Spiritual India - Glimpses of Govardhan and Mathura

Visit to Girirajji – The Divine Paradise!

Lively music of festivities and bhajans, startling sound of delightful applause, loud rejoicing “Radhey Radhey”, feet of devotees dancing in ecstasy, that’s the scenario as one enters the temple of Girirajji.

Girirajji also known as Govardhan is located in Jatirpura near Mathura. The mystical environment is so magical and welcoming, as one approaches this holy place. This hillock is blessed by Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan on his little finger to protect the Brajwasis from the fury of Lord Indra’s devastating rain.

hantāyam adrir abalā hari-dāsa-varyo

yad rāma-kṛṣṇa-caraṇa-sparaśa-pramodaḥ

mānaḿ tanoti saha-go-gaṇayos tayor yat

pānīya-sūyavasa-kandara-kandamūlaiḥ

(Bhagavad Gita Chapter 21, Text 18)

The opulence of Govardhan Hill is described in the above Shloka.

(Of all the devotees, this Govardhana Hill is the best! O my friends, this hill supplies Krsna and Balarama, along with their calves, cows and cowherd friends, with all kinds of necessities — water for drinking, very soft grass, caves, fruits, flowers and vegetables. In this way the hill offers respects to the Lord. Being touched by the lotus feet of Krsna and Balarama, Govardhana Hill appears very jubilant.)

It is said that Girirajji has been cursed by Saint Pulastya Muni and is shrinking inch by inch. At the base of Girirajji is the Mukharvind Mandir. This Govardhan Shila is where the puja Arti is held every day. This place is so alive with divine vibrations and energy. During the Arti, the joyous feelings awakened through the melodious chanting makes you feel in oneness with the Supreme. It’s seems like a call of Eternity. 

Every morning the Mangla Arti is performed with all the rituals. Milk is offered to the Shila. The Pujari then gives bathe to the deity, applies Tilak and Dhoti Uparna is wrapped around for the Mangla Swaroop. In the morning, Maakhan, Mishri (sugar) is offered as Prasad.

The Mukharvind of Girirajji is decorated every evening. Once the Shringar is done, one feels the live presence of Shrinathji and can be felt receptive. The scene is truly beautiful to behold. It is believed that after the Sandhya Arti (shayan) at Nathdwara, Shreenathji comes to the Mukharvind Mandir at Girirajji through a dark tunnel to give Darshan and returns back to Nathdwara in the morning.

Giriraji's Darshan during winters - 

Girirajji's Darshan during Holi. The full backdrop is decorated with real flowers and is known as Phool Mandli. The devotees play with colours in front of the deity and get immersed in dancing to the tunes of the Kirtans. Its a fun filled atmosphere. The Raaj Bhog is offered to the Deity.

There is a replica of Shreenathji Temple on top of the Govardhan.

Giriraj Parikrama:

Girirajji's Parikrama means walking around the Govardhan Hill as a form of worship. It envisages en route various Kunds and Sarovars each having their own significance. The devotees perform the seven or nine kos Parikrama. Whilst most of the devotees opt to walk and do the Parikrama, it can even be done in a rickshaw. While roaming in the various sites of the Parikrama, my eyes caught a sight of some of them perform the Dandvati Parikrama. I was amazed at the undying belief and faith of these devotees.

      Dandvati Shila – All the devotees begin the Parikrama after taking blessings from here.

                              

        Mansi Ganga - The Parikrama begins and ends at Mansi Ganga. The temple of Chakleshwar Shiv Ling is here.

                                                                                       

     Radha Kund

      Radha Kund is the personified love of Shri Radharani. Radhaji and her sakhis filled this Kund by carrying water from the Mansi Ganga. As I entered the courtyard, I saw a very peculiar big tree ages old with a complete hollow trunk. It was a unique thing. At Radha Kund there are all the three Baithaks of Shri Vallabh Acharyaji, his son Shri Guisainji and his son Shri Gokulnathji. Its rare to find all the three baithaks at one place.  The place was so peaceful.  

       Kusum Sarovar - At midnight, on the banks of the Kusum Sarovar, it is said that lord Krishna spends time with his beloved Radha beneath an Ashoka Tree.   It is a picturesque landscape.

                        

    Daan Ghati Temple - It is one of the main temple structure in Girirajji. As you enter the city, you get a glance of Daan Ghati Temple. It is said that Lord Krishna as his passtime used to collect Daan (tax) from the Gopis. The Gopis used to give milk products to Lord Krishna and his friends to pass through the path. 

                                  

     Chandra Sarovar - As one of the famous Gujarati Bhajan recites - "Chandra Sarovar Chowke Bole Shri Krishna Sharnam Mamah", At Govardhan this place is renowned as the Raas site. 

Surdasji’s Kuti and Samadhi are planted within the circumference of Vallabhacharyaji's Baithak. Surdasji had desired to write 1.25 lakh times Kirtan, but he was unable to complete. Lord Krishna helped finish the Kirtans to form the Sur sagar Granth. While visiting this place, we passed through farmlands. This view made me feel a reconnect to my childhood days, when I used to visit my Grandparents hometown. It was so refreshing and felt more attached to the roots. Feeding the cows, travelling in a rickshaw, monkeys hovering around...complete village experience and so nostalgic.

                                       

Govind Kund

                                   

Kaan Bava Temple - We paid a visit en route to the Kaan Bava Temple. As the name says for itself, here it is said that we can whisper our wishes in the ears of the auspicious Shila and offer our prayers. 

Jaan Ajaan Vriksha - There is a big tree en route which is known as the Jaan Ajaan Vriksha. It is said that the Gopis while in search of Lord Krishna used to ask this tree where is our Lord and the tree acted ignorant as if it was not aware.

    Saddu Pandey ji ki Baithak - Shri Mahaprabhuji stayed at Saddu Pandey's house at Anyor. Hence its considered one of the Baithaks of Shree Mahaprabhuji. This was the place of Pratham Milan (first meeting) of Shreenathji and Shri Mahaprabhuji. We walked across the cobbled lanes and alleys to reach Saddu Pandeyji House which stands even today to do the Darshan.

   

                                          

     Poonchari ka lota – This is the last stop and it is said that one must visit here before they complete the Parikrama.

My Visit to the Banks of Yamuna River –

Shri Yamunaji is adorned with countless virtues and worshipped by all. The Pious city Mathura is situated on her banks. Shri Yamunaji blesses everyone with happiness, and is said to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. On the banks of the river, we offered Puja and did the rituals. While sitting at the banks my mind was at peace and it brought in harmony within me. While watching the serene water shimmer in the sunshine, suddenly there was silence around as if all the other noises drowned in this magical moment and the wind lifting me up. I just felt tranquilled, calm and a sense of belonging.

A person who partakes the water from the river is said to rejuvenate, gets freedom from all his sins and is given forgiveness. By paying a visit, your soul is purified and all your obstacles are removed is the belief of the followers.

The evening Arti is a visual treat.

Shri Yamunaji is the epitome of selfless devotion to Lord Krishna.

Chunari Manorath

A Chunri Manorath, folk traditional festival is carried out on the Yamuna River. This particular ritual consists of stretching sarees across the Yamuna River in boats as an offering to the goddess. 

The Dwarkadhish Temple

Amongst the bustling streets of the Mathura Bazaar, stands the magnificent Dwarkadhish Temple. One can enter the local bazaar from the main gate and reach the temple walking or on cycle rickshaw. The narrow lanes cut through the hustle and bustle of the local market.

                                    

                                     

The structure of the temple has the glimpse of local Rajasthani art and architecture. The interiors boast the excellent work of art, brilliant carvings and exquisite paintings. The ceiling and the inner courtyard,is a glimpse of the various paintings of Krishna Leela. I was awestruck as I entered the Temple to view the intoxicating grandeur. The whole experience was overwhelming

                                      

I had a wonderful and most memorable trip. I must say that one who visits these places once, will always be drawn again. It gave me a lot of insights of the Pushti Marg - a selfless love for Lord Krishna.  Moreover, I thank my cousin without whom I wouldn't have thought of visiting these places and explore the nuances of the place.  Looking forward to travelling to many such places across India and exploring their untold stories....