Radha Vallabh

Radha Vallabh, meaning 'the beloved of Radha,' is the presiding deity of the Radha Vallabh Temple in Vrindavan, a tradition established by the saint Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu in the 16th century. This tradition is distinctive within Gaudiya Vaishnavism for its emphasis on the supremacy of Radha, who is considered the ultimate source of divine love and the supreme goddess, while Krishna is her beloved. The theology is rooted in the concept of 'Radha-dasyam' or service to Radha, as expounded in the 'Radha Vallabh Stotram' and the teachings of Hith Harivansh. The primary scripture of this tradition is the 'Sri Radha Vallabh Grantha', which includes the 'Sri Radha Sudha Nidhi' and other texts that elaborate on the divine play (lila) of Radha and Krishna.

According to the 'Bhagavata Purana' (10.30.28-30), Radha is the foremost of the gopis and the embodiment of devotion, and the Radha Vallabh tradition elevates her to the highest status. The iconography depicts Radha and Krishna together, with Radha often seated on a throne or given primacy, adorned with a crown and lotus, while Krishna stands beside her holding a flute. The deities are known for their serene expressions and are worshipped with elaborate rituals. The temple's annual festivals include Radhashtami (the appearance day of Radha), Janmashtami (Krishna's birth), and Holi, which is celebrated with great fervor as the festival of divine love.

Regional worship is concentrated in Vrindavan and North India, but the tradition has followers worldwide. In Hindu cosmology, Radha Vallabh represents the ultimate union of the divine feminine and masculine, where love (prema) is the highest reality. The tradition holds that through devotion to Radha, one attains Krishna's grace, as she is the intermediary. The 'Skanda Purana' (Vaishnava Khanda) references the sacredness of Vrindavan and the divine couple, underscoring the significance of this deity.

Deity of Radha and Krishna together. Radha is often given primacy. Crowned, serene expression.