Govardhan Parikrama a Holy ritual in India performed at Mathura Vrindavan, Best Places to visit in India | Read our Travel Article

March 02, 2025

Govardhan Parikrama a Holy ritual in India performed at Mathura Vrindavan, Best Places to visit in India | Read our Travel Article

Nestled in the divine city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, Govardhan Hill is one of the most sacred places in India. Revered as a symbol of Lord Krishna's divine play, this site attracts millions of pilgrims, devotees, and spiritual seekers every year. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the villagers from Lord Indra’s wrath, making it a place of immense religious significance.

In this blog, we will explore the history, significance, must-visit places, travel tips, and more to help you plan an enriching trip to Govardhan Hill.

The Significance of Govardhan Hill

Govardhan Hill, also known as Giriraj, is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna himself. It is believed that Krishna instructed the people of Vrindavan to worship the hill instead of performing sacrifices for Indra, the rain god. Enraged, Indra unleashed torrential rains, prompting Krishna to lift the hill and shelter the villagers underneath for seven days.

This divine act is commemorated through Govardhan Puja, which is celebrated on the next day of Diwali with great fervor. Devotees perform Annakut, a grand offering of food to the hill, as a mark of gratitude and devotion.

Why is Govardhan Hill Famous? Govardhan Hill holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the site where Lord Krishna lifted the hill on his little finger to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra’s torrential rains. This divine act, known as Govardhan Leela, is celebrated annually during the Govardhan Puja, a key festival following Diwali. Things to Do at Govardhan Hill Govardhan Parikrama (Circumambulation) – A sacred 21 km walk around the hill, undertaken by thousands of devotees daily, symbolizing devotion and faith. Visit Kusum Sarovar – A stunning historic water reservoir with breathtaking architecture, perfect for photography and spiritual meditation. Mansi Ganga – A sacred pond where devotees take a dip to cleanse themselves spiritually. Daan Ghati Temple – A revered temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, marking the place where he lifted the hill. Radha Kund & Shyam Kund – Holy water bodies associated with Radha and Krishna’s divine love. Explore Govardhan's Local Markets – Enjoy authentic Mathura sweets like peda, and shop for devotional souvenirs. Best Time to Visit Govardhan Hill The ideal time to visit is during the Govardhan Puja, Janmashtami, and Kartik Purnima when the entire area is lit up with spiritual celebrations. Winter (October – March) offers pleasant weather for a comfortable pilgrimage. How to Reach Govardhan Hill? By Air – Nearest airport: Agra Airport (80 km) & Delhi IGI Airport (150 km). By Train – Nearest railway station: Mathura Junction (26 km). By Road – Easily accessible via NH-19, with taxis and buses available from Mathura and Vrindavan. Travel Tips for Govardhan Pilgrims ✔️ Carry comfortable footwear for the Parikrama. ✔️ Stay hydrated and carry light snacks for the journey. ✔️ Maintain silence & decorum at sacred sites. ✔️ Hire a local guide for better insights into the legends and temples. Experience the Divine Energy of Govardhan! If you love exploring India’s spiritual destinations, LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE to TravelTalkWithMs for more divine travel experiences! ✨ / @traveltalkwithms 📌 Follow us on: 🔹 Instagram: / traveltalkwithms