Shri Radha Rani Temple is a famous temple in Barsana, about 43 km from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Barsana is highly revered as the birthplace of Shri Radha Rani. The temple is also called Ladli Lal Ji or Shree Ji Temple, meaning “Beloved Radha.”
Holi in Barsana is celebrated uniquely as Lathmar Holi, where women playfully beat men with sticks, while men try to protect themselves with shields. Women from Barsana and Nandgaon (two towns near Mathura) take part in this lively tradition.
Radha Rani is worshipped as the Goddess of the Braj region. She is considered the secret power behind Lord Krishna and is deeply revered by the Brajwasis. For them, she is not just Krishna’s consort but the source of his divine strength.
The temple stands on Bhanugarh Hill, named after Shri Radha Rani’s father, Vrishbhanu. It is believed to be 5,000 years old, and devotees feel Shri Radha Rani’s divine presence here. Barsana is globally famous as a pilgrimage site dedicated to Radha-Krishna.
According to legends, Shri Radha Rani was born in Barsana and spent her childhood with friends. Shri Krishna would often visit Barsana to meet her. Their fathers, Nand Maharaj Ji and Vrishbhanu Maharaj, were close friends and originally lived in Gokul and Rawal. Due to threats from Kansa, they moved to Nandgaon. Vrishbhanu settled on Bhanugarh Hill, which later became the site of Radha Rani’s temple.
Barsana witnessed many of Krishna and Radha’s divine pastimes, including their famous Holi celebrations. Even today, men from Nandgaon visit Barsana to play Holi with the women, continuing this beautiful tradition. Thousands of devotees from around the world gather here to witness this spiritually enriching festival.
The temple remains filled with divine energy throughout the year, especially during festivals like Radhashtami and Holi.