Radha is worshipped with Krishna
In Braj, Radha and Krishna are worshipped as the yugal, the divine couple, with Radha on Krishna's left. A picture or pair of murtis of Radha-Krishna is the centre of the home shrine. The Vrindavan traditions add one guiding idea: what pleases Radha is bhav, loving feeling, far more than elaborate ritual. So keep the puja simple, and let it be warm.
When to do it
- Every day, morning and evening, with Krishna.
- Radhashtami (Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami), fifteen days after Janmashtami. Radha's birth is celebrated at midday (madhyahna), so the main abhishek and puja are done then.
- Ashtami of every month, and the whole month of Kartik, when lamps are offered to Radha-Damodar every evening.
What you will need
- A picture or murtis of Radha-Krishna, and a small cloth or swing (jhula) to seat them
- Panchamrit for abhishek on Radhashtami: milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar
- New clothes or a chunri for Radha, and flowers for her hair and garland (lotus, rose, jasmine)
- Sandalwood paste, kumkum, akshat
- Tulsi leaves for Krishna
- A ghee lamp, incense and camphor
- Naivedya: makhan-mishri, kheer, malpua or fruit
Step by step
- Prepare. Bathe, wear clean clothes, and clean the shrine. Sit facing east or north.
- Ganesh and guru. Bow to Ganesha and to your guru or the tradition you follow.
- Sankalpa. With water in your right hand, state your name and intention, then let the water fall.
- Abhishek (Radhashtami). At midday, bathe the murtis with panchamrit, then clean water. If you have only a picture, sprinkle water with a flower.
- Dress and adorn. Dress Radha in her new clothes or chunri, put flowers in her hair, and garland the couple. Apply sandal and kumkum.
- Offer. Flowers and akshat to Radha, tulsi leaves to Krishna, then incense and the lamp.
- Naivedya. Offer makhan-mishri, kheer or fruit, with a tulsi leaf on Krishna's portion.
- Names and stotra. Recite the 28 names of Radha, then the Radha Kripa Kataksh Stotram or the Radha Chalisa.
- Japa. Chant "Radhe Radhe" or the Hare Krishna Mahamantra on a tulsi mala.
- Aarti. Sing Aarti Shri Vrishbhanusuta Ki for Radha, then Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki for Krishna.
- Close. Ask forgiveness, bow, and share the prasad. On Radhashtami many devotees fast until the midday puja, then take the prasad.
Things to keep in mind
- Tulsi is offered to Krishna, not placed at Radha's feet; in Braj tulsi is itself honoured as Vrinda Devi, Radha's dear friend.
- Radha is worshipped with Krishna. Worshipping her alone, as if separate from him, is not the Braj way.
- Kartik lamps: a small ghee lamp waved before Radha-Damodar each evening of Kartik is one of the most loved practices in Vrindavan.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Radhashtami puja done?
At midday (madhyahna), the time of Radha's birth according to tradition. Check your local panchang for the exact window in your city. The main abhishek and aarti are done then, and many devotees fast until it is over.
Can Radha be worshipped without Krishna?
In practice she is always worshipped with him. Even the Radha-centred traditions of Vrindavan, which put her first, worship the couple together. Saying her name is said to be the surest way to reach him.
Which mantra is chanted for Radha?
The simplest and most widespread is her name, "Radhe Radhe". The 28 names of Radha and the Radha Kripa Kataksh Stotram are the best-known longer prayers.
What bhog does Radha like?
Makhan-mishri, kheer, malpua and seasonal fruit are traditional. In Barsana on Radhashtami, the temple offers chhappan bhog, fifty-six dishes; at home, one sweet offered with love is enough.