Radha Vallabh Temple Vrindavan: History, Timings, Festivals & Nearby Places

Mathura and Vrindavan is the most beautiful, spiritual, and peaceful place I have ever visited. There are many places and temples to visit in Vrindavan; however, the one that holds a special place in my heart is the Radha Vallabh temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The shrine’s architecture has mixed elements of both Hindu and Islamic traditions. 

In this article, we learn more about this temple, its architecture, the festivals celebrated, nearby places to visit, and much more.

All About Radha Vallabh Temple Vrindavan

Radha Vallabh Temple is located in Vrindavan. It is dedicated entirely to Lord Krishna, representing the purest form of love. The name “Radha Vallabh” literally means “the beloved of Radha,” and the statue represents that the two are completely indivisible. This temple was built during the Mughal period in the 16th century and was later established by Goswami Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu. 

Architecture of Radha Vallabh Mandir 

Radha Vallabh was built in the Mughal period; the shrine has a touch of the Hindu-Islamic religion. The temple is built of red sandstone and is divided into two parts. Its upper and lower part is Hindu styled and the middle part is Islamic styled.

History of Radha Vallabh

Radha Vallabh was constructed by Sundardas Bhatnagar in 1585 A.D. Under the employment of Akbar’s court, he got permission to use the sandstone to construct the temple, and also received a monetary grant from Akbar. 

It is believed that Sundar Bhatnagar died within one year after the construction of the temple was completed.

How to Reach Radha Vallabh Temple?

Radha Vallabh Radhakrishna Temple is located in Vrindavan, where you can reach by various modes of transport. These are as listed below:

1. By Air

Vrindavan does not have its own airport. You can fly to Agra Airport, which is divided into two routes:

• Via NH-19, which takes 1 hour and 55 minutes to reach, and
• Via Manpur – Sauj Rd/ Yamuna Expressway, which takes 1 hour and 46 minutes.

The airport prices are divided as follows:

Delhi	Starts from ₹3956- ₹6937
Mumbai	Starts From ₹5990-₹6950
Bangalore	Start from ₹5000- ₹8000
Kochi	Starts from ₹7000-₹11500
Chennai	Starts from ₹8515- ₹12905

2. By Train

There is no direct train service, but the nearest railway station is Mathura Junction, which is 15.8 km away from the Radha Vallabh temple. You can reach the temple by hiring an autorickshaw, then walking for 5 minutes. 

3. By Road

You can easily travel to Radha Vallabh by road through your own vehicle or by public transport. Yamuna Expressway is a popular way to reach the Radha Vallabh temple.

Aarti & Darshan Timings of Radha Vallabh

The Radha Vallabh Temple, Vrindavan, follows seasonal darshan and aarti timings. There is no entry fee, and anyone can visit this temple during the given timings. 

Here’s a table for you to refer to:

Darshan Timings	Aarti Timings
Early Morning: 5:30 am- 6:00 am Mid-day: 8:00 am- 12:00 pm Evening: 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm	Mangla Aarti- 5:00 am Rajbhog Aarti: 11:30 AM-12:00 PM Sandhya Aarti: 6:30 PM- 7:00 PM Shayan Aarti: 9:00 PM

Festivals Celebrated at Radhavallabh

Many festivals are celebrated here, which clearly represent the rich culture and heritage of the temple. Many fests like Radha Ashtami, Diwali, and many more are arranged and prepared with much dedication and love towards lord Shri Krishna.

Here’s a list of festivals celebrated mainly in Vrindavan: 

1. Radha Ashtmi

Radha Ashtami is a festival of eight days on the occasion of Radha’s birthday. The eighth day, which is considered to be her birthday, is celebrated as a huge festival in Vrindavan. 

2. Annakoot

Annakoot is celebrated at Govardhan on the next day of Diwali. The day is also famous because Shri Krishna picked the mountain Govardhan for seven consecutive days. This is also known as the Chappan Bhog festival, where 56 different dishes are prepared for Shri Krishna. 

There is a story behind it, when Shri Krishna lifted Govardhan Parbat for seven consecutive days without eating anything. People often offered him food 8 times a day. After 7 days, to show their gratitude, the villagers prepared him 56 dishes. 

3. Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is also celebrated here in Vrindavan. The famous “Deep Daan” ritual is performed in a temple. The temple is beautifully decorated with thousands of diyas, flowers, and colourful lights. These sparkling lights and incredible decorations make Diwali the most visitable time in the Radhaballabh temple. 

4. Phool Bangla

Phool Bangla is celebrated for 4 months in the summer. During this festival, the temple is decorated like a palace using flowers. In the evening, Shri is dressed in a dhoti and floral jewellery. They are offered “Rajbhog”, which includes ladoos made of Sattu. 

5. Janamashtmi

Janamashtmi is one of the biggest festivals in Vrindavan, celebrated every year. Villages around Vrindavan are decorated with lights, different colors, lamps, and the idols of Radha and Krishna are decorated like a bride and groom. If you are planning to come to Vrindavan during Janmashtami, be ready for an exquisite experience of a lifetime.

Top 5 Places to Visit near Radhavallabh in Vrindavan

When I visited Radha Vallabh, I went to various other temples that are equally incredible, beautiful, and peaceful. Here is a list of temples near Radha Vallabh that I visited:

1. Banke Bihari Temple

Shree Banke Bihari Temple is approximately 300m away. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in a child form.

Here’s everything you need to know:

• Location: Goda Vihar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121 
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Aarti timing: 7:45 AM-8:00 AM and 5:30 PM-9:30 PM
• Entry Timings: 
  1. Morning: 7:45 AM
  2. Evening: 5:30 PM
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Distance from Radhevallabh Mandir: It is about 300 meters from Radhevallabh Mandir, which is about a 3-minute walk.

2. Nidhivan

Nidhivan is one of the seven temples of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. The temple is believed to be visited by Lord Krishna and Radha, along with other gopis, to perform a maha-raas. Thus, the temple is closed after 6:00 pm for everyone.

Here’s everything you need to know:

• Location: HMMX+M5P, Nidhivan Rd, Gotam Nagar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121 
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Aarti Timings: 5:00 AM and 4:30 PM
• Entry Timings: 
  1. Morning: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  2. Evening: 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Distance from Radhevallabh Mandir: It is about 1 km from Radhevallabh Mandir, which is about a 7-minute walk.

3. Radha Raman

The temple is located near the Nidhivan and was established in 1542 by Gopal Bhatt Goswami. It is believed that the idol of Lord Krishna appeared itself (is Swayambhu).

Here’s everything you need to know:

• Location: Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Aarti Timings: 4:00 AM and 6:30 PM
• Entry Timings: 
  1. Morning: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM 
  2. Evening: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Distance from Radhevallabh Mandir: It is about 700 meters from Radhevallabh Mandir, which is about a 10-minute walk.

4. ISKCON Temple

The ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan is also known as the Shri Krishna Balram Mandir. This is the temple where the idols of the two brothers, Krishna and Balram, are present. 

Here’s everything you need to know:

• Location: Krishna Balaram Temple, Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Aarti Timings: 4:30 AM and 6:30 PM
• Entry Timings: 
  1. Morning: 4:10 AM to 12:45 PM
  2. Evening: 4:30 PM to 8:45 PM
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Distance from Radhevallabh Mandir: It is about 2 km from Radhevallabh Mandir, which is about a 15-minute walk.

5. Prem Mandir

Prem Mandir was founded by Jagad Guru Kripalu Ji Maharaj in February 2012. Many activities of Shri Krishna are found in this temple, including Govardhan leela, Raas-leela, Kaliya Naag leela, etc. 

Here’s everything you need to know:

• Location: HMCC+RQ6, Raman Reiti, Mathura, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Aarti Timings: 5:00 AM and 6:30 PM
• Entry Timings: 
  1. Morning: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
  2. Evening: 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Distance from Radhevallabh Mandir: It is about 3.6 km from Radhevallabh Mandir, which is about a 25-minute walk.

Top 5 Eateries Near Radha Vallabh Mandir

After a long and exhausting tour of Radha Ballabh Mandir, here are some places like Santushti Restaurant, Brij Bhog Restaurant, Vrinda Thali, and many more to have a healthy and non-negotiable meal. 

1. Santushti Restaurant

Santushti Restaurant in Gandhi Road, Vrindavan, is well known for Chinese cuisine. It has a comfortable seating space and has takeaway and home delivery options.   

Here are some details you need to know:

• Location: Gandhi Rd, Atalla Chungi, Kishor Pura, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
• Signature Dishes: 
  1. Veg Noodles
  2. Paneer Mushroom Fried Rice
  3. Mysore Dosa
  4. Alfredo White Sauce Pasta
• Average Price: ₹450 for Two
• Distance from Radha Ballabh: It is about 1.7 km from Radha Ballabh Mandir, which is about a 7-minute walk.
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 11 PM

2. Brij Bhog Restaurant

Brij Bhog Restaurant on Atalla Chungi Road is a well-known North Indian restaurant. You may find various vegetarian food options here. They provide a well-arranged dine-in setup and home delivery facility. 

Here are some details you need to know:

• Location: Atalla Chungi, Mathura – Vrindavan Marg, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
• Signature Dishes: 
  1. Paneer Butter Masala
  2. Dal makhani
  3. Lachha Paratha
  4. Ghar ki Thali
• Average Price: ₹400- 600 per person
• Distance from Radha Ballabh: It is about 1.6 km from Radha Ballabh Mandir, which is about a 7-minute walk.
• Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:30  PM

3. Murliwala Hotel and Restaurant 

Murliwala Hotel and Restaurant is a perfect motel for budget-friendly travellers. It offers North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese cuisine. 

Here are some details you need to know:

• Location: Road, near ICICI Bank, near Balaji Ashram, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
• Signature Dishes: 
  1. Veg Noodles
  2. Veg Thali
  3. Idli Dosa
  4. Raj Kachori
• Average Price: ₹200- 400 per person
• Distance from Radha Ballabh: It is about 1.6 km from Radha Ballabh Mandir, which is about a 7-minute walk.
• Timings: 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM

4. Shree Ji Rasoi

Shree Ji Rasoi on Atalla Chungi Road is a well-known restaurant near Radha Vallabh. It specializes in North Indian cuisine.

Here are some details you need to know:

• Location: 01 Shyam Kuti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
• Signature Dishes: 
  1. Dal Rice
  2. Paneer Butter Masala
  3. Rajma Chawal
  4. Dum Aloo
• Average Price: ₹150- 200 per person
• Distance from Radha Ballabh: It is about 2.4 km from Radha Ballabh Mandir, which is about an 11-minute walk.
• Timings: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

5. Vrinda Thali 

At Vrinda Thaali, they serve pure vegetarian cuisine that is not only delicious but also free from onions and garlic. 

Here are some details you need to know:

• Location: Anand Vatika Cut, near Sri Premanand Rd, near Gori Gopal Aasram, Chaitanya Vihar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
• Signature Dishes: 
  1. Jeera Rice
  2. Butter Roti
  3. Sweet Lassi
  4. Vrinda Special Thali
• Average Price: ₹200- 400 per person
• Distance from Radha Ballabh: It is about 2.7 km from Radha Ballabh Mandir, which is about a 14-minute walk.
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Best Time to Visit Radhavallabh

You can visit Radhavallabh any time throughout the year. However, if you want more peace and fewer crowds, you should visit the temple from October to March. Here’s why:

1. During this period, the temperature will be 10- 25 degrees Celsius, which is more comfortable to walk in the streets of Vrindavan.
2. There are many festivals celebrated from October to March, so you can also participate in them. 

Tips to Visit Radha Vallabh Temple 

Here are some tips to visit Radha Vallabh Temple:

1. Whenever you’re visiting Radha Vallabh, make sure to visit the Banke Bihari temple first.
2. If you want a comfortable journey, then come according to the prescribed time, from October to March. 
3. Carry some cash for temple donation, local food, and market shopping.
4. When you visit the temple, make sure to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees (Saree or Suit for women and Dhoti & Kurta for men). 
5. Preferably visit early in the morning to prevent heat and the heavy crowd. 

Photo Gallery

Wrapping Up

Vrindavan is home to one of the most revered temples of Shri Krishna, that is, Radha Vallabh Ji mandir. The shrine is not just known for the worship of Lord Krishna, but also for its structure and architecture. The temple is a blend of spirituality and traditional culture, and shows the love of Shri Radha and Krishna.

Through this blog, I’ve successfully portrayed the Radha Vallabh mandir, its history, architecture, places nearby, and the festivals celebrated here.