In the Vaishnava devotional or bhakti traditions of Hinduism that focus on Krishna, Radha the gopi is his consort. For some of the adherents of these traditions, her importance approaches or even exceeds that of Krishna. She is considered his adi (original) shakti, the Supreme Goddess. Her connection to Krishna is of two types: svakiya-rasa (married relationship) and parakiya-rasa (unmarried, amorous relationship). The second type is considered more exalted.

Radha was born in Barsana, a village about 8 kilometeres from Vrindavana. One of her names, Hara, in vocative Hare, forms a part of the Hare_Krishna_Maha_Mantra, one of the most popular mantras in India. This mantra invokes Radha and Krishna as the Supreme Brahman.

Radha's love for Krishna is seen by Vaishnavas as the most perfect because it is endless and without conditions. She is a cowherd-girl (gopi), who has a simple and pure-hearted nature that enchants Krishna greatly. Thus she is the most important consort of Krishna, His heart and soul, and his hladini-shakti (spiritual pleasure potency).

This image has become a source of inspiration to numerous divotional groups. It has also inspired religious poetry, music and art.