Location: Govardhan Hill is a sacred center of Braj near Vrindavan. This narrow sandstone hill lies in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Description: Govardhan is a hill which is famous by another name Giriraj in India. There are two meanings of the word Govardhan. This name is derived from two words; one is Go, which means Cow and Vardhan, which means nourishment. The other meaning as per devotees is “that which increases the senses” and it means Govardhan sanctifies the devotees by enhancing their devotion. There is an interesting history behind this place. It is believed that Lord Krishna saw the villagers preparing for a special ceremony in the honor of Lord Indra, who is said to be the God of rain. He advised the villagers not to pray and conduct sacrifices for natural phenomenon. The villagers agreed to what Krishna said and did not conduct the rituals. God Indra got angered by this and flooded the whole village with heavy rain.  Kind hearted Krishna picked up the Govardhan hill on his little finger and used it as a shelter to protect village people and their cattle from the rains caused by Indra’s fury. Indra finally accepted his defeat and recognized Krishna as embodiment of Lord Vishnu. Since then the Govardhan hill is worshipped as a symbol of the triumph of good on evil.

Activities:  Govardhan Pooja is celebrated on the day after Diwali every year and especially on this day devotees worship Lord Krishna for happiness and prosperity in life.