The festival of Govardhan Puja, celebrated the next day of Diwali, has special and historical significance in Hindu religion. On this day, the memory of Lord Shri Krishna's act is refreshed, when he protected the people of Braj by lifting Govardhan Mountain on his little finger to crush the ego of Indra in Dwapara Yuga. Since then, the tradition of worshiping and circling Mount Govardhan has been going on in Brajbhoomi. Lakhs of devotees from India and abroad reach Govardhan located in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh on this auspicious occasion and especially in the month of Kartik and complete the parikrama of Giriraj ji with devotion. If you are also planning to go to Govardhan Puja this time, then it is very important for you to know where Govardhan Mountain is located, what is the total distance of its circumambulation and how much time it takes to complete it. Where is Govardhan Mountain located and how to reach? Govardhan Mountain, famous as a religious and historical heritage, is located at a distance of about 22 to 25 kilometers from Mathura, a famous district of Uttar Pradesh. This is a very sacred part of the mythological universe. It is very easy to reach here by road and rail. If you are coming by train, the nearest railway station is Mathura Junction or Govardhan Railway Station, from where you can easily get autos, taxis or buses. By road, Govardhan can be easily reached in a few hours by private vehicle or buses via National Highway from Delhi, Agra and Mathura. After reaching here, the main religious places and the circumambulation route begins, where devotees from every corner of the country reach. How many kilometers is Govardhan Parikrama and how much time does it take? There is often a question in the minds of the devotees regarding the circumambulation of Govardhan Mountain that what is its total distance. According to religious and geographically attested data, the total length of the complete parikrama of Govardhan is 21 kilometers (about 7 kos). There are many major temples, ponds and religious places on this entire route. Time of Parikrama on foot: If you do the parikrama on foot with full devotion and normal speed, either barefoot or wearing shoes, then it takes about 5 to 7 hours to complete this 21 kilometer journey. Time by vehicle or e-rickshaw: Nowadays, e-rickshaw facility is also available on the route for the elderly and unwell people, due to which the parikrama is completed in about 1 to 2 hours. Complete route and main stops of Govardhan Parikrama Govardhan Parikrama usually starts from Daan Ghati Temple, which remains open 24 hours. Parikrama is always done in a clockwise direction. Danghati Temple: Most of the devotees start their journey from here after offering prayers. Jatipura (Mukharvind): Here the Mukharvind of Lord Giriraj is seen, which is a major center of Pushtimarg. Other major sites: During the parikrama route, one comes across extremely sacred and worth seeing places like Anyur, Poonchari Ka Lotch, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund, and Kusum Sarovar, where devotees stop for worship and rest. Important tour plan and special tips for Govardhan Yatra: If you are planning to do Govardhan Parikrama with family, then some things should be kept in mind. The best time to start the journey is considered to be between 4:00 am to 7:00 am or after 4:00 pm in the evening, so that sunlight and fatigue can be avoided. Keep arrangements for water, ORS and light fruits along the way. When you are with elders or children, be sure to take rest in between. This journey done with proper planning and discipline will prove to be a spiritual and pleasurable experience of your lifetime.
