A Day in Barsana- Travel Blog 1/2

Radhe-Radhe

Some of you might have visited so many of the holy places. We all love such places, not just for beauty, but also for the historical beliefs and to feel the culture more closely, Right?

When I came to Mathura, 4 years back, I was amazed by the beautiful temples and the mythological stories related to this city as well as nearby places. So I will be sharing my experience with these lovely places along with the associated historical beliefs. Trust me, by the end of this blog, you will be known to many of the places and stories, you have never heard.

So, the first place I will be telling you about is Barsana, which is world-famous for Lathmar holi. The highlights for the towns that are said to be associated with a Hindu legend related to Lord Krishna and Radha.

Thousands of men from all parts of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh come to Radha Rani temple in a village called Barsana. After a small ritual ceremony, everyone gathers in the temple compound and in the famous narrow lane in front of it called ‘Rang Rangeeli Gali’ (the colorful lane).

The celebration starts with women smearing color on men and they make sure no one’s left out. Villagers sing folk songs and women dance for their audience. Sweet shops overflow with a cold drink called thandai which is prepared with an edible form of cannabis called bhang. On the next day, men arrive in Barsana again, and this time they try to smear color on the women in the village. Then, the women take out sticks and try to beat the men who save themselves with shields. While men try to save them and each other, the women shout and cheer for their friends and urge them to chase and hit harder. All this is done in jest and everyone gathered participates in the fun.

The mythological story of Lath Mar Holi

Indian mythological stories write about Lord Krishna in different stages of his life. In his days as a young man, he was mischievous and playful. He often visited Barsana, the village where his beloved Radha used to live. Once, days before Holi, the Indian festival of colors, Krishna visited Barsana with his friends, and, together, they teased Radha and her companions. Taking offense to this, Radha’s friends chased the men away with sticks. Lath Mar Holi festival is a re-enactment of this legend

The celebrations are in good spirits and so is the commemoration of the tales associated with the place. There are vibrancies and good cheer all around that depict the true spirits of Mathura. It is one of the biggest festivals in North India is closely associated with Indian mythology. One must definitely visit Mathura during the festival of Holi to immerse themselves in the wonderful colors of love and happiness. 

 

Radha rani temple

Shri Radha Rani Temple is a prominent temple in Barsana. Located at approx 43 km from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh Barsana village is one of the most revered places that appeals devotees across the world. Being the homeland and birthplace of Shri Radha Rani, this little suburb of the Braj region is believed to be amongst the favorite spot of divine destinations not only for pilgrims but also for travelers with spiritual instincts. The Radha Rani temple in the city is also known as Ladli Lalji or Shree Ji temple. Ladli lal Ji or Shree Ji means beloved Radha. 

Radha Rani is believed to be the Goddess of Brajwasis. She is believed to be the secret power of Lord Krishna. For Brajwasis, Radha Rani is not just a consort of Krishna, but the ultimate source of his prowess. Due to her eminent character, she is the only worshipped Goddess of the Braj region. The Radha Rani Temple in Barsana is believed to be the place where Shreeji is always omnipresent and is believed to be a blessing every pilgrim visiting the temple with unending devotion. 

Unknown facts about the Shriji Temple

Located on the Bhanugarh hill, the Shriji temple in Barsana is believed to be 5000 years old. The name of the hill came from Shri Radha Rani’s father’s name Vrishbhanu. Barsana is famous worldwide as it is dedicated to Radha-Krishna. People all around the world come to visit the place as a pilgrimage. According to legends, Barsana is the place where Shri Radha Rani was born and brought up amongst her friends. Shri Krishna used to come to Barsana to meet her beloved Shri Radha.

According to the legends, Shri Krishna’s father Nand Maharaj Ji and Shri Radha’s father Vrishbhanu Maharaj were good friends and used to live in Gokul and Rawal respectively. Due to the atrocities of Kansa, both Nand Maharaj and Vrishbhanu shifted to Nandgaon. Since Vrishbhanu resided on Bhanugarh Hill, the place became home to Radha Rani, where the temple is built today. Krishna and Radha’s pastime stories are innumerable and Barsana witnessed some of them. It is said that Krishna used to come to Barsana to play Holi with Shri Radha Rani. Till date, this ritual is religiously followed by the locals here. The men of Nandgaon still comes to play Holi with the women of Barsana. People from all over the world come to see this soul binding festivity and celebrate Holi here. The temple resonates with the soulful spiritual vibrations the whole year which gains momentum during festive times like Radhashtmi and Holi.

Kirti Temple of Radha Krishna at Barsana

This is the only temple in the world which is dedicated to Kirti Maa who according to the legends is considered to be the Mother of Shri Radha Ji.

 

As we approached Barsana the home town of Shri Radha Ji the daughter of Brisbhan Ji we had the chantings and the prosody coming to the ears all around Radhe Krishna. The very first sight of the temple captured my eyes and my heart throbbed for my dedication to Krishna and Radha and I could not stop uttering myself Hare Krishna Hare Radha.

The temple in itself with the grand scale of architecture and the magnificent rock-cut carvings done out of pale and buff-colored sandstone captivated my heart and I was immersed in deep devotion as it is commonly said ‘a thing of beauty is a joy forever’. Visiting inside the sanctum I found the statue of baby Radha sitting in the lap of her mother which is the only kind of statue in the world.

To be continued...