Radha Damodar Temple

Radha Damodar Temple is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. It preserves the spiritual legacy of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan and is regarded as an important center for devotional worship, scriptural learning and bhakti philosophy. Devotees believe that worshipping the sacred Govardhan Shila here brings blessings comparable to performing the Govardhan Parikrama.

The temple is also historically important because of its association with Shri Jiva Goswami, Shri Rupa Goswami and A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Its centuries-old traditions, sacred relics and uninterrupted worship continue to inspire pilgrims and spiritual seekers from around the world.

Radha Damodar Temple is one of the most sacred temples of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition in Vrindavan. The temple was established in 1542 CE by Shri Jiva Goswami, one of the foremost disciples of Shri Rupa Goswami and among the revered Six Goswamis of Vrindavan. The principal deity of Shri Radha Damodar is believed to have been personally manifested and gifted to Shri Jiva Goswami by Shri Rupa Goswami, making the temple an important center of devotional worship.

The temple has served for centuries as a place of worship, scriptural study and spiritual practice. It is also closely associated with several eminent Vaishnava saints, including A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who stayed and wrote important devotional works here before beginning his worldwide preaching mission. One of the temple's most revered features is the sacred Govardhan Shila bearing the footprint of Lord Krishna, which devotees traditionally worship and circumambulate with great devotion.

Road: The temple is located on Seva Kunj Road and can be reached by taxis, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and battery-operated vehicles from all parts of Vrindavan.

Rail: Vrindavan Railway Station is approximately 3 km from the temple, while Mathura Junction is about 12 km away.

Air: Agra Airport is approximately 75 km from the temple, while Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi is approximately 165 km away. Taxi services are available from both airports.

1. Mathura – Approx. 12 km

2. Agra – Approx. 75 km

3. Bharatpur – Approx. 50 km

4. Aligarh – Approx. 85 km

5. New Delhi – Approx. 165 km

1. Main Sanctum dedicated to Shri Radha Damodar.

2. Samadhi of Shri Rupa Goswami.

3. Samadhi of Shri Jiva Goswami.

4. Govardhan Shila with the sacred footprint of Lord Krishna.

5. Temple Courtyard and Parikrama Path.

1. Radha Raman Temple – Historic temple housing the self-manifested deity of Lord Krishna.

2. Radha Vallabh Temple – Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna as the beloved of Shri Radha.

3. Banke Bihari Temple – One of Vrindavan's most revered Krishna temples.

4. Seva Kunj – Sacred garden associated with the divine pastimes of Radha and Krishna.

5. Nidhivan – Holy grove traditionally associated with the nightly Raas Leela of Radha and Krishna.

1. Mangala Aarti – Approx. 5:00 AM

2. Shringar Darshan – Approx. 7:30 AM

3. Raj Bhog Offering – Approx. 11:30 AM

4. Afternoon Temple Closing – Approx. 12:30 PM

5. Evening Darshan – Approx. 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

6. Sandhya Aarti and Shayan Seva – Approx. 7:00 PM

Kartik (Damodar Maas) is the most important period of celebration at Radha Damodar Temple. During this sacred month, thousands of devotees offer ghee lamps, sing the Damodar Ashtakam and perform parikrama of the temple and the sacred Govardhan Shila. The atmosphere is filled with devotional chanting and scriptural recitations.

Other major festivals include Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Gaura Purnima, Jhulan Yatra and the Appearance Days of Shri Rupa Goswami and Shri Jiva Goswami. These occasions feature special deity decorations, kirtans, discourses and traditional Vaishnava worship according to centuries-old customs.