Govardhan Hill
About Govardhan Hill
Govardhan Hill, also known as Giriraj Ji, is a sacred site in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is celebrated in Vedic scriptures as the most holy mountain, not just in India but in all three worlds.
Lord krishna lifted the hill on the little finger of His left hand to protect the people of Braj from the wrath of Lord Indra, the god of rain.
Govardhan Hill played a vital role in the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. It served as a beautiful stage for Krishna’s loving exchanges with the gopis and His playful adventures with His cowherd friends. The hill provided everything the people of Vrindavan needed, including cool and fragrant water, fresh fruits, flowers, herbs, and even natural juices like honey and mango nectar.
Govardhan Timing
Govardhan Hill and Govardhan Temple are open to devotees 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Nearby places around Govardhan hill
Daan Ghati Mandir
Daan Ghati Mandir is one of the main temples in Govardhan. This sacred spot is linked to the playful pastimes of Lord Krishna, where He would demand “taxes” from the Gopis in the form of butter. It attracts devotees who come to relive these divine stories. (know more About Daan Ghati Mandir)
Mansi Ganga
Mansi Ganga is a holy lake situated in the heart of Govardhan town. Lord Krishna created this lake by summoning the Ganges to Braj. Mansi Ganga is believed to be as sacred as the River Ganges, and devotees consider bathing here a way to purify themselves spiritually.(know more About Daan Ghati Mandir)
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund
These twin sacred ponds are closely tied to Lord Krishna’s pastimes. After slaying a demon in the form of a bull, Krishna created Shyam Kund by summoning holy rivers to cleanse Himself of sin. Radha Kund, created nearby by Srimati Radharani and her friends, is considered one of the holiest spots in Braj. (Know more About radha kund)
Kusum Sarovar
Kusum Sarovar is a beautiful reservoir surrounded by ornate ghats and temples. According to legend, Srimati Radharani would gather flowers here, and many stories of divine love between Radha and Krishna are connected to this serene spot. (Know more about Kusum Sarovar)
Chakleshwar Mahadev
This temple, dedicated to Chakleshwar Mahadev (a form of Lord Shiva), is an important place of worship in Govardhan. Lord Shiva is deeply revered in Braj Mandal, and this temple holds special significance for devotees seeking his blessings. (Know more about Chakleshwar Mahadev)
Punchari Ka Lautha
Punchari Ka Lautha is a touching reminder of Krishna’s deep connections in Braj. It is dedicated to Lautha, Krishna’s dear friend, who eternally waits for Krishna’s return after His departure to Mathura. The temple is a symbol of unwavering devotion and friendship. (Know more About Punchari Ka Lautha)
Jatipura
Located on the western side of Govardhan Hill, Jatipura is where the great saint Madhavendra Puri meditated and worshipped. This is also the place where Lord Shrinathji, a form of Krishna, revealed Himself and was worshipped atop Govardhan Hill. (Know more About Jatipura)
The Appearance of Govardhan Hill
Long ago, in the land of Shalmali Dvipa, the great mountain Dronachal and his wife gave birth to a son, Govardhan. When Govardhan was born, the gods showered flowers from the heavens, and mighty mountains like the Himalayas praised him as the “crown jewel of Braj.”
Years later, the sage Pulastya Muni saw Govardhan and asked Dronachal to give him the hill to take to Kashi. Reluctantly, Dronachal agreed, but Govardhan made a condition: if Pulastya put him down during the journey, he could not lift him again.
When Pulastya Muni passed through Braj, Govardhan used his mystic powers to make the sage place him on the ground. Unable to lift him afterward, Pulastya cursed Govardhan to shrink by the size of a mustard seed every day. Originally, Govardhan Hill was immense—115 km long and 29 km high. Today, it is only about 80 feet tall.
The Story of Krishna Lifting Govardhan Hill
In Dwapara Yuga, the cowherd men of Vrindavan prepared to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain. Krishna asked His father, Nanda Maharaj, why they were performing this ritual. Nanda explained that they worshipped Indra for rain, which was vital for their crops and cattle.
Krishna convinced them to worship Govardhan Hill instead, as it provided everything they needed. Following Krishna’s advice, the cowherd men and women worshipped Govardhan, offered food, and circumambulated the hill with their cows and families.
Angered by this, Indra sent torrential rain to punish the people of Vrindavan. The frightened residents turned to Krishna for help. To protect them, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill with the little finger of His left hand, creating a shelter like an umbrella. For seven days, Krishna held up the hill while everyone took refuge beneath it.
Seeing Krishna’s divine power, Indra realized his mistake. He stopped the rains and, along with the celestial Surabhi cow, came to offer prayers and seek Krishna’s forgiveness. This event, known as Govardhan Puja, is celebrated every year to honor Krishna’s love and protection.
Govardhan Distance
| Place Name | Distance |
|---|---|
|
Mathura Railway Station |
22 km |
|
Barsana |
23 Km |
|
Mathura |
24 km |
|
Vrindavan |
21 km |
How to Reach
By Road: You can easily hire a cab from Agra, Mathura, or Delhi to travel to the Govardhan Hill. It is approx. 140 km from Delhi, 80 kms from Agra.
By Train: The city is well-connected with almost all cities across the country. The nearest railway station is in Mathura, located 22 kms away.
By Air: The nearest fully functional commercial airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi 147 km away.