Radha Damodar Temple

Radha Damodar Temple is a historic Gaudiya Vaishnava temple located in the Loi Bazar area of Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1542 by Jiva Goswami, it is one of the Sapta Devalaya (seven principal temples) of Vrindavan. The temple enshrines Radha-Damodar deities originally worshipped by Jiva Goswami and houses samadhis of prominent acharyas, a Giriraj Shila with footprints attributed to Krishna, and is revered as a center of devotion and scholarship.

Visitors can expect a traditional North Indian temple complex with a modest courtyard, sanctum housing black marble deities of Radha and Damodar (Krishna), and surrounding shrines and samadhis. The premises include the bhajan kutir of Jiva Goswami, samadhis of Jiva Goswami, Rupa Goswami and other Goswamis, and a Giriraj Shila believed to bear Krishna's footprints. The temple is set in narrow lanes near Seva Kunj, with devotional chanting, daily aarti, and a calm, contemplative atmosphere for darshan and prayer.

Founded in 1542 by Jiva Goswami, nephew of Rupa Goswami and a principal among the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan deputed by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The temple was established to house the Radha-Damodar deities personally worshipped by Jiva Goswami. It served as his bhajan kutir and center of Gaudiya Vaishnava scholarship where he composed major philosophical works. The complex preserves samadhis of Jiva Goswami, Rupa Goswami, Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami and other acharyas, marking it as an important heritage site of the Gaudiya lineage.

Revered as one of the Sapta Devalaya (seven main temples) of Vrindavan and a major pilgrimage center for Gaudiya Vaishnavas worldwide. The temple is associated with daily worship, kirtan, and festivals such as Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Kartik, and Gaura Purnima. The Giriraj Shila worshipped here is considered sacred by devotees, and the temple continues as an active center for devotional practice, scriptural study, and preservation of Vrindavan's religious traditions.