Sri Radhavallabh Temple Vrindavan (Timings, History, Entry Fee & Aarti)
The Radha Vallabh Mandir, one of the seven temples of Thakur of Vrindavan, is located on the cliff close to Bankey Bihari temple, close to Gotam Nagar. ‘Ras-bhakti’, the rarest manifestation of the sacred and heavenly love between Radha and Krishna, is embodied in this shrine. There is no deity of Radha in the temple, which is enshrined by Lord Krishna. Rather, a crown is positioned beside Lord Krishna to symbolise her presence.
The remarkable architecture and opulent dĂ©cor of Radha Vallabh Mandir make it stand out. At a time when red sandstones were primarily utilised to build great palaces, imperial structures, and royal forts, the Radha Vallabh temple was magnificently constructed in 1585, making it one of the oldest and most enduring temples. The temple’s ten-foot-thick wall is punctured in two sections.
On Radha Ashtami and the anniversary of Sri Harivansh Chandra Mahaprabhu’s birth, the Radha Vallabh Mandir is decked out for festivities. Devotees and pilgrims from throughout the nation come to the temple to experience the mysteries and myths it contains.
Legend of Radha Vallabh MandirÂ
According to legend, Lord Shiva blessed Shri Atmadev with the idol of Shri Radha Vallabhji Maharaj as a reward for his fervent devotion and prayers. Radha Rani, Lord Krishna’s sweetheart, is represented in the temple by a crown placed next to his idol rather than a real idol. Legend has it that the celestial idol may only be seen by believers who are pure and devoted.
Raja Mansingh is said to have been the first to contract for this temple, but he chose not to proceed after knowing the tale that whomever builds this temple dies within a year. It was built by Sundardas Bhatnagar, who also obtained royal approval to use red sandstone. With the assistance of Akbar and Abdul Rahim Khankhana, as well as his own riches, he oversaw the building and passed away within a year.
Idol of Radha VallabhÂ
Goswami Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu was devoted to Shri Radha, the temple’s principal idol. He dedicated his life to serving Radha Rani and Krishna. The temple houses an idol that is thought to represent both Radha and Krishna, indicating that although they had two bodies, their souls were one. Radha Vallabhji is a combination of Radha and Krishna.
Lord Shiva blessed Atmadeva Brahman with the idol of Shri Radha Vallabhji when his ancestor prayed to him on Mount Kailash. It was Shri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu who transported the idol and placed it atop the Oonchi Thaur, or high cliff, on the Yamuna River.
History and Architecture of RadhaVallabh Temple
Legend has it that Lord Shiva bestowed the idol of Shri RadhaVallabh ji to the ancestor of Shri Atmadev Brahman in appreciation of his devotion to the Lord. The same idol was then given to Shri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu, who positioned it atop the steep cliff known as the “Oonchi Thaur” on the Yamuna River’s side.
The architecture of the ancient Shri Radhavallabh ji temple, which is a protected monument, exudes an atmosphere of interfaith harmony. It is among the few instances of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles coexisting.
How to Reach Radha Vallabh Mandir
Radha Vallabh Mandir is located in Gotam Nagar and is accessible via autorickshaw, taxi, and local buses. Cheap shared cars are available for travel to Vrindavan and Mathura. The cost of a rickshaw journey from Chhatikara to the temple is approximately INR 10. To find the Radha Vallabh temple, turn left after passing Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg on the NH2 south-east from Chhatikara.
Sri Radhavallabh Temple Vrindavan Darshan & Aarti Timings
Mangal 5:00 am to 5:30 am
Morning 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
Evening 6:00 pm to 9.00 pm
Sandhya 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm
