A temple where Radha Rani reigns supreme
Located in the heart of Vrindavan, the Radha Vallabh Temple is one of the most spiritually significant and emotionally stirring temples dedicated to Radha Rani and Lord Krishna. Known for its unique tradition, deep-rooted history, and intense devotion to Srimati Radharani, this temple holds a special place not only in Vrindavan but also in the hearts of thousands of bhaktas around the world.
What Is the History of Radha Vallabh Temple of Vrindavan?
The Radha Vallabh Temple was established in the 16th century by Goswami Sri Harivansh Ji Maharaj, the founder of the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya. Harivansh Ji was born in 1530 AD in a village called Bad in present-day Uttar Pradesh. A direct descendent of Lord Krishna through his son Pradyumna, he was a spiritually enlightened soul from early childhood.
Drawn to Vrindavan by a divine inner calling, Harivansh Ji began worshipping a beautiful deity of Radha Vallabh Ji, which later became the center of this powerful bhakti tradition. The current temple structure was commissioned by the ruler of Bikaner in the late 16th century, and since then, it has become a sacred landmark of Radha-bhakti.
What Is the Story Behind Radha Vallabh Temple?
The origin of this temple is deeply mystical. According to tradition, Radha Vallabh Ji—a divine form of Shri Krishna—appeared to Harivansh Ji in a vision and instructed him to come to Vrindavan, where the Lord wished to be worshipped in a unique mood of exclusive devotion to Srimati Radharani.
In this temple, only the deity of Radha Vallabh Ji (Krishna) is worshipped on the main altar. Radharani is not in physical deity form but is represented by a beautiful red chunari (veil) placed next to the Lord. This symbolic worship reflects the temple’s central teaching: Radha holds the highest position—even Krishna awaits her presence.
What Is the Meaning of “Radha Vallabh”?
"Radha Vallabh" means "the beloved of Radha"—where Radha is placed not just as consort, but as the supreme object of worship. This is the core philosophy of the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, which teaches that Lord Krishna derives all his sweetness, power, and joy through His devotion and surrender to Radha Rani.
In this tradition, Radha is supreme, and Krishna’s identity as “Radha Vallabh” highlights his complete dependence on Her love.
Who Is Radha Vallabh Ji?
Radha Vallabh Ji is a unique, loving form of Lord Krishna, who is always in eternal longing and joy of union with Srimati Radharani. The deity, carved from a single black stone, is known for His astonishing beauty and divine smile.
Worship in the Radha Vallabh Temple is intense, emotional, and centered on Radha’s supremacy. The temple atmosphere is filled with deep, poetic expressions of separation (viraha) and joyous union (milan).
Who Has the Highest Place in Radha Vallabh Sect?
In the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, the highest place is given to Srimati Radharani. Unlike other Vaishnava traditions where Krishna is considered the Supreme, here Radha is the Supreme Goddess, and Krishna is worshipped as Her eternal servant and lover.
The sect teaches that true love for God can only be achieved through exclusive and surrendered devotion to Radha Rani, making it a unique and powerful path within the Bhakti movement.
Who Was Radha Vallabh Harivansh?
Harivansh Ji Maharaj (1530–1607 AD) was the divine visionary and founder of the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya. He is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Krishna’s flute—taking human form to glorify Radharani’s love.
- Born into a spiritually rich lineage and trained in both scriptures and music from an early age.
- Left home as a youth to come to Vrindavan, guided by divine visions.
- Lived a life of austerity, love, and kirtan, composing thousands of padavalis (devotional poems) in praise of Radha Rani.
- His samadhi (spiritual tomb) is located near the Radha Vallabh Temple in Vrindavan and is a place of pilgrimage.
What Is the Time of Radha Vallabh Shayan Aarti?
Shayan Aarti at Radha Vallabh Temple generally takes place in the evening between 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM, depending on the season.
- Summer Shayan Aarti: Around 7:30 PM
- Winter Shayan Aarti: Around 8:00 PM
This aarti is one of the most emotional and soul-stirring events in the temple. Devotees offer lullabies, light lamps, and lovingly bid the Lord goodnight, while Radha Rani’s veil rests beside Him, reminding all that Her presence is eternal.
Temple Architecture & Ambience
The Radha Vallabh Temple is built in Rajasthani red sandstone, featuring:
- A high shikhar (spire) and arched entranceways
- Intricate floral and symbolic carvings
- A serene inner sanctum that radiates divine energy
- A musical atmosphere, especially during bhajans and aartis
What sets this temple apart is its emotional depth—worshippers often cry, sing, and lose themselves in the ecstasy of Radha's love.
How to Reach Radha Vallabh Temple, Vrindavan
Location: Near Nidhivan, Radha Vallabh Ghera, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
- From Delhi (160 km):
- By Road: Via Yamuna Expressway (~3.5 hours)
- By Train: Delhi to Mathura Junction, then taxi/rickshaw to Vrindavan
- By Air: Nearest airport – Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
The temple is easily accessible by foot or rickshaw once you're in central Vrindavan.
Daily Darshan Timings (Approximate)
| Darshan | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | 5:00 AM (Summer) / 6:00 AM (Winter) |
| Shringar Darshan | 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM |
| Raj Bhog Aarti | 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Shayan Aarti | 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM |
Note: Timings may vary slightly during festivals or special events.
Why Visit Radha Vallabh Temple?
- To witness the highest form of Radha bhakti
- To experience divine poetry, music, and emotions in worship
- To feel the living presence of Radha Rani, even without a deity
- To connect with the legacy of Harivansh Ji Maharaj
- To offer your heart at the feet of Radha’s beloved, Radha Vallabh Ji
