By Gopal Sharan Sharma
- A Timeless Celebration in Braj’s Living Heritage
- Rare Archival Treasures Preserved at the Braj Culture Research Institute, Vrindavan
2025.10.13 (Vrindavan Today News): Located at the foothill of the Govardhan Hill, Radha Kund holds a place of unparalleled reverence in the spiritual landscape of Braj. Especially during the auspicious month of Kartika, devotees regard bathing here as a divine blessing. This serene and sacred waterbody is celebrated as the liquid embodiment of the pure love between Shri Radha and Shri Krishna.
Before the arrival of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Govardhan, this area was known as Arit, named after the demon Arishtasura who was vanquished by Shri Krishna. It was Raghunath Das Goswami of the Gaudiya Vaishnava lineage who later made Radha Kund his spiritual abode, unveiling its hidden sanctity to the world. His devotion inspired many other acharyas to build temples and meditation seats (baithaks), transforming this place into one of the most sacred centers of bhakti in Braj.
The Literary Echoes of Radha Kund
The glory of Radha Kund resonates deeply in Brajbhasha’s devotional literature. Maharaja Savant Singh of Kishangarh—better known by his poetic name Nagari Das—beautifully captures the essence of this divine spot in his work Tirthanand:
“Aaye chali tihim thaan rasik jhund, jahan Radha Kund ru Krishna Kund.”
(Let the assembly of rasika devotees go there, where Radha Kund and Krishna Kund dwell together in eternal union.)
Poets like Jagat Anand and others have also sung of Radha Kund’s spiritual charm in their Braj Yatra compositions, highlighting its place as a sanctum of divine love and transcendental joy.
Ahoi Ashtami and the Sacred Dip
Among women who long for the blessing of motherhood, a sacred belief endures—that bathing in Radha Kund on Ahoi Ashtami grants the boon of progeny. On this deeply auspicious day, thousands of devotees from India and abroad gather at midnight to immerse themselves in its sanctifying waters.
A rare manuscript titled “Gosainji ki Braj Yatra,” preserved at the Braj Culture Research Institute in Vrindavan, offers a precious historical account of this observance:
“Ahead lies the holy Radha Kund. On Kartika’s dark eighth day, all sacred places assemble here at midnight. Whoever bathes then attains the merit of all pilgrimages and fulfills their heartfelt desires.”
Royal Devotion to Radha Kund
The divine allure of Radha Kund has captivated not only saints and common devotees but also kings and nobles. Historical Braj Yatra texts record visits of royal families who came here for the sacred bath and acts of charity. Maharaja Surajmal of Bharatpur and other rulers were among its ardent visitors. The kunjas, ghats, and temples commissioned by these royal patrons still whisper stories of their deep devotion and spiritual reverence.
Gopal Sharan Sharma is the Publication Officer at the Braj Culture Research Institute, Goda Vihar, Vrindavan. His institute safeguards an invaluable collection of rare manuscripts, archival documents, and ancient maps related to the Radha Kund region. These timeless records serve as a treasure trove for researchers exploring the spiritual and historical tapestry of Braj. For over a decade, the institute has been devoted to preserving the soul of Braj—its art, literature, and living traditions—ensuring that the divine fragrance of this sacred land continues to inspire generations to come.
