Radha Rani Aarti, Mantra & Significance - Complete Puja Vidhi

Radha Rani, lovingly called Radhe, Kishori Ji and Vrishabhanu Nandini, is the eternal consort and beloved of Lord Krishna. She is worshipped as the hladini shakti - the bliss-giving energy of the Divine - and represents the soul's pure, longing love for God. In the Braj tradition, Radha is held even higher than Krishna, for it is through her devotion that one reaches him; this is why devotees greet each other with Radhe Radhe.

Radha represents prema bhakti - love so complete that it asks for nothing in return. Worshipping Radha-Krishna together is believed to bless devotees with harmony in marriage, deep emotional fulfilment, and a heart softened by devotion. For those seeking love, reconciliation or simply a sweeter relationship with the Divine, Radha's grace is considered the gentlest and most powerful path. Her name is said to be even sweeter than Krishna's own.

Light a ghee lamp before the image of Radha-Krishna and sing with a melting heart:

Aarti Shri Vrishabhanu sutaa ki, Radhe Radhe. Husiyaar gher ki gher mein, sundar chhabi pyaari ki. Shyama pyaari jodi sohe, manmohan Giridhari ki. Charanan sharan jo aaya, bhav-baadha taari ki.

Circle the lamp clockwise, ring the bell softly, and end with Radhe Radhe, offering the flame and your love at her feet.

Simple Radha mantra:

Om Hreem Radhikayai Namah

The sweet Yugal (couple) mantra worshipping Radha and Krishna together:

Om Radha-Krishnaya Namah

For pure devotion, simply chant the maha-bhava name:

Radhe Radhe or Radhe Shyam

Chant on a tulsi mala 108 times. Reciting Radha's name before Krishna's (Radhe-Krishna) is the traditional and most beloved way in the Braj tradition.

Radha Ashtami marks the appearance of Radha Rani and falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, about fifteen days after Krishna Janmashtami. On this day devotees in Barsana and across Braj keep a fast, bathe the deity (abhishek), offer new clothes, flowers and chhappan bhog, and sing her glories through the day. Keeping the Radha Ashtami vrat is believed to grant the same merit as many other vows combined.

1. Bathe and wear clean clothes; place Radha-Krishna together on a clean altar. 2. Light a ghee lamp, incense, and offer fresh flowers (Radha loves lotus and jasmine). 3. Offer tulsi leaves with the bhog of kheer, makhan-mishri or fruit. 4. Chant Om Hreem Radhikayai Namah or Radhe Radhe 108 times on a tulsi mala. 5. Sing the Radha aarti with full devotion. 6. Pray for love, harmony and pure bhakti, then share the prasad. Ashtami tithi, Radha Ashtami and the month of Bhadrapada are especially auspicious.