There is always something fascinating stories that were left behind in old ancient building. On my recent visit to Barsana, a small village in UP quite popular for birth place of Radha Rani, I noticed this fort atop a hill. On the cloudy weather, and greenary ridge all around the striking palace is asking to be explored. The palace like architecture with grand domes, chhatris (pavilions), and the distinct blue-roofed walkways cascading down the hillside are iconic landmarks of this sacred pilgrimage destination. Curious to know more about it, I went to explore the place.

The place is opposite the main ridge of the Shri Radha Rani Temple complex. It sits majestically atop the lush, green Bhanugarh hills in Barsana, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. Many people visit Barsana to pay their tribute to the temple dedicated to Radha Rani. However there are very few who like to expolore the place. I am one of them and does not want to miss out this fortress. It is a big structure and not much far away from the main temple, where people worship the Radha Rani diety. It was hardly a 500M walk from the main temple and it is well covered with tin shed. I walked upon the place crossing some busy shops selling various items. It hardly took 5 min from the actual temple. I was more curious to know about the fort. In more likelyhood, the fortress does belongs to Radha Rani. However now the place has been termed as Shri Kushal Bihari Temple

It was actually an old palace, with stories beholds in their wall. It is revered as the childhood home and palace of Radha Rani. It is built in a majestic Rajput palace style using red and yellow. The first thing I did on resching the spot was to ask the local people about the palace . And thy called it Radha Rani Palace. The front of which is now being used for public parking.

The entrance to the complex have some u told stories within it. It was a big entrance structure followed by giant iron gate.

I was shocked to see so low footfal for this palace. People on vehicle only arrive at this place for paeking and then leave for the temple which is 500M away. But my curiosity to know more of the place led me inside the complex. The building inside has another temple of Radha-Krishna. There were very few people offering their prayer at this temple. It appeared to be a ruined palace, with no proper maintenance.

It was the afternoon time, and time for temple time to close before reopen for public in the evening. I find the inside bit dark, there were no proper lighting. I asked one of the priest about the identity of the place. And he confirmed that, it was Radha Rani palace. She and family used to live at this palace. I get excited to wxplore more of the place. The place appears ro be a real gem but yet to be explored completelly. I took stroll aepund the complex and took various picture of the palace that has many untold stories.

There were some fine paintings, the doors were old the structure and design have many secrets. But there was none to tell. I think our governent shpuld take aome initiative to make it a tourist place. The paplace was deserted and no guide to take you on the walkthrpugh. May be that the reason that it remain isolated for so long now. Still strolling around I was fascinated about everything and try to relive the good old ancient days and try to recreate picture in my mind. It was a wonderful trip with loads of memory. I wish I could relive those days again. It was getting and the black clouds hoveeing around the sky, so I said good bye with heavy heart to the palaace. Hope to come back again soke other fay, with mkre time in hand.

Jai Sri Radhe

In good faith - Peace!!