Barsana Radha Rani Temple (Shreeji), Uttar Pradesh

Address

Shree Ji Mandir, bramachal parbhat, Barsana,

Mathura district,

Uttar Pradesh 281405

Moolavar

Krishna

Amman

Radha

Introduction

Shri Radha Rani Temple is a historical temple, located in Barsana in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Radha. The main deities of the temple are Radha Krishna who is worshipped together in the form of Shri Laadli Lal which means beloved daughter and son of the town.

Puranic Significance

HISTORY:

Radha Rani Temple is originally believed to be established by King Vajranabh (great-grandson of Krishna) around 5000 years ago. The temple is said to be in ruins; the icons were rediscovered by Narayan Bhatt (a disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) and a temple was built in 1675 AD by Raja Bir Singh Deo. Later, the present structure of temple was built by Narayan Bhatt with the help of Raja Todarmal, one of the governors in the Akbar’s court.

There is also a popular legend associated with the temple. According to it, Krishna’s father Nanda and Radha’s father Vrishbhanu were close friends. While Nanda was head of Gokula, Vrishbhanu was head of Rawal. However, fed up with the atrocities of Mathura’s king Kamsa, both of them with their people shifted to Nandgaon and Barsana. Nanda made Nandishvar hill his home and Vrishbhanu made Bhanugarh hill his permanent abode, which also ultimately became the abode of Radha. Presently, in both the twin towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, there stand the historical temples dedicated to Radha and Krishna on the peak of Nandishvar and Bhanugarh hills respectively. While Nandgaon temple is called the Nand Bhawan, Barsana temple is named after Radha, called Radha Rani temple or Shriji (Shreeji temple).

Special Features

Shreeji Temple, with its arches, pillars and red sandstone, looks like a structure dating back to the Mughal era. This popular temple in Barsana is a classic example of the Rajput architecture prevailing during that time. The temple looks like a magnificent palace which is made up of red sandstone and adorned with intricate hand carvings, beautiful arches, domes and exquisite paintings on its inner walls and ceilings. Red and white stones have been used for the construction of the temple, which are considered to symbolize the love of Radha and Krishna.

There are more than 200 stairs which leads to the main temple from ground. At the foot of the steps that lead to this temple is the palace of Vrishabhanu Maharaj where there are idols of Vrishabhanu Maharaj, Kirtida, Shridama (Sibling of Radha) and Shri Radhika. Near this palace is the temple of Brahma. Also, close by, there is Ashtasakhi temple where Radha along with her principal sakhis (friends) are worshiped. As the temple is on the peak of hill, the whole Barsana can be seen from the temple’s premises.