Radha Rani Temple
Mathura is a vibrant district located around 60 km from Agra. It is one of the top pilgrimage destinations of India, with a cluster of temples located at short distances from each other. Mathura is one of the seven sacred towns and an important pilgrimage site, is commonly referred to as “Braj-Bhoomi” together with the adjacent villages of Vrindavan, Goverdhan, and Gokul.
Barsana is a historical town and nagar panchayat in the Mathura district. Barsana holds a vital place amongst pilgrims from different parts of the country. It is presently located on a ridge slope. The hill top is home to the Ladli Ji temple.
It is believed that Barsana was the place where Radharani resided. There are many temples in the area but the most prominent is the Radharani Temple. It is also called Ladliji (the beloved one) or Shriji. The temple is present on the top of the Bhanugarh hills. These hills are around 820 feet in height.
Legends believe that the Radha Rani Temple is 5000 years old. Before King Vajranabh (Krishna’s great-grandson) constructed it, the temple was lying in ruins; the icons were rediscovered by Narayan Bhatt (student of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu). Raja Veer Singh, in 1675 AD, erected the temple. Later, Narayan Bhatt, with the assistance of Raja Todarmal, one of Akbar’s governors, did the current temple structure.
According to the story, Krishna’s father Nanda Ji and Radha’s father Vrishbhanu Ji were good friends. Nanda Ji was head of Gokula, and Vrishbhanu Ji was head of Rawal. However, fed up with Mathura’s king Kansa’s evilness, both of them and their people relocated to Nandgaon and Barsana.
Nanda Ji chose Nandishvar Hill as his permanent abode, whereas Vrishbhanu Ji chose Bhanugarh Hill, which later became Radha Ji’s residence. Presently, in both the twin towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, there stands the historical temples dedicated to Radha Ji and Krishna Ji on the peak of Nandishvar and Bhanugarh hills respectively. While Nandgaon temple is called the Nand Bhawan and Barsana temple is named after Radha Ji, called Radha Rani temple or Shriji temple.
Architecture
The temple is a masterpiece of exquisite stonework with beautiful arches and domes adorning the palace depicting the building is of a Mughal-era construction. This beautiful temple has an architectural style that was prominent at that time. The temple claims the style of a grand palace, with elaborate hand carvings, stunning arches, domes, and beautiful murals. The stones used in the temple contain red and white stones. There are beautiful colorful pictures on the walls and ceiling of this temple, depicting the loving pastimes of Shri Shri Radha and Krishna.
As the temple is on the hill, a beautiful staircase is built to reach the temple. There are around 108 stairs that one needs to climb to have the glimpse of Shri Radha Rani. There is one more route to reach the temple by car. The car reaches till Kushalbihari temple. Shri Radha Rani temple is just 10–12 minutes’ walk away from this temple. Also nearby is the Ashta Sakhi temple, where people worship Radha and her main sakhis (friends). The temple is present at the top of a hill where you can enjoy the view of the entire Barsana from its grounds.
Festivals
Krishna and Radha’s pastime stories are innumerable and Barsana witnessed some of them. It is said that Krishna used to come to Barsana to play Holi with Shri Radha Rani. Till date, this ritual is religiously followed by the locals here. The men of Nandgaon still come to play Holi with the women of Barsana. People from all over the world come to see this soul binding festivity and celebrate Holi here. The temple resonates the soulful spiritual vibrations the whole year which gains momentum during festival times like Radhashtmi.
Radha Rani was born 15 days after Janmashtami on Ashtami of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. So for the people of Barsana, this place and day is very important. On this day the temple of Radha Rani is decorated with flowers. Radha Rani is offered Chhappan (Fifty six) type dishes. The offerings of laddus in the temple are offered to Radha Rani. That Prasad is first fed with a peacock. Because peacock is considered to be the form of Radha-Shri Krishna. The prasad is later offered to the devotees.
Temple Timing
Summer Timings — Morning 05:00 am to 02:00 pm and Evening 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
Winter Timings — Morning 05:30 am to 02:00 pm and Evening 05:00 pm to 08:30 pm.
Another temple worth visiting is Maan Mandir. It is said Radha Ji would come here when she was annoyed with Lord Krishna, who would plead and cry to conciliate her. There is a dark tunnel leading to a small room to which she would withdraw. You can also explore Mor Kutir, where Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna would dance as peacock and peahen; Krishna Kund, where they would bathe; and Sankari Khor, a narrow passageway between two hills. A legend says Lord Krishna and his cowherds would block Radha and her friends’ path and playfully demand ghee, butter and yoghurt from them.
