Radha Kund Snan is the festival observed at the place named Radha Kund at Vridhavan at Uttar Pradesh. The festival occurs on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Karthika month as per Purnimantha Calendar. The festival occurs on Ahoi Ashtami.
Radha Kund Snan occurs on Thursday, 24th October 2024. The exact duration of the Ashtami Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars. The festival is mostly observed by the married couple seeking progeny.
The place Radha Kund is situated at Vrindavan. There are two adjacent ponds named as Radha Kund and Shyama Kund. Both the ponds are believed to appear like the eyes of pea-cock. The ponds are situated atop a hill. It is believed that this hill was the one lifted by Sri Krishna on His little finger to give shelter from the torrential rains caused by Indra.
Legend
As per the legend, Bhagwan Sri Krishna had diminished the demon names Arisasur. He was bull headed. As Sri Krishna belonged to the community of cattle protectors, it was considered that he had done wrong by killing a bull-headed demon.
So, Radha Rani had asked Him to take dip in all the rivers to alleviate His alleged sins. Sri Krishna had simply dug the ground and ordained that the water from all the holy rivers be filled up there. That pond came to be known as Shyama Kund.
Seeing this, Radha Rani also had dug a pond and asked the holy rivers to occupy that also. That pond came to be known as Radha Kund.
Rituals
On the Karthika Shukla Paksha (Ahoi) Ashtami day, it is considered auspicious to take holy dip in Radha Kund and Shyama Kund.
The devotees offer flowers, prasadam and pumpkin to Radha Kund by way of prayer. At the midnight of Ahoi Ashtami day, the childless couples take holy dip in Radha Kund followed by another dip in Shyama Kund.
After taking holy bath, the devotees remember Sri Radha Rani and chant and recite the Slokas invoking the Goddess. They sincerely pray for progeny. Seethapal is donated to all after the prayers.
The couple observing the Vrat normally follow the Nirjala method of Vrat whereby they forego even drinking of water.
It is believed that progeny is blessed to those who pray sincerely. The couple again visit the pond in the coming years with their children.
