Govardhan Hill

About Govardhan Hill

Govardhan Hill (Giri Govardhan) is one of the most sacred natural landmarks in the Braj region. According to the Bhagavata Purana, the young Lord Krishna lifted this entire hill on his little finger for seven continuous days to protect the residents of Braj from torrential rains unleashed by the angry Lord Indra.

The hill is worshipped as a form of Lord Krishna himself. Devotees perform the 21-km Govardhan Parikrama (circumambulation) barefoot as an act of devotion. Along the parikrama route, there are numerous temples, kunds (sacred ponds), and sites associated with Krishna's pastimes.

Key stops on the parikrama include Manasi Ganga, Mukharavind (the face of Govardhan), Kusum Sarovar, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund, and Daan Ghati Temple. The hill is gradually diminishing in size and is now only about 80 feet at its highest point.

History

Govardhan Hill has been a sacred pilgrimage site for thousands of years. The Govardhan Leela is one of the most celebrated episodes in Krishna's life. The hill was first established as a major pilgrimage destination by Vallabhacharya and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 15th-16th centuries.

The tradition of Govardhan Puja (celebrated the day after Diwali) was started by Lord Krishna himself when he encouraged the people of Braj to worship Govardhan Hill instead of Lord Indra, leading to the famous Govardhan-lifting episode.