In the sacred annals of Vedic literature, there exist captivating stories that bridge the realms of the divine and the earthly, revealing profound insights into the interplay between the spiritual and material realms. One such tale, deeply cherished among devotees, recounts the magnificent appearance of Govardhan Hill in this world. As narrated in ancient scriptures, this divine event unfolded during the pristine age of Satya Yuga. The story begins with an intimate exchange between Krishna, the supreme Lord, and his eternal consort, Srimati Radharani, in the celestial abode of Goloka Vrindavana. Join us on a journey through time and space as we delve into the enchanting narrative of Govardhan’s descent to Earth, its sacred connection to the divine pastimes of Krishna and Radharani, and the enduring significance it holds in the hearts of devotees seeking spiritual transcendence. Prepare to immerse yourself in a tale of love, mysticism, and the enduring power of sacred lands.
Appearance of Govardhan
In the enchanting realm of Goloka Vrindavana, where divine love abounded, Krishna lovingly confided in the radiant Srimati Radharani. He revealed that the time had come for them to manifest their wondrous pastimes in the material world. Attentively listening to Krishna’s words, Srimati Radharani expressed her heartfelt sentiments. She conveyed that her happiness would not be complete unless the sacred lands of Vraja Dhama, the flowing Yamuna River, and the majestic Govardhan Hill were present in their earthly abode. Krishna reassured her that there was no need for concern. With utmost tenderness, he shared the news that Vraja Dhama, the Yamuna, and Govardhan Hill had already descended to the earthly realm, eagerly awaiting their divine play.
In the age of Satya Yuga, amidst the enchanting Salmali dvipa (island), the beloved wife of the mighty mountain Dronacal gave birth to a son named Govardhan. The momentous occasion was graced by the presence of celestial beings, as the demigods adorned the sky and showered fragrant blossoms upon the newborn. Majestic mountains, led by the Himalayas and Sumeru, gathered to pay homage to the newborn Govardhan. They reverently circumambulated him, recognizing him as their sovereign and sang his praises as the crown jewel of Vraja, a cherished gift from the heavenly abode of Goloka Vrindavana.
Some years later, at the dawn of Satya Yuga, the revered sage Pulastya Muni embarked on a pilgrimage to Salmali dvipa. Witnessing the resplendent Govardhan Hill adorned with a myriad of exquisite vines, vibrant flowers, flowing rivers, enchanting caves, and melodious birdsong, Pulastya Muni sensed that this sacred hill held the power to grant liberation. Filled with awe, he approached King Dronacal, offering his humble obeisance and inquiring about any service he could render.
Pulastya Muni introduced himself as a pilgrim from Kasi, journeying to visit all the holy places. He lamented the absence of a beautiful hill within the city, even though the sacred river Ganges flowed through it. He beseeched King Dronacal to grant him the privilege of performing his austere penance while seated atop the divine Govardhan Hill.
Upon hearing Pulastya Muni’s request, Dronacal, deeply attached to his beloved son, became overwhelmed with sorrow at the thought of separation from Govardhan. Tears streamed down his face as he contemplated parting with his cherished child.
Sensitive to his father’s emotions, Govardhan, fearing the sage’s anger and potential curse, inquired how Pulastya Muni intended to transport him all the way to Kasi. The sage calmly assured Govardhan that he would carry him in his right hand. Agreeing to accompany the sage, Govardhan proposed a condition: if Pulastya Muni ever set him down during the journey, he would not be able to lift him again. Pulastya Muni accepted the condition.
Thus, with Govardhan nestled in his right hand, Pulastya Muni embarked on the journey towards Kasi. As fate would have it, their path led them through the sacred land of Vraja. Upon reaching this blessed abode, Govardhan, utilizing his mystical power, influenced Pulastya Muni to succumb to the call of nature. Seizing the opportune moment, Govardhan subtly convinced the sage to place him on the ground while attending to his needs. Little did Pulastya Muni know that this was a ploy orchestrated by Govardhan himself.
As Pulastya Muni departed to relieve himself, he never anticipated the consequences of his actions. When he returned, he made futile attempts to lift Govardhan again, but to his astonishment, the once obedient hill now remained steadfastly rooted to the ground. Pulastya Muni’s anger surged, and in his ire, he cursed Govardhan to gradually sink into the earth, decreasing in size by the measure of a mere mustard seed each day.
Originally measuring an awe-inspiring 64 miles in length, 40 miles in width, and 16 miles in height when he first graced Vraja at the onset of Satya Yuga, Govardhan would now gradually diminish. According to the curse, after 10,000 years of the Kali Yuga, the once majestic Govardhan Hill would vanish completely.
Upananda thus recounted this captivating tale of Govardhan’s appearance to Nanda Maharaja, the beloved father of Krishna. With great reverence, he explained that as long as Govardhan Hill and the sacred Yamuna River remained visibly present in Vraja, the full effects of the Kali Yuga would be held at bay. Upananda further revealed that anyone fortunate enough to hear the divine narration of Govardhan Hill’s manifestation would be blessed with liberation from all their sins.
The Divine Enigma of Govardhan Hill
Perched majestically upon the earthly canvas, Govardhan Hill assumes the graceful form of a peacock, its contours embodying elegance and divine symbolism. Gazing upon this sacred manifestation, one cannot overlook the profound significance held within the very features of Govardhan. Its lofty peaks conceal within them a tale of love and devotion that has echoed through the ages. Behold the mystical eyes of Govardhan Hill, which reveal themselves as Radha Kunda and Shyama Kunda, twin pools of divine allure. These sacred reservoirs, brimming with spiritual potency, serve as witnesses to the eternal rendezvous between Radha and Krishna, a cherished moment that unfolds on the banks of Radha Kunda.
As the sun casts its golden glow upon the land, Krishna, accompanied by His beloved friends, gathers His cows near the enchanting waters of Mansi Ganga, ever watchful and protective. Meanwhile, in the guise of a temple visit, Srimati Radharani seeks permission from her mother-in-law, Jatila, but in truth, she yearns to rendezvous with her beloved Krishna at this sacred abode. Guided by the celestial orchestrations of Vrinda Devi, the embodiment of devotion, Krishna is led away from His playful companions at Mansi Ganga and directed to the ethereal meeting place of Sri Radha at Sri Radha Kunda. The air becomes saturated with anticipation and the melodies of divine love fill the atmosphere as the eternal lovers reunite, their hearts entwined in an eternal dance of devotion. Here, within the loving embrace of Govardhan’s mystical landscape, Radharani and Krishna partake in the myriad of divine pastimes that define their transcendental love. From joyous exchanges of playful banter to tender moments of stolen glances, their divine romance unfolds amidst the captivating beauty of Govardhan.
According to the profound wisdom of Srila Rupa Goswami, expressed in ‘The Nectar of Instruction’ (Verse 9), the exalted realm of Mathura surpasses even the heavenly abode of Vaikuntha. Further still, Vrindavan rises in eminence, surpassing the divine magnificence of Mathura. Yet, in the hierarchy of sacred places, Govardhan Hill stands as the pinnacle, surpassing even the hallowed grounds of Vrindavan. And at the zenith of this divine hierarchy lies Radha Kund, the supremely sacred abode where the intimate and confidential pastimes of the Divine Couple, Radha and Krishna, find their exquisite expression.
How to Reach
To reach Govardhan Hill, which is located in Aanyor, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, you can follow these directions:
- By Air:
If you are traveling from a distant location, the nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mathura, which is approximately 160 kilometers away from the airport. Once in Mathura, you can proceed to Govardhan Hill by following the road directions mentioned below.
- By Train:
Mathura Junction is the closest railway station to Govardhan Hill. Mathura Junction is well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Govardhan Hill, which is approximately 25 kilometers away.
- By Road:
If you are traveling by road, you can follow these directions from Mathura:
– Start from Mathura and head towards the Mathura-Barsana Road.
– Continue on the Mathura-Barsana Road until you reach Chhata.
– At Chhata, take a left turn onto the Govardhan Road.
– Continue on the Govardhan Road until you reach Aanyor, which is the base of Govardhan Hill.
– From Aanyor, you can park your vehicle and start walking towards Govardhan Hill.
It is important to note that Govardhan Hill is a sacred site for devotees, and the area is usually bustling with pilgrims. Parking facilities may be limited, so it’s advisable to arrive early, especially during religious festivals and holidays.