Maan Mandir, Barsana

Maan Garh is a beautiful and revered place atop Brahmagiri Hill. According to legend, it is where Shrimati Radha Rani, upset with Lord Krishna, displayed her mäna — a loving, sulky mood. The story tells that one day, Krishna sent word to Radha Rani through His friend, Subala, and Vrinda-devi, asking her to meet Him at a specific time. But on His way to the meeting, Krishna met Padmä, a friend of Chandrawali, who expressed her friend’s longing to see Him. Krishna, being compassionate, visited Chandrawali briefly, but became so absorbed in playful talks with her that He lost track of time and missed His meeting with Radha.

A well-trained parrot belonging to Radha Rani saw Krishna with Chandrawali and returned to inform Radha of the scene. Feeling heartbroken, Radha went into a deep mäna, deciding she no longer wanted to see Krishna. When He finally arrived, Radha turned away from Him. Despite all His efforts to cheer her up, her mäna remained firm.

Feeling sad and hopeless, Krishna sought help from Vishaka, who suggested He disguise Himself as a new Sakhi, a skilled musician called Shyama Sakhi. Vishaka introduced this disguised Krishna to Radha, praising Shyama Sakhi’s talent for singing and playing the veena (a musical instrument). Delighted by the beautiful music, Radha Rani embraced her new friend, recognizing Krishna only by His touch. With that, her mäna was lifted, and she happily reunited with her beloved Krishna, surrounded by her friends, as they shared in joyful moments once more.