Radha Rani Temple

Why devotees come here

Radha Rani Temple stands on Bhanugarh hill in Barsana, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. Radha is worshipped here together with Krishna, under the name Shri Laadli Lal. Devotees and tourists come from across the world for Radhashtami and Lathmar Holi.

Barsana is a historical town and nagar panchayat in Mathura district. Radha Rani Temple stands on the top of Bhanugarh hill, which is about 250 meters high. Legend says King Vrishbhanu made the hill his permanent home, and that it also became the abode of Radha. The main deities are Radha and Krishna, worshipped together as Shri Laadli Lal, the beloved daughter and son of the town.

Tradition credits King Vajranabh, a great-grandson of Krishna, with first establishing a temple here. The icons were found again by Narayan Bhatt, a disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. A temple was built in 1675 AD by Raja Bir Singh Deo. The present structure was built by Narayan Bhatt with help from Raja Todarmal, a governor at Akbar's court.

The temple is built of red sandstone, with carved stonework, arches, domes and painted inner walls and ceilings. The style is Rajput architecture, and the structure appears to date from the Mughal era. The temple is spread across the top of the hill, so the whole of Barsana can be seen from its grounds.

Festivals

• Radha's birthdayRadhashtami

  One of the two chief festivals of the temple. The deities are dressed in new clothes and jewellery, and after aarti 56 dishes, called Chappan Bhog, are offered to Radha and Krishna.

• Krishna's birthdayKrishna Janmashtami

  The other chief festival. The deities are dressed in new clothes and jewellery, and 56 dishes are offered on the day.

• A week before Holi, until Rang PanchamiLathmar Holi

  Holi in Barsana begins a week before the festival day and goes on until Rang Panchami. It draws large crowds from across the world.

Tips for your visit

• Nearby Rangeeli Mahal, also called Kirti Temple, is named after Radha's mother Kirtida.
• Pili Pokhar, also called Priya Kund, is another nearby place dedicated to Radha.

Questions people ask