Shri Radha Rani Temple, Barsana (Shreeji Temple)

At a glance

Location

Barsana, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh

Presiding deity

Shri Radha Rani (Ladli Ji) and Lord Krishna

Temple type

Popular Temple

Tradition

Vaishnava

Nearest railway station

Mathura Junction (~50 km); Kosi Kalan railway station is closer, at roughly 20 km

Nearest airport

Agra Airport (~95 km); Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (~120 km)

Best time to visit

October to March is best for a general visit; specifically plan around Holi to witness Lathmar Holi, though crowds are extremely large during that period.

History

In devotional tradition, Barsana is regarded as Radha's birthplace and childhood home. The main temple here — known as the Shreeji Temple, Radha Rani Temple, or Ladli Ji Temple — sits atop the Bhanugarh (Brahmachal) hill, reached by climbing several hundred steps. Unlike most Krishna-centred temples, Radha Rani is worshipped here as the principal deity, with Lord Krishna in a secondary position beside her — the temple's most distinctive feature.

Spiritual significance

Barsana is world-famous for "Lathmar Holi," in which the women of Barsana playfully beat visiting men from the neighbouring village of Nandgaon (Krishna's village, about 9 km away) with sticks — commemorating Krishna's teasing of Radha and the gopis. The following day, the celebration is reciprocated with reversed roles at Nandgaon.

Plan your visit

Barsana is roughly a 1-1.5 hour drive from Mathura or Vrindavan by road; autos and taxis are also available from Kosi Kalan railway station (on the Delhi-Mumbai line). Reaching the temple itself requires climbing the hill's steps on foot.