A Sacred Jewel of Bhakti
Sri Radha Damodar Temple is one of the seven main Goswami temples of Vrindavan, located in the holy town of Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Dedicated to Sri Radha and Lord Krishna (in His form as Damodar), this temple is a divine center of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and carries rich historical, spiritual, and mystical significance.
Radha Damodar Temple Location
Located near the sacred Seva Kunj, the temple stands as a serene and timeless structure amidst the heart of Vrindavan.
Why is Radha Damodar Temple Famous?
- Founded in 1542 by Jiva Goswami, one of the foremost disciples of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Houses the sacred Giriraj Shila, said to have Lord Krishna’s footprints.
- Four parikramas around the temple are believed equal to one full Govardhan Parikrama.
- Srila Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, stayed here for six years before going to the West.
Radha Damodar Temple History
Established in 1542 AD by Jiva Goswami, the temple was a devotional center near Seva Kunj. During the Mughal invasion by Aurangzeb in 1670, the deities were moved to Jaipur for protection. They were returned in 1739. Before Jiva Goswami’s disappearance in 1596, he entrusted the deity seva to his disciple Krishna Dasa, whose descendants serve today.
Includes samadhis of:
- Rupa Goswami
- Jiva Goswami
- Krishnadasa Kaviraja (author of Chaitanya Charitamrita)
It is a major center for pilgrims performing Vrindavan Parikrama and Govardhan devotion.
Who is Radha Damodar? Why is Krishna Called Damodar?
Damodar refers to the pastime where Krishna was tied with a rope (dama) around His belly (udara) by Yashoda. When worshipped with Radha, He is called Radha Damodar, signifying His surrender to divine love.
Mystical Experiences at the Temple
Does Radha Damodar’s Smile Change? Many devotees say His smile changes with the devotee’s bhakti. It may widen during sankirtan or feel different during Ekadashi or Purnima.
Radha Damodar Ji’s Teeth: Devotees have witnessed subtle glimpses of His teeth during darshan, which are considered auspicious signs of divine presence.
Darshan Timings
- ⏰ Morning: 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- ⏰ Evening: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- (Timings may vary during festivals)
Temple Deities
Apart from Radha Damodar, the temple also houses:
- Radha Vrindavanchandra
- Radha Madhav
- Gaur Nitai
- Lord Jagannath
- Giriraj Shila (with Krishna's footprints)
Kuliya Prasad & Favorite Foods
Offerings include Makhan-Mishri, Kheer, Malpua, and Ladoos. Kuliya prasad on Ekadashi is especially sacred. These offerings are believed to be relished by both Radha Damodar and Radharaman Ji and are shared reverently with devotees.
Temple Seva & Priest Lineage
The descendants of Krishna Dasa continue daily service, which includes:
- Mangala Aarti, Shringar, Raj Bhog, and Shayan Seva
- Flower and Tulsi Seva
- Govardhan Shila Abhishek
- Goshala care, renovations, and Annadaan programs
Devotees can participate in seva by visiting or sponsoring online through the temple’s official channels.
Plan Your Visit
If you're visiting Mathura-Vrindavan, a darshan of Sri Radha Damodar Ji is a must. Feel the divine vibration, walk around the temple, and offer prayers at the samadhis of great saints.
