Attraction Guide: Govardhan Hill (Giriraj Parvat), Goverdhan, India

Govardhan Hill (Giriraj Parvat) Guide

Govardhan Hill: A Sacred Mountain of Krishna's Pastimes Guide

Welcome to Govardhan Hill, also known as Giriraj Parvat, a small sandstone hill located near Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, India. This isn't just any hill; it's considered a sacred embodiment of Lord Krishna himself. According to Hindu scriptures, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from a torrential downpour sent by Indra, the king of the gods. Today, Govardhan Hill is a major pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from all over the world who come to circumambulate the hill and pay homage to Krishna. The history of Govardhan Hill is deeply rooted in the legends of Krishna. The story of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill is one of the most famous and beloved tales in Hindu mythology. It symbolizes Krishna's divine power and his protection of his devotees. The hill itself is believed to be non-different from Krishna, and devotees often touch their foreheads to the ground as a sign of respect. The parikrama (circumambulation) of Govardhan Hill is a sacred ritual that has been performed for centuries. The main activity for tourists visiting Govardhan Hill is the parikrama, a 21-kilometer walk around the base of the hill. Devotees walk barefoot, chanting prayers and singing devotional songs. The parikrama can take several hours to complete, and it's considered a deeply spiritual experience. Along the parikrama route, you'll find numerous temples, shrines, and sacred ponds. Goverdhan is known for its simple, vegetarian cuisine. Many small restaurants and food stalls along the parikrama route offer traditional Indian dishes like *dal*, *roti*, and *sabzi*. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local sweets, especially *peda*, a milk-based sweet that is a regional specialty.