Barsana Radha Rani Temple

History

Barsana is identified in Braj lore as Radha’s maternal home. The hilltop Radha Rani temple draws continuous devotion and becomes a major focus during Holi, when Barsana’s Lathmar Holi is known across India.

Pilgrims on Brij Parikrama typically combine Barsana with Nandgaon, Govardhan and Vrindavan, treating the twin hills of Radha and Krishna’s childhood villages as complementary stops.

Stories

The village of Radha

Barsana, in the Braj region of Mathura district, is regarded in devotional tradition as the birthplace of Radha, the beloved of Krishna. Her temple, known as the Radha Rani temple, draws devotees throughout the year. The town forms part of the Krishna pilgrimage circuit, which pilgrims link with Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan, Kurukshetra and Dwarka.

Lathmar Holi, a playful welcome with sticks

Lathmar Holi is played in the twin towns of Barsana and Nandgaon around Holi. The legend behind it says Krishna of Nandgaon went to Barsana to colour Radha and her friends, and the women playfully drove him and his friends off with sticks.

Every year the men of Nandgaon, treated as sons-in-law of Barsana, visit the town and are met by women who tap at them with lathis in good humour while the men shield themselves. The festivities run for more than a week.

Good to know

Hill temple of Radha Rani, centre of Radha devotion in Braj

Famous Holi traditions, including Lathmar Holi associations

Paired with Nandgaon on Brij Parikrama itineraries

Getting there

Road from Mathura, Vrindavan or Govardhan (taxi or bus). Nearest major railhead: Mathura Junction. Air: Agra or Delhi, then road via Mathura.