Barsana
| bharsana | |
|---|---|
| city | |
  bharsana Location in Uttar Pradesh, India | |
| Coordinates: 27°39′N 77°23′E / 27.65°N 77.38°ECoordinates: 27°39′N 77°23′E / 27.65°N 77.38°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| District | Mathura |
| Elevation | 182 m (597 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 9,215 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
Barsana (Hindi: बरसाना), Barsana Dham or Varsana (alt. spelling) is a town and a nagar panchayat in the Mathura district of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.
History
It is a village near Mathura. Stories from the Hindu tradition relating to the deity, Krishna indicate that his favorite gopi, known as Radha, spent her childhood in Barsana.[1] The town is thus a site of pilgrimage for many followers of Vaishnavism, and especially Gaudiya Vaishnavism which reveres Radha as the most worshippable Goddess, or Shakti.
The town comes alive every Holi around March, when the Lath mar Holi is played here. Tourist from all over flock the city for what is a truly remarkable sight.
Now Holi of Barsana has been included in the national heritage and is being proposed to be included in world heritage.
Geography
Barsana is located at 27°39′N 77°23′E / 27.65°N 77.38°E.[2] It has an average elevation of 182 metres (597 feet). It is 20 kilometers from Goverdhan and 40 kilometers from Mathura. It is one of the most famous and religious centre in Brijbhoomi. Barsana is known for a fervent form of Holi known as the Lath-maar Holi. It takes the form of a procession coming down from Radharani temple. Men from Nand gaon impersonating Krishna, come to play Holi with the ladies of Barsana who play the role of Radha- Lord Krishna's Consort. The legend has it that Radha and her friend gopis decided to teach a lesson to Krishna for stealing their clothes at a bathing ghat. In remembrance of the friendly revenge the ladies of Barsana charge at men with well oiled lathis (staff) who shield themselves from the blows using leather shields amidst clouds of colour and myrrah.
Barsana comes under the Tehsil Chaata of the Mathura district and has a famous Ladli Ji Maharaj temple built on a small hill in the late 18th century. The culture of the city is replete with numerous legends of Krishna and the Gopis and poetic depiction of the legends are very popular.
The Barsana temple is located on top of a hill which is a part of a small ridge composed of four hills. These hills are revered in the local legends as either the four heads of the god Brahma, or the three largest peaks as a form of trinity. Man Mandir is located atop another hill. The temples have a relatively recent construction and are dated to 18th century. The hill is verdant and is known as Ghevarvan. Rasalila is organised by several local saints in which local children become Radha and Krishna along with male and female companions dressed in wonderful garments and looking like real gods. The rasalila takes place at two places in Gahvar Van near Gopal kuti and a well. The famous Angrez baba, a saint from England directs one of the Lilas. This is a matter of great luck to watch his rasa lila which he organises in isolated place at odd hours of the day.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[3] Barsana had a population of 9215. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Barsana has an average literacy rate of 53%, lower than the national average of 59.5%; with 66% of the males and 34% of females literate. 19% of the population is under 6 years of age.
References
- ↑ Bharat Online "Barsana that is surrounded by hills from four sides is actually the birthplace of Radha, the consort of Krishna"
- ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Barsana
- ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.