Radha Shyamsundar Temple in Vrindavan

      The only deity manifested from Srimati Radha Rani's heart' says a board in front of the Radha Shyamsundar Temple in Vrindavan. Many believe that the most important temples in Vrindavan are the seven temples built by the Goswamis of Vrindavan. Though the Radha Madan Mohan Temple looks more magnificent, the Radha Shyamsundar Temple is considered to be the most sacred of them, since the deity is believed to have manifested itself from none other than Radha, the divine consort of Lord Krishna.

Radha Shyamsundar Temple

      Radha created this idol and gave it to Shyam Ananda Pandita in 1578. This temple is located quite close to Radha Damodar Temple and Loi Bazaar. As I approached this temple I experienced a pleasant change in the ambience. Unlike the hustle and bustle of the noisy and crowded Loi Bazaar, a serene atmosphere pervaded here. Once I stepped inside, I saw a huge open courtyard, probably bigger than what I had seen at the other temples. The courtyard is completely open at the top, with no enclosures or mesh. The sanctum sanctorum has a set of huge sandstone coloured arches in the front. The wall on the right has a white marble arch. The altar has a white idol of Radha and a black idol of Krishna. The original idol given by Radha Rani to Shyam Ananda Pandita is kept to the right of these idols.

      At the centre of the courtyard is the deity of Vrinda Devi. Vrinda Devi is the Holy Tulsi, which is very sacred and dear to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that many centuries ago, the entire area around this place was covered with Tulsi plants, hence the name Vrindavan.