Govardhan Parikrama is one of the most sacred acts a devotee can perform in Braj. The 21 km circumambulation of Govardhan Hill is walked barefoot by millions each year, completing either in a single stretch or over two days.
The Route
The parikrama starts and ends at Jatipura (near Dan Ghati Mandir or Mukut Mukharvind). The circuit runs anti-clockwise (south first, toward Radhakund, then returning via Mansi Ganga).
- Jatipura / Dan Ghati Mandir — Starting point; large Krishna temple
- Punchari Ka Lota — Believed to be site of Krishna's leela (4 km)
- Radhakund & Shyamkund — Twin sacred ponds, the spiritual heart of the parikrama (8 km)
- Kusum Sarovar — Beautiful step-well and gardens (10 km)
- Govind Kund — Sacred pond (12 km)
- Mansi Ganga — Holy lake where Krishna held Govardhan on his pinky finger (15 km)
- Mukut Mukharvind — Govardhan's "face" — the holiest point on the hill (18 km)
- Return to Jatipura (21 km)
How Long Does It Take?
| Mode | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| On foot | 5–7 hours | Free | Most meritorious; bring water and snacks |
| On foot (dandavat) | 2–3 days | Free | Prostrating full-body every step; very advanced |
| E-rickshaw | 2–3 hours | ₹150–200/person | Stops at major points; comfortable |
| Cycle rickshaw | 3–4 hours | ₹100–150/person | Slower, more stops possible |
Best Time to Do the Parikrama
- Early morning (5:30 AM start) in winter — cool, atmospheric, avoid afternoon heat
- Kartik month (Oct–Nov) — considered most auspicious; Govardhan Puja day (after Diwali) sees 200,000+ pilgrims
- Avoid: summer afternoons (unbearable heat), Monsoon (slippery paths near ghats)
- Ekadashi days — extra auspicious; more devotional chanting groups (bhajan mandalis)
Practical Tips
- Go barefoot — footwear is not allowed on most of the path (shoe stands available at major stops)
- Carry: 1.5L water, light snacks, small bag for shoes, cash for prasad
- Dress code: traditional attire preferred; avoid shorts and sleeveless
- Toilets available at Radhakund, Kusum Sarovar, and Mansi Ganga
- First-aid: minor injuries from stones; wear thick socks under bare feet if sensitive
Tip
Hire a local guide from Govardhan town (₹300–500) for the full parikrama. They know all the smaller shrines along the route and can explain the significance of each stop.
Special Parikramas
- Govardhan Puja Parikrama (after Diwali) — biggest single-day parikrama event
- Kartik Parikrama (full month of Kartik) — most devotees complete multiple rounds
- Annakut (day after Govardhan Puja) — 56 food items (chhappan bhog) offered at the hill