I Discovered a Unique Temple of Radha Rani Near Vrindavan

Though I have visited numerous pilgrimage sites, temples, and sacred places across India, nothing compares to the deep sense of peace I experience in Vrindavan. That’s why I make it a point to visit there at least once a month. Every time I step into this divine city, there are three temples I never miss — Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, and Radha Raman Temple.

Recently, another temple has been added to this cherished list — Shri Ji Temple in Barsana. Just a few days ago, after paying my respects there, I heard about Kirti Mandir. I had read that Radha Rani’s mother was Kirti Maiya, and her father was King Vrishabhanu. A deep curiosity stirred within me — while I had heard of and visited many temples dedicated to Shri Radha, this was the first time I had come across a temple honouring her mother.

Experiencing the uniqueness of Barsana

Evening had begun to set in, and the thought of heading back to Delhi crossed my mind — I had work the next morning. But then, I reconsidered. Shouldn’t I spend two more hours in a place as serene as Barsana? Unlike Vrindavan, which, though mesmerizing, can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the weekend and holiday crowds, Barsana felt untouched — nestled amidst lush fields, breathing an air of tranquility. Perhaps it was the grace of Shri Radha herself, the divine consort of Natwar Nagar Shri Krishna, who is revered in our scriptures as the supreme Goddess.

It was around 5 PM when I arrived at Kirti Mandir. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson, a cool breeze carried the soft echoes of Radhe Radhe from all directions, and the temple’s entrance resounded with a melodious kirtan — “Shri Radhe Barsane Wari.” My anticipation for darshan deepened.

Extraordinary darshan of baby Radha Rani

The first glimpse of the sanctum of the temple left me awestruck. There, seated in the loving embrace of her mother Kirti Maiya, was little Shri Radha, no more than five years old, radiating divine grace. What an ethereal sight — her delicate face adorned with a golden crown, a beautiful chandrika atop, a soft pink veil draping her, her lips a divine shade of red, and a gentle smile gracing her face. In her childlike form, Shri Radha also revealed her tiny, reddish feet — like fresh peepal leaves just beginning to sprout.

To one side stood a mesmerizing idol of Shri Radha-Krishna, signifying selfless love, and to the other, the divine presence of Shri Sita-Ram, embodying dharma and righteousness. I sat there for a while, lost in devotion. My mind reminded me of my early morning commitments, but my heart refused to leave.

Soon, Shri Radha Rani’s evening aarti began. The opening words of the aarti filled the temple:

“Aarti Bhanudulari ki, ki Shri Barsane Wari ki.
Virajai Singhasan Shyama, Divya Shri Vrindavan Dhama…”

Unknowingly, a few tears escaped my eyes.

It was followed by the aarti of Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Sita-Ram, and the temple’s founder, the fifth authentic Jagadguru, Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj.

Interesting facts about Kirti Mandir

I stepped out into the temple courtyard and spent a few moments admiring the divine tableaux of Shri Radha-Krishna, each depicting a sacred episode from their lives.

A signboard caught my eye, revealing that the foundation stone of this temple was laid by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj in 2006, with its grand inauguration completed in 2019. Built from exquisite Italian marble, the temple’s domes are crowned with 22 golden kalash — a breathtaking sight. And most remarkably, Kirti Mandir is the only temple in the world where Radha Rani is enshrined in her childhood form, sitting in the lap of her mother, Kirti Maiya.

After offering my final prayers, I bowed to this sacred land and walked towards my car. By then, night had descended, yet within me, an inner light shone brighter than ever. From that moment on, Kirti Mandir, Barsana became a permanent feature of my Vrindavan pilgrimage.