Spots to see around Mathura and Vrindavan

Consider a best Spots to see around Mathura & Vrindavan in which spirituality runs like a river and every street corner is alive with stories of heavenly love. Yes! Welcome to Mathura and Vrindavan, India’s hallowed heartlands where the very air seems to be filled with devotion.

We’ll be your tour guide around these mythical areas in this series, and our first visit is to the charming village of Barsana.

As you walk the dusty roads, see the lively rituals, and learn the time-honoured traditions, you’ll be transported into a world where ancient myths and modern life coexist.

With its rich spiritual tapestry and intensive cultural experiences, Barsana sets the setting for an amazing voyage into Braj’s pious country. Join us as we unearth hidden treasures and profound truths that these holy sites have to offer.

Spots to see around Mathura and Vrindavan: My personal Experience

Dusty roads, women in veils, roosters on narrow lanes, kids playing around in dust bare feet, men in groups with their hookahs, mothers cooking lunch on mud “Chulhas”, monkeys and dogs sitting beside humans like friends.

Just another beautiful sunny day in Braj Bhoomi, specifically in Barsana, a very important part of Braj as Radha Rani was born in this place. Many believe her to be the incarnation of Goddess Laxmi.

I got married in February 2022, and right after the wedding I had the utmost pleasure of being in Braj for the first ever time in my adult life, that too around the pious festival of Holi.

Witnessing the places which holds deep religious and spiritual values for the Hindus, I found myself astonished at more than one occasions on the entire trip. It was also the first time ever that I had also seen a real village internally.

In this blog, we will take an enthralling journey deep into the heart of ‘Barsana,’ where faith, culture, and history mingle to form a magical tapestry.

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Barsana Shri Radha Rani Temple Mathura Timings and History

Atop one of the hills in Barsana stands the Shriji’s Temple, where the original Radha Krishna Deities of Barsana are housed. Shriji is the local name for Radha Rani. According to the Varah and Padma Puranas, Brahma pleased Shri Krishna by performing intense worship at the end of Satya Yug.

Impressed by Brahma’s devotion, Shri Hari instructed him to take the form of a hill in Brsabhanupura, where he could witness all their sweet pastimes.

On the summit of Brahma-parvat lies the temple of Shri Laadli Laal, which is believed to have been established by King Vajranabh 5000 years ago. King Vajranabh was the great-grandson of Shri Krishna and the grandson of Pradyumna.

Over time, the Deities in this temple were lost, but they were later rediscovered by Narayan Bhatt, one of the disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, in a nearby location. He then installed these Deities in the temple.

The name “Ladli” signifies the beloved daughter, and “Lal” denotes the beloved son. Therefore, this temple, enshrining the Deities of Lord Krishna and Radha, is also known as the Ladli Lal Temple or Radha Rani Temple.

The temple is situated within Barsana Dham, approximately 43 kilometers away from Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Atop the Bhanugarh peak, you can find a splendid temple devoted to Shriji, also known as Radharani, by the locals. Shriji is the local name for Radha Rani.

One has to walk quite a lot to reach the temple if one really wants to experience the completeness of it all. The temple premises in itself is HUGE with gardens, chambers, rooms, courtyards and everything beautiful.

From the top, the complete view of the entire village in the soothing evening breeze will wear off all the fatigue. The ambience, the people, the devotion, one could feel all the faith in their bones in the mystical place of worship.

I hope you’re thoroughly enjoying your exploration of the enchanting spots to see around Mathura & Vrindavan!

Barsana Radha Rani Temple timings

The provided timings for the Barsana Radha Rani Temple suggest that the temple follows a consistent schedule throughout the week. Here’s a breakdown of the temple timings:

These timings indicate that the Barsana Radha Rani Temple opens early in the morning from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, the mid-day timings from 7:30 AM to 1:15 PM, and the evening timings from 4:45 PM to 8:45 PM for each day of the week at the Barsana Radha Rani Temple. You can plan their visit accordingly with these detailed timings.

It’s important for visitors to plan their visit within these operational hours to experience the spiritual ambiance and engage in rituals at the temple.

The Local Village of Barsana: A famous place for Lathmaar Holi

One thing that I really found beautiful in the village of Barsana was the vibe of playfulness and colors around the time of Holi as it is a very famous destination for the celebration of festival also known widely as “Lathmaar Holi”, and it begins weeks before the main day and go on for days after the festival has long passed.

I was there for a complete day so after visiting the temple in the early morning, I had still time to go around the village immersed in the festive mode.

It was my first time in an Indian village and I was seriously very excited about the whole different world I was witnessing, a whole new way of life than that I have experienced in cities.

The roads were dusty yet the environment around was buzzing with life. There were tube wells, cattle in each home and a very natural way of life, almost deep rooted to earth.

People were really friendly and polite. Best thing, there was almost no noise pollution other than the humans and animals who have learned to live peacefully with each other.

There were so many temples around, trees dating back from hundreds of years carrying several stories of the folklore. Talking to the local men and women they were more than eager and interested to share all these stories about the place they call home with a feeling of pride.

Many were kind enough to offer lunch in their own homes. As they say, in Braj a guest is literally treated as a form of God.

Shri Radha Sarovar at Gehvarvana Barsana

On our way in village we stumbled upon this beautiful stair well in Gehvar Van, which in itself is profound and soul satisfying. Gehvar Van is nestled in the vicinity of Barsana, a place held dear by Shri Kishori Radha.

It is affectionately known as “Nitya Vihar,” symbolizing the eternal union of Radha Krishna within its sacred boundaries, where no separation exists.

This forest bears immense significance as the sole wooded area in Braj that was personally adorned and fashioned by Shri Radha Rani herself.

It serves as the secluded sanctuary for the enchanting pastimes of Thakur Ji and Radha Rani, where they become absorbed in their divine play.

Braj and Vrindavan are revered as the dwelling places of the Divine, where fresh divine dramas, known as “leelas,” unfold continuously. Radha Rani emanates perpetual youthful charm, and Shri Krishn forever appears in youthful splendor.

Priya and Priytam, the beloved divine couple, remain inseparable, and each encounter between them feels as though they have never met before. The Vallabhacharya Baithak also resides here, where the recitation of Shrimad Bhagwat has been performed 108 times.

Shri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu acknowledged this locale as the Divine Keli Kunj, where Priya and Priytam engage in their playful leelas. It is also recognized as the “Nitya Vihar” abode.

The Miracles of Gehvar Van

Legend has it that Radha Krishn revealed themselves to Shri Raskhan in Gehvar Van, with Shri Krishna tenderly tending to Radha Rani’s feet and serving her. This location also boasts ancient Raas Leela sites, where Priya Ji and her sakhis continue to partake in divine play even in the present day.

The firsthand experiences of fortunate devotees who have been witnesses to these divine moments stand as irrefutable evidence. Rasik saints such as Nagridas, Kishori Ali, and Swami Parimal Das have resided here, fully immersed in their devotion to Radha Krishna.

My Journey to the Heart of Braj: Discovering Peace and Spirituality in Barsana

I took my first trip to Braj in March 2022 and the second one in November 2022 and at both times I felt deeply connected to the land of Radha-Krishna. It was like every particle there carries a devotion in itself which has the power to set your soul free of pains and miseries of this world.

So if you’re searching for a place in Braj where you can spend a meaningful day away from the city hustle and bustle, shower in the deep enrooted religious history and culture, Barsana is definitely a place to think about.

Final Words

My journey took me to a spot of profound serenity—Barsana—in the heart of Braj, between the colorful traditions and honored landscapes of Mathura and Vrindavan. It was a time-and-space-traveling journey that gave me an enduring tie with the Radha-Krishna homeland.

As I walked around this magical village, I encountered more than just physical beauty; I felt a deep sense of dedication that seemed to offer peace and healing for the soul’s troubles. Barsana, with its simplicity and spirituality, is a haven of calm and tranquillity in a hectic world.

Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or dig into the rich tapestry of religious history and culture, Barsana welcomes you with open arms. It’s a location where every step feels like a step closer to enlightenment, a place where the soul can find rest and the heart can find a home.

The embrace of Barsana’s ageless traditions reveals that this peaceful society is more than just a vacation; it’s a sacred journey—a pilgrimage of the heart. As you embark on your own spiritual journey, may Barsana’s grace and tranquillity guide you, providing you with the comfort and spiritual connection you desire.

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