Day 1

1) MATHURA
Sri Krishna appeared over five thousand years ago in Mathura as the eighth child of Devaki and
Vasudeva. Kansa was the king of Mathura and maternal uncle of lord Krishna .The place of His birth is
known as Sri Krishna JanmaBhumi.

Sri Krishna appeared on the midnight of the 8th day of the dark half of the month of Sravana.

Mathura is the holiest, and it is the only place in the universe where Brahma and Shakti have been
manifested at the same place.

The clearance of the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna led to the recovery of many portions of a 1500-year-
old temple, including the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha) and a throne which survived miraculously
attack by Emperor Aurangzeb to demolish the temple.

The magnificent and large Bhagavata Bhavan was constructed in honour of Shrimad Bhagavata.

Pothra Kund: This is a pond close to Janma Bhoomi. Vasudeva and Devaki used this pond for washing
their clothes when they were in prison.

Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi: This prison is the place where Lord Krishna was born to Sri Vasudeva and
Yasodha Matha.

Adi Varaha Swamy Temple: The place Mathura was known as Adi Varaha Kshetram. In Krutha Yuga,
Kapila muni gave this idol of Adi Varaha to Lord Indra.

Swetha Varaha: Here Varaha is seen in white marble stone and known as Swetha Varaha Swami.

2) Samyamana Ghat:
This ghat is on the bank of River Yamuna. This is the ghat from where Vasudeva shifted Lord Krishna to
Brindavan.

3) Vishram Ghat (Mathura)

This is where Krishna rested after killing the despotic ruler of mathura, the evil demon known as king
kamsa. when Lord Chaitanya visited Mathura, He also took bath here at Vishrama Ghata and rested here
for some time. In ancient times, Lord Varahadev, after lifting the earth from the garbha queen and
slaying the demon Hiranyaksha, also came here and rested. while He was resting at this place, Lord
Varahadev spoke about the glories of Vraja Mandala to the goddes Bhumi Devi, the mother earth, and
these description of holy dhama were recorded in the Adi-varaha purana. the word ‘vishrama‘or
‘vishranti‘ means to ‘rest‘ or a ‘resting place‘.
 4) Yamuna Dharmraj Mandir
The antiquity of the temple can be gauged by the fact that the deities were installed by Vajranabha
around 4900 years ago. Dedicated to the brother-sister couplet of Yum and Yamuna, the temple speaks
of a history infused in love. It is said that on the day of Bhaiduj, Yamuna had invited her brother over
dinner. After the meal, as per the Hindu tradition, Yum asked Yamuna to ask him for anything. Since
Yamuna had no material desires, she asked for an eternal blessing that continues to illumine her ghats
on the day of Bhaiduj even today.

5) DWARKADHISH TEMPLE, MATHURA

Located in the North region of Mathura, Sri Dwarkadheesh Mandir is one of the oldest and
largest temples in Mathura. It is famous all over the country for its elaborate architecture and
paintings. Built in 1814, the temple is relatively new but is highly revered. A must visit on a
Krishna Temple tour in Mathura, it is mainly known for featuring the black Marble idol named
Dwarkanath, and white marble idol of his counterpart deity Sri Radharan. The courtyard of the
temple is enclosed by a magnificently carved Rajasthani style entrance. In the central courtyard,
rows of richly carved pillars are nicely lined up. Another small temple of Lord Krishna (Vishnu)
Shaligram is also built up within the temple courtyard.

6) Adi Varah Mandir

Located near the famous Dwarkadheesh Temple in Mathura, Shri Adi Varaha Temple holds the
reputation of being one of the oldest in the city. The fact that makes the temple unique and
different from others is that the presiding deity i.e. Shri Adi Varaha is red in colour and is called
'Lal Varaha'.

7) Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev, Mathura

Bhuteshwar Mahadev, one out of many names of Lord Shiv. Bhuteshwar Mahadev which
literally means The Lord of Ghosts! It is one of the most important jyotilinga. There is also a
shaktipeeth of Devi inside the temple campus where the ringlet of Mata Sati fell.
People in Mathura believe that Bhuteshwar Mahadev protects the city from evil. As per popular
belief, the sacred temple of Bhuteshwar safeguards the town and its residents from evil forces;
thus, the name Bhuteshwar.
It is the city’s oldest temple built in celebration of founding this gorgeous place.
 8) Madhuvan
Madhuvan is that forest of Vraja where the Supreme Personality of Godhead has personally
appeared in every Yuga (a millennium in the cosmic time cycle) in His different forms to
perform several pastimes. In Satya Yuga, Lord appeared here as Prshni-Garbha to benedict child
Dhruva. In Treta Yuga, He appeared in Madhuvan as Shatrughana, the brother of Lord Rama to
kill the notorious demon, Lavanasura. In Dwapar Yuga, the Supreme Lord Shri Krishna
personally appeared and performed His sweet pastimes in the sweet forest of Madhuvan.
Finally in Kali Yuga, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu came here to
Madhuvan.

9) Shatrughana Temple / Lavnasur Gufa

Shatrughna temple is an ancient temple situated on the banks of holy river Yamuna. Lord
Shatrughna was the youngest of four sons of Dashratha, the king of Ayodhya. He was born to
the Sumitra, the third wife of the king. The name Shatrughna means ‘destroyer of enemies’. He
was married to Sharutakeerty, cousin of Sita (wife of Lord Rama). Shatrughna killed the great
demon Lavanasura, the king of Mathura and nephew of Ravana.

10) Dhruv Tila

It is said that after the Supreme Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa killed the mighty Kaṁsa, He had Kaṁsa’s funeral rites
performed at Dhruva-ghāṭa.

After being pierced by the arrow-like words of Suruci, his step-mother, five-year-old Dhruva came to the
forest at Dhruva-tīrtha on the advice of his mother, Sunīti. At this ghāṭa Dhruva met Devarṣi Nārada,
who instructed him to bathe here and gave him a twelve-syllable mantra. Dhruva then journeyed to the
isolated highlands of Madhuvana, where he worshipped the Supreme Lord by performing severe
austerities, and finally received His darśana.Those who bathe here are recognised on Dhruvaloka. When
anyone’s forefathers are offered śrāddha at this place, they are granted results equivalent of offering
piṇḍa in Gayā.Many esteemed personalities in the disciplic succession of the Nimbāditya sampradāya
have lived here, the only remaining place of that ancient sampradāya in Vraja-maṇḍala. Excerpt from
the book Sri Vraja-mandal Parikrama by Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja.

11) Chakra Tirth / Ambarish Kund

Chakra Tirth is famous throughout all Mathura mandal. It is near Ambarish Tila.The place of
Maharaja Ambarish , where he worshipped the Supreme Lord with all the limbs of pure devotion.
 Once, this devoted king was about to break his Ekadashi fast at the auspicious moment on Dvadashi
when the sage Durvasa arrived at his palace.

The sage's behaviour towards King Ambarish displeased Lord Vishnu's chakra, who chased Durvasa
around the universe for an entire year.

Durvasa fled even up to Brahmalok and Shivalok, but the chakra pursued him relentlessly. Finally, he
reached Vaikunthalok where Lord Vishnu advised him to go back to Ambarish , fall at his feet and
beg forgiveness.

Durvasa did so, and Ambarish prayed to the chakra to spare Durvasa. It was by these prayers that
the chakra stopped, and the sage's life was spared.

One who bathes here is liberated from sin, even the sin of killing a brahmana. By the mercy of
Sudarshan chakra, he will obtain darshan of the Supreme Lord and his life will become successful.

12) Taalvan
The forest of Taalvan is situated about six miles south of Mathura and two-and-a-half miles south-west
of Madhuvana. At the time of Lord Krishna’s pastimes on this planet, it was an enchanting forest full of
palm (Taal) trees. This is the place where Shri Balaramji killed the ass demon, Dhenukasura. Taalvan is
therefore a place of great significance for a practicing devotee as it represents the subjugation of the ass
like ignorance within our hearts by the Guru (Spiritual Master) who is the representative of Balaramji.
Here, at Taalvan, lies Balabhadra-kunda and a temple of Lord Baladeva. In this temple, Lord Baladev
stands in the center with His wife Revati devi to his left and Shri Gopalji to His right.

13) Kumudvan
Two miles west of Talvan is Kumudvan, which presently goes by the name Kudaravan. The kund here
is called by different names as either Kumudini Kund , Padma kunda or Vihar Kund. While herding
the cows, Shri Krishna, Shri Balram and the cowherd boys wandered throughout this delightful place.
There is currently a deity of Shri Kapiladev on the bank of this kund. Lord Kapila worshipped Shri
Krishna at this place.

Krishna and his friends would come and play in this forest. Kumud means "water-lilies". During
Krishna's time, beautiful water lilies grew here. Kumud is a bright red flower that used to grow
in abundance here and that is why this forest got the name Kumudvan. This is the smallest of
the 12 forests. It has a parikrama of 1 km (1 mile). According to the Varaha Purana if one takes
bath in Padma-Kunda he acquires all the knowledge of the Vedic literature.
 14) Shantunu kund
Shantanu Kund is the place where Maharaja Shantanu performed austerities. Its present name is Satoha,
and it is on the Govardhan road about three miles from Mathura.

Maharaja Shantanu worshipped Bhagvan here with the desire to beget a son. This son became famous
as Grandsir Bhishma.

Bhishma's mother was Ganga, however, for a particular reason she left Shantanu Maharaja. The king
then became attracted to Satyavati, who was called Matsyagandha or Matsyodari, and who possessed
great beauty.

She was living in the house of a fisherman across the Yamuna opposite Mathura.

15) Bahulavana

The charming forest of Bahulavana is full of beauty. According to the Skanda Purana (Mathura-khanda),
Sri Hari’s sakhi Bahula resides here – bahula srihareh patni tatra tinthati sarvada. This place is now called
Bati. It lies seven miles west of Mathura, between Radhakunda and Vrndavana. Sankarnana-kunda and
Mana-sarovara are two kundas in Bahulavana.

In the temple on the bank of Sankarsana-kunda are Deities of Sri Krsna, a tiger, a cow, its calf and a
brahmana. According to local lore, a cow named Bahula was once drinking water from this pond when a
fierce tiger attacked and caught her. She assured the tiger that she would return to be eaten after she
had first gone to the house of her master, a brahmana, and fed milk to her hungry calf. When she got
home, she told her calf to drink milk to his full satisfaction, and told him about her promise to the tiger.
However, the calf insisted on going with her without drinking any milk. The brahmana also prepared
himself to go alone. He planned to leave the cow and calf at home and give himself to the tiger as food.
In the end, all three approached the tiger, each willing to sacrifice himself. At that moment, Sri Krsna
Himself appeared there, and the tiger underwent a change of heart. By the mercy of Sri Krsna, the
brahmana returned home safely with his cow and calf.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu entered Bahulavana, the beautiful cows grazing surrounded Him. They
stopped eating the grass and, overflowing with prema, began to bellow and lick His body. Seeing the
affectionate motherly mood of the cows, Mahaprabhu became completely absorbed in ecstatic waves of
prema. When He regained some external consciousness, He began caressing the cows and they did not
want to leave Him. It was with great difficulty that the cowherd folk forced them onwards. Again Sri
Mahaprabhu became absorbed in transcendental emotions. Weeping He called out, “Kothaya krsna,
kothaya krsna? – Where is Krsna? Where is Krsna?” Herds of deer and does gathered and fearlessly
licked Mahaprabhu’s limbs with affection. Parrots, cuckoos and bees began singing in the fifth note, and
peacocks danced before Him. Completely jubilant, the trees and creepers covered themselves in buds,
new leaves and flowers. With their arm-like branches and twigs, they lovingly offered their flowers and
fruits at the lotus feet of Sriman Mahaprabhu. Seeing the ecstatic emotions of the moving and non-
moving entities of Vrndavana, Sriman Mahaprabhu’s absorption in transcendental ecstasy intensified.
He loudly cried, “Chant ‘Krsna’, chant ‘Krsna’!” and all of those moving and non-moving entities echoed
His words. Sometimes Mahaprabhu, crying piteously, clasped hold of the necks of the deer and does
who gazed at His lotus face with loving glances and tear-filled eyes. Further,Sriman Mahaprabhu saw a
female and male parrot (sari and suka) sitting opposite to each other on two branches of a tree, lovingly
quarrelling about the glories of the Divine Couple,Sri Radha-Krsna. Suka: My Krsna is Madana-mohana,
the enchanter of Cupid’s mind. Sari: Yes.As long as my Radha is on His left side. Otherwise, He is only
Madana (Cupid). Suka: My Krsna lifted Giriraja on His finger. Sari: Because my Radha transmitted power
into Him; otherwise, how could He have done so? Suka: My Krsna is the life of the whole universe. Sari:
My Radha is the life of that life. Suka: My Krsna’s head is beautifully decorated with a peacockfeather.
Sari: Only because my Radha’s name is marked on that feather. Suka: The peacock-feather on my
Krsna’s head leans to the left. Sari: Because it wants to bow down to my Radha’s feet. Suka: My Krsna is
the moon. Sari: My Radha is the trap that captures that moon. Suka: There is no need to quarrel
uselessly. Let us glorify the Youthful Couple together. Sari: I happily agree to this. This loving quarrel
between the suka and sari is also described in Govinda-lilamrta. Here, the male parrot says (13.29):
“May our Lord Jagamohana, whose unparalleled beauty plunders the wealth of patience of an
innumerable multitude of women, whose world-famous glory astounds even Laksmidevi, whose
strength turns the majestic Govardhana mountain into a child’s toy, who has unlimited qualities, whose
simple disposition entertains everyone, and whose glory substantiates the welfare of the entire
universe, protect the entire world.” Hearing this, the female parrot replies (Govinda-lilamrta 13.30):
“Suka, Sri Radhika’s divine love, beauty, dancing, excellent calmness, expertise in music, wealth of good
qualities, and poetic compositions, or in other words, Her erudition, are all so attractive that She steals
away the heart of Sri Krsna, who enchants the mind of the entire universe.” The male parrot then says
(Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhyalila 17.214): “Dear sari, all glories to Sri Madana-mohana, the
enchanter of Cupid, who carries a flute. He steals the heart of all the women in the entire universe, and
enjoys with the gopis.” After hearing the parrots’ loving quarrel, Sriman Mahaprabhu watched the dance
of the peacocks. Seeing their bluish necks He remembered Krsna and became so overwhelmed in
ecstatic love that He fainted and fell down on the earth. His companions somehow brought Him back to
consciousness, and He continued His parikrama of Vraja.

16) Jait (Aghasur Lila)

The Bhagavata Purana states that Aghasura assumed the form of an enormous serpent.[4]
Krishna's companions, the cowherd boys, entered its mouth (mistaking it for a mountain
cavern), making Krishna arrive to their rescue and killing Aghasura.

17) CHANDRA SAROVAR, CHAUMUHA (MATHURA)

History of the site connected to Lord Brahma’s bewilderment.

It is said that once during his numerous mischievous leelas, Krishna drank buttermilk from a friend’s cup.
Lord Brahma, the creator, was amazed at the act especially since Krishna was known to be an
incarnation of Vishnu and drinking from a mortal’s used cup was unacceptable behavior from a God.
Lord Brahma then grew very suspicious of Krishna’s real nature and to test it he made all cows and
cowherd friends of Krishna disappear. Krishna at once understood this divine game and extended
himself so that he himself took the form of all his missing cows and cowherd friends to replace them so
that their absence would go unnoticed.Brahma realizing his mistake immediately asked for forgiveness
through penance which he did at the site where Chandrasarovar is located today. According to legend
Lord Brahma brought the Moon God (Chandra) with him who built this famous Chandrasarovar and in its
clean and pure waters Brahma took a bath before he began his penance. As is obvious, the village gets
its name ‘Chaumuha’ meaning the four heads of Brahma.

18) Garud Govind Kund

This is an ancient temple site with a rare and exquisite idol of Krishna seated on a Garud (Eagle).It is
believed that it was here infant Krishna’s Chati pujan was held. Also, while grazing cows and playing with
friends Krishna climbed on the shoulders of one of his friend, who pretended to be His Garuda. In
Ramavtar Garudji was bewildered to see that Lord Rama was tied in Naagpash by Meghnath. Kaak-
bhusundiji cleared his doubt and advised him to go to this place where boy Krishna was playing. Garudji
came here and tendered his apology for the bewilderment he had in Treta yuga. Then Krishna climbed
upon him.The third story is that Krishna granted boon to Kaliya Snake that here the snakes will not have
to fear Garuds. That is why Kaalsarp pujan is performed here by the people from all over the country.

19) RAM TAAL KUND, SUNRAKH (VRINDAVAN)

Ramtal is the place where Saubhari Rishi performed austerities for 1,000 years during Satyuga. He also
did Yagya on the request of the then Ayodhya King Mandhata, to fight long drought in the region by
pleasing the Rain God Indra.

Saubhari Rishi also provided shelter to many species of snakes in order to protect them from Garuda,
the ride of Lord Vishnu. He also used to feed fish in Yamuna River, which used to flow by the Ramtal
then. This also justifies using steel in Ramtal's foundation so as to protect it against leaching from
Yamuna water. It further makes Ramtal a unique site so far discovered anywhere else in India.

Day 2
20) Kusuma Sarovara
This beautiful place is located about one-and-a-half miles south-west of Sri Radha Kunda. It is also
known as Sumana Sarovara due to the beautiful forest that surrounded the lake formerly. The trees
there bore flowers like beli, cameli, juhi, yuthi, mallika and campaka.
Kusuma Sarovara is set against a backdrop of exotic palatial buildings in sand stone. These palatial
buildings built in memory of one of the most powerful Jat kings contain a replica of Sri Krishna and
Srimati Radharani’s Lotus feet. The ceilings depict beautiful pictures of Krishna’s pastimes. There is also
a temple dedicated to Giriraj.

In terms of spiritual importance it is said that this Kunda is very dear to Srimati Radharani. Along with
Her girlfriends, She used to pick flowers from here. The Divine Couple Radha and Krishna performed
many pastimes here.

Ashtavakra Muni performed great austerity at Kusum Sarovar while waiting for the appearance of the
Divine couple Radha and Krishna.

Lord Chaitanya, who is none other than Sri Krishna Himself in the compassionate mood of Srimati
Radharani, visited this Kunda and bathed in its cooling waters.

It is also said that anyone who bathes in the cooling and soothing waters of Kusuma Sarovara will
achieve pure love of Godhead and gain entrance in to the pastimes of the Divine Couple Radha and
Krishna.

21) Narada Kunda

About four hundred meters south-east of Kusuma-sarovara is Narad-Kunda, where Shri Narad
performed austerities.

Once Narada approached Siva for an explanation of Rasalila. Lord Shiva gave Narada a mantra and asked
him to go to Brahma Kund and worship Vrinda devi. When worshiped by Narada, Vrinda devi instructed
him to meditate upon Krishna and Krishna’s Vrindavan pastimes. Narada went to Narada Kund and
performed his tapasya by which Vrinda devi appeared and asked him to take bath in the north-west side
of Kusum Sarovar. Upon doing so, Narada became Naradi Gopi. Later, when he again took bath, he
became Narada muni. Narada then returned to Narada Kund to write Narada Bhakti Sutras.

22) Manasi Ganga

This most sacred lake is the largest of all kundas and is situated right in the heart of Govardhan town.
The waters of Manasi-ganga are said to be non-different from the Ganges itself. In fact it is considered
to be even better. One who bathes in the river Ganges is purified of all sins, but one who bathes in
Manasi-ganga is not only purified of sins, but will also achieve prema-bhakti, the highest platform of
pure loving devotion to Krishna.

Once a demon sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna assumed the form of a calf and hid amongst the cattle herds
of Krishna. When Krishna realized this He killed the demon. But because He had killed the demon when
he was in the form of a calf, the cowherd boys refused to play with Krishna, and asked Krishna to bathe
in the Ganges to purify Himself. Not wanting to leave Vraja, Krishna meditated upon the Ganga within
His mind (Manasi) and she manifested before Him in the form of Manasi-ganga. Krishna then took bath
in the waters of Manasi-ganga to the delight of His cowherd friends.

Krishna revealed to the residents of Vrindavan that Manasi Ganga situated near Govardhan is non-
different from Ganga.

“One day Nanda Maharaj and the cowherd men heard the glories of Ganga: Once Garuda was
carrying a snake in his claws and was flying over Ganga, when accidentally the tail of the snake touched
the waters of Ganga and the snake immediately transformed to a four handed form of the residents of
Vaikuntha. Amazed, Garuda then placed that divine being on his back and took him to Vaikuntha.

Hearing this pastime, Nanda Maharaj and the others desired to go to the Ganges and take bath in her.
But Krishna stopped them and explained that all the holy places resided in Vrindavan, and therefore
there was no need to go out of Vrindavan. He took them to Manasi Ganga. At that point, Mother Ganga
personally came out on her crocodile. When the Vrajavasis saw Mother Ganga they offered obeisances
to her. Nanda Maharaj and the others then took their holy bath in Manasi Ganga. This incident which
took place on the day of Diwali is still commemorated by offering lamps to Manasi Ganga on that day.

23) Chakra Tirth / Ambarish Kund

Chakra Tirth is famous throughout all Mathura mandal. It is near Ambarish Tila.The place of
Maharaja Ambarish , where he worshipped the Supreme Lord with all the limbs of pure devotion.
Once, this devoted king was about to break his Ekadashi fast at the auspicious moment on Dvadashi
when the sage Durvasa arrived at his palace.
The sage's behaviour towards King Ambarish displeased Lord Vishnu's chakra, who chased Durvasa
around the universe for an entire year.
Durvasa fled even up to Brahmalok and Shivalok, but the chakra pursued him relentlessly. Finally, he
reached Vaikunthalok where Lord Vishnu advised him to go back to Ambarish , fall at his feet and
beg forgiveness.
Durvasa did so, and Ambarish prayed to the chakra to spare Durvasa. It was by these prayers that
the chakra stopped, and the sage's life was spared.
One who bathes here is liberated from sin, even the sin of killing a brahmana. By the mercy of
Sudarshan chakra, he will obtain darshan of the Supreme Lord and his life will become successful.

24) Chakleshwar Mahadev Mandir (Chakreshwar)

The revered town of Govardhan is barely 20 km from Mathurapuri and draws lakhs of devotees
every year especially on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. This sacred tirthasthala is a part
of the Braj Mandala Parikrama that starts at the Vishram Ghat in Mathurapuri.

According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, when Lord Krishna saw the elaborate preparations for the
annual offering to Lord Indra, he asked his father Nanda Maharaj the reason for this. Nanda Baba
said that this was done every year to please Lord Indra to continue to bless their lands and its people
with adequate rainfall at the appropriate time.

Lord Krishna then gave his father, the elders and the entire community of Braj a discourse on the
meaning of dharma, karma and the importance of saying thanks to their lands, tools for tilling the
land and cattle. Lord Krishna’s words were so convincing that they decided against the annual
offering angering Lord Indra who was listening to the entire conversation from his heavenly abode.

The entire village decided to worship Govardhan Parvat and on seeing this, Lord Indra decided to
wreak havoc on their lands by unleashing torrents of rain that would cause floods and destroy their
lands and livelihood.

The terrible thunderstorm put fear in the hearts of the villagers. They approached Lord Krishna to
save them. Lord Krishna told them not to worry and calmly lifted the entire Govardhan Parvat with
his left hand and allowed the cattle and all the inhabitants to take shelter under the hill.

Lord Krishna sought the help of Lord Shiva as a large pool of water formed when he lifted the hill.
Lord Shiva immediately came to his aid and used his trishul like a chakra to remove the water from
the kund.

Lord Krishna held the Govardhan Parvat for seven days on his little finger. Meanwhile, Sudarshan
also came to the aid of the people and cleared the clouds with his radiance equalled to a crore of
suns.

Lord Indra realized his mistake and sought forgiveness from Lord Krishna. The sun shone brightly
and the residents were asked to return home on the completion of their puja.

Sudarshan sought the blessings of Lord Krishna and asked him a place to rest. His resting place is
called Chakra Tirtha. Lord Shiva took the form of Chakreshwar Mahadev to protect Govardhan and
its residents and is known as a kotwal (guardian) of Braj.

Lord Shiva interestingly has taken the form of pancha Shiva Lingas that are meant to be his pancha
mukhas. This temple is located on the northern bank of the sacrosanct Mansi Ganga.

Locals say that the original temple was built by Maharaja Vajranabha of the Yaduvanshi but was
destroyed by successive Muslim invaders. An ancient stone behind the Shiva Lingas describes the
entire story of how Lord Krishna saved his devotees and lifted the Govardhan Parvat. Each carving is
a testimony to the antiquity of this temple.

25) Shree Haridev Mandir: Ancient temple amassed with divinity

Shree Haridev temple in Govardhan is an ancient temple which is said to belong to the time of Lord
Krishna. It is located 50 meter from Manasi Ganga lake on a small street starting from one of the
banks of the sacred lake. Haridev temple is more popularly known as Shree Hardevjee mandir in
Govardhan. Visiting the temple is a must for devotees who come to circumambulate around the
Goverdhan hill.

Story behind the divine temple:

The appearance of Haridev in Govardhan has a very divine story behind it. Radha Rani and her
friends along with some cowherds had to meet Shri Krishna on the banks of Mansi Ganga. Krishna
got late and all the members including Radha started calling Haridev, the other name if Shri Krishna.
Haridev appeared before them in the form of a deity with left hand raised as if lifting Goverdhan hill
to protect Brijwasis from the torrential rainfall caused by rain God Indra. Everyone got amused and
pleased to see the beautiful form of the deity. Since then they started offering pooja seva to
Haridev. Shri Haridev Mandir in Govardhan worships the same supreme almighty with maximal
devotion and faith.

26) Mandir Dan Ghati (Mathura)

Daan-Ghati is one of the two main temple structures in Goverdhan, near Mathura, India.
The other temple structure is called Dasvisa. Daan Ghati is a temple where the deity is in the
form of a rock and that rock was lifted by lord Krishna on their little finger for 7 days. The
deity is said to be going down in earth by a few millimeters every year.

27) Shankarshan Kund

Two of the major kunds in Bahulavana are Shankarshan Kund and Radha Kund.
Sankarshan Kund is named after Lord Krishna’s elder brother Balram or Lord Vishnu. This
kund is believed to have many spiritual powers and bathing in it, liberates one from all the
sins. There is a temple of Lord Balram close to the kund. There are many transcendental
past times of several saints associated with this kund.
In the temple on the bank of Shankarshan kund are deities of Shri Krishna, a tiger, a cow, its
calf and a brahmana. There is a local lore, according to which a cow named Bahula was once
attacked and caught by a fierce tiger while she was drinking water from this pond. She
persuaded the tiger to let her go so that she could return to the home of her master who
was a brahmin and feed her hungry calf. She also assured the tiger that she would return to
be eaten after that. Upon returning home, being released by the tiger, she told her calf to
drink milk to his full satisfaction, also telling him about her promise to return to the tiger.
Hearing this, the calf insisted on accompanying her. Knowing all these, the brahmana also
prepared himself to leave the cow and calf at home and offer himself to the tiger as food. In
the end, all three approached the tiger, each willing to sacrifice himself. It is said that at this
very moment, Shri Krishna Himself appeared there, which led to a change of heart in the
tiger. In this way, Shri Krishna saved all the three – the Brahmin, his cow and the calf.
28) Govind Kund
Govind Kund is located on the edge of Aniyora Village, about 400m after the village of
Aniyora. It is a 1.85 acre rectangular tank at the foot of Giriraj Govardhan.
This is where Lord Indra bathed Lord Krishna and offered prayers to him, after Lord Krishna
lifted Govardhana Hill. This kunda was made by the bathing ceremony. Krishna’s feet were
bathed with Ganges water, milk, tulasi manjaris and lotus flowers. This kunda was originally
filled with these ingredients of the abhiseka (bathing ceremony.)

29) Madhavendra Puri Baithak

"Baithak" is a favorite spot of certain devotee who used to sit there. Before Lord Chaitanya
appeared He sent His eternal associates like Shri Advaita Acharya, Shri Jagannatha Mishra,
Sachi Mata, Madhavendra Puri, Ishvari Puri to earth. Shri Madhavendra Puri took initiation
from Shri Lakshmipati Tirtha in the Madhvacharya sampradaya. He had many but Shri
Advaita Acharya and Shri Ishvara Puri were the chief disciples of Madhavendra Puri. In one
way or another, all the Vaisnavas in Bengal and Kshetra mandala (Jagannatha Puri) were
connected with Shri Madhavendra Puri. After Lord Chaitanya came many of his disciples
joined Mahaprabhu's sankirtana movement.

30) Punchari Ka Lautha Baba Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lautha, a friend of Krishna, who sat and waited for Krishna to
return to Vrindavana from Mathura. Because this temple is close to Punchari he has
become known as Punchari Ka Iautha. The deity of Lautha is red and he is sitting. This deity
is one of the most famous in Braja.

31) Mukharvind of Shrinathji Jaipura Govardhan

At a distance of around 4 km from Govardhan, there lies Jatipura where a highly revered
pilgrimage site of Mukharvind of Shrinathji is located. Though this temple in Mathura is not
as popular as that of other shrines of the region, yet, it is visited by hundreds of devotees
every day. The temple is to dedicated Lord Shrinath, another form of Lord Krishna. Devotees
from various corner of the country come to this temple to offer their prayers and holy
offerings to the deity. Besides pilgrims, a number of monkeys can also be spotted at this
temple.
32) Uddhava Kund
This place is located to the west of Kusuma Sarovara on the right side of the parikarama
marg. King Vajranabha manifested this Kunda under the guidance of Shandilya rishi and
other sages.
At this place there is a temple dedicated to Uddhava, Lord Krishna’s dear cousin. This place
is of great spiritual significance because it is said that Uddhava always resides here praying
to Lord Krishna for the love and devotion that the Gopis had for Lord Krishna. Uddhava
came to Vrindavan to deliver the message of Lord Krishna. But he was so overwhelmed by
seeing the devotion and love of the gopis for Krishna that he wanted to remain in the forest
of Vrindavan as a creeper (gulma-lata) and smear the dust of the gopis’ feet on his head.
When Lord Krishna sent Uddhava to Vrindavan to deliver His message to the Gopis ,
Uddhava stayed there for ten months. He realized that he had no love for Krishna as
compared to the Gopis. Uddhava was famous as being a great devotee, but when he saw
the Vrajvasi’s love he felt he had no love.
When a materialistic person sees someone having something more in some specialization
he/she becomes envious. When a Vaishnava sees someone superior, he/she would want to
follow in the footsteps of that superior, would want to serve that superior, and would want
to get the dust of that superior. That’s what makes a Vaishnava great.

33) Radha Kund and Shyama Kund

Radha Kund and Shyama Kund, the two most spiritually surcharged Kunds (ponds), are
located in a village called Arita about 3 miles north-east of Govardhan and fourteen miles
from Mathura and Vrindavan.
Radha Kund is the holiest place in all of Brahma’s creation. Radha Kund and Shyama Kund
represent the eyes of Govardhan, which is in the shape of a peacock. This is the place where
Radha and Krishna performed their most intimate and most sweet pastimes. One of the
demons by the name Arishta, sent by the evil Kamsa to kill Krishna and Balarama, assumed
the form of a bull and attacked Krishna. But he was easily overpowered and was instead
killed by the Lord. This pastime took place in the afternoon when Krishna and His cowherd
friends were herding the cattle.
That night when Krishna went to meet His beloved Srimati Radharani, She jokingly
forbade Him to touch Her and said, “Today, You have killed a bull, which belongs to the cow
family. You have therefore committed the sin of killing a cow. Please do not touch My pure
body.”
Krishna smilingly replied that the bull was in fact a very dangerous demon and so by
killing it He incurred no sin. But Radharani refused to accept this explanation and Her sakhis
also supported Her.
 Krishna then asked how He could atone for the sin. In reply, Radharani said that the only
way to atone the sin is to take bath in every holy place in the world. To fulfill Her desire
Krishna created a large kunda by striking the ground with His heel. He then summoned all
the holy places from all over the planet. When they appeared Krishna asked their
personified forms to enter in to the Kunda in the form of water, which they promptly did.
Within moments the kunda was filled with the most pure and sacred water. Krishna then
bathed in it and approached Radharani, having atoned for the sin of killing a bull. He
bragged about how His kunda was the most beautiful and how great He was in creating
such a kunda. Hearing Her beloved boast in such a manner, Radharani along with Her sakhis
decided to create an even more exquisite kunda adjacent to the one created by Krishna, by
digging the place with their bracelets. When not a drop of water manifested in the kunda,
Krishna said that they could take water from His kunda. Radharani refused and She along
with Her sakhis decided to fill Her kunda by carrying water from Manasi-ganga in clay water
pots. Sri Krishna signalled to the holy places that they should insist that Radharani and Her
sakhis fill up their kunda with water from His. The holy places personified prayed to
Radharani and Her sakhis and pleased them by glorifying them in many ways. She then
mercifully gave them the permission to enter Her kunda, and immediately a current of
water flowed from Krishna-kunda to Radha-kunda.

34) Jahnava Mata baithak

Jahnava Mata, the consort of Lord Nityananda visited Radhakunda around 1582 to console
Raghunatha dasa Goswami who felt great separation from Radha and Krishna. "Baithak" is a
favorite spot of certain devotee who used to sit there. Ma Jahnava, while sitting here had a
wonderful vision of Lord Gopinath standing under tamala tree playing His flute. That is why the
Gopinath Deity was installed just next to her baithak. Near her sitting place there are some
steps leading down to the water. This place was known as Jahnava-ghat or private bathing place
of Ma Jahnava.

35) Lalita Kund

Lalita Kund is located in the south east direction of Nand Bhavan. It is believed to be the place
where Lalita Sakhi used to come for her morning bath. Near to Kund there is a place known by
the name of Jhulan sthali commemorating the transcendental swinging pastimes of Lord
Krishna and Shri Radharani. It is here at this place that Narada Muni enjoyed the joking pastime
with Shri Radharani relating Lord Krishna with Lalita Sakhi.

36) Raghunath Das Goswami Samadhi

His samadhi is at Radha-kunda and the 64 Samadhis Area. Shrila Raghunatha Dasa serves Shri
Radha as Rati-Manjari in Shri Vrindavana-dhama.

37) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Baithak

"Baithak" is a favorite spot of certain devotee who used to sit there.

Day 3
38) Gulala-kunda (Gantholi)
Gulala-kunda is situated near Gantholi on the left side of the road.
Once, on the occasion of the annual Holi festival, after having thrown red colored gulala
powder on each other, Radha and Krishna came to this kunda near Ganthuli village to bathe.
After they had bathed and sported in the kunda for some time, the water of the kunda turned
‘gulali’ or a reddish color, due to the red gulala powder that had been thrown on the ‘divine
lovers’ during the holi festivities.
39) A
a