Govardhan Hill Parikrama: A Comprehensive Guide to the 21 km Sacred Circuit

Introduction

Significance

Auspicious Time

Required Samagri (Materials)

Preparation Steps

1. 1Perform a mental Sankalpa (solemn vow) to complete the Parikrama with unwavering devotion and focus.
2. 2Ensure physical readiness and health, as the 21 km walk can be demanding.
3. 3Arrange for comfortable accommodation and Sattvic food in the Govardhan or Braj area.
4. 4Prepare a list of the specific shrines, Kunds (sacred ponds), and temples you wish to visit along the route.
5. 5Wear simple, clean, and comfortable clothing suitable for walking and spiritual activities.

Steps

1. 11. Commencement: Begin the Parikrama at a sacred starting point, traditionally Radha Kund or Manasi Ganga, after performing morning prayers and seeking permission from the Lord.
2. 22. Pradakshina (Circumambulation): Walk in a clockwise direction around the hill, keeping the hill to your right side.
3. 33. Chanting: Throughout the entire walk, maintain a constant stream of chanting (Japa or Kirtan) to keep the mind anchored in the Divine.
4. 44. Visiting Shrines: Stop at various significant locations such as Dan Ghati Temple, Kusum Sarovar, and various Kunds to offer prayers and perform small pujas.
5. 55. Offering: At designated spots, offer flowers, water, or sandalwood to the hill or the local deities as a mark of respect.
6. 66. Conclusion: Complete the circuit and return to your starting point. Conclude the pilgrimage with an Aarti and the distribution of Prasad to fellow pilgrims.

Mantras

Guidelines

• •Maintain a strict Sattvic diet (no onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food) during the Parikrama period.
• •Observe celibacy (Brahmacharya) during the days of the pilgrimage.
• •Practice Mauna (silence) or speak only when necessary to conserve spiritual energy.
• •Maintain mental purity by avoiding thoughts of anger, greed, or lust.

Do's

• ✓Always walk in a clockwise direction (Pradakshina).
• ✓Continuously chant the names of Radha and Krishna.
• ✓Show immense respect to the local flora, fauna, and the natural elements of Govardhan.
• ✓Keep the surroundings clean and avoid littering.

Don'ts

• ✗Avoid using footwear if you are physically capable, as it is the traditional way to show respect to the sacred earth.
• ✗Do not engage in heated arguments, harsh speech, or gossip during the walk.
• ✗Avoid consuming any intoxicants or non-sattvic substances.
• ✗Do not treat the Parikrama as a mere physical exercise or a tourist walk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •Focusing excessively on the speed of completion rather than the quality of devotion.
• •Viewing the journey as a sightseeing tour instead of a spiritual pilgrimage.
• •Neglecting the importance of the initial Sankalpa (vow).
• •Engaging in excessive social chatter which breaks the meditative state.

Regional Variations

• •Gaudiya Sampradaya followers often emphasize intense Kirtan and dancing during the walk.
• •Pushtimarg devotees may focus more on the specific Seva (service) aspects of the deities at various stops.
• •The starting point can vary; while Radha Kund is traditional, some local traditions may start from Manasi Ganga or the Dan Ghati temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

References & Traditional Notes

• •The significance of Govardhan is deeply detailed in the Shrimad Bhagavatam, specifically in the Tenth Canto.
• •Traditional practitioners suggest that the hill itself is a non-different manifestation of Krishna (Vigraha).
• •Common household practice often involves making small offerings of milk or water at home to honor the journey.

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