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Once the home of Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna, Barsana is 50 km to the north-west of Mathura and 19 km north-west of Govardhan. It is situated at the foot of a hill that is named after Lord Brahma.
Religious Places
Ladliji
Temple: Also known as the Radha Rani Temple, it is one of the many
temples dedicated to the divine couple that ornament the four elevations
of the hill at Barsana. The most beautiful temple at Barsana, it was built
by Raja Bir Singh ji Deo of Orchha in 1675. The new marble temple
adjoining it, was added later on.
Shankari-Khor:
The area between the hill housing the Radha-Rani temple and the adjoining
temple is known as the Sankari-Khor. This is the venue of the annual fair
held in the month of Bhadon (July-August). The other three shrines are the
Man Mandir, Dargah and Mor-Kutir temples.
Others
Radha-Ashtami:
The birth anniversary of Radha-Rani is celebrated on the nineth day of
the bright half of Bhadrapad (July-August) at the Mor-Kutir Temple, which
was built about 300 years ago. Women celebrate the occasion by giving
laddus to the peacocks- to symbolise the serving of sweets by Radha to
Lord Krishna.
Lathmaar Holi:
Barsana is also famous for its ‘lathmar- holi’ celebrations. On
this day, there is an enmasse procession wherein married women practically
beat their husbands with wooden sticks. This kind of celebration on the
day of the festival of colours is unique to this town. Most of the
monuments and edifices here have deteriorated with the advent of time.
Still a few tanks do survive and can be seen, including the Prem Sarovar,
Roop Sagar, Jal Mahal and the Bhanokhar Tank.
Air: Nearest airport from Mathura is Kheria (Agra),
62 kms.
Rail: Mathura is on the main lines of the central and western
railways and is connected with all the major cities.
Road: Mathura is well connected by motorable roads to important
tourist centres and is 50-km away from Barsana.
Local transport: Taxis, Tongas and Cycle rickshaws.
Tourist Bungalow, Barsana.
Govardhan: 19-km
Mathura: 50-km
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