Govardhan (Giriraj) Parikrama

The story

Govardhan is no ordinary hill: devotees revere Giriraj-ji as a direct form of Krishna, the mountain he lifted on his little finger for seven days and nights to shield the people of Braj from the torrential storms sent by Lord Indra. The full Badi (outer) Parikrama runs about 21 km (13 miles) and takes 5–7 hours on foot, passing sacred kunds, temples and groves the whole way; pilgrims short of time or mobility instead walk the ~9 km Choti (inner) circuit closer to the hill. The truly devout perform it as dandavat parikrama — prostrating their full body length the entire distance over many days. Pilgrims carry no shoes here; the dust of Govardhan is too holy to tread upon shod.

Quick facts

• 1Krishna lifted Govardhan for seven days to shelter Braj from Indra's storms.
• 2Badi (outer) Parikrama is ~21 km / 13 mi; the Choti (inner) path is ~9 km.
• 3Giriraj-ji is worshipped as Krishna himself — pilgrims walk it barefoot.
• 4The devout perform dandavat parikrama, prostrating the whole 21 km.
• 5Radha Kund and Shyam Kund along the way are among Braj's holiest waters.

The route, stop by stop

The holy sites you'll pass along the way.

1. 1

   Daan Ghati Mandir

   The main starting point of the parikrama — pilgrims take darshan of Giriraj-ji here before setting out, at the spot where Krishna playfully levied a toll (daan) on the gopis.

2. 2

   Sankarshan Kund

   A kund dedicated to Lord Balaram (Sankarshan); the floodwaters of Indra's furious storm are said to have gathered here.

3. 3

   Sakshi Gopal (Kaan Wale Baba)

   The 'Baba with ears' — devotees whisper their heartfelt wishes into the Lord's ear, believed to be granted swiftly.

4. 4

   Govardhan Baba Temple

   Worshipped on the day after Diwali; a single parikrama of this temple is said to equal seven full circuits of Govardhan Hill.

5. 5

   Punchhari ka Lautha

   A form of Hanuman at the tail end (punchhari) of the hill, where pilgrims register their haajiri (attendance) on the parikrama.

6. 6

   Jatipura Mukharvind

   Where the face (mukharvind) of Giriraj-ji is revealed for darshan, and devotees perform abhishek with milk.

7. 7

   Radha Kund & Shyam Kund

   Radha Rani manifested Radha Kund with her bangle; the adjoining Shyam Kund is Krishna's own. An achman (sip) of this water during the parikrama is held deeply auspicious.

8. 8

   Kusum Sarovar

   The historic sarovar where Shri Radha and Krishna would come to meet one another.

9. 9

   Mansi Ganga

   The final stop — a lake Krishna manifested by his own mental power (mansi). Pilgrims bathe and sip its water on completing the parikrama.

What to carry

Best festivals to walk it

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Govardhan (Giriraj) Parikrama?

Govardhan (Giriraj) Parikrama is about ~21 km (9 km inner) and typically takes 5–7 hrs. Long paved road with rural and forest stretches.

Where does the Govardhan (Giriraj) Parikrama start?

It traditionally starts from Daan Ghati Mandir, Govardhan.

When is the best time to do the Govardhan (Giriraj) Parikrama?

The best time is Pre-dawn start; Govardhan Puja & Guru Purnima.

What is the significance of the Govardhan (Giriraj) Parikrama?

Circles Govardhan Hill — worshipped as a form of Krishna himself, which he raised on his little finger to shelter the people and cattle of Braj. Govardhan is no ordinary hill: devotees revere Giriraj-ji as a direct form of Krishna, the mountain he lifted on his little finger for seven days and nights to shield the people of Braj from the torrential storms sent by Lord Indra. The full Badi (outer) Parikrama runs about 21 km (13 miles) and takes 5–7 hours on foot, passing sacred kunds, temples and groves the whole way; pilgrims short of time or mobility instead walk the ~9 km Choti (inner) circuit closer to the hill. The truly devout perform it as dandavat parikrama — prostrating their full body length the entire distance over many days. Pilgrims carry no shoes here; the dust of Govardhan is too holy to tread upon shod.