The sacred festival of Radhashtami, marking the divine appearance day of Shri Radharani, is one of the most spiritually charged and joyous celebrations in the ashrams of Shri Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj, lovingly called Kripalu Ji Maharaj or Kripalu Maharaj. It is not merely a festival—it is the festival of divine love itself, for Shri Radha is the very embodiment of Prem Bhakti—pure, selfless, and unconditional love for Shri Krishna. Every year, the Radhashtami Mahotsav at Prem Mandir (Vrindavan), Bhakti Mandir (Mangarh), and Kirti Mandir (Barsana) radiates divine energy, filling the hearts of countless devotees with bliss and devotion.
Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj, the fifth original Jagadguru in history, revealed the highest spiritual truth that Shri Radha is the supreme power of divine love and the ultimate object of devotion. Through his profound Hindi pravachans and kirtans, he taught that only by surrendering to Shri Radha’s lotus feet can one receive the grace of Shri Krishna. He said, “Radha is not separate from Krishna; She is His very essence—His love, His power, His soul.” For Kripalu Ji Maharaj followers, Radhashtami is therefore not just a celebration—it is the divine opportunity to deepen their love for Shri Radha Krishna and to purify their hearts through Bhakti.