Barsana is the eternal home of Radha rani. It’s also very famous globally for Holi celebration. Radhaastami the day when Radha rani was born is also celebrated in a grand manner over here. The main temple of Radha rani is located atop Vrishbhanu Garh Hill. Vrishbanhu was father of Radha rani ji.
The love between radha rani and Krishna was heavenly and difficult to fathom with the human mind. One has to can only understand Krishna and Radha rani if she blesses them herself.
Story of Radha rani appearance
Vrishabhanu Ji wanted a daughter because he and his wife, Kirtida, had no children. Hence he started doing tapasya (penance) on the bank of river Yamuna. While doing Tapasya, a lotus flower with many petals and a golden light around it came to him. When he looked inside, he saw a very bright, beautiful, golden baby. This little baby was Srimati Radharani.
But the little Radha did not open her eyes for 11 days. Because of this, Vrishabhanu Baba and Kirtida Kaki were very sad. Then, after some days, Yasoda Maiya and Nanda Baba came from Gokul. They brought the little Krishna with them. They put baby Krishna in the cradle next to baby Radha. Then, playfully, Krishna gently touched Sri Radha. As soon as he touched her, the little baby Radha slowly opened her eyes and saw Krishna and that’s how heavenly their love was.
Reason why Radha rani didn’t open her eyes till Krishna touched her!
When Krishna decided to came to Earth at the request of Brahma Ji (the creator of the universe). He also asked Radharani to come too. But deep inside, Radharani did not want to go anywhere. She only wanted to see Krishna. She told Krishna that if she went to Earth, she would have to meet many people besides Him. However, Krishna promised her that when she came down, the first person she would see would be Krishna himself. Only then would she open her eyes. That’s the reason she didn’t open her eyes till Krishna was around.
Places to visit
- Radharani Mandir: This is the most famous temple in Barsana. Actually, it is where Srimati Radharani lives. Also, the view of Barsana from Radharani Mandir is wonderful. Furthermore, Holi here is an amazing experience.
- Ras Mandir: This is one of the places where Krishna and Radharani had their rasa dance festival. Moreover, you can usually get free prasad (blessed food) for devotees at Ras Mandir in the morning and afternoon.
- Ras Mandap: This is a very secret place. It is in Gehvarvan, which is near Ras Mandir. Here, Radharani, the gopis, and Krishna used to have their rasa dance. Because of this, it is a special place to worship for certain devotees. Every evening, from 5 to 7 PM, Ramesh Baba leads singing and sings local songs about Sri Radha and Sri Krishna. At the same time, many young girls from Vrindavan perform rasa dance.
- Maan mandir: Maan Mandir is on top of Mangarh Hill. This is the place where Radha got upset because Krishna didn’t come to see her. Also, there is a cave below. It is said that Radha went there to hide and cry when she was angry.
- Chitra Sakhi Mandir: Chitra Sakhi Mandir is in Chiksauli village. This village is on the way to Ras Mandir. Chitra Sakhi is one of the eight main gopis of Radha Rani.
- Kushal Bihari Mandir: Kushal Bihari Mandir is also known as Jaipur Mandir. A king from Rajasthan built it. However, before moving the statues from Radha Rani Mandir, Radha appeared in the king’s dream. She told him that she wanted to stay at Radha Rani Mandir. So, they put new statues of Radha and Krishna here and started worshiping them.
- Mor Kutir: If you go from Ras Mandir to Kushal Bihari Mandir, you will find Mor Kutir on top of Vilas Garh Hill. This is the special place where Krishna and Radharani danced as peacocks. Also, Surdas, a blind holy man, painted Radha and Krishna dancing like peacocks. He was able to do this after seeing it in a dream.
- Prem Sarovar: This lake is about 800 meters from Barsana. It was formed from a tear of Sri Radha and Krishna. At one time, they were together but felt very far apart in their hearts. Tears began to fall from their eyes. Then, parrots started saying their names, “Radha, Krishna.” After hearing this, they remembered each other, and more tears came. That is how Prem Sarovar was made.
- Pili Pokhara: This is the pond where Radharani washed off the turmeric that Yasodha Maiya put on her. When a boy’s mother puts turmeric on a girl’s hands, it means she has accepted her as family. One time, when Radharani visited Nandgaon, Yasoda Maiya put turmeric on Radharani’s hands. Radharani felt very happy inside but shy outside. She worried what people in Barsana would think if they saw the turmeric. So, on her way back, she washed her hands in Pili Pokhara. Because of this, Pili Pokhara is yellow in color.