Shri Radha Damodar Mandir
Established in 1542 by Jiva Goswami, enshrining the miraculous Govardhan Shila given to Sanatana Goswami with Krishna’s footprint.
Shri Radha Damodar Mandir located in Vrindavan welcomes all pilgrims daily with completely free entry. Darshan is open in two daily shifts: morning from 06:00 AM to 12:30 PM and evening from 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM. The sanctum observes a standard afternoon closure daily between 12:00 PM and 04:00 PM for deity Rajbhog and resting.
Before You Arrive
Temple Visitor Guide & Darshan Schedule
Daily Darshan & Aarti Timings (2026)
Official morning & evening sanctum schedule for Shri Radha Damodar Mandir
Summer Schedule
Winter Schedule
Sanctum doors remain closed for deity resting & Rajbhog offering. Please plan morning darshan before 11:30 AM or arrive for evening darshan after 04:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Advice
Weather, crowd patterns & recommended darshan slots
Best Season: October to March (Winter)
Ideal Weather (14°C–25°C)Pleasant and cool climate across Mathura and Vrindavan—ideal for walking through sacred temple lanes, waiting in queues, and outdoor Braj parikrama.
Least Crowded: Early Morning Mangala Darshan
06:00 AM – 08:30 AMDeeply peaceful sanctum atmosphere with minimal queue delay and fresh morning aarti vibes—best for serene darshan with elderly family members.
Evening Atmosphere: Grand Shayan Aarti & Illumination
05:30 PM – 08:30 PMExperience mesmerizing traditional oil lamp rituals, devotional chants, illuminated sanctum architecture, and serene night aarti ceremonies.
Sacred Story & Temple Overview
Shri Radha Damodar Mandir is one of the oldest and most respected temples in Vrindavan . It is counted among the seven main Goswami temples of Vrindavan . This temple is special because of its deep history and connection to great saints.
The Sacred Story
The temple was established in 1542 CE by Jiva Goswami . Jiva Goswami was one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan and a direct disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He was also the nephew of Rupa Goswami .
The deities of Radha Damodar were actually manifested by Rupa Goswami and given to Jiva Goswami for worship . The eight-inch tall black stone deity was carved from the Vindhya Mountains during the holy month of Kartik .
A Story of Survival
In 1670, when Mughal emperor Aurangzeb attacked Vrindavan, many temple deities were moved to Jaipur for safety . Most deities never returned. But Radha Damodar was one of the few exceptions. The deities came back to Vrindavan in 1739 CE and have been worshipped here ever since .
What Makes This Temple Special?
The Giriraj Shila
The temple houses the sacred Giriraj Shila – a stone from Govardhan Hill. This stone has Krishna's footprints, his flute, and even a calf's hoof-print on it . It was personally given to Sanatan Goswami by Krishna himself when he grew too old to walk around Govardhan Hill .
Four Parikramas
There is a special belief here – four rounds (parikramas) of this temple is equal to one round of Govardhan Hill . That is why many devotees come here and do parikrama.
Samadhis of Great Saints
The temple has the samadhis (tombs) of many great saints including:
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Rupa Goswami
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Jiva Goswami
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Krishnadasa Kaviraja (author of Chaitanya Charitamrita)
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Bhugarbha Goswami
Bhajan Kutir of Srila Prabhupada
The founder of ISKCON, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, stayed in this temple for six years before going to America to preach . His bhajan kutir (meditation hut) is still here .
Temple Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1542 CE by Jiva Goswami |
| Main Deity | Radha Damodar (Krishna as Damodar with Radha) |
| Special Object | Giriraj Shila with Krishna's footprints |
| Other Deities | Radha Vrindavanchandra, Radha Madhav, Gaur Nitai, Jagannath |
| Samadhis | Rupa Goswami, Jiva Goswami, Krishnadasa Kaviraja |
Temple Timings
| Time | Darshan / Aarti |
|---|---|
| Temple Opens | 4:30 AM |
| Mangala Aarti | 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM |
| Shringar Aarti | 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM |
| Rajbhog Aarti | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM |
| Morning Darshan | 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Afternoon Closure | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
Note: Timings can change in different seasons. Confirm before visiting
Important Tips for Visitors
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Intimate Atmosphere | This is a small and old temple. Very different from big modern temples. It feels peaceful and personal . |
| Narrow Lanes | The temple is in old Vrindavan. Vehicles cannot go inside. Be ready to walk a little . |
| Best Time | Morning is less crowded and more peaceful. |
| Parikrama | Do four rounds of the temple. It is considered very special. |
| Photography | Not allowed inside the main sanctum . |
| Kartik Month | The temple is very crowded during Kartik (Damodar) month. Many devotees come to offer lamps . |
| Respect the Rules | Follow the temple rules and keep silence inside. |
Final Thoughts
Shri Radha Damodar Mandir is not a big, grand temple. It is a small, old, and deeply spiritual place. The history of this temple, the Giriraj Shila, the samadhis of saints, and the peaceful atmosphere make it very special. This is a place where you can feel the presence of Krishna and the great saints who lived here centuries ago. If you want a quiet, spiritual experience in Vrindavan, this is a must-visit.
How to Reach & Parking
Nearest station Vrindavan (2 km). Auto ₹30-50. Drops at Sewa Kunj Road. Walk 5 mins. Parking nearby on main road.
Important Rules & Advice
4 Parikramas of Radha Damodar temple equals the complete 21 km Govardhan Parikrama merit.
Frequently Asked Questions — Shri Radha Damodar Mandir
The temple was built in 1542 CE by Jiva Goswami, one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan.
It is a sacred stone from Govardhan Hill. It has Krishna's footprints, flute marks, and a calf's hoof-print on it.
It is one of the oldest Goswami temples. It has samadhis of Rupa Goswami, Jiva Goswami, and Krishnadasa Kaviraja. Srila Prabhupada also stayed here.
Morning: 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM. Evening: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Afternoon closed from 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
No, entry is free for everyone.
No, photography is not allowed inside the main sanctum.
Morning hours are less crowded and more peaceful. Kartik month (October-November) is special but very crowded.
Nearest station is Vrindavan (2 km). Take auto for ₹30-50. Drops at Sewa Kunj Road. Walk 5 minutes.
Yes, open parking on the main road. Charges ₹20-50. Come early on weekends and Ekadashi.
Four rounds of this temple is considered equal to one round of Govardhan Hill. Many devotees do this for blessings.
Have a specific question about Shri Radha Damodar Mandir?
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Planned & Verified by Local Brajwasi Experts
RRohit
8+ Years on GroundSenior Braj Cultural Guide & Founder, Trip My Bharat Network•Mathura & Vrindavan (Resident Brajwasi)
Born and raised in Mathura, Rohit is the Founder of Trip My Bharat Network and has spent over 8+ years guiding pilgrims through the sacred lanes of Vrindavan, Govardhan, and Barsana. He specializes in verified temple schedules and sacred rituals.