There is something quiet about the early morning in Govardhan. Shops half open. Bells from a distant temple. A few barefoot pilgrims were already walking with folded hands. And somewhere between devotion and routine, the question rises softly — where exactly is the Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point?
It sounds like a simple question. But here, even a beginning carries tradition.
Most pilgrims do not simply “start walking.” They begin with prayer. With water. With remembrance. The Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point is not just a location on a map. It is a mood. A ritual. A moment of surrender before the 21-kilometre journey around Giriraj Ji.
Let us walk slowly and understand it properly.
Mansi Ganga – The Traditional Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point
The most widely accepted and traditional Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point is Mansi Ganga.
It is not an ordinary pond. It is believed that Lord Krishna created this lake through his divine will. That belief alone makes it sacred. Pilgrims often arrive here before sunrise. The water is calm. The air is still.
Many devotees follow a simple sequence:
• Take a holy dip in Mansi Ganga.
• Offer prayers at Haridev Temple nearby.
• Fold hands before Giriraj Maharaj.
• And then begin the parikrama in a clockwise direction.
This clockwise movement is important. It is the traditional way. No one walks in a hurry. Some chant softly. Some walk in silence. Some carry children on their shoulders.
The Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point at Mansi Ganga feels complete. It prepares you mentally before the long walk.
Daan Ghati Mandir – Another Popular Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point
Another highly preferred Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point is Daan Ghati Mandir.
This temple marks the symbolic beginning of the sacred hill. Devotees believe that Lord Krishna once collected ‘daan’ (tax) here from the gopis. The temple stands right along the parikrama route, so starting from here feels natural and direct.
Compared to Mansi Ganga, Daan Ghati is slightly more active and crowded. Shops, prasad sellers, and small tea stalls line the approach road. Yet devotion does not feel disturbed.
Many pilgrims who do not take a dip in Mansi Ganga choose Daan Ghati as their Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point. It is accessible and straightforward.
Radha Kund – A Spiritually Intense Alternative Start
Some devotees prefer beginning the Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point from Radha Kund.
This place carries deep spiritual intensity. It is believed to be one of the most sacred sites in Braj. Just beside it lies Shyam Kund.
Those who start here often perform a small prayer at the kund, touch the water respectfully, and then begin walking. The atmosphere here feels more inward. Less commercial. More meditative.
It is not the most common Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point, but for many, it feels spiritually powerful.
Jatinpura – A Quiet Beginning
Jatinpura is another alternative Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point. It is less crowded. Simpler. Many locals begin from here without ceremony.
Sometimes, the beginning does not need a crowd. Just folded hands and steady steps.
Direction and Route of Govardhan Parikrama
The parikrama is always performed in a clockwise direction. Devotees keep Govardhan Hill to their right.
The full route is approximately 21 kilometres. It includes sacred spots such as:
• Poonchari ka Lautha – the far end of the hill.
• Radha Kund and Shyam Kund.
• Kusum Sarovar and many smaller shrines.
Whichever Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point you choose, the route eventually merges into one circular path.
Some walk barefoot. Some perform dandavat parikrama, offering full prostrations at every step. Some take 5 to 6 hours. Others complete it slowly through the day.
Best Time to Begin Govardhan Parikrama
Though the Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point remains active throughout the day, most devotees prefer early morning.
• Morning hours are cooler.
• The road is less crowded.
• The sunlight is softer.
In summer, starting after 9 AM becomes difficult due to heat. In winter, the mist gives a quiet feeling similar to the monsoon mornings.
Festivals like Govardhan Puja bring heavy crowds. On those days, the Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point at Mansi Ganga and Daan Ghati becomes very busy.
What You Feel at the Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point
It is not dramatic. No loud announcement. No official gate.
Just people standing still for a moment before they begin.
Some whisper prayers. Some touch the ground. Some close their eyes.
The Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point feels like the first page of a sacred book. Once you turn it, you must walk through the rest.
And somewhere along the route, fatigue disappears. The rhythm of footsteps becomes steady. The mind becomes lighter.
Practical Guidance for Pilgrims
If you are planning your visit through Mathura Vrindavan Tourism, they usually suggest starting early and carrying:
• Water bottle
• Simple prasad
• Comfortable clothing
• A light cloth for covering the head
The Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point is not complicated to locate. But guidance helps, especially during festival days.
Parking areas are available near Mansi Ganga and Daan Ghati. Auto-rickshaws and local e-rickshaws operate regularly.
Choosing the Right Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point
- If you want tradition and ritual → Start from Mansi Ganga.
- If you want direct access and temple energy → Choose Daan Ghati.
- If you seek quiet devotion → Begin at Radha Kund.
- If you prefer simplicity → Jatinpura works well.
All are correct. There is no strict rule. The sincerity of the walk matters more than the exact Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point.
Why the Beginning Matters
A journey around Govardhan is not only physical. It is inward.
And that is why the Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point holds importance. It marks intention.
Once you take that first step, the rest follows naturally.
The road is dusty in places. Smooth in others. There are tea stalls. Children selling flowers. Monkeys sitting on walls. Cows walking without hurry.
Life moves gently alongside faith.
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FAQs – Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point
Mansi Ganga is considered the main and traditional Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point.
Yes, Daan Ghati Mandir is one of the most popular Govardhan Parikrama Starting Points.
Yes, many devotees choose Radha Kund as their starting place for spiritual reasons.
The parikrama is always done clockwise, keeping Govardhan Hill on your right.
The full circular route is approximately 21 kilometres.
Early morning is ideal to avoid heat and heavy crowds.
It is a traditional practice but not compulsory. Many devotees do it before starting.
On average, it takes 5 to 6 hours depending on walking speed.
Yes, shops, prasad counters, and small eateries are available near Mansi Ganga and Daan Ghati.
Yes, but they should start early, walk slowly, and take breaks when needed.
The Govardhan Parikrama Starting Point is not a single stone or signboard. It is wherever you stand with folded hands and decide to begin. And once you begin, Govardhan walks with you.
