Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar Mandir in Sri Vrindavan Dham is one of the most revered and spiritually vibrant temples in Vrindavan. Known for its deep roots in the Gaudiya Vaishnav tradition, the temple houses three unique pairs of deities, each with a miraculous origin and a glorious legacy of devotion.
Founded by Shyamananda Prabhu, an eternal associate of Lord Krishna and an exalted devotee of Srimati Radharani, the temple stands as a timeless monument of love, surrender, and divine service.
A Temple Steeped in Divine History
The temple’s foundation dates back to Vasant Panchami, 1578 AD, when Shyamananda Prabhu received the deity of Shyamsundar (Krishna)—manifested from the lotus heart of Srimati Radharani herself. This small but spiritually radiant deity was affectionately named Lala.
In 1580 AD, the King of Bharatpur discovered a self-manifested deity of Srimati Radharani in his royal treasury. He brought her to Vrindavan and, in a divine ceremony, married her to Shyamsundar—thus forming the original divine couple known as Lala-Lali.
Over the centuries, more deities were added under divine guidance, making this temple a spiritual center for countless devotees and saints.
The Three Divine Deity Pairs
1. Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar (Lala-Laliji) – Left Side of Altar
- Lala: The original deity of Shyamsundar manifested from Srimati Radharani’s heart.
- Lali: Self-manifested Radharani deity discovered by the King of Bharatpur.
- This divine couple was worshipped by Shyamananda Prabhu, who entrusted their service to Srila Rasikananda Prabhu—a powerful spiritual leader considered the incarnation of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
2. Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihariji – Right Side of Altar
- Discovered during a drought in Nandgaon by Sri Brajajanananda Deva Goswami, a descendant of Rasikananda Prabhu.
- After his disappearance, Srila Baladeva Vidyabhushan Prabhu brought the deities to Vrindavan and installed them in this temple.
- These deities represent Radha and Krishna’s enchanting forest pastimes (Kunj-bihari).
3. Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar (Large Deities) – Center of Altar
- Installed in 1719 AD by Srila Baladeva Vidyabhushan Prabhu on Vasant Panchami.
- Inspired by the grandeur of Radha Govindaji’s worship in Jaipur, he installed larger deities so he could offer more elaborate decorations and outfits.
- Shyamsundar was carved from a large stone brought from Nilgiri Hills, Odisha, near the acharya’s birthplace.
- Radharani was sculpted from Asta Dhatu (eight-metal alloy).
About Shyamananda Prabhu
Born in 1535 AD (Madhu Purnima, Chaitra month) in Dharenda village, West Bengal, Shyamananda Prabhu was named Duhkhi (meaning "sad") by his parents to protect him from premature death, a tradition rooted in deep cultural belief.
From a young age, Duhkhi displayed symptoms of intense devotion. Tales of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhu moved him to tears and spontaneous spiritual ecstasy. At the age of 18, he left his luxurious home to seek the lotus feet of his spiritual master, eventually arriving at Ambikakalna after crossing rivers, forests, and great dangers—driven purely by love for Lord Krishna.
His service and life remain an inspiration for seekers around the world.
Temple Highlights & Architecture
- The temple is an elegant structure in Vrindavan-style red sandstone, filled with intricate carvings and sacred energy.
- It holds three sanctum altars, each displaying a divine story through their deities.
- Samadhi of Shyamananda Prabhu is also nearby and revered by devotees.
- The temple was the first in Vrindavan to begin Mangala Aarti (early morning worship), a tradition that still continues unbroken to this day.
Temple Timings
- Mangala Aarti:
- Summer: 5:00 AM
- Winter: 6:00 AM
- Morning Darshan: 7:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Special celebrations include Vasant Panchami, Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Gaura Purnima, and Appearance Day of Shyamananda Prabhu.
How to Reach Radha Shyamsundar Temple from Delhi
Distance: ~160 km
- By Road: Take the Yamuna Expressway from Delhi to Vrindavan (~3.5 hours).
- By Train: Travel to Mathura Junction, then take an auto or taxi (~15 km) to Vrindavan.
- By Air: Nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Travel onward by road/train.
The temple is located in the Loi Bazaar area, a central location in Vrindavan, easily accessible by rickshaw or foot.
Why Visit Radha Shyamsundar Temple?
- Original deities personally blessed by Srimati Radharani and worshipped by Shyamananda Prabhu.
- Rich lineage of spiritual masters including Rasikananda Prabhu and Baladeva Vidyabhushan.
- Powerful relics and divine traditions like the original Mangala Aarti of Vrindavan.
- A chance to experience living bhakti—where every stone whispers divine love stories.
Nearby Sacred Sites
- Radha Damodar Temple
- Radha Raman Temple
- Banke Bihari Temple
- Nidhivan & Seva Kunj
- Samadhi of Shyamananda Prabhu
Plan Your Pilgrimage
A visit to the Radha Shyamsundar Temple is more than just a spiritual trip—it’s a return to Vrindavan’s timeless pastimes, divine mercy, and the ever-living presence of Radha and Krishna.
