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.

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.

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, sets the tone for spiritual nourishment.
• Ániyor, derived from a moment during Govardhan Puja when Giriraja asked for more offerings, lends its name to the town.
• Govinda Kuṇda, born from the abhiṣeka of Surabhi and Indra for Krishna, holds the essence of a purifying bath.
• Mādhavendra Purī Baiṭhāka, where Krishna appeared in a dream after encircling Govardhan, adds a touch of mystical rest.
• Navala-Kuṇda, shaped like a peacock, witnessed the rasa dance of Krishna with the gopis.
• Apsarā-Kuṇda, formed from the water Apsarās used to bathe Krishna, reflects liquid prema during the Puṅcharī rāsa dance.
• Lotā Bābā patiently awaits the return of His Lord, a soul-steering touch in the tales.
• Surabhi-Kuṇda is where Mother Surabhi spoke up on behalf of Indra.
• Vallabhācārya Baiṭhāka, a sacred spot for puṣṭi-mārga tradition, resonates with the echo of holy bhāgavata kathā.
• Mānasī-Gaṅgā, influenced by the wisdom of Krishna, echoes a tale of sacred purification.
• Rādhā-Kuṇda, filled with holy waters by Sri Rādhā and the gopis, holds the essence of devotion.
• The Samādhi of Śrila Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī, nestled near Lalitā, Vśākhā, and Rupa Manjari groves, embodies eternal love for Rādhā Kunda.
• Lastly, Giriraja-Śilā, an original deity residing near Rādhā-Kuṇda, completes 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 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.