Places to visit Barsana - The Birthplace of Radha Rani
Situated in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India, Barsana is a historically significant location. Since Lord Krishna's consort, the Hindu goddess Radha, was born in this town, it is known as the Birthplace of Radha Rani. The Lathmar Holi, a lavish celebration held during the Holi festival, is another reason for Barsana's popularity.
In honor of its founder, Vrishabhanu Maharaj, the father of Shri Radha, Barsana is also known as Vrishabhanupura. There are numerous sites in the town that have historical and religious significance. It is encircled by numerous locations where Goddess Radha spent time with Lord Krishna and her Sakhis. Numerous religious temples are devoted to Shri Krishna and the goddess Radha. Radha spent time in Barsana, as evidenced by the hills, ponds, and numerous other locations.
The stunning city is surrounded by two hills with four peaks in the Braj region: Brahma Hill and Vishnu Hill. The heads of Lord Brahma are said to be represented by these peaks. There is a temple with religious significance on each of these peaks.
History of Barsana
Originally known as Brahmasaran, Barsana holds great significance in Hindu mythology as the birthplace of the Goddess Radha. Popular beliefs and epics such as the Padma Puran and Varaha Puran claim that Brahmaji performed austerities and prayers in order to appease Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna granted him a boon to become a hill on the auspicious land of Barsana in response to Lord Brahma's prayers.
This hill is now the center of the city of Barsana. Lord Brahma's four heads are represented by the hill's four peaks. The Vishnu hill is a black hill adjacent to the taller Brahma hill. Vrishabhanu's palace, known as Vrishabhanugarh, is located atop another peak. The name Vilasgarh refers to the fourth peak. Another peak, Maangarh, is thought to be where Shri Ragha went when she was upset with Lord Shri Krishna. It is said that in the hill known as Daangarh, Shri Krishna collected taxes in the form of butter and curd.
Barsana Holi
In Barsana, Holi is celebrated with great opulence. Laddu Holi and Lathmaar Holi are two of the town's distinctive Holi celebrations.
Laddu Holi: Laddu Holi, the first day of Holi, is commemorated as the day that Lord Krishna is said to have visited Barsana. Devotees attempt to catch the laddoos, a traditional Indian confection in the shape of balls, which are thrown from the top of the Shri Radha temple. The prasad, or sacred offerings, are these laddoos.
Lathmaar Holi: The translation of Lathmaar Holi is "holi with stick beatings." Every time Lord Krishna visited the city, it is said that he would taunt Radha and her friends, and the girls would chase him away. In a similar vein, men celebrate Lathmaar Holi by inciting women, who then strike them with sticks. To shield themselves from the thrashing, the men use shields.
Best Time to Visit Barsana
October through March are the ideal months to visit Barsana because of the pleasant and comfortable weather. Barsana has a very harsh climate. The temperature rises and the air becomes uncomfortable due to the high humidity during the summer. The city is battered by torrential rains from July to September. During the Holi festival in March, when the town is crowded with pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, Barsana is another well-liked destination.
How to Reach Barsana
A taxi or self-drive car from Vrindavan is the most practical way to get to Barsana. There are three ways to get from Vrindavan to Barsana:
- Govardhan Route - 40 km
- Chhata Route - 40 km
- Kosi Kalan Route - A little more than 40 km