The divine love of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna is often described as the union of the soul and the Supreme Being. Yet one question has always intrigued devotees—was Radha older than Krishna, or younger? Ancient Hindu scriptures like the Padma Purana, Shrimad Bhagavatam, and Garga Samhita offer fascinating insights into this mystery.
Radha’s Birth and Early Life According to Padma Purana
The Padma Purana mentions that Radha was born to Vrishabhanu and Mother Kirti in Barsana, while Lord Krishna was born in Mathura and raised in Gokul.
Most devotional texts agree that Radha Rani was older than Krishna, with an age difference ranging from 2 to 5 years.
The Story of Their First Meeting at Birth
According to a widely accepted legend, after Krishna’s birth, Nanda Baba organised a grand celebration in Gokul. Vrishabhanu’s family arrived from Barsana, carrying infant Radha, who was just 11 months older than Krishna.
It is believed that Radha had not opened her eyes since birth, and she did so for the first time only to see baby Krishna lying in his cradle. While some scriptures mention an 11-month age gap, others suggest a 4- to 5-year gap.
Radha Was Older Even During Childhood
Shrimad Bhagavatam and Vishnu Purana narrate that when Kansa’s threat grew stronger, Nanda Baba moved his entire family from Gokul to Vrindavan. At that time, Krishna was about 7 years old, while Radha was believed to be around 11 or 12.
Their first memorable childhood meeting in Vrindavan is said to have happened at the Radha-Krishna Ghat on the Yamuna, where Krishna led the boys of his group, and Radha guided her sakhis. Together, their presence filled Vrindavan with unmatched joy and divine charm.
Why Radha’s Age Played a Role in Their Bond?
Tradition holds that Radha’s greater age added a touch of maternal affection to her love for Krishna. She cared for him, scolded him playfully, fed him butter secretly, and protected him like no one else.
The Garga Samhita even states that Krishna is worshipped because of Radha, for she represents the highest form of devotion and surrender. As she grew older, Radha is said to have devoted herself entirely to Krishna’s divine presence.
Conclusion
Across scriptures and legends, a consistent belief emerges: Radha Rani was older than Lord Krishna, by months or by several years. But in the spiritual sense, their love transcends age, time, and worldly definitions. It remains the eternal symbol of pure devotion and the unbreakable bond between the divine and the devotee.