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Radha Damodar Temple, Vrindavan
Krishna (Radha Damodar) · Gaudiya Shrine · Uttar Pradesh
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
The Radha Damodar Temple in Vrindavan is one of the most cherished of the Gaudiya Vaishnava shrines, founded in 1542 in the line of the six Goswamis of Braj. Small and intimate amid the lanes, it holds a Govardhan stone bearing what devotees revere as Krishna’s own footprint, and it was here that Srila Prabhupada lived and began his English translation of the Bhagavata.
A shrine of the Goswamis
The temple was established by Jiva Goswami, the great scholar-saint, and the deity Radha Damodar was worshipped by Rupa Goswami — two of the six Goswamis whom Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sent to Vrindavan to recover its holy places and write the theology of devotion. The samadhis of Rupa and Jiva Goswami lie within the temple courtyard, making it a heart of the Gaudiya tradition.
The Govardhan stone of the footprint
Among the temple’s treasures is a sacred shila from Govardhan Hill, given by Krishna himself to Sanatana Goswami, bearing a mark revered as the lord’s footprint. To circle this stone is held equal to the parikrama of Govardhan itself, and pilgrims who cannot climb the hill come here to make their rounds.
Where Prabhupada wrote
In the years before he carried the chanting of the holy name to the world, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada lived in a small room at Radha Damodar and began his translation and commentary on the Srimad Bhagavatam here. His rooms are kept as a place of pilgrimage, drawing devotees who trace the beginnings of the worldwide movement to this quiet courtyard.
How to reach the temple
- By road: the temple is in the Seva Kunj area of old Vrindavan, reached on foot through the lanes.
- By train: Mathura Junction is the nearest major railhead, about 15 km away.
- By air: Delhi is the nearest major airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Radha Damodar Temple?
It was founded in 1542 by Jiva Goswami, one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan; the deity Radha Damodar was worshipped by Rupa Goswami.
What is the Govardhan stone here?
It is a sacred shila from Govardhan Hill, given by Krishna to Sanatana Goswami, bearing a mark revered as the lord’s footprint; circling it is held equal to the parikrama of Govardhan.
What is the connection with Srila Prabhupada?
Srila Prabhupada lived in a small room at the temple and began his English translation of the Srimad Bhagavatam here before founding the worldwide ISKCON movement; his rooms are preserved.
Whose samadhis are in the temple?
The samadhis of Rupa Goswami and Jiva Goswami, two of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan, lie within the temple courtyard.
Is it a large temple?
No — it is small and intimate, set among the lanes of old Vrindavan, but it is one of the most revered of the Gaudiya Vaishnava shrines.
How do I reach the temple?
It is in the Seva Kunj area of old Vrindavan, reached on foot; Mathura Junction is about 15 km away and Delhi the nearest major airport.
॥ राधे राधे ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Krishna as Radha Damodar |
| Tradition | Gaudiya Vaishnava (six Goswamis) |
| Founded | 1542, Jiva Goswami |
| Special | Govardhan stone with Krishna’s footprint |
| Linked to | Srila Prabhupada’s rooms; Goswami samadhis |
| Setting | Old Vrindavan lanes |