The village of Radha Rani
Barsana
Climb to the hilltop Shriji temple in Barsana, revered as Radha Rani’s home, and experience the famous Lathmar Holi traditions.
The hill Krishna lifted
Govardhan
Follow the story of Govardhan through its sacred hill, parikrama tradition and important places along the devotional route.
- Location
- About 22–25 km west of Mathura (approx.)
- Suggested time
- Full day
- Best for
- Parikrama walkers and devoted pilgrims
Overview & significance
Why Govardhan matters
Govardhan Hill holds a unique place in Krishna devotion. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna lifted the hill on his little finger for seven days to shelter the people and cows of Braj from torrential rains sent by Indra. Devotees therefore worship the hill itself as a form of Krishna.
Today, the hill is a long, low ridge of stone, but its spiritual stature is immense. Pilgrims walk the parikrama path around it, often barefoot and chanting, and some perform the arduous dandavat parikrama, prostrating themselves along the entire route.
The towns and villages along the route are home to sacred ponds, shrines and ashrams, making the parikrama a journey through some of the most cherished sites of Braj.
Local history & traditions
The story of Govardhan
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, commemorates the lifting of the hill. Celebrated the day after Diwali, it involves preparing mountains of food offered to Krishna and to Govardhan. The festival brings large numbers of pilgrims to the area.
Many of the sacred ponds around the hill, such as Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, were rediscovered and revived in the sixteenth century by saints of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. The ornate sandstone structures at Kusum Sarovar date from the eighteenth century and are associated with the Jat rulers of Bharatpur.
Out of reverence, devotees traditionally avoid climbing Govardhan Hill or removing its stones. Small stones (shilas) from the hill are worshipped in some homes, but local custom and regulations discourage taking them, and visitors are asked to leave the hill undisturbed.
Sacred places
Major temples & landmarks
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Temple
Daan Ghati Temple
A popular starting point for the parikrama in Govardhan town. According to tradition, Krishna playfully collected a toll here from the gopis carrying butter and milk.
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Kund
Mansi Ganga
A large sacred tank in Govardhan town, which devotees believe was manifested by Krishna’s mind. The Harideva temple nearby is an important shrine.
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Kund
Kusum Sarovar
A beautiful sandstone-edged tank with eighteenth-century chhatris. It is one of the most photogenic spots on the parikrama, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
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Kund
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund
Twin sacred ponds that devotees regard as among the holiest places in Braj. Pilgrims bathe here, especially on the auspicious night of Bahulashtami.
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Shrine
Mukharavind, Jatipura
A site at Jatipura revered as the mouth (mukharavind) of Govardhan. Devotees pour milk and offer worship here, especially during Annakut.
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Shrine
Punchari
Located at the southern tip of the hill, Punchari is revered as the tail of Govardhan. It is home to shrines including one dedicated to a sacred cow associated with the hill.
Local experiences
Pilgrimage practices & experiences
Walk the parikrama
The traditional circuit is about 21 km. Most walkers take roughly 5–7 hours, and many start in the early morning or late evening to avoid heat.
Bathe at Radha Kund
Pilgrims take a holy dip or sprinkle water from Radha Kund on their heads. Follow local customs and safety guidance.
Attend Govardhan Puja
The day after Diwali brings Annakut, with elaborate food offerings and festivities around the hill.
Guru Purnima Mudiya Mela
Govardhan hosts a large fair around Guru Purnima, when the parikrama route is especially busy.
Practical information
Visitor information
- Parikrama route
- The route is generally well defined. It is divided into the larger circuit and a shorter section, and many walkers complete it in parts if needed.
- Footwear
- Many devotees walk barefoot. If you prefer, light footwear is acceptable; remove it at shrines.
- Water and rest
- Carry water, especially in summer. Small shops and rest stops are available along the route.
- Conduct
- Do not climb the hill or remove stones. Avoid littering, and respect the solemnity of the parikrama.
- Timings
- The parikrama route itself is open at all hours, but shrine timings vary by season and festival. Confirm locally.
- Best season
- October to March is the most comfortable time to walk. Summer afternoons can be extremely hot.
Temple timings, security rules and access arrangements change with the season and on festival days. Please confirm with the temple administration or locally before you travel.
Getting there & around
- From Mathura
- Govardhan is about 22–25 km from Mathura, roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour by road depending on traffic.
- Parikrama start points
- Most pilgrims begin at Daan Ghati or at Jatipura. Taxis can drop you at your chosen start point.
- Combining with Barsana
- Barsana is about 20–25 km from Govardhan, making a combined day trip possible.
- Shorter options
- E-rickshaws and other vehicles operate along parts of the route for those unable to walk the full distance.
Distances and travel times are estimates. For general transport, rail and road advice see the Travel Guide.
Questions
Govardhan FAQs
How long is the Govardhan parikrama?
The traditional parikrama is about 21 km and usually takes roughly 5–7 hours on foot, depending on pace and stops.
Can I climb Govardhan Hill?
Devotees traditionally avoid climbing the hill out of reverence, as it is worshipped as a form of Krishna. Please respect this custom.
Is it safe to walk the parikrama at night?
Many pilgrims walk in the evening or at night, especially on full moon nights. Stay on the main route, walk in groups and carry a torch.
What is the significance of Radha Kund?
Devotees regard Radha Kund as one of the holiest sites in Braj, deeply associated with Radha. Bathing here is considered especially auspicious.
Can elderly pilgrims complete the parikrama?
Many do so slowly or in sections. Vehicle options are available along parts of the route for those who need them.
Continue exploring
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Vrindavan
Experience Vrindavan’s celebrated temples, sacred groves and kirtan culture, from Banke Bihari and Radha Raman to Prem Mandir and Nidhivan.
Where Krishna was born
Mathura
Visit the Shri Krishna Janmasthan complex, the revered birthplace shrine, and Mathura’s historic temples, museum and bustling old-city bazaars.
Further reading
Plan a visit to Govardhan
Combine Govardhan with nearby places in a suggested day-wise itinerary.