Shri Radharaman Temple is one of the seven Gaudiya Devalayas of Vrindavan
Temple Service from Mangla to Shayan
Shri Radharaman Dev self manifested from Damodar Shaligram shila served by Shrila Gopalbhatt Goswamipad around 476 years ago under a tree near present day Nidhivan. This place is near Shri Gopal Bhatt’s samadhi and is worshipped as ‘Prakatya Sthal’ – The Place of his manifestation.
Shri Radharaman Dev is considered as a real deity not just an idol. He is about 12 inches in height, lalit tribhang kishor (teenager Krishna standing in a posture bent from 3 angles).
It is said that Gaurang Mahaprabhu reappeared in Braj as Shri Radharaman that is why there is no separate Radha idol with him. Shrimati Radha Rani is worshiped in the form of Gomati Chakra beside him.
Shri Radharaman Dev has beautiful white teeth which are visible sometimes and sometimes not. There are lines in his palms. These features make Shri Radharaman Dev very different from other deities.
The convention of service in Shri Radharaman Dev Temple is one of the most idealistic in all of Braj Dham. The temple follows ‘Apras Seva’ which means the Sevayat Goswami does not touches anything or anybody from outside once he enters the Service after bathing and wearing untouched clean clothes. In case he gets touched with anyone or anything, eats, drinks or answers nature’s call, he has to bath again to continue into Thakur ji’s service.
Thakur ji’s Seva in temple is based on Raganuraga devotion which is the service of Bhog and Raag. The Seva mainly comprises of following parts-
There are five main bhog throughout the day
Balbhog – It is the first bhog of the day after Dhoop Aarti. It is light as breakfast and comprises of Kuliya, Halwa, fruits, dry fruits, yogurt.
Rajbhog – It is offered after Shringaar Aarti. It is main course Lunch for Thakur ji compriseing of Rice, Lentils, Kadhi, kheer, chapattis, vegetables etc.
Utthapan Bhog – It is offered in the evening after evening dhoop Aarti. It has variety of delicacies like Laddo, Kachori, Mathri, sweets etc.
Byalu Bhog – It is main course dinner offered after Aulai. Comprises of Poori, Sabzi etc.
Dudh Bhog – Milk offered to Thakur ji before Shayan Aarti.
There are six main Aartis
Mangla Aarti – First Aarti of the day before dawn. It is to wake up the lord in the morning. Usually occurs between 4 to 5 am. It is done with 3 wicks.
Morning Dhoop Aarti – It is second Aarti of the day usually around 9 am after thakur ji has bathed and completed his morning routine before giving darshans. Done with 1 wick.
Shringaar Aarti – It is the most important Aarti of the day done after thakur ji has taken his breakfast and is ready to give darshans adorned with full ornaments and jewellery. It is done with 5 wicks and Shankh.
Rajbhog Aarti – Done in the afternoon after thakur ji has his lunch and before he retires for his afternoon rest. The Nose pin is removed during Rajbhog Aarti. It is done with 5 wicks in the winters and with flowers in summer, with Shankh.
Evening Dhoop Aarti – After thakur ji wakes up from afternoon nap and is ready to give darshans to devotees in the evening. It is similar to morning Dhoop Aarti.
Sandhya Aarti – Largest aarti of the evening. Similar to Morning Shringaar Aarti. It is done with 9 wicks and Shankh.
Shayan Aarti – Last Aarti of the day after which Thakur ji goes to sleep. Done by 3 wicks. The huge gongs are not rung in Shayan Aarti.
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