Sri Radhashtami
August 31, 2025
Sri Radhashtami marks the auspicious appearance day of Srimati Radharani, as described in the Vedic literatures. Srimati Radharani is revered as the universal mother of all living entities and is the supreme pleasure potency of Lord Krishna. Known as “Hladini Shakti” in Sanskrit, she embodies the internal energy of Lord Krishna, augmenting his transcendental pleasure.
Sri Radhashtami is observed on the eighth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadra (August – September). Devotees observe a fast until noon and offer prayers to Srimati Radharani, seeking her divine mercy and the blessings of Lord Krishna to progress in their devotional service.
On this sacred occasion, the Deities of Sri Radha Govinda are adorned in new attire, and the garbha-griha is decorated with an exquisite display of vibrant and fragrant flowers.
In the evening, the utsava Deities of Sri Radha Govinda receive a grand abhisheka. Devotees engage in kirtanas, glorifying Srimati Radharani through songs composed by revered Vaishnava Acharyas. Hundreds of devotees gather at the temple to partake in the celebrations. The Deities are bathed in milk, curd, ghee, honey, and jaggery water, followed by juices from a variety of fruits such as muskmelon, apple, watermelon, pineapple, pomegranate, orange, sweet lime, papaya, and grapes. An elaborate arati is performed as devotees sing the Sri Radhikastava. After the arati, the Deities are bathed with sanctified water from 108 kalashas, followed by a showering of various flowers. Following the abhisheka, a chappan bhog (56 varieties of delicacies) is offered to Sri Radha Govinda.
Program Details:
Abhishekam for Sri Sri Radha Govinda – 6:30 PM
The celebrations conclude with a grand shayana arati, where devotees sing Radhikastaka, a special hymn composed by Srila Rupa Gosvami. This is followed by a grand pallakki utsava.
Sri Radhashtami presents a unique opportunity to glorify Srimati Radharani, under whose divine guidance one can attain perfection in devotional service. We invite you to take part in this auspicious occasion by sponsoring sevas to Sri Radha Govinda and receiving their boundless mercy.
