Worship of god and idols is the critical part of Hinduism. There are numerous temples which are located in India, and each temple has different set of beliefs and followers attached to it. Similarly, Barsana is the place which is holds the belief of those who worship Lord Krishna and Radharani.
Radharani Temple which is situated in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh is a very significant place for worshippers of Krishna and Radha. This temple which is located near to Mathura is wholly dedicated to Goddess Radha. This temple and place holds great importance as well as significance for the worshippers of God Krishna.
The location of this Radha Rani Temple on the hill, itself adds more beauty to it. The hill is approximately 250 metres high.This temple has a very interesting history as well as many religious allegories attached to it. Barsana hill, actually means“the forehead of rain”. Radha Rani Temple is also called as ‘Radha Rani’s Palace’. Now, let’s move on and know about some more fascinating facts of this place.
History of the temple
It is believed that Radha Rani Temple was originally established around 5000 years back, by the King Vajranabh (great-grandson of Krishna). As it was quite old, so the temple turned into ruins, and later it was rediscovered by Prateek Narayan Bhatt. And the present structure of the temple was built by Narayan Bhatt with the assistance of Raja Todarmal, who was a governor in Akbar’s court.
Red and white stones which are used for the reconstruction of the temple, are considered as a symbol of love of Radha and Shri Krishna.
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Vrishabhanu was the name of Radha Rani’s father and Kirti was her mother’s name. Radha Rani was born on the Ashtami of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month, 15 days post Janmashtami(birth time of Lord Krishna). Therefore, this place and day is very important for the people of Barsana. On the birth day of Radha Rani, this temple is decorated with flowers. Also, 56 types of dishes are prepared as an offering to Radha Rani.
Temple architecture
As this temple was reconstructed during the Mughal rule, so the arches, pillars and red sandstone, used in the temple will give you an essence of Mughal architecture. It is made of red sandstone and has intricate hand carvings, beautiful arches, domes and exquisite paintings on its interior walls and ceilings. There are more than 200 steps in this temple, which leads you the ground to the main temple. Near to the foot of the stairs which leads to the temple, you will see the palace of Vrishabhanu Maharaj with idols of Vrishabhanu Maharaj, Kirtida (Radha’s mother), Sridama (Radha’s sibling) and Sri Radhika. The temple of Lord Brahmais too situated near to this palace. Also, there is another temple known as Ashtasakhi temple, where Radha and her chief companions are worshipped. You will surely love the hill top view of the entire Barsana from this temple.
Main festivals of the temple
The two most festivals celebrated here are Radhashtami and Krishna Janmashtami, both of them are the birthdays of Radha and Krishna respectively. On both these days the temple is decorated with flowers and lights. The deities are dressed in new clothes and ornaments. After the aarti ceremony, 56 different types of dishes are offered, and these 56 offerings are together also known as “chhappan bhog”.
Besides, Barsana Holi festival is also another significant festival for which this place is quite popular. Lathmar Holi is an amazing festival of this place which is celebrated with so many colours and in it’s own unique way. Devotees and tourists from all around the country and even aboard visit here especially for celebrating Lathmar Holi.
Holi in Barsana starts a week before the actual day of the festival and continues till Rang Panchami.