Govardhan Parvat Parikrama

Details about the Govardhan Parvat Parikrama and the Types of Parikramas.

Govardhan Parvat Overview

Govardhan Parvat is the place that existed since the time of Lord Sri Krishna. Along with the Govardhan Parvat, there are other 2 places where the existence of Lord Krishna, they are Braj Bhumi and Yamuna. In Hindi ‘Go’ means ‘holy cow’, and ‘Vardhan’ means ‘Shelter of Cows’. The Parikrama is the process of having a circular walk around the Govardhan Parvat and is called as the Govardhana Parvat Parikrama.

In the holy village, the hill and every stone of the hill are believed to be very sacred. Some of the stones near the hill will be decorated and given a human feel with eyes, nose, mouth and makeup. Priests will show the footprints and feet of the cows, Radha Krishna on these stones. The locals believe that the stones have seen Radha Krishna that carries the imprints of their Leelas.

Belief on Govardhan Parvat Stones

There is a saying that the stones can’t be taken out from Braj Bhumi. It is believed that the people who take the stones out from Braj Bhumi will meet with disasters.

Govardhan Parikrama Darshan

Parikrama is very popular on the Govardhan Hill. Number of devotees will be seen all throughout the year doing Parikrama. This Parikarmas can be started anywhere and can be ended anywhere as there are a number of Parikrama on the Govardhan Parvat.

Types of Govardhan Parikarmas

Govardhan Parvat houses number Parikramas

Walking Parikrama – Walking Parikrama is one of the most commonly used by the devotees who visit the Govardhan Parvat. Many devotees choose this type as it is the easiest path. One has to start at the point and complete the Parikrama in the clockwise direction and as to finish at the starting point. Depending on the devotees walking fastness completing one Parikrama will be done in 6 to 8 hours excluding the resting stops one takes.
Doodh Parikrama – In this type where one has to hold a pot of milk as you walk or drive around the Govardhan hill. One has to offer the milk continuously at the time of Parikrama. Most of the devotees will make a small hole to the pot and hold them as the lines of Milk will be offered continuously marked on the path they walk.
Dandvat Parikrama – Dandvat Parikrama means doing the Parikrama around the Parvat with your whole body lying on the ground touching every part of your body to the floor. This is very difficult among the all parikramas. The minimum and the maximum time to complete the Parikrama will take 8 to 10 days. The devotees have to complete the specific part every day.
Sohni Seva Parikrama – Sohni Seva Parikrama is done with the broom. Devotees clean the area as one do the Parikrama.
108 Dandvat Parikrama – This is one of the hardest among all the Parikarmas. In this Parikarmas a devotee should carry 108 stones with him. This takes years to complete one Parikrama and per day devotees can only complete a maximum of 5-10 meters. This is often done by the saints. One can see this place with piles of stones throughout the path. This seems that the Sadhus will complete doing this for most of their lives.
Couple Dandvat Parikrama – This Parikrama is the perfect example of the Ardhnarishwara. This is done by the couple. Dandvats are done by husband and wife to reduce the effort on oneself. The Dandvat will be started with the wife where the husband will help to do and later husband will do the Dandvat and the wife helps to complete the Dandvat.