Govardhan (Giriraj) Parikrama
गोवर्धन (गिरिराज) परिक्रमा
The 21 km circuit of the hill Krishna lifted on one finger.
Why it matters
Circles Govardhan Hill — worshipped as a form of Krishna himself, which he raised on his little finger to shelter Braj.
Distance
21–23 km
Duration
5–7 hrs
Difficulty
Challenging
Terrain
Long paved road with rural and forest stretches
Best time
Pre-dawn start; Govardhan Puja & Guru Purnima
Start point
Daan Ghati Mandir, Govardhan
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 to shield the people of Braj from Indra's wrath. The full circuit runs 21–23 km past sacred kunds and groves, and the truly devout perform it as dandavat parikrama — prostrating their full body length the entire way over many days. Pilgrims carry no shoes here; the dust of Govardhan is too holy to tread upon shod.
Quick facts
- 1Giriraj-ji is worshipped as Krishna himself — pilgrims walk it barefoot.
- 2The devout perform dandavat parikrama, prostrating the whole 21 km.
- 3Radha 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.
Map locations are indicative — tap a numbered pin to see the stop. Confirm the exact route locally before you set out.
- 1
Daan Ghati Mandir
The traditional starting point, where Krishna playfully levied a toll on the gopis.
- 2
Mansi Ganga
A sacred lake said to be summoned by Krishna from his own mind.
- 3
Kusum Sarovar
A stunning sandstone reservoir where Radha gathered flowers.
- 4
Radha Kund & Shyam Kund
The twin ponds held as the holiest waters in all of Braj.
- 5
Punchhari ka Lautha
The southern tip of the hill, a beloved Hanuman shrine and rest point.
What to carry
Tip: Break the full 21 km at Radha Kund if walking with family — or do the shorter Mukharbind circuit.
Best festivals to walk it
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the Govardhan (Giriraj) Parikrama?
- Govardhan (Giriraj) Parikrama is about 21–23 km 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 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 to shield the people of Braj from Indra's wrath. The full circuit runs 21–23 km past sacred kunds and groves, and the truly devout perform it as dandavat parikrama — prostrating their full body length the entire way over many days. Pilgrims carry no shoes here; the dust of Govardhan is too holy to tread upon shod.
More parikrama routes
Planning your parikrama?
Find the temples along the route and a place to stay nearby.