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, located in the historic town of Barsana in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Radha. The temple is a significant spiritual center where devotees worship the divine couple, Radha Krishna, in the form of Shri Laadli Lal, meaning the beloved daughter and son of the town. This sacred temple is perched on the Bhanugarh hill, offering a panoramic view of Barsana and serving as a major pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha.

Puranic Significance:

The Radha Rani Temple traces its origins to over 5000 years ago, when it is believed to have been established by King Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. The temple, which had fallen into ruins over time, was rediscovered and revitalized by Narayan Bhatt, a disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. With the assistance of Raja Bir Singh Deo, a new temple was built in 1675 AD, and the present structure was later reconstructed with the support of Raja Todarmal, a prominent governor under Emperor Akbar.

A popular legend associated with the temple highlights the deep bond between Nanda, the father of Krishna, and Vrishbhanu, the father of Radha. Both families migrated to the regions of Nandgaon and Barsana, fleeing from the tyranny of Mathura’s king Kamsa. Nanda settled on Nandishvar hill, while Vrishbhanu made Bhanugarh hill his home, which later became the permanent abode of Goddess Radha. The Radha Rani Temple, therefore, stands on Bhanugarh hill, while the nearby Nand Bhawan Temple is located on Nandishvar hill.

Special Features:

The Shreeji Temple, also known as Radha Rani Temple, is a magnificent structure resembling the architecture of the Mughal and Rajput eras. Constructed from red sandstone, the temple is adorned with intricate hand carvings, beautiful arches, domes, and exquisite paintings that decorate its inner walls and ceilings. The use of red and white stones in the temple’s construction symbolizes the eternal love between Radha and Krishna.

Devotees must climb more than 200 stairs to reach the main temple from the ground. At the base of the steps lies the palace of Vrishabhanu Maharaj, which houses idols of Vrishabhanu Maharaj, Kirtida (Radha’s mother), Shridama (Radha’s brother), and Shri Radhika. Nearby, there is the Brahma Temple and the Ashtasakhi Temple, where Radha is worshipped alongside her eight principal friends, or sakhis.

As the temple sits atop Bhanugarh hill, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire town of Barsana from the temple’s premises, making it not only a place of worship but also one of scenic beauty and tranquility.

Festivals and Celebrations:

The temple is the center of grand celebrations during Radhashtami, which marks the birth anniversary of Goddess Radha, and Krishna Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. These festivals are celebrated with great devotion and attract a large number of pilgrims from around the world.