Places And Temples to visit in Govardhan
Govardhan Hill, located 23 km west of Mathura, is closely linked to Lord Krishna. According to legend, Krishna protected the people of Braj by lifting this hill on his finger for seven days and nights to stop heavy rains sent by the god Indra. In 1520, Seth Vallabhacharya built a temple on top of the hill to honor this event. Govardhan is famous for its 21 km long Parikrama (pilgrimage walk) around the hill, which many devotees believe brings blessings. One of the biggest celebrations here is Guru Purnima, when millions come to perform the sacred Parikrama for spiritual purification. Other highlights include the 400-year-old Har Deva Temple, the red sandstone Haridev Temple, and Kusum Sarovar with its beautiful carved pavilions built by Raja Surajmal of Bharatpur. Govardhan, also called Giriraj, holds many stories from Krishna’s childhood and is considered holy, with legends saying the hill itself came down from heaven.
Daan-Ghati Mandir -
There’s a playful story about Lord Krishna and Radha linked to Daan-Ghati Mandir. To pass this spot, a toll had to be paid. In Krishna’s time, he acted as the toll collector and playfully “collected” tolls from the gopis through fun teasing and loving jokes.
Goverdhan Parikrama
Govardhan Parikrama is a sacred 21-kilometer ritual that many devotees undertake for spiritual purification. There is no set time to complete it—some take weeks or even months.
The Parikrama is considered especially holy when done with milk. Devotees carry a clay pot filled with milk, with a small hole at the bottom, in one hand, and a pot of incense smoke (dhoop) in the other. A helper keeps refilling the milk pot throughout the journey until the Parikrama is complete.
Radha Kunda
Radha Kunda is a sacred pond believed to be the holy bathing place of Radharani. According to legend, she teased Krishna for killing a bull and said he must bathe in all holy rivers to purify himself. In response, Krishna struck the ground with his heel, and water from all sacred rivers appeared—forming Shyama Kunda. In a playful spirit, Radharani and the gopis created their own pond by digging the earth with their bangles, and that became known as Radha Kunda.
Mansi Ganga Kunda
Manasi Ganga is a holy lake in Govardhan, believed to be where Radha and Krishna once enjoyed boat rides. Though smaller now, it remains one of the most sacred spots and marks the start and end of the Govardhan Parikrama. Built by Raja Bhagwan Das and Raja Man Singh, it is considered the holiest kund. Devotees believe that taking a dip here washes away all sins
Kusum Sarovar
Kusuma Sarovara is a beautiful sandstone pond located about 25 minutes from Radha Kunda. “Kusuma” means flower, and it is said that the gopis once picked flowers here for Lord Krishna. Built around 1764 by King Jawahir Singh of Bharatpur in memory of his father Raja Suraj Mall, the site features lovely ghats and a peaceful swimming spot. Three tombs with painted ceilings honor Suraj Mall and his queens, Kishori and Hansiya. A small Giriraj Temple is also nearby.
Mukharvind of Shreenathji at Jatipur
Many devotees and people visit this sanctuary daily to revere and admire with milk and flowers. This Mukharvind of Shreenathji at Jatipura is considered as the starting point their Govardhan Parikrama from here. The place is constantly bursting at the seams with positive vibrations and vitality.