Govardhan Hill
Deep within the lush forests of Vrindavan lies the sacred Govardhana Mountain peak. Legend has it that Govardhana manifested from the heart of Krishna in Goloka to fulfil the divine desire of Śrī Radha for an exquisitely beautiful setting for their pastimes. Famous as the supreme servant of Krishna, Govardhana provides a fairy-tale-like playground for the Lord and His companions. Here, cows, gopas, and gopis find limitless joy. Once, to shield the Vrajavasis from the anger of Lord Indira, Seven-year-old Krishna lifted Govardhana like an umbrella and held it up in the air for seven days. Since then, devotees have walked around this sacred mountain as an act of worship. The Govardhan Hill is built of sandstone and wide spread in perimeter of 38 Kilometers with height of 80 feet. Govardhan Hill located in Aanyor, Mathura is also well-known for an important Hindu Pilgrimage site- GiriRaj Temple- a famous place as ancestor god of many families. You can book Mathura Tour from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Agra, Bangalore etc to get the darshan of your Kuldevta at Giriraj Temple.
Address: Aanyor, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Entry Timings: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Time Required: 2-3 hours for complete exploration
Entry Fee: No entry fees (Free for all visitors)
Things to do at Govardhan Hill
It takes approx. 2-3 hours to explore all attractions of Govardhan Hill including a parikrama. At time of Deepawali and BhaiDooj, you can book Special Govardhan Pooja Package to learn about the local culture, tradition and cultural significance. Among lots of activities to do at Govardhan Hill, must take a traditional walk around the base of Govardhan Hill. This is a sacred pilgrimage route and is considered highly auspicious. The entire parikrama is about 21 kilometers, and many devotees complete it barefoot. Visit Giriraj Temple located at base of the hill is dedicated to Lord Krishna and offer prayers and perform rituals. Take a dip in Radha kund and Shyama Kund and do some meditation at Kusum Sarovar. Participate in Bhajans, Kirtans and get a dip in devotional aura.
Govardhan Hill Temple Opening and Closing Time
Govardhan hill temple opening time is 7 am in the morning and remains open till 7 pm in the evening. Govardhan Parikrama is more important as people follow this traditional ritual by walking around the entire circumference of the Govardhan Hill. Parikrama is done in a clockwise direction and covers about 21 km. It can be completed on foot, by bicycle or car.
| Opening and Closing Timings | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Visit Timings | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Parikrama Timings | 6:00 PM - 5:00 AM | 9:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Main Attractions of Govardhan Hill
Govardhan Hill, a land of divine stories and sacred spots, welcomes pilgrims with its highly revered attractions. Best tine to visit Govardhan hill is from October to March when weather remains pleasant and moderate temperature.
- Mukharavinda — a place where devotees offer food to Giriraja, setting the tone for spiritual nourishment.
- Aniyor — named after the moment during Govardhan Puja when Giriraja asked for more offerings.
- Govinda Kunda — born from the abhisheka performed by Surabhi and Indra for Krishna; it holds the essence of a purifying bath.
- Madhavendra Puri Baithak — where Krishna appeared in a dream after encircling Govardhan, adding a touch of mystical rest.
- Navala Kunda — shaped like a peacock and witness to the rasa dance of Krishna with the gopis.
- Apsara Kunda — formed from the water the Apsarās used to bathe Krishna, reflecting liquid prema during the Punchari rāsa dance.
- Lota Baba — patiently awaits the return of his Lord, a soul-stirring element in the tales of devotion.
- Surabhi Kunda — where Mother Surabhi spoke up on behalf of Indra.
- Vallabhacharya Baithak — a sacred spot for the Pushti Marg tradition that resonates with the echoes of holy Bhagavata kathā.
- Manasi Ganga — influenced by the wisdom of Krishna, it echoes a tale of sacred purification.
- Radha Kunda — filled with holy waters by Sri Radha and the gopis; it holds the essence of devotion.
- The Samadhi of Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami — nestled near the groves of Lalita, Vishakha, and Rupa Manjari, embodying eternal love for Radha Kunda.
- Giriraja Shila — the original deity residing near Radha Kunda, completing the spiritual panorama of Govardhan Hill.
The Cursed Shrinking of Govardhana Giri
Legend has it that Govardhana Giri is the son of another hill, Dronachala Giri. There was a sage named Pulastya who wanted to do his penance on Govardhana. So, he asked Dronachala Giri for permission. Surprisingly, Dronachala Giri directed the sage to ask his son, Govardhana Giri, for permission. Excited about the journey, Govardhana agreed, but with a condition - once he was placed down, he would not move. The sage Pulastya agreed and started his journey to Vrindavan, carrying Govardhana. But, during the journey, the sage put Govardhana down for some time, and that is when the hill decided to stay in the town. Filled with rage, the sage cursed Govardhana to shrink every day until it became as tiny as a sesame seed. So, the once massive hill now rises only a height of 80 feet. Quite a journey for Govardhana, isn't it? Book a Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package and must take parikrama of Govardhan Hill.
Distance of Govardhan Hill from Railway Station
Govardhan is a charming place in Mathura and easily accessible by all modes of transportation. This auspicious place is rich in mythology and a gorgeous landscape for capturing photographs.
| Place | Distance | Approx time taken |
|---|---|---|
| Mathura Railway Station | 26 Km | 33 mins |
| New Mathura Bus Stand | 25 Km | 32 mins |
| New Delhi Railway Station | 140 Km | 168 mins |
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