Govardhan Hill is a holy place for Hindus, located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that Lord Krishna lifted this hill on his little finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra, the king of gods. Govardhan Hill is also known as Giriraj, which means the king of mountains.
It is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Krishna, who perform a circumambulation or parikrama around the hill as a mark of devotion and surrender. Govardhan Hill is also home to many temples, ashrams, sacred groves, and natural attractions that reflect the beauty and grace of Lord Krishna.
In this article, we will explore the legend, significance, and attractions of Govardhan Hill, and provide you with some practical tips and suggestions for visiting this sacred site of Hinduism in Mathura.
The Legend of Govardhan Hill
According to the Hindu scriptures, Govardhan Hill was once a part of Mount Meru, the mythical mountain that is considered the center of the universe. It was brought to Vrindavan by Pulastya Muni, a sage who wanted to worship it. However, he left it on the banks of the Yamuna river when he went to take a bath, and Lord Krishna, who was a young boy then, lifted it and placed it in Vrindavan. He declared that Govardhan Hill was his own manifestation and that he would accept the offerings made to it.
Later, when Indra, the king of gods, saw that the people of Vrindavan had stopped worshipping him and started worshipping Govardhan Hill instead, he became angry and decided to punish them. He sent a torrential rain and storm to drown Vrindavan. To save his devotees, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger and held it like an umbrella for seven days and nights. He also created a miracle that made the hill weightless and provided food and water to the people and animals who took shelter under it. Indra realized his mistake and apologized to Lord Krishna, who forgave him and restored peace and harmony in Vrindavan.
This story symbolizes the power and love of Lord Krishna, who protects his devotees from all dangers and difficulties. It also shows the importance of devotion and surrender to the supreme lord, who is the source of everything. Govardhan Hill is thus revered as a manifestation of Lord Krishna himself, and as a witness to his divine pastimes.
The Parikrama of Govardhan Hill
One of the most important and popular rituals performed by the pilgrims who visit Govardhan Hill is the parikrama, which means circumambulation or walking around the hill. The parikrama is done as a mark of respect and devotion to Lord Krishna, who is believed to reside in Govardhan Hill. The parikrama is also a way of seeking the blessings and mercy of Lord Krishna, who fulfills the desires and wishes of his devotees.
The parikrama of Govardhan Hill is about 21 kilometers long and takes about three to four hours to complete. The parikrama starts and ends at the Manasi Ganga, a sacred lake that is considered to be the manifestation of the Ganges river. The parikrama is done in a clockwise direction, following the footsteps of Lord Krishna. Along the way, the pilgrims visit various temples, shrines, and places that are associated with Lord Krishna and his pastimes.
Some of the prominent places are:
Radha Kund and Shyama Kund: These are two ponds that are considered to be the bathing places of Radha and Krishna, the divine couple. They are also the highest places of pilgrimage for the followers of Radha and Krishna, who believe that bathing in these ponds can grant them pure love and devotion.
Kusum Sarovar: This is a large lake that is surrounded by beautiful gardens and sandstone monuments. It is said that Radha and Krishna used to meet here and exchange flowers. It is also the resting place of some of the prominent saints and devotees of Lord Krishna, such as Jiva Goswami, Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, and Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami.
Dan Ghati: This is a narrow passage that is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna used to demand butter and yogurt from the cowherd girls of Vrindavan as a toll for crossing the hill. It is also the place where Lord Krishna defeated Indra by lifting Govardhan Hill on his little finger.
Mukharavinda: This is a cave that is believed to be the mouth of Govardhan Hill, where Lord Krishna used to play his flute and enchant the people and animals of Vrindavan. It is also the place where Lord Krishna revealed his universal form to his mother Yashoda, who saw the entire creation within his mouth.
The parikrama of Govardhan Hill is a spiritual journey that can purify the mind, body, and soul of the pilgrims. It is also a way of expressing gratitude and love to Lord Krishna, who is the supreme benefactor of all living beings.
The Temples and Attractions of Govardhan Hill
Govardhan Hill is not only a sacred site of Hinduism, but also a place of beauty and charm. It is home to many temples, ashrams, sacred groves, and natural attractions that reflect the glory and grace of Lord Krishna. Some of the famous temples and attractions of Govardhan Hill are:
Govardhan Temple:
This is the main temple of Govardhan Hill, where the deity of Lord Krishna is worshipped as Giriraj, the king of mountains. The temple was built by the great devotee Raja Man Singh of Amber in the 16th century. The temple has a magnificent architecture and a rich history. It is also the place where the annual Govardhan Puja is celebrated, where the devotees offer a mountain of food to Lord Krishna as a symbol of gratitude and devotion.
Haridev Temple:
This is one of the oldest temples of Govardhan Hill, where the deity of Lord Krishna is worshipped as Haridev, the lord of Hari. The temple was built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata, who visited Govardhan Hill during their exile. The temple has a simple and elegant structure and a peaceful atmosphere. It is also the place where the famous saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who propagated the chanting of the holy names of Lord Krishna, performed his ecstatic dance and kirtan.
Daan Van:
This is a forest that is situated at the base of Govardhan Hill, where Lord Krishna used to perform his pastimes of stealing butter and yogurt from the cowherd girls of Vrindavan. The forest is full of trees, flowers, and birds that create a natural and serene environment. It is also the place where Lord Krishna performed his rasa dance, the dance of divine love, with his beloved Radha and the gopis, the cowherd girls.
Govinda Kund:
This is a pond that is situated at the foot of Govardhan Hill, where Lord Krishna used to bathe his cows and play with his friends. The pond is filled with clear and sweet water that is considered to be sacred and auspicious. It is also the place where Lord Krishna washed the feet of Indra, the king of gods, after he apologized to him for his offense.
Govardhan Hill is a place of wonder and delight, where the pilgrims can experience the presence and pleasure of Lord Krishna. It is also a place of culture and heritage, where the pilgrims can witness the legacy and tradition of the saints and devotees of Lord Krishna.
The Best Time and Way to Visit Govardhan Hill
The best time to visit Govardhan Hill is during the months of October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The pilgrims can also enjoy the various festivals and events that take place at Govardhan Hill during this period, such as:
Govardhan Puja: This is the most important and celebrated festival of Govardhan Hill, which falls on the next day of Diwali, the festival of lights. On this day, the devotees offer a mountain of food to Lord Krishna as a symbol of gratitude and devotion. They also decorate the hill with flowers, lamps, and flags, and perform parikrama around it with great enthusiasm and joy.
Kartik Purnima: This is the full moon day of the month of Kartik, which falls in October or November. On this day, the devotees perform a special parikrama of Govardhan Hill, known as Brahma Parikrama, which covers a distance of 48 kilometers and takes about 12 hours to complete. They also light thousands of lamps and candles around the hill, creating a spectacular and divine sight.
Guru Purnima: This is the full moon day of the month of Ashadha, which falls in July or August. On this day, the devotees pay their respects and homage to their spiritual masters and teachers, who guide them on the path of devotion and enlightenment. They also offer prayers and donations to the temples and ashrams of Govardhan Hill, and seek their blessings and guidance.
The best way to visit Govardhan Hill is by road, as it is well connected to Mathura and other nearby places by buses and taxis. The nearest railway station is Mathura Junction, which is about 25 kilometers away from Govardhan Hill. The nearest airport is Agra Airport, which is about 85 kilometers away from Govardhan Hill. The pilgrims can also hire a car or a bike to reach Govardhan Hill from Mathura or other nearby places.
Govardhan Hill is a sacred site of Hinduism in Mathura, where Lord Krishna performed his miraculous and wonderful pastimes. It is a place of devotion and surrender, where the pilgrims can experience the love and protection of Lord Krishna. It is also a place of beauty and charm, where the pilgrims can witness the culture and heritage of the saints and devotees of Lord Krishna.
Govardhan Hill is a place that can enrich the mind, body, and soul of the pilgrims, and inspire them to follow the path of bhakti or devotion. If you are looking for a spiritual and cultural destination in India, Govardhan Hill is a must-visit place for you.
