About Radha Rani Temple
The Shri Radha Rani Temple, also called the Shriji Temple or Shri Laadli Lal Temple, crowns Bhanugarh hill in Barsana, in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. Barsana is revered as the home of Radha, daughter of King Vrishabhanu, and this temple is the most important shrine dedicated to her in Braj. Here Radha and Krishna are worshipped together as Shri Laadli Lal, the beloved daughter and son of the town. From the hilltop, the whole of Barsana and the surrounding plains of Braj can be seen, and the temple is especially crowded during Radhashtami and the week-long Holi celebrations.
According to tradition, the first temple here was established by Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Krishna, in very ancient times. Over the centuries it fell into ruin, and the sacred images were later rediscovered by Narayan Bhatt, a follower of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Records mention a temple built by Raja Bir Singh Deo, and the present structure is credited to Narayan Bhatt with support from Raja Todarmal, a minister at the court of Akbar. Nearby hills and villages are tied to the same story: Nandgaon, home of Krishna's foster father Nanda, lies on Nandishvar hill not far away, and the rivalry between the two villages lives on in the playful Lathmar Holi.
The temple is built of red sandstone in a Rajput style of the Mughal era, with arches, pillars, domes and fine carvings; its inner walls and ceilings carry colourful paintings. Red and white stone are used together, which devotees see as a symbol of the love of Radha and Krishna. More than two hundred steps climb from the town to the main shrine. At the foot of the steps stands the palace of Vrishabhanu Maharaj, with images of Vrishabhanu, his wife Kirtida, Radha's brother Shridama and Radha. A Brahma temple and the Ashtasakhi temple, honouring Radha and her chief companions, are close by.
Radha Rani Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in summer, and about 5:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM in winter. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala aarti | At opening, early morning (approx.) |
| Sandhya aarti | At sunset |
| Shayan aarti | Before closing at night (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Radha Rani Temple
By air
The nearest major airports are at Agra and Delhi; continue by road to Barsana.
By train
Mathura Junction is the nearest major railway station; continue by road.
By road
Barsana is connected by road with Mathura, Govardhan and Nandgaon, with buses and taxis. From the town, climb the steps up Bhanugarh hill to the temple.
Festivals at Radha Rani Temple
- Lathmar HoliFeb/Mar
- RadhashtamiAug/Sep
- Krishna JanmashtamiAug/Sep
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest, traditional clothing is recommended. Shoes are left before the climb to the sanctum.
- Entry
- Free.
- The climb has more than 200 steps; go early in the morning, carry water and take your time.
- During Lathmar Holi the streets get packed and colour flies everywhere; protect phones and cameras and wear old clothes.
- Hold on to glasses and small items, as monkeys are common around the hill.
- Combine Barsana with Nandgaon and Govardhan in a day's circuit of Braj.
Places to visit near Radha Rani Temple
- Vrishabhanu Maharaj palaceShrine of Radha's family at the foot of the temple steps
- Nandgaon (Nand Bhawan)Hilltop temple of Nanda, Krishna's foster father, in the neighbouring village
- Kirti MandirModern temple of Radha's mother Kirtida in Barsana
- GovardhanSacred hill and parikrama route of Braj, reachable by road
Frequently asked questions
What are the Radha Rani Temple Barsana timings?
It is usually open from about 5 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM in summer, closing a little earlier at night in winter. Times may vary; check locally.
How many steps are there to Radha Rani Temple?
More than 200 steps lead from the town up Bhanugarh hill to the main shrine.
What is Lathmar Holi?
A playful Holi custom of Barsana in which women of the village 'beat' the men of Nandgaon with sticks while the men shield themselves; celebrations begin about a week before Holi.
Why is the temple also called Laadli Lal temple?
Because Radha and Krishna are worshipped together here as Shri Laadli Lal, the beloved daughter and son of the town.
What is the aarti time at Radha Rani Temple?
Mangala aarti: At opening, early morning (approx.); Sandhya aarti: At sunset; Shayan aarti: Before closing at night (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Radha Rani Temple?
Modest, traditional clothing is recommended. Shoes are left before the climb to the sanctum.
How to reach Radha Rani Temple?
By air: The nearest major airports are at Agra and Delhi; continue by road to Barsana. By train: Mathura Junction is the nearest major railway station; continue by road. By road: Barsana is connected by road with Mathura, Govardhan and Nandgaon, with buses and taxis. From the town, climb the steps up Bhanugarh hill to the temple.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
