Krishna ExperienceThe story of the deity
Temple tradition says the image of Radha Vallabh was given by Lord Shiva to a devotee named Atmadev after long worship. Hit Harivansh, a 16th-century saint, was on his way to Vrindavan when Radha instructed him to marry Atmadev's daughters. At the wedding, Atmadev gave him the deity, and Harivansh brought it to Vrindavan, first installing it on a high bank of the Yamuna.
Radha without an idol
The Radha Vallabh tradition holds Radha as supreme, the heart of Krishna's own love. In the temple she is represented by a crown (and a cushion, or gaddi) beside Radha Vallabh Lal rather than by a separate figure. The followers' greeting is "Shri Hit Radhe".
The two temples
The old temple, completed in 1585 in red sandstone, is one of the oldest structures in Vrindavan and is now a protected monument; worship takes place in the newer temple beside it. Look for the samaj: devotees singing the padas (verse songs) of Hit Harivansh and later poets together, especially at festivals.
Festivals
Radhashtami is the great festival here, along with the anniversary of Hit Harivansh. The temple's Holi and Jhulan celebrations are also known for their singing.
Questions people ask
Why is there no Radha idol in Radha Vallabh temple?
The tradition sees Radha as supreme. She is represented by a crown and a cushion beside Radha Vallabh Lal instead of a separate image.
Who founded the Radha Vallabh temple?
Goswami Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu. The old red sandstone temple was completed in 1585.