Radha Krishna Vivah Sthali is a Hindu temple dedicated to Radha and Krishna. The temple site is present in the Bhandirvan forest of Mant constituency in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The site holds cultural importance as according to Sanskrit scriptures - Braham Vaivarta Purana and Garga Samhita, Radha Krishna got married in Bhandirvan forest in the presence of Brahma, the creator, who also became the priest and solemnized their wedding ceremony. Annually, this divine wedding is celebrated on the occasion of Phulera Dooj which usually falls in the month of February - March.
Bhandirvan is listed as one of the sacred forests of Braj region. Inside the premises of Bhandirvan, there is Radha Bhandir Bihari temple where Krishna is seen putting the Sindoor (Vermilion) on Radha's head which symbolises a significant marriage ritual in Hindu wedding ceremony. Near this temple, there is Venu Kup, a sacred well which was believed to be created by Krishna himself with his flute. There is also a pair of huge Bhandir Vat (Banyan trees) beneath which Radha Krishna's marriage ceremony took place. A temple dedicated to Balarama is also present inside the temple premises.
History
Bhandirvan is one of the most prominent forest among the forests of Vrindavan. It is celebrated as the forest of Braj where Krishna used to enjoy taking lunch with his cowherd friends under the massive Bhandirvata banyan tree. Bhandirvan has many legends associated with it. Some of the major leelas (events) linked with Bhandirvan are :-
Radha Krishna Vivah Leela
Bhandirvan has witnessed the divine marriage ceremony of Radha Krishna. The wedding ceremony took place in the presence of Lord Brahma who also acted as the priest. This unison of Radha Krishna was happened in the absence of society. The locals say that only 10 million confidential associates of the Divine Couple (that included sakhis, peacocks, parrots, cows and monkeys) participated in this marriage. To give more importance to "Parakiya rasa" (love without any social foundation) over "Svakiya rasa" (married relationship), this marriage was kept hidden. According to scriptures like Brahma Vaivarta Purana and Garga Samhita, the story mentioned is as follows :-
"One day, Nanda Baba went along with infant Krishna to Bhandirvan for cow grazing. When Nand baba sat under a tree for rest, a ferocious storm started blowing and the environment became dark. Nand baba got scared about the safety of his little boy. Lord Krishna also acted as if he was frightened and hugged Nand baba with fear. But then, Nand baba saw the beautiful gopi, Radha Rani approaching him from the storm in her divine form. She was glowing with the beauty. Realizing that it was a play, Nand baba gave the infant to Goddess Radha and said that he knows that she is very dear to Lord Krishna as he was already being told about the divine form of Radha Krishna by Sage Garga . He said that she can enjoy with Shri Krishna and after that leave the infant back home to Yashoda. Radha Rani was very happy to see the infant Krishna and kissed him. Suddenly, a palace was appeared in front of her. The palace was shining with jewels and rubies. And then she saw the infant Krishna got vanished from her lap while a young handsome man appeared before her wearing jewelry and a crown. Within no time, she immediately realized it that it was the divine form of Lord Krishna. Krishna praised Radha and acknowledged his deep love for her. He told Radha that she was the other half of him. But, Radha shared her pain of separation with Krishna. To which, Lord Krishna consoled her and asked her to wait as he would make her happy. At that moment, Lord Brahma appeared in front of them and under his guidance performed their wedding ceremony by making the couple exchanged their garlands and chanting Vedic mantras sitting in front of the holy fire. This marriage ceremony was called Gandharva Vivah. Thereafter, Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha spent time together in delightful pastimes. After some time, Lord Krishna again returned to his infant form and promised Radha that they would keep returning to Bhandirvan for their lovable pastimes. Thereafter, Goddess Radha took the infant Krishna back to his mother Yashoda".
Balrama Killed Demon Pralambasura
Besides, the Radha Krishna Vivah leela, the site is also famous for leela associated with Lord Balrama and Pralambasur. Pralambasura was a strong and powerful demon sent by Mathura's tyrant king Kansa to kill Krishna and Balrama. It was at Bhandirvan where Pralambhasura demon was killed by Lord Balrama. The story goes like this -