Dwarkadhish Temple
MathuraFamous Mathura temple dedicated to Lord Dwarkadhish — a must visit after Janmabhoomi.
Temple Overview
About Govardhan Hill — Shri Giriraj Ji
Govardhan Hill, revered as Shri Giriraj Ji, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in all of Braj. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger for seven days to protect the people and cattle of Braj from the devastating rains sent by Indra. The hill itself is worshipped as a manifestation of Lord Krishna and devotees perform the 21-km Govardhan Parikrama (circumambulation) as a deeply meritorious act of devotion.
Location
Govardhan, UP
Entry Fee
Free Entry
Best Time
Early Morning
Sacred For
Giriraj Darshan
Darshan Timings
Govardhan Hill Timings & Parikrama
Temple timings may change during festivals and special events. Please verify current timings before planning your visit.
Daily Darshan Schedule
Darshan Hours
Open All Day
Parikrama Distance
21 km (Full Circuit)
Parikrama Duration
4–6 Hours on Foot
Kusum Sarovar Visit
Sunrise Recommended
Entry Fee
Free
Visitor Tips & Notes
- The 21 km Govardhan Parikrama is best started early morning to complete before noon heat.
- E-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available for those who cannot walk the full parikrama circuit.
- Radha Kund and Shyam Kund — the most sacred ponds in Braj — are located near Govardhan Hill.
- Govardhan Annakut festival (day after Diwali) sees the largest crowd at the hill.
History & Significance
History and Significance of Govardhan Hill
The story of Govardhan Hill is one of the most celebrated episodes from the Bhagavata Purana. When Lord Indra, the god of rain, became angry that the people of Braj had stopped his annual worship on Krishna's advice, he unleashed devastating rains and floods on the region. Lord Krishna responded by lifting the entire Govardhan Hill on the little finger of his left hand, sheltering all the people, animals and birds of Braj under it for seven days until Indra relented and accepted Krishna's supremacy.
Since this divine event, Govardhan Hill has been worshipped as Shri Giriraj Ji — a living manifestation of Lord Krishna himself. The Govardhan Parikrama (circumambulation of the hill) is considered one of the most meritorious acts of pilgrimage in the Vaishnava tradition. The hill also contains several sacred spots including Mansi Ganga, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund and Kusum Sarovar — each deeply connected to Lord Krishna's leelas.
Significance
What Makes Govardhan Hill Special
Krishna Lifted This Hill
Govardhan Hill was lifted by Lord Krishna on his little finger to protect Braj from Indra's wrath — a miraculous divine act described in the Bhagavata Purana.
Sacred 21 km Parikrama
The Govardhan Parikrama is a 21 km circumambulation of the hill considered among the most meritorious pilgrimage acts in Vaishnavism.
Radha Kund & Shyam Kund
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund — the most sacred ponds in all of Braj — are located near Govardhan Hill and are part of the parikrama circuit.
Govardhan Annakut Festival
The Govardhan Annakut on the day after Diwali sees a massive mountain of food offered to Giriraj Ji — one of the grandest festivals in Braj.
How to Reach
How to Reach Govardhan Hill
Mathura Junction
Govardhan (22 km)
Mansi Ganga Ghat
Govardhan Hill
Govardhan Hill is approximately 22 km from Mathura and 27 km from Vrindavan. Private cab is the most comfortable option from Mathura, Vrindavan or Delhi. The Govardhan town is easily accessible and the hill's main darshan points are within walking distance of the town centre.
Nearby Places
Places to Visit Near Govardhan Hill
Vishram Ghat
MathuraSacred ghat on the Yamuna river where Krishna rested after defeating Kansa.
Banke Bihari Temple
VrindavanMost celebrated Krishna temple in Vrindavan, just 10 km from Mathura.
Prem Mandir
VrindavanSpectacular white marble temple with evening illumination in Vrindavan.
Tour Packages
Govardhan Hill Tour Packages
FAQs
Govardhan Hill FAQs
Govardhan Hill is the sacred mountain lifted by Lord Krishna on his little finger to protect the people of Braj from Indra's devastating rains. The hill is worshipped as Shri Giriraj Ji — a living form of Lord Krishna himself.
Govardhan Parikrama is the sacred circumambulation of Govardhan Hill. The full circuit covers 21 km and takes 4–6 hours on foot. It is considered one of the most meritorious acts of pilgrimage in the Vaishnava tradition.
Key sites on the Govardhan Parikrama include Mansi Ganga, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund, Kusum Sarovar, Jatipura and various sacred temples and kunds associated with Lord Krishna's leelas.
Radha Kund is considered the most sacred pond in all of Braj, located near Govardhan Hill. Bathing in Radha Kund especially on Radhashtami is considered to grant the blessings of Radha Rani herself.
Govardhan is approximately 22 km from Mathura and 27 km from Vrindavan. It takes about 30–45 minutes by private cab from Mathura.
No, the Govardhan Parikrama is not mandatory. Many devotees simply visit the main darshan points and Mansi Ganga without completing the full 21 km circuit. E-rickshaws are available for partial parikrama.
Govardhan Annakut is celebrated on the day after Diwali when a massive mountain of food — thousands of food items — is offered to Shri Giriraj Ji. It is one of the grandest and most visually spectacular festivals in Braj.
Yes, Govardhan can be comfortably included in a same-day Braj Darshan tour from Delhi. Most Braj Darshan tours cover Mathura, Vrindavan and Govardhan in one day.
Kusum Sarovar is a historic and beautifully built reservoir near Govardhan, associated with Radha Rani gathering flowers (kusum) for Lord Krishna. It is a serene and picturesque spot on the parikrama route.
Traditional and modest clothing is recommended. Footwear should be removed at darshan spots. For the Govardhan Parikrama, comfortable walking footwear before the darshan points is practical.
