Vrindavan Radha Vallabh Temple, Uttarpradesh

Address

Radha Vallabh Temple Rd

Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121

Moolavar

Krishna

Amman

Radha

Introduction

The Shri Radha Vallabh Temple, also known as Shri Radha Vallabhlal ji Temple, is a historic and revered temple located in Vrindavan, in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Dedicated to Radha Krishna, the temple belongs to the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, a tradition centered around the divine love of Radha and Krishna. Constructed in the 16th century under the guidance of the saint Hith Harivansha Mahaprabhu, the temple holds a central deity of Krishna worshiped as Shri Radha Vallabh, meaning the consort of Radha. A unique feature of the temple is the placement of a crown beside Krishna’s idol, symbolizing the divine presence of Goddess Radha.

Puranic Significance:

The temple is steeped in legend and divine association. According to tradition, the deity of Radha Vallabh was not sculpted by human hands but was a gift from Lord Shiva to a devoted follower named Atmadev as a reward for his unwavering devotion. Later, Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu, a great devotee of Radha, was instructed by Goddess Radha herself to marry the daughters of Atmadev. As part of the marriage ceremony, Atmadev gifted the divine idol of Radha Vallabhji to his daughters and Harivansh Mahaprabhu, who then carried it to Vrindavan, thus marking the beginning of this sacred temple tradition.

The Old Radha Vallabh Temple in Vrindavan, also known as Hith Mandir, was constructed in 1585 A.D. by Sundardas Bhatnagar, a disciple of Shri Vanachandra, the son of Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu. Sundardas, who worked under Abdul Rahim Khankhana, a key figure in Emperor Akbar’s court, obtained royal permission to use red sandstone for the temple’s construction—an honor typically reserved for imperial palaces and forts. With Akbar’s financial support, the temple became one of the most impressive structures in Vrindavan. Despite the grandeur, a legend foretold that whoever built the temple would perish within a year, and this prophecy came true when Sundardas Bhatnagar passed away soon after its completion.

Special Features:

The Shri Radha Vallabh Temple is renowned for its stunning architecture and grand design. Built using red sandstone—a material reserved for royalty—the temple stands as a testament to 16th-century craftsmanship. The walls of the temple are 10 feet thick and intricately designed in two stages, showcasing its durability and aesthetic appeal. The temple remains one of the oldest surviving structures in Vrindavan and is a significant landmark for devotees and tourists alike.

Festivals:

The temple celebrates two major festivals with grandeur:

Radhashtami: This 9-day festival celebrates the birth anniversary of Goddess Radha, who is revered as the guru and central figure of the Radha-Vallabh tradition. The festival is marked by elaborate rituals and devotional singing.
Krishna Janmashtami: This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the consort of Radha, with joyous festivities, including midnight celebrations, prayers, and devotional offerings.