) Shikohabad in 1991 and later on served as Manager of Shri Rajgopalji Maharaj Mandir from 1993 to 2022.
• Infrastructure Modernization: During his 30-year tenure, he oversaw essential upgrades to the Madanpur temple, including:
  • Installation of the Ganpathi Moorti.
  • Introduction of Rath instead of handcart for the procession Rajgopalji Maharaj sawari during Bhramoutsav.
  • Implementation of marble flooring and structural modifications.
  • Modernization of utilities, including a submersible water pump and light inverters.
  • Development of temple garden and tree plantation in temple premises for greener and natural look to the temple parisar.
  • Organizing grand festivals and cultural events in Madanpur Chaitra Mela.
• Legacy Preservation: He acted as a "strong silent link," successfully transitioning the temple’s heritage, spiritual and religious legacy from the traditional Zamindar era to the modern generation while maintaining the sanctity of the temple. He meticulously balanced villagers and entire Madanpur Mathur clan and acted as a pillar who with stand against all the odds and difficulties of changing Madanpur societal and Mathur family with passage of time.
• Reputation: In 30 years of his managership he was revered by both the Mathur Clan and Madanpur villagers for his honesty, simplicity, soft spoken nature, Performative Utterance "Vaak Siddhi" (the power of his words manifesting into reality) and extreme dedication towards Thakur Rajgopalji Maharaj (Annaya Bhakti). Due to these qualities, he was a loving figure who was trusted, supported and respected thoroughly by villagers and entire Madanpur Mathur family.

As a living encyclopaedia of the Madanpur Mathur lineage, his dedication further ensured that Rajgopalji temple Madanpur remained a spiritual cornerstone to all the HIS devotee despite the societal shifts of the 21st century.

Dr. Prafull Mathur

Dr. Prafull Mathur son of Shri Dinesh Narain Mathur lovingly called as “Paashoo” by all is serving currently as Manager of Shri Thakur Rajgopalji Maharaj Virajman Mandir Madanpur from 2023. He holds Ph.D degree in Material Science from National Physical Laboratory (CSIR), New Delhi, India. After serving in various pharmaceutical companies for 15 years in R&D departments as scientist and at other designations, currently running a Pvt. Ltd. R&D consultancy company from 2014.

Born into a family who was from last two generations are in Seva of Shri Thakur Rajgopalji Maharaj is naturally an uncompromising devotee of Gopalji and possess a good working knowledge of the local traditions, culture, and heritage specific to Madanpur temple. Additionally, he always spares time to attend to the activities, and administration of the temple which shows his interest and willingness to serve Rajgopalji Maharaj. He was also appointed as Secretory of Mandir Shri Banke Bihariji Maharaj, (Rithara Mandir) Shikohabad in 2022.

• Since the temple is approximately 155 years old and desperately needs restoration and renovation, he somehow with the limited funds has done some constructional and wood repairs works. He is continuously making efforts to generate funds for restoration and renovation of temple premises.
• Managing temple finances and assets: He meticulously manages all the finances, assets and donations of the temple so that all the utsavs can be carried with full velour.
• Maintaining the temple premises: Owing to good character, conduct, and a respected standing within the local community where the temple is situated, he is capable of holding and administering property effectively and efficiently. He with his extraordinary commitments took back the two long time intruded corners lands of temple premises from locals back under the control of the temple.

• To once again take Shri Thakur Rajgopalji Maharaj Mandir to its past glory and fame and to put Madanpur temple on the pilgrim’s map of Uttar Pradesh.
• To implement large-scale welfare activities for the benefit of a larger section of the rural people.
• To make Madanpur a model village perfectly balanced with Sanatan values with modern scientific knowledge.