Category: Govardhan

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.

Embarking on the sacred Govardhan Parikrama is a profoundly auspicious act, as it serves as a reverential offering to Radha and Krishna. The Govardhan Parikrama encompasses an approximate distance of 23 kilometers. In the sacred scripture, Srimad Bhagavatam, it is recounted how Lord Krishna instructed the Vrajavasis to worship the resplendent Govardhan Hill. Among the essential aspects of this worship was the practice of circumambulating the majestic hill by the gopas and gopis, an act that immensely delighted Lord Sri Krishna. Indeed, the path to true perfection lies in treading the footsteps of illustrious souls. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, during His visit to Vrindavan, personally embarked on the Govardhan Parikrama. With an exalted vision, He perceived each and every stone of Govardhan Hill as inseparable from the divine form of Lord Krishna. Even Madhavendra Puri, a revered saint, performed this sacred circumambulation. Great devotees such as Ishwara Puri, Nityananda Prabhu, and Adwaita Acharya expressed their deep devotion by encircling Sri Govardhan with utmost reverence. The six Goswamis, luminous figures in the devotional tradition, considered the Govardhan Parikrama an integral part of their spiritual practices. Raghunath Das Goswami resided near Radha Kunda, situated at the foothills of Govardhan. Even in his advanced years, Sanatana Goswami diligently performed the Govardhan Parikrama daily while residing at Manasi Ganga near the Chakleshwar Mahadev temple. Similarly, other eminent Vaishnavas like Narottama Das Thakur and Srinivas Acharya undertook the sacred Govardhan Parikrama. Vishwanath Chakravarty Thakur found solace near the vicinity of Govardhan Hill, and revered personalities such as Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati and Bhaktivinoda Thakur also had their abodes in close proximity to Govardhan. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder acharya of Iskcon, expressed his final desire to be taken on a Parikrama of Govardhan, thus emphasizing the immense sanctity and importance of this worship. The dust beneath our feet as we walk upon Govardhan Hill is not merely the sanctified soil of Vraja Mandala; it is also adorned with the sacred particles from the lotus feet of these divine personalities. It is said that in Vrindavan, there exist three profoundly purifying elements for the heart – the dust of Vraja, the sacred Yamuna, and the majestic Govardhan. This article delves into the hallowed destinations encountered during the sacred Govardhan Parikrama.

Uddhava Kunda is located precisely to the west of Kusum sarovar, on the right side of the parikrama path encircling the majestic Govardhan Parvat. It was the revered Vajranabha Maharaja (great grandson of Krishna) who brought forth the existence of Uddhava-kunda, under the wise guidance of Sandilya muni and other revered sages. Uddhavaji, the intimate confidant of Lord Krishna, perpetually resides in close proximity to this sacred spot, assuming the form of grass and shrubs, eagerly awaiting to be blessed by the dust from the lotus feet of the gopis. An engrossing depiction of this sacred place is chronicled in the Srimad Bhagavatam Mahatmya of the Skanda Purana.

Krishna’s Govardhan Lila can be summarized in the following words. In the enchanting village of Vrindavan, young Krishna becomes curious about a grand sacrifice his father and the cowherd men are preparing for. Despite being omniscient, Krishna plays the role of an innocent child and asks his father about the purpose of the offering. Initially, Nanda Maharaja, Krishna’s father, explains that the sacrifice is intended for Indra, the celestial ruler. However, Krishna persuades his father and the villagers to instead worship Govardhan Hill, emphasizing that the demigods are servants of Krishna and that their true duty lies in protecting the cows. When Indra witnesses this defiance, he becomes furious and orders a devastating storm to destroy Vrindavan. To protect the villagers, Krishna effortlessly lifts Govardhan Hill, providing shelter for everyone beneath it. Indra realizes his mistake, seeks Krishna’s forgiveness, and performs a heartfelt worship. In the end, harmony is restored, and the villagers continue to revere Govardhan Hill as a symbol of Krishna’s love and protection. This article aims to provide a detailed account of the Govardhan lila.