About Govardhan Hill (Giriraj)

Govardhan Hill, about 22 km from Mathura, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Braj region. According to the Bhagavata Purana, seven-year-old Krishna lifted the entire hill on the little finger of his left hand for seven days and nights to shelter the people of Vrindavan from Indra's torrential rains. Devotees worship Govardhan itself as a form of Krishna, called Giriraj-ji. The 21 km parikrama of the hill, often done barefoot or by dandavat pranam, is the central pilgrimage act here. Key stops include Daan Ghati, Manasi Ganga, Radha Kund, Kusum Sarovar, and Uddhav Kund.

The Govardhan Puja festival, celebrated the day after Diwali, commemorates the hill-lifting and instituted the tradition of worshipping local nature over Vedic gods. Radha Kund and Shyam Kund at the base are considered by Gaudiya Vaishnavas as the holiest of all pilgrimage waters.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Local taxis and autos are available near the shrine area.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

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