Barsana
is a village that is located 45 kilometers from the downtown Mathura.
Typical of villages in Braj, Barsana too is connected to Lord Krishna
and his times. Barsana that is surrounded by hills from four sides is
actually the birthplace of Radha, the consort of Krishna whom he never
married. The place was earlier named Brahmsarin. The myth goes that
Brahma asked Krishna to spend time on the earth. Krishna asked Brahma to
take the form of hill. The four hills are said to represent the four
heads of Brahma. Hence Brahma and Sarin (head) form this name.All the hills have temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. The most famous among these is the Ladli Ji ka Mandir. Radha is lovingly called Ladli Ji in Barsana. There is a seven-kilometer circumambulating road round these hills. The village also boasts of a tank named Prem Sarovar that is believed to be the first meeting place of Lord Krishna and Radha. Another pond called Pila Pokhra is also there. Pila means yellow and Pokhra means pond in Hindi. It is said that the water of the pond turned yellowish when Radha dipped her hand in it, as Radha was golden in hue.
Barsana is also famous for its Holi celebrations. A very special type of Holi called Lathmaar Holi is played here between the residents of Nandgaon and Barsana. It this Holi, womenfolk of Barsana beat men of Nandgaon with wooden sticks and the later have to defend themselves. Do catch this event as nowhere in India will you find Holi so colorful.
