• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Radha Raman Prakat Utsav 2024: Shri Raman Laal Ji manifested in Vrindavan on the Purnima tithi of Vaishakh Month, hence, this year is observed as his Prakatya Divas. This year, Shri Radha Raman Laal Prakat Utsav is being celebrated by devotees on 23rd May 2024. Shri Radha Raman Laal, popularly known as Radha Raman Laal Juu by the Brajwasis is the combined form of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna. He was manifested by Srila Gopal Bhatta Swami Maharaj in the 16th Century. 

Let us check out some interesting facts and history of the divine deity, revered as the darling of Shri Vrindavan Dham. 

Radha Raman Prakat Utsav 2024: Interesting Facts And History About The Deity 

The deity idol of Shri Radha Raman Laal Ji is manifested out of a Shaligram Shila. Srila Gopal Bhatta Goswami was an ardent disciple of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He experienced an acute sense of detachment from the Lord upon the departure of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. In a dream, the Lord gave Gopala Bhatta the following instructions to alleviate his devotee: "If you want my darshan then make a trip to Nepal." Gopala Bhatta bathed in the renowned Kali-Gandaki River in Nepal. To his amazement, a few Shaligrama Shilas got into his waterpot when he dipped it in the river. The shilas returned to his pot once he replenished it, even though he had dropped them back into the river.

Once Gopala Bhatta Gosvami had filled and emptied his waterpot three times, he discovered twelve Shaligrama shilas sitting within. He preserved all the shilas, thinking that this must be the kindness of the Lord, and went back to Shri Vrindavan Dham. Those twelve Shaligram silas were once worshipped by Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. He would always carry them in a piece of fabric knotted at the corner with him. When Seth, a wealthy man, visited Vrindavan one day, he gave Gopala Bhatta a variety of garments and accessories for his Shaligrams.

He was so moved by the Gosvami that he offered him some priceless garments and decorations in exchange for his darshan and the opportunity to serve. Gopala Bhatta suggested the donor give the Deity ornaments to someone else because he couldn't use them for his round Shaligrams, but the Seth insisted on keeping them. With his shilas, Gopala Bhatta stored the garments and decorations. Gopala Bhatta Gosvami prayed to the Lord in transcendental mourning as he was engrossed in recalling how the half-lion, half-man form of the Supreme Lord had appeared from the pillar in Hiranyakasipu's palace:

“Oh my Lord, you are very merciful and always fulfill the desires of your devotees. I wish to serve you in your form, having arms and legs and blissful smiling face, with lotus eyes… If I had a Deity then I would be able to decorate Him so nicely with these clothes and ornaments.” 

The meaning of Shri Radha Raman is - "the one who gives utmost pleasure and joy to Shrimati Radha Rani". (Image Source: Instagram)

The Manifestation Of Shri Radha Raman Laal 

Gopala Bhatta fed his Shalagram shilas some bhog and arotika in the evening and covered them with a wicker basket to sleep. Gopala Bhatta slept a bit late that night and went to the Yamuna river for a bath early the next morning. Upon his return from his bath, he opened the Shalagramas to do the puja for them and discovered a Krishna deity accompanied by a flute player. This Deity and eleven other shilas were present presently. Tri-bhangananda-krishna's exquisite three-fold bending shape was the manifestation of the "Damodara shila." He sank to the ground to give his dandavats while floating in the ocean of bliss, and he proceeded to chant hymns and prayers. The magnificent occasion is known as Radha-raman's appearance day.

How Radha Raman Laal Got His Name 

Upon learning the manifestation of a deity out of Shaligram Shila, Srila Rupa and Sanatana Gosvamis, along with several other followers, hurried to see the Lord. They all shed tears as they gazed upon the Lord's transcending appearance, which confused all the living things on the numerous different worlds. On the full moon day of Vaisakha in the year 1542, the Gosvamis named the deity "Sri Radha-raman Deva".  

ALSO READ: Check Satyanarayan Bhagwan Vrat Katha Sampoorn In English

The Beautiful Features Of The Vigrah Of Shri Radha Raman JiEven though there isn't a deity of Shri Radha Rani at the Radha Raman Temple, the deity is known as Radha-Taman. The picture at the top of the present one shows a place setting for Srimati Radhika, which is to the right of the image (to Ramanji's left). The pujaris worship both Sri Radha and Ramanji in this way. Shri Radha Raman Laal Ji, unlike other Deities,  possesses incredibly detailed features, down to her teeth and fingernails. The initial Shalagram shila from which He manifested Himself may be observed on the back side of His bodily parts.


(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.)