Raval

The word "Raval" means "an influential landlord". This place is named after Shri Vrishbhanu Maharaj, who was the most influential landlord. In the twenty-eighth cycle of the Yuga of "Varaha Kalp" (in which, Lord Hari took the incarnation of fair-complexioned boar), Shri Krishn incarnated on this earth. Shri Radha also took incarnation. Shri Krishn with his associates; Shri Radha and her friends, all incarnated in Braj to grant the happiness of divine pastimes to their devotees. King Suchandra appeared in Braj by the name of Vrishabhanu after receiving a boon from Brahma Ji and his wife Kalavati appeared in the form of Kirtida Gopi. This great fortunate Queen Kirtida got the great fortune of being the mother of Shri Radha. In the Brahma Muhurta (4:30 AM) on the 8th day of Bhadramas (Aug-Sept), Shri Radha incarnated in a divine atmosphere at Nikunj on the banks of Yamuna. A huge wave of joy ran all around. There was no limit to the joy of the Gopis and the cowherds of Braj. The villagers got impatient and ran to narrate this good news to each other. Music started playing all around, songs were sung - Maharas Puran Prakatyo Aani. Ati Phuli Ghar-Ghar Braj Nari Radha Prakati Jaani. Oh! Hearing about the appearance of Shri Radha, the damsels of Braj was filled with joy and started praising Her glories. Aaj Raval Mein Jay-Jayakar. Prakat Bhayi Vrishbhanu Gop Ke Shriradha Avatar. Grih Grih Te Sab Chalin Veg Dai Gavat Mangalchar. Prakat Bhayi Tribhuvan Ki Sima Roop Rashi Sukh Sar. Niratat Gavat Karat Badhai, Bhir Bhayi Ati, Dvar. ‘Parmanand’ Vrishbhanu Nandini Jori Nand-Dular. Today, the people of Braj are hailing in Rawal, Shri Radha has appeared in the palace of King Vrishbhanu. This place of appearance of Shri Radha is famous by the name 'Raval'. Even today a temple on the banks of Yamuna is hoisting the flag of its history. Shri Radha appeared in her maternal grandmother's place, later She came to Shri Vrishbhanupur (Barsana). Another story related to the appearance of Shri Radha, the dear daughter of King Shri Vrishbhanu, is based on the experiences of many Vaishnavas and Goswamis. On the basis of this tradition, even today the day of appearance is celebrated in Shriji's temple in Barsana. Shri Vrishbhanu Ji went 'Vrishabhanu Sarovar' as usual on the 8th day of Bhadramas (Aug-Sept). At the same time, He saw that near the leaning tree of dense creepers, a little baby girl, adorned in a lotus flower floating in the lake. She was Shri Radha. There are many stories mentioned related in the texts about the appearance of Shri Radha. Some have mentioned it of another Yuga cycle and some have mentioned of this Yuga cycle. All are accepted by the devotees of Shri Radha. Location : Raval is located 5 km east of Mathura.