Govardhana Parikrama is a revered pilgrimage in Vrindavana, where devotees circumambulate the sacred Govardhan Hill.
Govardhana Hill is a revered mountain known for being the dearest servant of Lord Sri Krishna. Srimati Radha Rani praises him as Haridasa Varya. Govardhana Hill is located in Aniyor, Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh.
In Dwapara-yuga, Govardhana Hill provided immense service to Lord Sri Krishna, Balarama, and the residents of Vrindavana. It offered pure, cool drinking water from many waterfalls that existed at that time. Krishna and his playmates enjoyed many water sports on this hill, drinking pure honey from the forest, as well as mango and pilu juice. The hill was rich with various herbs, roots, fruits, creepers, and fresh flowers.
Govardhana Hill was also abundant with precious stones and gems, which the Gopas used to decorate Lord Sri Krishna, Balarama, and themselves. The cows grazed on special grass that made them strong and healthy, leading to higher milk production. The milk was used to produce ghee and curd, essential for various sacrificial fires.
Govardhana Leela
Govardhana Leela is the most enchanting pastime performed by the 7-year-old Krishna. During Dwapara Yuga, Lord Sri Krishna persuaded the Gopas and Gopikas to worship Govardhana Hill instead of Lord Indra, as Govardhana Hill provided all necessities for the people of Vrindavana.
Lord Indra is a demigod, and the benefit obtained after worshiping him will be temporary. All the benefits sanctioned by the devatas will be granted by the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. Hence, Lord Sri Krishna further added that Govardhan Hill is none other than Himself. Offering prayer to Govardhana Hill is the same as worshiping Himself.
Lord Indra became very furious when the cowherd boys started worshiping Govardhana Hill. He sent a torrent of rain to the land of Vrindavana, causing huge distress to the people. Unable to bear the heavy rain, Vrindavana vasis approached Lord Sri Krishna and pleaded for help.
Lord Sri Krishna lifted Govardhana Hill with the little finger of his left hand and held it over like an umbrella. He protected all the inhabitants of Vrindavana from the curse of Lord Indra for a period of 7 days. Seeing this captivating leela of Sri Krishna, they went into a state of tranquility. They forgot the hunger, thirst, sleep, and all other worldly comforts.
Seeing this exceptional supernormal power of Lord Krishna, Indra was awestruck and called upon other devas to stop the rain.
From Indraloka, Lord Indra reached Vrindavana and bowed down to Sri Krishna, realizing him to be the Lord of Vaikuntha, the protector of the world. From that moment on, the people of Vrindavana began to worship Govardhana Hill.
Govardhana Parikrama
The Govardhana Parikrama is the circumambulation, or walking around the sacred Govardhana Hill by devotees, as an act of worship. It covers a total distance of 21 kilometers (7 Kos) and takes 5-6 hours to complete one Parikrama by walking at a normal pace.
The Govardhana Parikrama is divided into 2 parts, Badi Parikrama (12 Kms) and Choti Parikrama (9 Kms).
Danghati temple, Jatipura, Poonchri Kalotha (Rajasthan), Kusum Sarovar, Radhakund, Mansiganga, Udbhavkund, Govind Kund, etc., are the major places on the way to Parikrama.
According to the Varaha Purana, anyone who performs Govardhana Parikrama will be relieved from the cycle of birth and death.
According to Mathura Mahatmya stated by Rupa Goswami, one should take a bath in Manasi Ganga Kund, which is the starting point of Parikrama. The next one should offer prayer to Harideva, who is the presiding deity of Vrindavana, and take his blessings to make the journey successful.
Best time to perform Govardhana Parikrama
October to March is the best time to visit Govardhana Hill. The weather is cool and pleasant, which makes the Parikrama very comfortable and memorable.
During the festival season, this hill experiences the positive aura that enhances the spirit of the devotees.
The festivals like Govardhana Pooja, Karthik Purnima, and Guru Purnima attract a massive range of customers. On the nights of Amavasya and Purnima, it is considered very auspicious.
How to Prepare for Govardhana Parikrama
The walk around the Govardhana hill requires a lot of strong willpower and grace of Lord Sri Krishna.
For the beginners, estimate the challenges ahead and don’t start without any prior preparation.
Traditional clothing is best suited for this hill. As this is a sacred place, every devotee must adhere to maintaining the discipline. Cotton clothes, dhotis, saris, and kurtas are recommended.
It is also advisable to carry water bottles to avoid dehydration. Can also bring jaggery, dry fruits, or some snacks to boost the energy level.
Different types of Govardhana Parikrama
By Walk: It is the regular type of Parikrama followed by devotees. It is done in a clockwise direction. Devotees walk barefoot or wear footwear according to their comfort.
Doodh Parikrama: This is a type of seva performed by offering milk to Govardhana Hill. Devotees carry a small pot and make a small hole below it.
Sohni Seva Parikrama: This seva is done using a broom. Devotees continuously sweep the Govardhana hill using the broom throughout the Parikrama.
Dandavat Parikrama: This is the most difficult type of Parikrama performed. It is the longest also; it usually takes 10 days to accomplish it. The devotees need to fully prostrate after every step.
Couple Dandavat Parikrama: It is performed by couples to seek blessings for their future.
108 Dandavat Parikrama: This Parikrama is undertaken by Sadhus. It is the toughest of all Parikramas. They carry 108 stones with them. It may take more than a year to complete one Parikrama.
Rules to be followed for Govardhana Parikrama
Offer your respect to Govardhana Hill before embarking on the journey.
Do not climb over the hill as it is considered very sacred.
Ponds are holy spots of Krishna leela; hence, do not wash your legs in any of the ponds. Only bathing is permitted.
Keep your mind only at the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. Do not talk about worldly matters.
One must take a bath in Mansi Ganga if you wish to start the Parikrama.
Never leave the Parikrama incomplete. Always end at the spot where you began.
Things to Keep in Mind While Performimg Govardhana Parikrama
Beware of Monkeys. They snatch your belongings and food items.
Try the mouthwatering Lassi. Vraj Bhoomi is famous for such local delicacies.
How to Reach Govardhana Parikrama
If you plan to visit the Govardhana Hill and other sacred places, consider taking Tirtha Yatra’s World famed Vrajabhumi Yatra. All arrangements are well taken care of.
If you prefer to travel by yourself, here are a few options.
By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. From here, you can hire a taxi or auto or take a bus route.
By Railway: The nearest railway station is Mathura Railway Station. From here, you can hire a taxi or auto. There are frequent buses available.
By Road: From Mathura to Vrindavana, there are frequent bus services.
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