Barsana’s Ladli Ji Temple: A Divine Tribute to Goddess Radha
Shri Radha Rani Temple: Where Peacocks Receive The First Offering Before Devotees: Barsana, located in Mathura, is considered entirely dedicated to Goddess Radha. You can imagine this from the fact that the only chant heard in Barsana and its surrounding areas is “Radhe-Radhe.” The fame of the Radha Rani Temple in Barsana is not limited to the Mathura region; devotees from far and wide visit here for darshan.
Barsana’s Ladli Ji Maharaj Temple
Barsana – A Town Devoted to Goddess Radha
Located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, Barsana is uniquely dedicated to Goddess Radha. The spiritual atmosphere here is so intense that the only chant heard throughout the town and nearby villages is “Radhe-Radhe.” The Radha Rani Temple stands as a beacon of devotion, drawing pilgrims from across India and beyond.
The Temple of Ladli Ji Maharaj
Popularly known as “Radha Rani’s Palace” or the “Temple of the Ladli of Barsana,” the temple is a major pilgrimage site. While it sees daily footfall from devotees, it becomes especially vibrant during festivals like Radha Ashtami and Lathmar Holi, where devotion meets cultural celebration.
Unique Ritual on Radha Ashtami
On the auspicious day of Radha Ashtami, the temple offers 56 different types of bhog (offerings) to Ladli Ji. In a unique ritual, the offerings are first fed to peacocks, believed to be dear to Radha, and then shared as prasad with devotees.
Temple Location and Architecture
The temple is perched atop a hill known as Barsana Matha, and reaching the sanctum requires climbing over 200 steps. Constructed using elegant red and white stones, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a sight to behold.
Nearby Temples and Attractions
Close to the main temple, visitors can also find a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, and the Ashtasakhi Temple, which honors Radha and her eight closest companions (sakhis), adding depth to the spiritual experience of Barsana.
Historical Origins and Construction
It is believed that the original foundation of the temple was laid by King Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. The present structure was constructed in 1675 AD by Raja Veer Singh, with assistance from Raja Todarmal, the famous finance minister in Emperor Akbar’s court.
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