Giriraj Ji Temple Mathura

Giriraj Ji Temple, also known as Govardhan Hill or Giriraj Parvat, is a highly sacred Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. This holy place is deeply connected with the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna and holds great significance for Vaishnava devotees.

According to ancient beliefs, when Hanuman Ji was bringing the Giriraj mountain from Uttarakhand, he heard a divine heavenly voice and placed the mountain in the land of Braj. After placing it there, he returned towards the south to Lord Rama. It is believed that during the time of Lord Krishna, this region was filled with natural beauty, and ancient scriptures mention the presence of many caves here.

The Govardhan Story Another well-known legend associated with Govardhan Dham is the lifting of Govardhan Hill. To teach the people of Gokul the importance of worshipping cows and nature instead of worshipping Lord Indra, Lord Krishna lifted this mountain on His little finger. Earlier, the people of Braj used to perform grand annual puja of Indra Dev, which required heavy expenses. Realizing the difficulties of the villagers, Lord Krishna advised them to worship the things that truly support life— cows, animals, sun, air, water, and farming tools. The villagers followed Krishna’s advice and stopped the Indra Puja that year. Angered by this, Indra Dev caused a devastating storm and torrential rain in Braj. As the entire region began to flood, the residents sought refuge in Lord Krishna. To protect everyone, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on His little finger for seven days and sheltered all the people beneath it. Since then, Govardhan Hill is worshipped as Giriraj Maharaj, and performing parikrama (circumambulation) of the hill is believed to grant immense blessings.

It is said that having darshan of Giriraj Maharaj in Kaliyuga is equivalent to having darshan of the Supreme Lord in Satyuga. The hill contains many sacred stones (shilas) that are beautifully decorated on special occasions. Millions of devotees visit to worship these divine shilas. Anyone who performs the Govardhan parikrama continuously for 11 Ekadashis is believed to receive whatever they desire.

Govardhan Hill is considered the only unchanged physical symbol from the time of Lord Krishna. Although the Yamuna River still exists, its route keeps changing over time, making Govardhan the most significant eternal symbol of that era. Every year, devotees from around the world—especially from Vaishnava and Vallabh traditions—come to perform the parikrama. The complete parikrama is about 7 kos, which equals approximately 21 kilometers.

Sacred Shila Worship Center The main attraction of the temple is not an idol but the sacred Giriraj Maharaj Shila, which devotees worship as the physical embodiment of God. This holy stone is placed on a raised platform. Ancient & Traditional Architecture The temple is built in the traditional architectural style of Braj. It is simple and devotional rather than grand or heavily ornamented. Open Structure Unlike enclosed buildings, this temple is open to the natural surroundings. Devotees worship and perform parikrama in a serene, open environment. Decoration & Shringar Areas Certain areas in the temple complex are designated for festive decorations. The sacred shila is adorned with flowers, garments, jewelry, and the famous Chappan Bhog offerings. Parikrama Path A circumambulation pathway surrounds the temple. It is made with stones and natural soil, enhancing the experience of walking in the divine land of Lord Krishna.

Morning Darshan: From 7:45 AM

Evening Darshan: From 5:30 PM

During Adhik Maas:

Mangala Aarti: 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM

Evening: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Parikrama Length: 7 kos (approximately 21 km)

Govardhan Puja: Performing parikrama on this day is considered highly auspicious.

56 Bhog (Chappan Bhog) On important occasions, 56 varieties of food items are offered to Giriraj Maharaj. Lord Krishna is believed to contain all divine forms, so offering Chappan Bhog is considered extremely sacred.

1. Breads & Savory Dishes Puri, paratha, roti, chapati, maize roti

Various vegetable curries and greens

Sprouts, boiled corn

Kadhi, rice, khichdi, porridge

All varieties of lentils and mixed vegetables

2. Sweets & Desserts Peda, kheer, halwa, gulab jamun, jalebi, imarti, rabri

Sweetened milk, butter, cream, malpua, petha

Sweet puri, gajak, peanut brittle, rewari, jaggery

Aam papad, honey, batasha, popped rice

3. Snacks & Savories Kachori, samosa, dhokla, namkeen

Chaat, tikki, chutney, pickles (especially teent pickle)

Pakoras (potato, spinach, gram flour fritters)

Buttermilk, curd, lassi, raita

4. Fruits & Dry Fruits Seasonal fruits, dry fruits, candied fruits

Lemon-coated radish

5. Children’s Favorites Papad, papdi, biscuits, candies, chocolates

Golgappa with flavored water

6. Beverages Sharbat, juice, mathri-shakkarpara

Tender coconut, dates

Final Offerings Betel leaves, cardamom, fennel seeds, cloves Annakoot Prasad On Govardhan Puja, a large mountain-shaped offering made of various food items (Annakoot) is placed before a symbolic form of Govardhan made with clay or cow dung. Makhan-Mishri Butter and sugar candy, the favorite of Lord Krishna, are offered as a special prasad. Grain & Fruit Offerings Sprouted grains, maize, peanuts, boiled corn, bananas, guavas, and seasonal fruits are offered and distributed. Churma Prasad A special sweet made from wheat flour, ghee, and sugar or jaggery.

By Train: Mathura Junction (MTJ) Mathura Junction is a major railway station well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and many other cities. Govardhan Hill is about 22 km from here. Trains from Mathura to Govardhan Some trains run between Mathura Junction and Govardhan Railway Station (GDO). For example: PRYJ BKN SF EXP (20403)

Departs Mathura at 7:00 AM

Arrives Govardhan at 7:30 AM

Trains are limited, so checking schedules in advance is advisable.

By Bus or Taxi

1. Bus Service from Mathura to Govardhan Regular buses available

Travel time: 40–55 minutes

Fare starts around ₹40

Both government (RSRTC) and private buses operate

2. Taxi / Auto-Rickshaw Easily available from Mathura

More comfortable and suitable for family travel

By Air

1. Agra Airport (Kheria Airport – AGR) Approximately 64 km from Mathura Can reach Mathura by taxi or bus

2. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL) Around 170 km from Mathura

Well-connected to domestic and international destinations

Taxis, buses, and trains are available to reach Mathura

Distance & Travel Time Distance from Mathura to Govardhan: ~22 km

Travel time: 40–60 minutes (by bus or taxi)