Near Radha Krishna Dham, a replica of Govardhan Parvat has been constructed with a length of 30 feet, a width of 15 feet, and a height of 12 feet. In beautiful and intricate artwork, it depicts how Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Parvat on His little finger to protect the people of Gokul from the floods sent by Indra, the king of the gods. This sacred hill, also known as Giriraj Parvat, is located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is an important pilgrimage site in Hinduism, especially for devotees of Lord Krishna. During the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna inspired the people of Gokul and Vrindavan to worship Govardhan Parvat. Since then, devotees have been worshipping this sacred mountain with deep faith and devotion.
Historical Significance of Govardhan Parvat
The history of Govardhan Parvat is connected to the Mahabharata. According to one legend, during his pilgrimage, Rishi Pulastya came near Govardhan Parvat and was mesmerized by its beauty. He requested Dronachal Parvat, the father of Govardhan, to give him his son so that he could take him to Kashi and establish him there for worship.
Dronachal was saddened to part with his son, but Govardhan Parvat told the sage that he would go with him under one condition:
Wherever you place me on the ground, I will stay there permanently.
Pulastya Rishi agreed to this condition. Govardhan then said: "I am eight yojanas long (about 64 miles), five yojanas wide (about 40 miles), and two yojanas tall (about 16 miles). How will you take me to Kashi?"
Pulastya Rishi replied, "With the power of my penance, I will lift you on my palm." Agreeing, Govardhan Parvat accompanied the sage.
Govardhan's Desire to Stay in Braj
While passing through Braj Bhumi, Govardhan thought, “Lord Krishna will perform many divine pastimes here during His childhood and youth. If I remain here, I will be able to witness His divine leelas. Thinking this, Govardhan Parvat began to feel heavier in the sage's hand.
Feeling the need to rest, Pulastya Rishi placed Govardhan down in Braj, forgetting his promise that he should not place the mountain down anywhere. After some time, when the sage tried to lift the mountain again, Govardhan spoke: "O Sage, I can no longer move from here. I had already informed you that wherever you place me, I will remain there permanently."
Pulastya Rishi tried to take him by force, but the mountain would not budge.
Angered, the sage cursed Govardhan: "Since you did not fulfill my wish, you will diminish gradually, little by little every day, and one day, you will merge completely into the earth."
Since then, Govardhan Parvat has been gradually sinking into the earth, and it is said that by the end of Kali Yuga, it will be completely merged into the ground.
The Significance of Govardhan Parikrama
Govardhan Parikrama means circumambulating the sacred mountain with faith and devotion. Devotees walk barefoot around Govardhan Parvat, completing a parikrama of approximately 21 kilometers, which is believed to bestow immense spiritual merit and blessings.
The parikrama traditionally begins and ends at Mukharai Village. However, Govardhan Parikrama is not merely a religious ritual; it is a journey of devotion, love, and inner purification. Every step in this journey is offered at the feet of Lord Krishna, each place on the path bears witness to His divine pastimes, and every devotee walking this path feels the touch of the Lord's presence in the sacred land of Braj.
