Govardhan – The Beloved Hill of Lord Krishna

Govardhan Hill is one of the most sacred places in all the Vedic scriptures. It is not just a hill—it is very special and dear to Lord Krishna. Devotees believe that Govardhan came from Goloka Vrindavan, the spiritual world, and that it is the crown jewel of Vraja.

The scriptures say that Govardhan is understood in two ways:

  • As the greatest devotee of Lord Krishna
  • And as non-different from Krishna Himself

That is why Govardhan is worshipped just like Krishna.

Govardhan – The Loving Servant of Krishna

In Vrindavan, Srimati Radharani once praised Govardhan Hill in front of her friends. She said that among all devotees, Govardhan is the best servant of Krishna.

Govardhan gives Krishna, Balarama, the cows, and the cowherd boys everything they need:

  • Cool, sweet water from its waterfalls
  • Soft green grass for the cows
  • Fruits, flowers, vegetables, roots, and herbs
  • Caves to rest during rain and heat
  • Precious stones and minerals for decoration

Krishna and Radha also enjoyed many loving pastimes in the caves of Govardhan. The soft grass of Govardhan makes the cows strong and healthy, and the milk from those cows is used to make butter, yogurt, ghee, and sweets. Because the life of Vrindavan depends on cows and milk, Govardhan is very important.

The Shape of Govardhan Hill

Devotees imagine Govardhan Hill in the shape of a peacock resting:

  • Kusuma Sarovara is its face
  • Manasi Ganga is its neck
  • Radha Kund and Shyama Kund are its eyes
  • Gwala Pokhar is its ears
  • Balarama Sthali is the start of its tail
  • Punchari Kund is the end of its tail

How Govardhan Came to Vraja

Long ago, in a distant land called Shalmali Dvipa, a great mountain named Dronachal had a son named Govardhan. When Govardhan was born, the gods showered flowers, and all great mountains worshipped him and accepted him as their king.

Later, the sage Pulastya Muni saw Govardhan and wished to take him to Kashi for meditation. Govardhan agreed on one condition: if the sage put him down anywhere, he would not be able to lift him again.

While travelling, Pulastya Muni passed through Vraja. There, he put Govardhan down for a moment. When he returned, he could not lift the hill again. In anger, the sage cursed Govardhan to slowly sink into the earth, a little every day.

Because of this curse, Govardhan was once very tall and wide, but now it is much smaller. Devotees say Govardhan is shrinking due to separation from Lord Krishna.

A Promise from Lord Rama

Another story says that during Treta Yuga, when Lord Rama was building the bridge to Lanka, Hanuman carried Govardhan to help. But when the bridge was finished, Govardhan was placed in Vraja. Govardhan felt sad that he could not serve Lord Rama.

Lord Rama then promised:

“In Dwapara Yuga, I will come as Krishna and lift you to protect My devotees.”

Govardhan Puja – Worship of the Hill

In Dwapara Yuga, Lord Krishna asked the people of Vrindavan to stop worshipping Indra, the rain god, and instead worship Govardhan Hill. Krishna explained that Govardhan gives them grass, water, shelter, and everything needed for life.

The villagers agreed. They cooked huge amounts of food and offered it to Govardhan. This worship is called Govardhan Puja or Annakuta.

Krishna then appeared in a great divine form and declared:

“I am Govardhan Hill.”

He ate all the offerings and showed that Krishna and Govardhan are one. Even today, devotees worship small stones from Govardhan, called Govardhan Shila, just like they worship Krishna.

Krishna Lifts Govardhan Hill

When Indra saw that he was not worshipped, he became angry and sent heavy rain and storms to Vrindavan. The villagers were frightened and ran to Krishna for protection.

Krishna then lifted Govardhan Hill with the little finger of His left hand, holding it like an umbrella. For seven days and seven nights, all the people and cows stayed safely under the hill.

Seeing Krishna’s great power, Indra realized his mistake. He stopped the rain, came with the divine cow Surabhi, bowed down to Krishna, and asked for forgiveness.

Why Govardhan Is Worshipped Today

Govardhan Hill teaches us:

  • To take shelter of Krishna
  • To be humble
  • To serve with love

Even today, devotees walk around Govardhan Hill (parikrama), worship Govardhan Shila, and celebrate Govardhan Puja with devotion.

Govardhan is not just a hill—it is Krishna’s greatest devotee and Krishna Himself.