The Sacred Hill
Govardhan Hill, the sacred mountain that Lord Krishna lifted on his little finger to protect the residents of Braj from the devastating rains sent by Lord Indra, is one of the most spiritually significant places in the entire Braj region. Located about 22 kilometers from Vrindavan in the Mathura district, Govardhan is not merely a geographical feature — it is considered a living deity, a manifestation of Krishna himself, and is worshipped as such by millions of devotees.
The story of Govardhan is central to Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavata Purana. When Krishna observed the residents of Braj preparing elaborate sacrifices for Lord Indra, the god of rain, he questioned this tradition and suggested instead that they worship Govardhan Hill, which provided them with food, shelter, and grazing land for their cattle. When the people followed Krishna's advice and offered their devotion to Govardhan, an enraged Indra sent torrential rains for seven days. Krishna then lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger, creating a vast umbrella under which all the people and animals of Braj took shelter. Defeated, Indra eventually acknowledged Krishna's supremacy.
Today, Govardhan Hill is the center of the famous Govardhan Parikrama, a sacred circumambulation of approximately 21 kilometers that is undertaken by millions of pilgrims every year. Devotees walk barefoot around the hill, visiting numerous sacred sites along the route including Kusum Sarovar, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund, Mukharvind, and Dan Ghati. The parikrama can be completed on foot (about 5-6 hours), by vehicle, or partially both, and is considered one of the most spiritually meritorious activities in the Braj region.
The spiritual atmosphere of Govardhan is unlike anywhere else in Braj. The parikrama path is lined with ancient temples, sacred kunds (water tanks), and spots associated with specific pastimes of Krishna. Pilgrims can be seen performing dandavat parikrama (prostrating full body length after every step), a practice that takes weeks to complete and represents the highest form of devotional surrender. The area around Radha Kund and Shyam Kund is considered the most sacred spot in all of Braj, where the divine love of Radha and Krishna reached its deepest expression.
Govardhan Hill is considered non-different from Krishna himself — it is worshipped as Hari (Krishna) in stone form. The Padma Purana states that simply by seeing Govardhan Hill, one attains the same merit as performing thousands of yajnas (sacrifices). Performing parikrama of Govardhan is considered the most auspicious spiritual activity one can undertake, and it is believed that Krishna personally accompanies every devotee who performs the parikrama with sincere devotion. The Skanda Purana declares that Govardhan is the king of all mountains and the fulfiller of all desires. Bathing in Radha Kund near Govardhan is said to grant pure love of Godhead (Krishna-prema), the highest spiritual attainment.
The sacred 21-kilometer circumambulation path around Govardhan Hill is the primary attraction. Along the path, pilgrims visit numerous sacred sites including Mansi Ganga, Mukharvind, Dan Ghati, and various temples. The parikrama can be done on foot, by vehicle, or as dandavat parikrama (full-body prostrations). The path is well-maintained with facilities for pilgrims including drinking water, rest areas, and food stalls.
Considered the most sacred spot in all of Braj, Radha Kund and Shyam Kund are two adjacent holy water tanks where Radha and Krishna respectively performed their pastimes. According to scripture, bathing in Radha Kund even once grants the supreme spiritual attainment of Krishna-prema (pure love of God). The kunds are surrounded by ancient temples and ghats, and the atmosphere here is charged with the deepest devotional sentiments.
A beautiful historic water tank located on the parikrama route, Kusum Sarovar is named after the kusum (flowers) that Srimati Radharani used to collect here for making garlands for Krishna. The structure features magnificent sandstone architecture with beautiful chhatris (pavilions) and is considered one of the most photogenic spots in the Braj region. The serene atmosphere makes it a perfect place for meditation and spiritual contemplation.
The Mukharvind Temple houses the sacred face (mukh) of Govardhan Hill in the form of a rock formation that naturally resembles a cow's face. This is the primary temple of Govardhan and the most important stop on the parikrama route. The deity here is worshipped as Giriraj Ji (the king of mountains) and is offered elaborate daily worship including abhishek, chappan bhog (56 offerings), and shringar (decoration).
Dan Ghati is the narrowest point of Govardhan Hill where, according to legend, Krishna would playfully stop the gopis and demand a toll (dan) of buttermilk before allowing them to pass. Nearby Manasi Ganga is a sacred lake believed to have been created by Krishna's divine will when the residents needed water. A beautiful temple of Haridev stands on its banks. The area is also known for its vibrant market where devotees purchase prasad and religious items.
Celebrated on the day after Diwali, Govardhan Puja is the most important festival here. It commemorates Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. The Mukharvind Temple is decorated magnificently, and a mountain of food (Annakoot — meaning "mountain of grains") is offered to Giriraj Ji. Over 56 varieties of dishes (Chappan Bhog) are prepared and offered to the deity. Lakhs of devotees perform the parikrama on this day, creating an atmosphere of unprecedented devotion and celebration.
The entire month of Kartik (October-November) is considered supremely auspicious for performing Govardhan Parikrama. During this month, lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad undertake the parikrama. Special events, kirtans, and spiritual discourses are organized throughout the month. The atmosphere is electric with devotion, and the parikrama path is illuminated with lights and decorated with flowers.
Guru Purnima is celebrated with great devotion at Govardhan, particularly at the various ashrams and temples along the parikrama route. Devotees honor their spiritual teachers and perform special parikrama on this day. The atmosphere is one of gratitude and spiritual dedication, with special kirtan sessions and discourses on the glories of Govardhan Hill.
October to March is the best time for Govardhan Parikrama. The weather is ideal for walking the 21 km route. The most auspicious times are Govardhan Puja (the day after Diwali in October-November), when lakhs of devotees perform the parikrama, and Kartik month (October-November), which is considered especially meritorious. Guru Purnima (July) also sees large gatherings. Avoid the peak summer months (May-June) as temperatures can exceed 45°C, making the parikrama extremely difficult.
The nearest airport is Agra (about 70 km). Delhi IGI Airport (about 180 km) is better connected. From either airport, you can hire a taxi to Govardhan.
The nearest railway station is Mathura Junction (MTJ), about 22 km from Govardhan. From Mathura, take a local bus, shared tempo, or taxi to Govardhan. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
Govardhan is well-connected by road to Mathura (22 km, 45 min), Vrindavan (25 km, 1 hour), Agra (70 km, 1.5 hours), and Delhi (175 km, 3-4 hours via Yamuna Expressway). Regular buses and shared vehicles are available from Mathura and Vrindavan.
