Govardhan
The Sacred Hill Lifted by Shri Krishna
Govardhan is the sacred hill that Shri Krishna lifted on the little finger of His left hand for seven days and nights to shelter the people of Braj from the wrath of Indra. By that single act, the Lord declared that Govardhan itself is non-different from Him — and so, for over five thousand years, devotees have worshipped the hill as Giriraj Maharaj. The 21-kilometre parikrama of Govardhan is one of the most powerful spiritual practices in all of Sanatan Dharma.
Daan Ghati Temple
The spot where Krishna playfully demanded "daan" (toll) from the gopis carrying milk and butter to Mathura. The temple here is the customary starting point of the parikrama.
Mukharvind & Manasi Ganga
Mukharvind is the "face" of Giriraj Ji, where the Govardhan-shila is worshipped as the Lord Himself. Manasi Ganga, the holy lake created by Krishna's sankalp, is the place to bathe before beginning parikrama.
Radha Kund & Shyam Kund
The two most sacred kunds in all of Braj. It is said that a bath in Radha Kund on Ahoi Ashtami midnight grants the rarest of all blessings — pure Radha-bhakti.
The Parikrama
Devotees walk the 21 km route barefoot, chanting "Govardhan Maharaj ki Jai". Many perform the rarest form — dandavat parikrama — by full prostration, taking weeks to complete a single round. Asthawaani offers guided overnight parikrama with rest stops at Punchhari, Jatipura and Anyor.
Govardhan Puja & Annakut
The day after Diwali, every home and temple in Braj prepares Annakut — a "mountain" of 56 (chappan) bhog dishes — and offers it to Giriraj Ji in remembrance of His protection.
Important Yatra Tips
Carry water, wear breathable cotton, do not pluck or carry any stone from the hill, and try to complete parikrama between Brahma-muhurta and noon for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Govardhan Parikrama?
The traditional Govardhan Parikrama is 21 km, starting and ending at Daan Ghati. Walking barefoot takes 5–7 hours. Dandavat (full-prostration) parikrama can take several weeks to complete a single round.
When should I do Govardhan Parikrama?
Start at Brahma-muhurta (4:30 AM) and complete before noon to avoid heat. Purnima (full moon), Guru Purnima and Govardhan Puja (day after Diwali) are the most auspicious days. Winter months are physically most comfortable.
How to reach Govardhan from Mathura?
Govardhan is 22 km west of Mathura, 26 km from Vrindavan. Regular taxis, autos and UPSRTC buses run all day. Asthawaani's guided parikrama coach includes rest-stops at Punchhari, Jatipura and Anyor.
