Radharani, often referred to as Radha, is a central figure in the Bhakti tradition of Hinduism, especially in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism sect. She is revered as the eternal consort of Lord Krishna and embodies the highest form of devotion, love, and surrender. Worshiping Radha Rani is believed to bring spiritual elevation, unconditional love, and divine blessings.
Steps to Pray to Radha Rani
Preparation and Purification:
- Cleanse Yourself: Before starting the prayer, take a bath to purify your body.
- Prepare the Altar: Set up a clean space for your altar. It can include an image or idol of Radha Rani, along with Krishna. Decorate the altar with fresh flowers, incense, and a lamp (diya).
- Gather Offerings: Offerings like fresh flowers (especially lotuses), fruits, sweets, and Tulsi leaves are considered sacred.
Invoke Radha Rani:
Light the Lamp and Incense: Begin the prayer by lighting a ghee lamp and incense sticks to purify the space.
Chant an Invocation Mantra: You can start with a simple mantra like:
ॐ श्री राधायै नमः Om Shri Radhayai NamahOffer the Prayers: Place your offerings before Radha Rani's image or idol. Close your eyes, join your palms together in a prayer position, and offer your prayers with devotion and sincerity.
Recite Prayers and Mantras:
Radha Gayatri Mantra:
ॐ वृन्दावनविलासिन्यै राधायै नमोऽस्तुते Om Vrindavanavilasinyai Radhayai NamostuteRadha Ashtakam (Eight Verses in Praise of Radha): You can recite the Radha Ashtakam, a beautiful hymn in praise of Radharani.
व्रजजनार्ति हन कारिणि कृपामै आनन्दवर्धिनि स्वभाव मधुरे कान्तार्कमण्डल मन्दन दीप्तिहे व्रजजन प्रिया करुणा कर सुमते
Meditation and Connection:
- After reciting the mantras, sit quietly and meditate on Radha Rani. Visualize her divine form, surrounded by a halo of light, showering you with love and blessings.
Arti (Ceremonial Offering of Light):
Perform the Arti by waving a lit camphor or ghee lamp in a circular motion before the image of Radha Rani. Sing a bhajan or a simple prayer like:
जय राधे, जय राधे राधे, जय श्री राधे, जय श्री राधे
Conclude the Prayer:
- After the Arti, offer your final salutations by bowing down and touching the feet of the deity's image or idol.
- Distribute the Prasad (sanctified food) among those present, or consume it with reverence.
Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship with Radha Rani
- Lord Krishna: Radha Rani is worshiped alongside Krishna, as they represent the divine couple. Devotees often chant both their names together, "Radha-Krishna," to invoke their blessings.
- Lord Vishnu: Since Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu, it’s common to include Vishnu in prayers.
- Goddess Lakshmi: The consort of Vishnu, she is often worshipped alongside Radha and Krishna for prosperity and blessings.
Mantras and Prayers
Simple Radha Rani Mantra:
राधे राधे गोविंद, राधे राधे गोपाल। Radhe Radhe Govinda, Radhe Radhe Gopal.Radha-Krishna Mantra:
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे। हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे॥ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Rare and Relevant Facts about Radha Rani
- Eternal Love: Radha’s love for Krishna is considered the purest form of devotion, known as Prema Bhakti. It symbolizes the soul’s longing for the divine.
- Radha Ashtami: Radha's appearance day, known as Radha Ashtami, is celebrated 15 days after Krishna Janmashtami. Devotees observe fasts and perform special prayers on this day.
- Vrindavan: Radha is often associated with Vrindavan, a sacred town in India where she and Krishna performed many of their pastimes (leelas). Vrindavan is a major pilgrimage site for devotees of Radha-Krishna.
Praying to Radha Rani is a deeply spiritual practice that involves devotion, love, and a connection to the divine. By following these steps and incorporating the mantras and prayers, devotees can feel closer to Radha Rani and receive her divine blessings.