Reflecting the seasonal necessities, the deity is adorned with warm attire and blankets to provide comfort during the harsh winter. In addition, a special winter diet, rich in dry fruits and grains, is offered. This includes a delicately prepared khichdi, infused with dry fruits, as part of the ceremonial offerings.
2025.01.05 (Vrindavan Today News): The City of Vrindavan stands as a testament to unwavering devotion and rich cultural traditions in the heart of India’s spiritual landscape. This winter, the sacred temples and homes of Braj residents are abuzz with rituals to shield their beloved deities from the biting cold. Among these revered deities, Thakur Shri Radharaman Dev ji Maharaj—a cherished Lord of Vrindavan – is receiving extraordinary winter services steeped in devotion and care.
The Shri Radha Raman Temple, one of the revered Saptadevalaya temples of Shri Dham Vrindavan, is currently hosting its annual Winter Serva festival. This 33-day-long event is being celebrated with unwavering devotion and in strict adherence to tradition under the guidance of Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami Maharaj and Shri Venu Gopal Goswami. The festival involves the dedicated services of Shri Abhinav Goswami and Shri Suvarna Goswami, who are serving Thakur Shri Radha Raman Dev Ji, with heartfelt devotion.
The daily services begin at 5:30 a.m. with the Mangala Aarti and conclude with the Shayan Aarti at 9:00 p.m. The Acharyas have adapted every aspect of the deity’s daily routine to suit the chilly weather. From the garments to the bedding, meticulous care is taken to ensure warmth and luxury. The deity is adorned in exquisite Pashmina shawls during morning and evening rituals, while the sleeping arrangements feature mattresses stuffed with soft sheml cotton, velvet quilts, and seven supportive pillows.
Reflecting the seasonal necessities, the deity is adorned with warm attire and blankets to provide comfort during the harsh winter. In addition, a special winter diet, rich in dry fruits and grains, is offered. This includes a delicately prepared khichdi, infused with dry fruits, as part of the ceremonial offerings. To ensure the deity’s comfort, a silver brazier (rajat sigri) is placed before Shri Radha Raman Ji every day to provide warmth.
A unique aspect of the winter worship is the use of seasonal, warming fragrances for the deity’s daily massages. Four times a day, the deity is anointed with divine scents like saffron, henna, oud, and musk. According to Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami Maharaj, these aromatic massages are not just an expression of devotion but also a way to invoke divine energies and shield the deity from the harshness of winter.
In Vrindavan, devotion extends to culinary offerings, with a special focus on ingredients that generate warmth. The daily bhog (offering) includes preparations enriched with saffron, dry fruits, and clarified butter. Morning rituals see the presentation of dishes like moong dal halwa—a delicacy of mung lentils, saffron, and nuts—and Radharaman’s favorite Kulia.
Evening offerings culminate in saffron-infused warm milk, while late-night rituals involve placing dry fruit-laden laddoos, paan (betel leaves), and a silver vessel filled with warm, filtered Yamuna water in the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Sacred Chanting and Raga Seva
Each morning, 25 learned Brahmins chant sacred scriptures such as the Shrimad Bhagavatam, Narayana Kavach, Gopal Sahasranama, and Chaitanya Charitamrita. Devotees are offered prasad (consecrated food) both in the morning and evening, enriching their spiritual experience. Additionally, the temple’s Ashtayam Seva (eightfold daily services) includes the offering of musical Raga Seva, performed by esteemed musicians. Renowned artists such as Shri Madan Gopal Sharma (vocalist) and Shri Krishna Gopal Sharma (instrumentalist) captivate devotees with their soulful renditions.
Sustainability and Restoration Initiatives
In a commendable move toward sustainability, Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami Maharaj has introduced solar energy at the temple, making it self-reliant in electricity consumption during the festival and afterwards. Furthermore, under his inspiration, the temple’s historic Ras Chabutra (a platform associated with Shri Krishna’s divine dance) has been restored with meticulous care and was recently inaugurated on 15th December, 2024.
Cultural Performances by Renowned Artists
The festival has also attracted numerous celebrated artists who offer their talents as a form of devotion. Notable performers include Smt. Aastha Goswami, Dr. Geeta Chandran, Devashish Dey, Smt. Manisha Agarwal, Devaditya Chakravarti, Kunwar Kishore, Amit Malik, Smt. Soumya Dey, Shubhankar Dey, and Smt. Sangeeta Bandopadhyay. Their enchanting performances in classical ragas create an atmosphere of divinity, mesmerizing the devotees and bringing them closer to the spiritual essence of the temple.
The Winter Seva Festival at Shri Radha Raman Temple is not merely an event but a profound celebration of devotion, art, and sustainability, reflecting the timeless traditions of Vrindavan while embracing modern practices for a harmonious future.
In Vrindavan, even the chill of winter becomes a canvas for divine expression, ensuring that the beloved Lord Krishna, in his eternal adolescent form, is swathed in warmth, devotion, and love.
