The Govardhan Hill In Mathura

The Govardhan Hill is considered a very sacred site in India as being closely associated with the life of Lord Sri Krishna. Read on...

- Srikant K

The Govardhan Hill (also called Mount Govardhana or Giri Raj) is a very holy Hindu site in the Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh in India. This ancient Hill is located in the town of Govardhan, about 22 Km from Mathura, on the road link between Mathura and Deeg in Uttar Pradesh.

As per Giriraj Chalisa (a hymn dedicated to Govardhan Hill), Govardhan in human form went to Vrindavan with Sage Pulastya and decided to stay there waiting for Lord Vishnu in His eighth Avatar, as Sri Krishna! The Demigods took the forms of trees, deers, and monkeys and started to live in Vrindavan, awaiting the arrival of Sri Krishna! In Dwapara Yuga, Sri Krishna and His brother Balaram spent their entire childhood roaming around the Govardhan Hill, enjoying the lush groves, caves and green pastures!

The Mythology around the worship of the Govardhan Hill in Mathura is unique and interesting. It has been described in detail in the Bhagavata Purana. Once, the villagers of Braj, basically farmers, used to perform Vedic rituals and prayers with elaborate food offerings to Lord Indra, the God of rain and lightning. Lord Indra was held in awe by the villagers of Braj, if he was not propitiated, there would be no rain and would result in severe droughts.