Govardhan Parikrama
Rules of Govardhan Parikrama: Govardhan Mountain located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh is considered very important for the people of Hindu religion. This mountain is also known as Giriraj Mountain. On the day of Govardhan Puja, which is performed on the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, people make Govardhan Parvat from cow dung in their homes and worship it. At the same time, some people also circumambulate this mountain on the day of Govardhan Puja. This mountain is considered very auspicious for the people of Mathura and Vrindavan. If you are also going to do Govardhan Parikrama, then in this article you will get every detail related to it.
What is Govardhan Parikrama?
Govardhan Parikrama is a very sacred and virtuous journey, which is 21 kilometers long. In this journey, devotees circumambulate around Govardhan Mountain. Govardhan Parikrama is divided into two parts – Big Parikrama (about 12 kilometers) and Choti Parikrama (about 10 kilometers). Many temples are also visited during the journey of Govardhan Parikrama. No fee has to be paid for doing Govardhan Parikrama. However, if you take an e-rickshaw in Parikrama, you will have to pay a fee.
Types of Govardhan Parikrama
Big Parikrama:- It is about 12 kilometers (seven kos) and takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete the journey.
Small Parikrama:- It is about 10 kilometers (three Kos), which passes through Govardhan and ends at Mansi Ganga.
When should one circumambulate Govardhan?
Govardhan Parikrama is mainly started on Govardhan Puja and Mudiya Purnima, which occurs in the month of Kartik. Apart from this, the season from October to March is the best for Govardhan Parikrama as the weather is pleasant. According to religious belief, Amavasya and Purnima nights are also considered especially auspicious for Govardhan Parikrama.
How much time does it take for Govardhan Parikrama?
The time taken for Govardhan Parikrama depends on the walking speed and comfort, which usually takes 5 to 7 hours. If you do Govardhan Parikrama using means like e-rickshaw or car, then it may take 1 to 2 hours less.
Where does Govardhan Parikrama start?
Govardhan Parikrama mainly starts from Dan Valley Temple, which is considered to be the traditional starting point of Govardhan Parikrama. However, some devotees can also start the parikrama from Mansi-Ganga Kund or any other place as per their convenience.
Benefits of doing Govardhan Parikrama
There are many benefits of doing Govardhan Parikrama, which include fulfillment of all wishes, freedom from sins and receiving divine blessings etc. There is a religious belief that by doing Govardhan Parikrama, the blessings of Lord Krishna always remain on the person, all kinds of troubles go away, there is progress in business and there is no shortage of money.
Rules for performing Govardhan Parikrama
According to the rules of Govardhan Parikrama, Parikrama should be done barefoot, wearing shoes and slippers and keeping the mind calm. Parikrama should start and end by saluting Govardhan mountain on the right side. Govardhan Parikrama should not be left incomplete in the middle.
Which mantra should be chanted while doing Govardhan Parikrama?
While doing Govardhan Parikrama, Govardhan Dharadhar may be the savior of Gokul, may Vishnubahu be blessed with gratitude. Mantra should be chanted. It is believed that by chanting this mantra, one gets the full results of Govardhan Parikrama.
How to start Govardhan Parikrama?
- To perform Govardhan Parikrama, take bath in Mansi Ganga or Daan Valley or wash your hands and face.
- Then before starting the parikrama, pay obeisance to Govardhan Parvat.
- Start the parikrama from Daan Valley and finally end at the same place.
- Do not perform Govardhan Parikrama wearing shoes and slippers nor leave it incomplete in the middle.
- During parikrama, remember Lord Krishna and avoid worldly matters.
- Visit the major temples and sites on the way.
- End the parikrama at the same place from where you started the parikrama.
- You can also do Dandavat Parikrama, this parikrama may take 7 days.
Which temples come in the Parikrama of Govardhan?
Govardhan Parikrama includes major temples and sites like Danghati Temple (beginning), Poonchari Ka Lautha, Jatipura Mukharvind Temple, Mansi Ganga, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund and Kusum Sarovar. All these places are important stops during the circumambulation of Govardhan Mountain, which have special religious significance.
Dan Valley Temple:- This is the starting and ending point of the parikrama. It is considered to be the place of Krishna’s leela of asking for donations from the Gopis.
Poonchari’s return:- This is the temple of Shri Hanuman ji and is considered an important stop of Parikrama.
Jatipura Mukharvind Temple:- Here one can see Mukharvind of Govardhan Mountain, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Mansi Ganga:- Here Mukharvind of Giriraj ji is worshipped. A fair is organized here on Ashadh Purnima and Kartik Amavasya.
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund:- There are ponds dug by Radha Rani with her bracelets, bathing in which one gets freedom from sins.
Kusum Sarovar:- This is a historical pond where Radha Rani used to bring flowers and it also has Narad Kund.
What are the rules of Govardhan Parvat Parikrama?
- Before starting the journey, pay obeisance to Govardhan Parvat and end the parikrama from where you started.
- Do not insult any animal, pond or tree during Govardhan Parikrama.
- Parikrama should be done barefoot, avoid wearing shoes and slippers during parikrama.
- While doing Parikrama, Govardhan Mountain should always be kept on the right side.
- During Parikrama, avoid worldly matters and concentrate only on the feet of Lord Krishna.
- Do not entertain obscene or wrong thoughts during parikrama.
- Do not consume things like beedi, cigarette or tobacco during parikrama.
- Do not climb Govardhan Mountain, because it is an integral form of Lord Krishna.
- Do not wash feet in any pond or pond on the way of parikrama, as they are sacred.
- One can take bath and achaman in the ponds. But do not do things like soap, oil or washing clothes.
- Neither sit nor lie down with your back towards Govardhan Mountain or with your legs extended.
- Govardhan Parikrama should not be left incomplete in the middle.
- If you cannot walk, you can go around by e-rickshaw. But as far as possible, do not use vehicles.
- It is considered auspicious to take bath in Mansi Ganga before starting Parikrama.
- Do bhajan, worship and donate at the beginning and end of the parikrama.
,Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 India does not confirm this.)