SHRI RADHA DAMODAR TEMPLE

Shri Radha Damodar Mandir is one of the most spiritually significant temples of Vrindavan, established in 1542 CE by Srila Jiva Goswami, one of the foremost disciples and nephews of Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada. The presiding deities, Sri Sri Radha Damodar, were personally manifested by Srila Rupa Goswami and gifted to Srila Jiva Goswami for seva and worship. Since then, the temple has remained a vibrant center of Gaudiya Vaishnav tradition, attracting devotees from across the world.

Spiritual & Historical Significance

  • Deities of Radha Damodar: Manifested by Srila Rupa Goswami and worshipped by Srila Jiva Goswami since 1542.

  • Association with the Goswamis: The temple premises house the samadhi of Srila Rupa Goswami, samadhi of Srila Jiva Goswami, samadhi of Srila Krishna Dasa Kaviraja Goswami (author of Chaitanya Charitamrita), Bhugarbha Goswami, and pushpa-samadhis of other great Vaishnavas.

  • Bhajan Kutir of Srila Prabhupada: Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada resided here and performed bhajan before embarking on his mission to spread Krishna consciousness globally.

  • Giriraj Charan Shila: A sacred Govardhan Shila with the footprints of Lord Krishna, along with His flute, stick, and cow’s hoof-prints, worshipped here since it was given to Srila Sanatan Goswami by Krishna Himself. Devotees perform parikrama of this sacred shila, receiving the benefit of Govardhan Parikrama.

Location

The Radha Damodar Temple is situated in Nikunj Lane, near Seva Kunj, Vrindavan, Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh.

Temple Timings

Summer:

  • Morning: 07:00 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Evening: 04:30 PM – 09:00 PM

Winter:

  • Morning: 08:30 AM – 12:00 Noon

  • Evening Aarti: 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1542 by Srila Jiva Goswami.

  • Deities gifted by Srila Rupa Goswami, worshipped continuously for centuries.

  • Samadhis of great Vaishnava acharyas including Rupa Goswami, Jiva Goswami, and Krishna Dasa Kaviraja Goswami.

  • Bhajan Kutir of Srila Prabhupada, making it a place of pilgrimage for ISKCON devotees worldwide.

  • Worship of the Giriraj Charan Shila, carrying Krishna’s divine footprints and symbols.

  • A sacred hub for Gaudiya Vaishnavism and deep bhakti traditions of Vrindavan.

Spiritual Essence

 

The Shri Radha Damodar Mandir is not just a temple but a living heritage of devotion, philosophy, and Vaishnava legacy. Every corner of the temple is filled with the presence of great saints, their samadhis, and their eternal bhajan. Visiting this temple connects a devotee not only to Radha and Damodar but also to the unbroken chain of acharyas who dedicated their lives to the service of the Divine Couple.