GOVARDHAN

GOVARDHAN

Location: Uttar Pradesh
Nearest City: Mathura
Attractions: Goverdhan Hill, Mansi Ganga
Languages / Dialect: Hindi, Brij Bhasha
Located 25 kms west of Mathura, Govardhan lies on the State Highway to Deeg. A famous place of Hindu pilgrimage, Goverdhan is located on a narrow sandstone hill known as ‘Giriraj’, which is about 8 km in length.
The place is of immense importance to the devout as lord Krishna is believed to have held the hill by the same name on the tip of his little finger in order to protect the inhabitants of Braj, from the wrath of Indra.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Radhakund: Radhakund is a large lake, which is just 5 km north of Govardhan.

Govardhan Hill: It is believed that Govardhana Hill was about 16 miles (29 km) high, 5,000 years ago. The young lord Krishna is said to have held Giriraj up on the tip of a finger for 7 days and nights to shield the people of Braj from the deluge of rain sent down by lord Indra. A popular Vaishnavaite icon, the entire hill is circumambulated by thousands of pilgrims every year.

Mansi Ganga: Manasi Ganga, the masonry tank is on the right, just as one enters the town of Govardhana. It is a large lake located in the town of Govardhana, in the centre of the Govardhana Hill. Its enclosures were built by Raja Bhagwan Das of Amer in 1637 and embellished by Raja Man Singh, who built a long flight of steps leading up, from the end of the tank.

Royal Cenotaphs: Two impressive cenotaphs, opposite the tank commemorate Randhir Singh and Baladev Singh, two of the Bharatpur Rajas. Towards the south is the beautiful chhatri of Raja Surajmal of Bharatpur. Fine frescoes- illuminating the life of Surajmal, vividly depict darbar and hunting scenes, royal processions and wars.

Harideva Temple: Close by is the famous red sandstone temple of Haridev, founded during the reign of Akbar.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Nearest airport is Kheria( Agra), 62 kms.

Rail: Mathura is on the main lines of the central and western railways and is connected with all the major cities.

Road: Mathura is well connected by motorable roads to important tourist centres.

Local transport: Taxis, Tongas and Cycle rickshaws.

PLACES TO STAY

Tourist Bungalow, Radha Kund.