Sri Radha Raman Temple, Vrindavan

Introduction to Sri Radha Raman Temple

Sri Radha Raman Temple is an elegantly crafted and revered temple in Nidhi Van, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most significant among the seven temples of Vrindavan. It is very popular with the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Legend of Sri Radha Raman Temple

Gopala Bhatta Goswami, who followed the principles of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, established the Sri Radha Raman Temple. He came to Vrindavan in his 30s. Gopala Bhatta dreamt that Krishna instructed him to visit Nepal to attain his darshan. So, he headed to Nepal and bathed in the Kali Gandaki River. When Gopala Bhatta dipped his water pot in the river, several Shaligramas entered into his pot. He tried to drop them back in the river, but they kept reentering the pot. Gopala Bhatta found 12 Shaligrama Shilas and took them with him.

On Purnima day, Gopala Bhatta put all the 12 Shaligrama Shilas in a basket after worshipping them and went to rest. The following day, while uncovering the basket, he saw only 11 Shilas and a unique Shila of Krishna playing the flute.

The self-manifested Shila became known as Radha Raman. This is the story behind Radha Raman's appearance, and the original Shila is present in this Sri Radha Raman Temple.

Devotees believe that Radha Raman is a living entity and that he chooses a family to help him in his daily routine. Male members of the Goswami family prepare Prasad in the temple kitchen. The temple schedules sevas, rituals, and gatherings on a family calendar for disciples' participation.

The Architecture of Sri Radha Raman Temple

Gopala Bhatta Goswami established Sri Radha Raman Temple in 1542 on the full moon day between April and May and installed the main deity, Sri Radha Raman. The temple is 500 years old and was constructed in the 16th century. Shah Behari Lallji renovated the Sri Radha Raman Temple in 1826. The temple celebrates the foundation day yearly by bathing the deity with milk and fragrances. The tiny and beautiful Krishna idol in the Sri Radha Raman Temple is believed to be self-manifested from Shaligrama Shila. The Samadhi of Gopala Bhatta Goswami is behind the temple.

An interesting fact about Sri Radha Raman Temple is that despite being dedicated to Radha Raman, there is no deity of Radha here. Visitors can see only a crown beside Krishna, signifying Radha's presence.

Sri Radha Raman Temple features modern Hindu architecture. It houses an original, self-manifested idol of Shaligram stone, which sports a mystical smile on its face. Sri Radha Raman Temple preserved the unique Unag vastra of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Festivals in Sri Radha Raman Temple

Sri Radha Raman Temple grandly celebrates Ram Navami, Jhulan Yatra (a swing festival), Chandan Yatra, and Janmashtami. These festivals attract a huge crowd of devotees and tourists.