- By Kashish Rai
- Fri, 22 Sep 2023 03:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Radha Ashtami 2023: The auspicious day of the birth anniversary of Goddess Radha Rani is revered as Radha Ashtami. This auspicious day is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm by the devotees of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. This year, Radha Ashtami will be celebrated on 23rd September 2023. Shri Radha is known as “Brajeshvari” which means she is the magnificent queen of Braj Mandal, and she is the most dear to Lord Krishna. Shrimati Radha Rani is known as the “Adya Shakti” - the supreme energy of the supreme lord Shri Krishna. Goddess Radha Rani is considered to be the beloved daughter of Vrishabhanu Maharaj and Keertikumari, who in their past life requested Lord Brahma to have Goddess Lakshmi as their daughter. They received a blessing from Lord Brahma promising to have goddess Lakshmi as their daughter in the subsequent birth. So, one day, while Vrishabhanu Maharaj was making his way home, he came upon a beautiful infant lying on a lotus flower, having thousands of petals with the magnificence of a billion suns in a pond. It was none other than Radha Rani! He picked up the gorgeous little baby girl and took her home because he was childless. He and his wife raised Goddess Radha Rani as their lovely daughter.
Radha Rani’s Birth Place - Raval Or Barsana?
Most people believe that Radha Rani was born in Barsana, but actually, she was born in Raval, which is a small town near Gokul in Uttar Pradesh. It is now famous as Old Barsana. Goddess Radha Rani spent her childhood in Barsana and performed her transcendental pastimes. The definition of "Raval" is "a powerful landlord”. This place was named after the father of Radha Rani, Shri Vishabhanu Maharaj, who was the most prominent landowner of Braj. Shri Radha Rani incarnated on earth in Nikunj near Raval, on the banks of the holy Yamuna in a heavenly setting at the Brahma Muhurta (4:30 AM) on the eighth day of Hindu Bhadrapada month.
The villagers became excited and rushed to tell one another about this wonderful news. Songs began to play and be sung all around -
“Maharas Puran Prakatyo Aani.
Ati Phuli Ghar-Ghar Braj Nari Radha Prakati Jaani.”
Meaning - Oh! The damsels of Braj were overjoyed to learn of Shri Radha's arrival and immediately began singing Her virtues.
“Aaj Raval Mein Jay-Jayakar,
Prakat Bhayi Vrishbhanu Gop Ke Shriradha Avatar,
Grih Grih Te Sab Chalin Veg Dai Gavat Mangalchar,
Prakat Bhayi Tribhuvan Ki Sima Roop Rashi Sukh Sar,
Niratat Gavat Karat Badhai, Bhir Bhayi Ati Dvar,
‘Parmanand’ Vrishbhanu Nandini Jori Nand-Dular!”
Meaning - Today all the people of the Braj are extremely happy about the birth of Shrimati Radha Rani in Raval. Shri Radha has appeared in the castle of Vrishabhanu Maharaj, leaving everyone in joy!
Radha Rani is known as the lovely daughter of Vishabhanu Maharaj and his wife Keertida Gopi. (Image Source: Instagram/ISKCON Mayapur)
Raval Dham - Legends Associated With This Sacred Birth Place Of Shrimati Radha Rani
- Raval Dham continues to be the most confidential place in the Braj Mandal. It is about 13 Km from Mathura and has a divine marble temple with major historical significance and a beautiful idol of Shri Radha in an infant form. In this temple, Radha Rani gives darshans in the form of a little crawling baby girl.
- A lovely, well-kept garden is located opposite the temple, and there, one can observe two linked trees. One of these trees is black and the other is white. According to the local legends, these trees are none other than Goddess Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.
- The festival of Radhashtami is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm at Raval Dham as it is celebrated in Barsana.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)