The Radha Damodar Temple in Vrindavan is the one of seven ancient temples (Sapt devalayas), established by the Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu & holds much significance for devotees.
Vrindavan, often hailed as the city of temples, boasts countless sacred sites, each with its unique story. However, certain temples stand as icon, deeply connected with the very identity of this holy city. The Radha Damodar Temple in Vrindavan is definitely one such iconic shrine.
The temple houses the Giriraj Shila. This is a sacred stone that has Lord Krishna’s footprints on it. It is said that lord Krishna himself gave this stone to Sanatana Goswami. Furthermore, devotees believe that walking around (parikrama of) the Radha Damodar Temple four times is as good as walking around the entire Govardhana Hill. So, this temple is very important for its history and its sacred items.
Also Temple has their own website where you can see detailed schedule and donate.
History of temple and Deity
Rupa Goswami manifested Sri Radha Damodar, who gave them to his dear disciple and nephew-Jiva Goswami for service and worship.
Shri Radha Damodar Temple was first started by Jiva Goswami in 1542. At that time, it was in Seva Kunj, Vrindavan. Then, in 1670, a Muslim ruler named Aurangazeb attacked Vrindavan. So, the original statues of Radha Damodar were moved to Jaipur for safety. Later, when things got better, the statues were brought back to Vrindavan in 1739. Since then, the statues of Radha Damodar have been worshipped in Vrindavan. Before Jiva Goswami passed away in 1596, he gave the statues to his follower, Krishna Dasa, who was the main priest. Now, the family of Krishna Dasa still takes care of the statues.
History of Giriraj Shila
Sripad Sanatan Goswami lived in Vrindavan, close to the Sri Radha Madanmohan temple. Every day, he used to walk from Vrindavan to Goverdhan Hill to do Parikrama (a holy walk). Even when he became old, he kept doing this every day. Because the Lord saw his devotion, Krishna himself appeared to him. Krishna told Goswamipad that he was happy with his love and asked him to stay in Vrindavan and serve Radha Krishna.
However, Sanatan Goswami said that he felt sad if he didn’t go to Govardhan Hill. So, Krishna gave him a Govardhan Sila (a sacred stone from Govardhan Hill). This Sila had Krishna’s Foot Print, Flute, Stick, and a cow’s foot print on it. Krishna told Goswamipad that walking around this Govardhan Sila four times, because it had four signs, would give him the same benefit as walking around the whole Govardhan Hill. Since that time, this Sila has been worshiped in this temple. Many devotees come to this temple every day to walk around it.
Samadhis in the temple
The bhajan kutir and samadhi of Srila Rupa Goswami, the samadhis of Srila Jiva Goswami, Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami, Bhugarbha Goswami and the bhajan kutir of Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada are present here also on the temple premises.
Timings
Morning – 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening – 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Timings may slightly vary as per seasons.
