Daan Ghati
About Daan Ghati Temple
Daan Ghati is an important and sacred spot located in the middle of Govardhan, on the road connecting Mathura and Barsana. It is one of the main temples in Govardhan, near Mathura, and is deeply connected to the playful pastimes of Lord Krishna. This site is where, according to ancient stories, Lord Krishna would ask the gopis to pay a “tax” in the form of butter.
Daan Ghati Temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees because it is the starting point for the Govardhan Parikrama—a sacred pilgrimage that circles the Govardhan Hill. This journey covers about 21 kilometers and allows pilgrims to remember and honor the time when Lord Krishna famously lifted the Govardhan Hill with his little finger. He did this to protect his devotees from a fierce storm sent by Indra, the god of rain.
Daan Ghati Temple Timing – open 24 hours
The Pastime of Daan Ghati
The story of Daan Ghati takes us back to Lord Krishna’s pastimes, where he would become a toll collector, performing what is known as dana-leela, or the “tax pastime.” Krishna, along with his friends, would stop the gopis on their way and playfully demand a toll.
One day, the cowherd boys and girls were carrying ingredients for a sacred sacrifice. On the other side of Daan Ghati, Shrimati Radharani and her friends were also bringing milk products like yogurt, butter, and sweets. Krishna, along with Subala, Madhumangala, and other friends, blocked their path and insisted that the gopis pay a tax.
The gopis, including Lalita and Vishakha, challenged Krishna and said, “Who are you to charge us a tax?” Krishna, with a grin, claimed that he was the King of Braja, and therefore, everything belonged to him. The gopis tried to pass without giving any “tax,” but eventually, they had to surrender a little of what they were carrying, creating a delightful scene of love and laughter.
Nearby Tourist Attraction
Daan Ghati 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 Daan Ghati. 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.