Just as Romeo and Juliet are celebrated for their love story, in India, the names of Radha and Krishna are always remembered whenever love is mentioned. Krishna is well know household name and has been worshipped since ages. People worship Lord Krishna primarily because he is revered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, a supreme deity who descended to Earth to restore cosmic order and protect humanity from evil. Lately, the Radha name too getting popularity. Thanks to spiritual guru Sri Premanand Ji, who helps in popularizing devotion to Shri Radha Rani among modern audiences by simplifying complex spiritual philosophies into an accessible, everyday practice centered on chanting "Radhe Radhe." This has made devotee to visit Barsana the home of Radha Rani. I have been to Vrindavan a number o time but never been too Barsana, which is few kilometer away from Vrindavan. But this time I made up my mind to make it to Barsana of my own.
Barsana is not an unknown place, Barsana is globally renowned for its unique "Lathmar Holi celebration", where women playfully beat or chase away men from neighboring Nandgaon with sticks in a tradition reenacting the playful leelas of Radha and Krishna. Barsana is also popular as the sacred birthplace and childhood home of goddess Radha. The place is now getting more popularity Radha Rani (Ladli Ji) Temple. The temple is located atop the Bhanugarh (or Brahmachal) hill. This historic temple is dedicated to Goddess Radha and draws huge crowds of pilgrims and devotees year round. The temple can be seen from a distance but due to encroachment and some building the visibility is not clear.
I had no plan to visit the place, but one day I just woke up in morning and decided to visit the place. I have no idea about the travelling option. But I was sure it was not far away from my Delhi home. I quickly checked the train route. There are many local trains that runs every hours from Delhi station. Luckily I found one departing the railway station at 7AM. I quickly took shower and book Ola to New Delhi railway station. I bought a non-reservation ticket to Kosi-kalan. The travel time is approx 90 min only. The Kosi station appeared to be quite empty. But the colorful staircases amazes me.
I took a shared auto to BArsana, One of my friend staying in Vrindavan had guided me the route while I was in train. as he lives near to Barsana he know every bits of the place. It was not a bit town or city, yet the name of Radha made it a popular destination. Along the route I found there were many devotees who were travelling to the Temple to offer their prayer. Mine being first time, I was trying to understand the vibes of the place. It took me another 30 min from station to reach the Barsana town. Thanks to welcome gate.
First time I found crowd in the Barsana town. There were many visitors and devotees who had arrived through other public transport mode. you will find people from all the state in that area. Quite unaware about the route, I followed the crowd, the easiest way to reach the destination. Enroute I found many colorful dress for our Laddoo Gopal. That adds a different vibes to the place.
To reach the main Shri Radha Rani Temple atop the Bhanugarh Hill in Barsana, we need to climb approximately 200 stairs. I read some of the reviews and it appears to be a tough climb. I was unaware about it, and kept simply following the trails of people that were moving towards the temple. The trail passes through narrow lanes and soon I found myself in front of the temple gate.
I again kept following the trail of people, it was quite crowded. What I only remember is that i made to climb few more stairs and soon I found myself inside temple. The atmosphere is deeply devotional, lively. There was a huge hall which was packed with large crowds of pilgrims.
There were loud chanting all around the place. It took me a while to figure out the idol or Radha Krishna placed at one side of the hall. There devotees were praying and bowing their head at that direction. This helps me figuring out the deity place.
I was enjoying the place and atmosphere. Even though it was chaotic scene still I was finding peace inside hall filled with so many people. There is a courtyard where people were taking picture, I too moved towards that place to take a glimpse of entire Barsana town.
A little farther away is the actual home of Radha rani ji. Soon it started raining hard, I again get back to the main hall standing in front of the idol. Trying to figure out what is that divine power that made so many people devoted towards the supreme power. There is something for sure some that made people so attached to such pilgrimage place. The scene remain crowded most of the time.
Standing before the sanctum where Radha Rani is worshipped leaves many feeling emotionally light, humbled, and deeply anchored, as if some invisible weight or anxiety from daily life was left behind on the hilltop. I felt quite relaxed and peaceful. An experience that were never been felt before. There is surely a divine power that made unplanned trip manageable. I returned back home by evening. The trip is all for a day. And how it went, I still unable to figured out.
Radhe Radhey
In good faith - Peace!!