Radha Krishna Vivah Sthali, Bhandirvan

Last updated
Radha Krishna Vivah Sthali, Bhandirvan
Radha Krishna Vivah Sthal Bhandirvan.png
Marriage ceremony of Radha and Krishna performed by Brahma
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Mathura
Deity Radha Krishna
FestivalsPhulera dooj, Radhashtami,
Janmashtami,
Sharad Purnima,
Holi
Location
Location Bhandirvan, Vrindavan
State Uttar Pradesh
Country India
India Uttar Pradesh location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Location in Uttar Pradesh
Geographic coordinates 27°39′21″N77°42′27″E / 27.65594°N 77.70737°E / 27.65594; 77.70737

Radha Krishna Vivah Sthali is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Radha and Krishna. The temple site is present in the Bhandirvan forest of Mant constituency in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The site holds cultural importance as according to Sanskrit scriptures - Braham Vaivarta Purana and Garga Samhita , Radha and Krishna were married in Bhandirvan forest in the presence of Brahma, the creator, who also became the priest and solemnized their wedding ceremony. [1] [2] [3] Annually, this divine wedding is celebrated on the occasion of Phulera Dooj which usually falls in the month of February - March. [2] [4] [5]

Contents

As marriage ritual, Krishna putting Sindoor on Radha's head in Radha Bhandir Bihari Temple, Bhandirvan IMG-20230413-WA0003.jpg
As marriage ritual, Krishna putting Sindoor on Radha's head in Radha Bhandir Bihari Temple, Bhandirvan

Bhandirvan is listed as one of the sacred forests of Braj region. [6] Inside the premises of Bhandirvan, there is Radha Bhandir Bihari temple where Krishna is seen putting the sindoor on Radha's head which symbolises a significant marriage ritual in Hindu wedding ceremony. Near this temple, there is Venu Kup, a sacred well which was believed to be created by Krishna himself with his flute. There is also a pair of huge banyan trees beneath which Radha and Krishna's marriage ceremony took place. A temple dedicated to Balarama is also present inside the temple premises. [7]

History

Brahma (centre) as priest performing the marriage rituals of Radha (right) and Krishna (left) at Radha Krishna Vivah Sthali temple, Bhandirvan Bhandirvan 2.jpg
Brahma (centre) as priest performing the marriage rituals of Radha (right) and Krishna (left) at Radha Krishna Vivah Sthali temple, Bhandirvan

Bhandirvan is one of the most prominent forest among the forests of Vrindavan. It is celebrated as the forest of Braj where Krishna used to enjoy taking lunch with his cowherd friends under the massive Bhandirvata banyan tree. [8] Bhandirvan has many legends associated with it. Some of the major leelas (events) linked with Bhandirvan are :-

Radha Krishna Vivah Leela

Bhandirvan has witnessed the divine marriage ceremony of Radha and Krishna. The wedding ceremony took place in the presence of Brahma who also acted as the priest. This unison of Radha and Krishna happened in the absence of society. The locals say that only 10 million confidential associates of the couple (that included sakhis, peacocks, parrots, cows, and monkeys) participated in this marriage. [4] To give more importance to "Parakiya rasa" (love without any social foundation) over "Svakiya rasa" (married relationship), this marriage was kept hidden. According to scriptures like Brahma Vaivarta Purana and Garga Samhita , the story mentioned is as follows :-

"One day, Nanda Baba went along with infant Krishna to Bhandirvan for cow grazing. When Nanda sat under a tree to rest, a ferocious storm started blowing and the environment became dark. Nanda was afraid for the safety of his son. Krishna also acted as if he was frightened and hugged Nanda with fear. But then, Nanda saw the beautiful gopi, Radha approaching him from the storm in her divine form. She was glowing with beauty. Realizing that it was a play, Nanda gave the infant to Radha and said that he knows that she is very dear to Krishna. He said that she can enjoy with Krishna and after that leave the infant back home to Yashoda. Radha was very happy to see the infant Krishna and kissed him. Suddenly, a palace appeared in front of her. The palace was shining with jewels and rubies. And then she saw the infant Krishna vanished from her lap while a young handsome man appeared before her wearing jewelry and a crown. She immediately realized it that it was the divine form of Krishna. Krishna praised Radha and acknowledged his deep love for her. He told Radha that she was the other half of him. But Radha shared her pain of separation with Krishna to which Krishna consoled her and asked her to wait as he would make her happy. At that moment, Brahma appeared in front of them and under his guidance performed their wedding ceremony by making the couple exchanged their garlands and chanting Vedic mantras sitting in front of the holy fire. This marriage ceremony was called Gandharva Vivah. Thereafter, Krishna and Radha spent time together in delightful pastimes. After some time, Krishna again returned to his infant form and promised Radha that they would keep returning to Bhandirvan for their lovable pastimes. Thereafter, Radha took the infant Krishna back to his mother Yashoda". [9] [10] [11]

Killing the demon Pralamba

The site is also famous for leela associated with Balrama and Pralamba. Pralamba was a strong and powerful demon sent by Mathura's tyrant king Kansa to kill Krishna and Balarama. It was at Bhandirvan where Pralamba was killed by Balarama. [4] [12] The story goes like this -

"Once, a great demon named Pralamba entered the playgroup of gopas (cowherds) disguised as a boy, with the intention to kill both Balarama and Krishna. But Krishna, who was already aware of this, began to think about how to kill the demon. However, externally he received him as a friend. According to the game rules, the defeated members in duel fighting games had to carry the victorious members on their backs. When the party of Balarama, came out victorious, the boys in Krishna's party had to carry them on their backs through the Bhandirvan forest. Imitating others, Pralamba, who appeared there as a cowherd boy in Krishna's party, carried Balarama on his back. In order to avoid the company of Krishna, Pralamba carried Balarama far away. But soon the demon began to feel the heavy burden of Balarama, and not being able to withstand that, finally assumed his real form. At first, Balarama was surprised by the demon's appearance, but he quickly understood that he was being carried away a demon who wanted to kill him. Immediately, He struck the head of Pralamba with his strong fist, who fell down dead with a tremendous sound, as blood poured from his mouth". [8]

Krishna Swallowed Forest Fire

Lord Krishna performed many leelas in Bhandirvan which also includes saving the cowherds and the calves from a colossal forest fire. According to legend, one day, Lord Krishna and his friends brought the cows to drink water at the river Yamuna and then let them graze freely. The boys became so absorbed in their games that they were unaware of their cows wandering off. The cows made their way to the Munjavan forest where they got lost and couldn't return. When Krishna's cowherds friends could not find the cows they also went to look for the cows in the forest without Krishna and Balrama. At this time, the servants of Kansa set the forest on fire, which spread everywhere in a moment and surrounded the cows and cowherd boys. Seeing no other way to save themselves they called out to Krishna, who arrived there in an instant and told his friends to close their eyes, Krishna swallowed the colossal forest-fire immediately saving the cows and his friends. The place where Shri Krishna swallowed the forest fire is called Munjatavi or Isikatavi. [8]

Krishna Killed Demon Vatsasura

In Bhandirvan, Lord Krishna also performed the leela of killing the demon Vatsasura. Once, Lord Krishna and Balarama were playing on the bank of the Yamuna. At that time, the demon Vatsasura came there intending to kill them. Disguised as a calf, the demon mingled with the other calves. But Krishna, who already noticed this, immediately told Balarama about the demon's entry. Soon, both of them followed the demon. Krishna caught hold of two hind legs and tail of the demon-calf, whipped him around with great force and threw him to his death into a tree. [8]

Festivals

Radha Krishna's marriage is being performed by Brahma in Bhandirvan Radha Krishna Bhandirvan 2.jpg
Radha Krishna's marriage is being performed by Brahma in Bhandirvan

The main festival of temple is called Byahula Utsav in which wedding ceremony of Radha and Krishna is performed annually by senior priests. According to Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the occasion of Phulera dooj. [13] [14]

How to Reach

Nearby attractions

Vanshivat, Vrindavan

Just nearby Bhandirvan (around 600 metres) is Vanshivat. In this place, Krishna used to eat lunch with his sakhas (friends) and play His flute to call Radharani and all the gopis. It is famous for the Maharaas. Lord Krishna along with Goddess Radha and gopis used to do Raslila under the Vanshivat tree. Presently, there is Radha Krishna temple constructed in Vanshivata and also the Vanshivata tree is still present in the temple premises. [4]

Belvan, Vrindavan

Mahalakshmi temple in Belvan Mahalakshmi temple Belvan.jpg
Mahalakshmi temple in Belvan

Belvan is around 8 km away from Bhandirvan. The place is famous for Goddess Mahalakshmi temple. According to locals, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi is still doing austerities to be the part of Radha Krishna's Raslila. [15]

Maan Sarovar, Vrindavan

Maan Sarovar is around 8 km away from Bhandirvan. In Maan Sarovar, there is a kund (lake) surrounded by huge trees and bird sanctuary. According to folklore, once Radharani pretends to get angry (Maan) from Krishna and came to this lake. On learning this, Krishna followed her to this lake and by his mesmerizing talk pleased her. There is temple on the bank of this lake dedicated to Srimati Radharani. [16]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Balarama</span> Hindu god and brother of Krishna

Balarama is a Hindu god, and the elder brother of Krishna. He is particularly significant in the Jagannath tradition, as one of the triad deities. He is also known as Haladhara, Halayudha, Baladeva, Balabhadra, and Sankarshana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radha</span> Hindu goddess of love and chief consort of the god Krishna

Radha, also called Radhika, is a Hindu goddess and the chief consort of the god Krishna. She is the goddess of love, tenderness, compassion and devotion. In scriptures, Radha is mentioned as the avatar of Lakshmi and also as the Mūlaprakriti, the Supreme goddess, who is the feminine counterpart and internal potency of Krishna. Radha accompanies Krishna in all his incarnations. Radha's birthday is celebrated every year on the occasion of Radhashtami.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Braj</span> Region in India

Braj, also known as Vraj, Vraja, Brij or Brijbhumi, is a region in India on both sides of the Yamuna river with its centre at Mathura-Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh state encompassing the area which also includes Palwal, Ballabhgarh and Nuh in Haryana state, Deeg, Bharatpur, Karauli, and Dholpur in Rajasthan state and Morena District in Madhya Pradesh. Within Uttar Pradesh, it is very well demarcated culturally, the area stretches from the Mathura, Aligarh, Agra, Hathras and districts up to the Farrukhabad, Mainpuri and Etah districts. Braj region is associated with Radha and Krishna who according to scriptures were born in Barsana and Mathura respectively. It is the main centre of Krishna circuit of Hindu pilgrimage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vrindavan</span> City in Uttar Pradesh, India

Vrindavan, also spelt Vrindaban and Brindaban, is a historical city in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located in the Braj Bhoomi region and holds religious importance for Hindus who believe that Krishna, one of the main Gods in Hinduism, spent most of his childhood in this city. Vrindavan has about 5,500 temples dedicated to the worship of Krishna and his chief consort, Radha. It is one of the most sacred places for Vaishnava traditions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Subhadra</span> Hindu goddess and the sister of Krishna in epic Mahabharata

Subhadra is a princess of Dvārakā mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. She is the sister of deities Krishna and Balarama in Hindu mythology. Subhadra married Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers and had a son named Abhimanyu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nanda (Hinduism)</span> Foster-father of Hindu god Krishna

Nanda is a cow-herd chief, and the foster-father of Krishna, featured in the Harivamsha and the Puranas. Nanda is the son of Parjanya, a ruler of the Vraja region, who is a son of the Yadava king, Devamidha. He is the chief of Gokulam, which is one of the most powerful territories of the Yadava tribe. He is sometimes referred to as a king.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mathura district</span> District of Uttar Pradesh in India

Mathura district is situated along the banks of the river Yamuna is a district of Uttar Pradesh state of north-central India. The historic city of Mathura is the district headquarters. Mathura district is home to many important sites associated with goddess Radha and Lord Krishna, who was born in Mathura and grew up in the nearby town of Vrindavan. Both cities are some of the most sacred sites in the Vaishnava tradition, making Mathura district an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Govardhan Hill</span> Sacred Hindu site in Uttar Pradesh, India

Govardhana Hill, also called Mount Govardhana and Giriraj, is a sacred Hindu site in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India on an 8 km long hill located in the area of Govardhan and Radha Kund, which is about 21 kilometres (13 mi) from Vrindavan. It is the sacred centre of Braj and is identified as a natural form of Krishna, the Govardhana Shila.

Chaumuhan is a town and a nagar panchayat in the Mathura district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radha Krishna</span> Divine couple in Hinduism

Radha-Krishna is the combined form of the Hindu god Krishna with his chief consort and shakti Radha. They are regarded as the feminine as well as the masculine realities of God, in several Krishnaite traditions of Vaishnavism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goloka</span> Celestial abode of Hindu deities Radha and Krishna

Goloka or Goloka Vrindavan is the celestial abode of the Hindu god Krishna and his chief consort Radha. In the Bhagavata Purana and Garga Samhita, Krishna is portrayed as the highest person who resides in Goloka along with his three wives - Radha, Virija and Bhudevi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lalita Sakhi</span> Hindu goddess, Companion of Radha Krishna

Lalita, also commonly called Lalita Sakhi, is the Hindu goddess and one of the most prominent associates of the divine couple Radha Krishna. In many Vaishnaite traditions and literatures, she is revered as the gopi (milkmaid) of the Braj region and is mentioned as the chief of Ashtasakhi, the eight closest eternal companion of Radha and Krishna.

<i>Krishna</i> (2006 film) 2006 Indian animated film

Krishna ...Aayo Natkhat Nandlal is a 2006 Indian animated feature faith film based upon Lord Vishnu's eigth incarnation Krishna's epic childhood tales from his birth to him slaying his evil uncle Kans. It is the first Hindi computer-animated film based on Hindu faith of Krishna, one of the most reverred diety in Hinduism and was theatrically released in India on 29 September 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Banke Bihari Temple</span> Hindu temple dedicated to the combined form of Radha Krishna in Vrindavan

Banke Bihari Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the town of Vrindavan, Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Banke Bihari who is believed to be the combined form of Radha and Krishna. Banke Bihari was originally worshipped at Nidhivan, Vrindavan. Later, when Banke Bihari temple was constructed around 1864, the icon of Banke Bihari was moved to its present temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan</span> Iskcon Vrindavan

ISKCON Vrindavan, also called Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, is one of the major ISKCON temples in the world. It is a Gaudiya Vaishnava temple located in the city of Vrindavan, Mathura district, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu gods Krishna and Balarama. The other deities of temple are Radha Krishna and Gauranga Nityananda.

<i>Shri Krishna</i> (1993 TV series) Indian epic television series

Shri Krishna, also known as Krishna is an Indian Hindi-language television series, created, written and directed by Ramanand Sagar. It is an adaptation of the stories of the life of Krishna, based on Bhagavata Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Harivamsa, Vishnu Purana, Padma Purana, Garga Samhita, Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata.

Vrishabhanu, also spelled as Brushabhanu, is a Yadava chieftain featured in Hindu scriptures. He is described as the father of the goddess Radha, who is the chief consort of god Krishna and also regarded as the incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi in Dvapara Yuga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radha Madan Mohan Temple, Vrindavan</span> Hindu temple dedicated to Radha Krishna in Vrindavan

Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple, is a Hindu temple situated in Vrindavan of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest and highly revered temple of Vrindavan. The presiding deity of the temple is Madan Mohan, a form of the god Krishna who is present in the central altar of the temple with his consort goddess Radha and Lalita gopi on either sides of him. The temple is one of the earliest temples of Vrindavan which has architectural influences from existing Mughal architecture and as well as Kalinga Nagara Style of Indian Temple Architecture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nidhivan, Vrindavan</span> Sacred forest site dedicated to Radha and Krishna in Vrindavan, India

Nidhivan, is one of the sacred sites of Vrindavan, situated in the Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is considered as the most prominent site dedicated to the pastimes of the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna and their cowherd companions, the Gopikas. It is a common belief among devotees that Nidhivan still witnesses the rasa-lila (dance) of Radha and Krishna during the night and thus, to protect the forest's sanctity, Nidhivan is closed with barricades during the night.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garga Samhita (Vaishnavite text)</span> Sanskrit text by Sage Garga

Garga Samhita is a Sanskrit-language Vaishnavite scripture based on the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna. Its authorship is attributed to the sage Garga, the head priest of Krishna's clan, Yadava. It is the earliest text that associates Radha Krishna and the gopis with the Holi festival.

References

  1. ↑ Anand, D. (1992). Krishna: The Living God of Braj. Abhinav Publications. p. 66. ISBN   978-81-7017-280-2.
  2. 1 2 Today, Vrindavan (2022-03-04). "Phulera Dooj: The day when Lord Brahma solemnised Radha-Krishna's marriage in Bhandirvan". Vrindavan Today. Retrieved 2023-02-19.
  3. ↑ Gita Press Gorakhpur. Garga Samhita by Gita Press Gorakhpur. p. 58.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Kashyap, Aman (17 January 2020). "Bhandirvan Travel Guide". Vraj Vrindavan. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  5. ↑ "Garga Samhita 750". en.krishnakosh.org. Retrieved 2021-05-31.
  6. ↑ "Bhandir Van, Mant (Mathura)". www.brajfoundation.org. Archived from the original on 2021-04-12. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  7. ↑ "Bhandirvan". en.krishnakosh.org. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Krishnabhumi » Bhandiravana – Where Krishna swallowed a forest fire". krishnabhumi.in. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  9. ↑ Gita Press Gorakhpur. Brahma Vaivarta Puran by Gita Press Gorakhpur. pp. 481–488.
  10. ↑ "Bhandirvan: The Place of Radha-Krishna unison". www.radhekrishn.com. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  11. ↑ Gita Press Gorakhpur. Garga Samhita Gita Press Gorakhpur. pp. 58–62.
  12. ↑ "The Hare Krsnas - Balarama's Pastimes - Pralambasura". www.harekrsna.com. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  13. ↑ "Phulera Dooj 2023 Muhurat, Puja Vidhi: फुलेरा दूज पर किस शुभ मुहूर्त में कैसे करें राधा-कृष्ण की पूजा, जानिए". Times Now Navbharat (in Hindi). 2023-02-21. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  14. ↑ "Phulera Dooj 2023 Upay: फुलेरा दूज पर करें ये एक काम, प्रेम और विवाह संबंध होगा मजबूत". HerZindagi (in Hindi). 2023-02-21. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  15. ↑ "Belvan or Belavan pastimes". Braj Ras - Bliss of Braj Vrindavan. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  16. ↑ "Maansarovar the Divine lake of Shri Radha Rani in Vrindavan". www.radhavallabh.com. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.