There is a rich history behind the existence of Shri Radha Raman Temple in Vrindavan. You will come across many awe-inspiring temples in Vrindavan that will leave you mesmerized. And, Shri Radha Raman temple is one of the highly popular temples located in the religious place.
When it comes to future plans of the popular temple, there are some significant renovation and maintenance that are scheduled to take place in the near future. It includes the expansion of the temple’s courtyard, renovation of the temple’s roof, and maintenance of the temple’s old kitchen.
Among the new construction, the construction of the temple’s peak or shikar is expected to take place. There will also be the construction of a vast hall for the sake of the public.
Traveler Tips:
It is worth noting that the Mangal Arti takes place early in the morning at 5 am. The Dhoop Arti takes place at 9 am. Shringar Arti happens at 10 in the morning. Devotees can attend the Rajbhog Arti at 12:30 in the noon. Meanwhile, the popular dhoop Arti is scheduled to take place at 6 in the evening. Sandhya Arti occurs at 7: 15 pm and Shyan Arti happens at 9: 30.
It is important to note that the Shri Radha Raman temple stays open in Vrindavan throughout the week. Devotees are free to visit the temple from morning to evening.
History:
The famous Shri Radha Raman temple was constructed by Gopal Bhatt Goswami (one of the ardent followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) some 500 years ago. Gopal Bhatta Goswami happened to visit Vrindavan when he was 30-years old. The temple’s existence dates back to 1532 when Shri Gopal Bhatt Goswami arrived in Vrindavan. Shri Gopal Bhatt was one of the notable disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ji. Soon after stepping into the divine land full of temples, Gopal Bhatt Goswami got the auspicious blessings of Mahaprabhu in the shape of Kopin also known as Mahaprabhu’s loincloth, Patta or wooden seat, and dupatta.
It is interesting to note that the wooden seat and Mahaprabhu’s dupatta are still kept with all reverence and still worshipped by followers. According to historians, soon after receiving instructions from Mahaprabhu, Gopal Bhatt Goswami decided to visit the Kali-Gandaki River located in Nepal. This was the place where Gopal Bhatt Goswami discovered 12 Shalligram Shillas.
Gopal Bhatt Goswami revered the 12 Shalligram Shillas as the blessings of the Lord itself and carried them back along with him all the way to Vrindavan. Soon, he began to worship the 12 Shalligram Shillas with thorough earnestness and complete devotion. Meanwhile, Gopal Bhatt Goswami addressed all the Shalligram Shillas in the form of Mahaprabhu. However, he continued to harbor some anxieties.
Gopal Bhatt Goswami was keen for an inspiring form of the lord, such an idol that has the capacity to touch, dress, and feed just like his friends. As several years elapsed, his desire continued to get stronger. Subsequently, in May 1542 on the day of Narasimha Chaturdashi, Gopal Bhatt Goswami pondered over the magnificence of Lord Narsimha (the shape of half-human and half lion). Lord Narsimha arrived on the Earth to save his staunch follower Prahalad from the control of devil king Hiraṇyakaśipu. Later on, while lamenting his destiny just like the innocent child, Gopal Bhatt Goswami cried all night.
And, it was only after the subsequent day that Gopal Bhatt Goswami’s keen desire was to seek an immortal form in the mortal world. The following day when Gopal Bhatt woke up to offer his prayers to Shalligram Shillas, he immediately noticed the lid to be open.
With fears in his mind, Goswamiji carefully opened the lid only to find out his most precious possession resting in the middle of 11 other Shillas. It is worth noting that the Damodar Shilla or the 12th Shilla had converted into the gentle and splendid form of Lord Krishna himself along with delicate arms, lotus eyes, and divine smile. And, with this, the Lord ultimately decided to bless his ardent devotee with his blissful presence on Earth.
Soon after seeing this sight, Goswami burst into tears of happiness and showered all his love and care upon the Lord known as Shri Radha Raman. And, Gopal Bhatt Goswami also happened to manifest Holy Flame or Akhand Jyoti that continues to exist in the service of Lord Radha Raman for every day worshipping and cooking (Prasada).
According to historians, Gopal Bhatt Goswami decided to give the charge of Seva of Lord Radha Raman to his ardent disciple Shri Gopinath Das Goswami who happened to be a celibate, therefore, he requested Gopal Bhatt Goswami Ji to consecrate Damodar Das Goswamiji. And, since then the pure spiritual practice is carried forward by their lineage. When it comes to the seva schedule of Shri Radha Raman temple, there has been a full year seva schedule of Shri Radha Raman temple.
Best Time to Visit:
Just like the remaining tourist destinations in Vrindavan, the significance of Shri Radha Raman is quite high. Tourists are not barred to visit the temple at any point of time. They can visit the temple throughout the year. The name Radha Raman also signifies the one who gives all pleasure to Radha. It has already emerged as one of the oldest temples in Vrindavan. When it comes to visiting the renowned temple, winter has emerged as the ideal time to visit it. The weather remains peaceful and pleasant. The Winter season in Vrindavan ideally begins from October and lasts till the month of March.
Nearby Attractions:
The other famous attractions that you may visit while you are in Vrindavan may include Banke Bihari temple, ISKCON Temple, Govind Dev Ji Temple, Shri Radha Madan Mohan temple. These temples have also emerged highly popular and you should definitely visit them.
Therefore, we may conclude here that visit Shri Radha Raman Temple Vrindavan this year and get ready to be mesmerized by the aura of the temple that will leave you spell-bound. The temple receives a score of visitors every day.