...

Radha Kund

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
The Holiest Water Body in Braj: Radha Kund is considered the most sacred place of pilgrimage in the entire Brij Bhoomi. It is one of the two holy lakes (the other being Shyam Kund) located at the base of the Govardhan Hill. According to the scriptures, after Lord Krishna killed the bull-demon Arista sura, Radha Rani asked him to purify himself by bathing in all the holy rivers. Krishna struck his heel on the ground and created Shyam Kund. In response, Radha Rani and her gopis dug another pond nearby with their bangles, which became Radha Kund. Krishna then declared that Radha Kund would be even dearer to him than his own pond. It is believed that the water of this kund is non-different from Radha Rani's love. For followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, this is the ultimate place of worship. The atmosphere here is thick with devotion, with hundreds of sadhus and pilgrims performing parikrama (circumambulation). The water is said to grant 'Prema-Bhakti' or pure love for God. The kund is surrounded by various 'Kunjas' or groves where the divine couple is said to perform their eternal pastimes. Every year, on the occasion of Ahoi Ashtami, thousands of couples visit to take a midnight dip, believing it helps in conceiving a child.

General information

  • ...

    Ideal Duration:

    2 to 3 Hours
  • ...

    Place Type:

    Religious, Pilgrimage
  • ...

    Entry Fees:

    No Entry Fee: Entrance to the ghats and the kund area is free for everyone.

    Donations: Pilgrims often give small donations to the local pandas (priests) or ashrams for the upkeep of the holy site. ...
    No Entry Fee: Entrance to the ghats and the kund area is free for everyone.

    Donations: Pilgrims often give small donations to the local pandas (priests) or ashrams for the upkeep of the holy site.
  • ...

    Timing:

    Open 24 Hours: The kund area is accessible at all times.

    Ideal Visit Time: 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM for the morning bath or 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for the evening aarti and lamp-lighting ceremony. ...
    Open 24 Hours: The kund area is accessible at all times.

    Ideal Visit Time: 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM for the morning bath or 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for the evening aarti and lamp-lighting ceremony.
  • ...

    Special Events:

    Radhashtami Festival: The appearance day of Radha Rani in September is celebrated with grand decorations and continuous chanting.

    Kartik Month Deep Daan: During the month of Kartik, the entire perimeter of the kund is lit with lamps every ev...
    Radhashtami Festival: The appearance day of Radha Rani in September is celebrated with grand decorations and continuous chanting.

    Kartik Month Deep Daan: During the month of Kartik, the entire perimeter of the kund is lit with lamps every evening, creating a stunning visual.
  • ...

    Best Photo Spots:

    Spiritual and Scenic Frames:

    The Confluence of Two Kunds: The narrow strip where Radha Kund and Shyam Kund meet offers a unique symmetrical view for photos.

    Sunset over the Ghats: The golden light reflecting ...
    Spiritual and Scenic Frames:

    The Confluence of Two Kunds: The narrow strip where Radha Kund and Shyam Kund meet offers a unique symmetrical view for photos.

    Sunset over the Ghats: The golden light reflecting on the old stone pavilions and the water provides a vintage, spiritual feel.

    Devotees in Prayer: Capturing the intense devotion of the sadhus and pilgrims during the evening aarti is great for cultural photography.

Photo Gallery

...
Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

  • ...
    Pilgrimage and Devotional Acts:

    Performing Parikrama: Walking the circular path around Radha Kund and Shyam Kund is the most important activity.

    Holy Dip (Snan): Taking a bath in the sacred waters, especially at Brahma-muhurta (early morning).

    Offering Deep Daan: Lighting small oil lamps and floating them in the water during the evening.

    Visiting the Eight Kunjas: Exploring the groves dedicated to the eight principal gopis around the lake.

    Feeding the Turtles: The kund is home to many ancient turtles; feeding them is considered auspicious.

    Listening to Hari-Katha: Joining groups of devotees to hear spiritual discourses about the Lord's pastimes.

    Pilgrimage and Devotional Acts:

    Performing Parikrama: Walking the circular path around Radha Kund and Shyam Kund is the most important activity.

    Holy Dip (Snan): Taking a bath in the sacred waters, especially at Brahma-muhurta (early morning).

    Offering Deep Daan: Lighting small oil lamps and floating them in the water during the evening.

    Visiting the Eight Kunjas: Exploring the groves dedicated to the eight principal gopis around the lake.

    Feeding the Turtles: The kund is home to many ancient turtles; feeding them is considered auspicious.

    Listening to Hari-Katha: Joining groups of devotees to hear spiritual discourses about the Lord's pastimes.

    Meditation on the Ghats: Sitting quietly on the stone steps to meditate on the divine couple.

Resturants

Show All

Information

  • ...

    Why Famous:

    The Center of Gaudiya Vaishnavism: It is famous as the most confidential site of Radha and Krishna's pastimes. It is the destination for the 'Radha Kund Parikrama'.

    Ahoi Ashtami Snan: The kund is globally famous for the midnight holy dip du...
    The Center of Gaudiya Vaishnavism: It is famous as the most confidential site of Radha and Krishna's pastimes. It is the destination for the 'Radha Kund Parikrama'.

    Ahoi Ashtami Snan: The kund is globally famous for the midnight holy dip during Ahoi Ashtami in October/November, where lakhs of devotees gather for spiritual blessings.
  • ...

    Architecture:

    Traditional Ghat Architecture: Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are separated by a small strip of land, and both are surrounded by beautifully constructed stone ghats.

    Dimensions and Features: Radha Kund is roughly rectangular, measuring about 150 ...
    Traditional Ghat Architecture: Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are separated by a small strip of land, and both are surrounded by beautifully constructed stone ghats.

    Dimensions and Features: Radha Kund is roughly rectangular, measuring about 150 feet in length. The ghats are made of ancient stonework with steps leading into the emerald-green water. The architecture includes small pavilions (chhatris) and shrines dedicated to various saints like Raghunath Das Goswami, who spent his life here. The surrounding buildings are mostly traditional ashrams and temples that have a medieval North Indian aesthetic. The narrow walkway around the kund is paved with stones, worn smooth by the feet of millions of pilgrims.
  • ...

    How To Reach:

    Getting to the Sacred Lake:

    By Air: Delhi Airport (165 km) is the most convenient hub.

    By Train: From Mathura Junction (26 km), hire a private taxi or take a shared tempo to Govardhan and then to Radha Kund. ...
    Getting to the Sacred Lake:

    By Air: Delhi Airport (165 km) is the most convenient hub.

    By Train: From Mathura Junction (26 km), hire a private taxi or take a shared tempo to Govardhan and then to Radha Kund.

    By Road: Well-connected to Mathura via the Radha Kund Road. Roads are narrow but accessible by car.

    By Local Transport: Within Radha Kund, walking is the best option. E-rickshaws are available for reaching nearby Kusum Sarovar.
  • ...

    Weather and Best Time to Visit:

    Seasonal Recommendations:

    Winter: October to March is the peak season with pleasant weather, ideal for the 21 km Govardhan Parikrama.

    Monsoon: August and September are festive and the kunds are full of water....
    Seasonal Recommendations:

    Winter: October to March is the peak season with pleasant weather, ideal for the 21 km Govardhan Parikrama.

    Monsoon: August and September are festive and the kunds are full of water.

    Summer: Very hot; visit only during the night or early morning.

    Daytime: The Brahma-muhurta (pre-dawn) is the most spiritually potent time.
  • ...

    Near Tourist Places:

    Govardhan Hill (2 km), Kusum Sarovar (2 km), Shyam Kund (0. 1 km), Manasi Ganga (3 km), Danghati Temple (3. 5 km), Mathura (26 km), Vrindavan (22 km), Barsana (20 km), Nandgaon (28 km), Jatipura (7 km).

Tourism Tips

  • ...
    Travel Tips for Pilgrims:

    Health and Safety: The water is sacred but may contain algae; be careful while stepping in. Avoid carrying food in open bags due to the large monkey population.

    Packing: Bring trad...
    Travel Tips for Pilgrims:

    Health and Safety: The water is sacred but may contain algae; be careful while stepping in. Avoid carrying food in open bags due to the large monkey population.

    Packing: Bring traditional attire (dhoti/sari) if you wish to perform rituals. Carry a good quality sunscreen for the daytime.

    Cash and ATM: ATMs are limited in Radha Kund village; it is best to withdraw cash in Mathura.

    Connectivity: Mobile data works well, but there are no public Wi-Fi zones. Local SIM cards have good reception.

Reviews

FAQs

Mathura Itineray And Cost:-

Information about New and Updated Locations() of Uttar Pradesh Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

Near Places
...
Bhuteshwar Mahadev Mandir

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Birla Mandir

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Brahma Kund

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Dauji Mandir

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Dwarkadhish Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Govardhan Hill

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Jama Masjid

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Kans Quila

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Kusum Sarovar

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Mathura Museum

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Nandgaon

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Potra Kund

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Radha Kund

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Shri Radha Rani Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
in Other Cities