Govardhan hill

“Krishna assumed a great transcendental form and declared to the inhabitants of Vrindavana that He was Himself Govardhana Hill in order to convince the devotees that Govardhana Hill and Krishna are identical. The identity of Krishna and Govardhana Hill is still honored, and great devotees take rocks from Govardhana Hill, and worship them exactly as they worship the Deity of Krishna in the temple.”

(Srimad Bhagavatam 10.24.35 purport)

 Of all the devotees of Lord Krishna, Govardhana Hill is the best because it supplies Krishna and Balarama with all types of necessities. Presently at its highest point the hill is just 25m (80 feet) high. There are four paths (ghatis) on which the gopis would go over Govardhana Hill. They are Dan Ghati, Prema Ghati, Syama Ghati and Govinda Ghati.

When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited Govardhana Hill, He did not walk on the hill because He considered Govardhana as non-different from Lord Krishna. Therefore traditionally Gaudiya Vaishnavas don’t step on Govardhana.

Body of Govardhana Govardhana is formed in the shape of a peacock. Radha Kunda and Syama Kunda are the eyes. Dan Ghati and Manasi Ganga are its long neck. Mukharavinda is the mouth, Kusuma Sarovara its face, and Punchari is its back and tail feathers. A peacock often curves its neck and puts his head under its stomach.

Govardhana Hill is shaped in this pose of a peacock. In Govinda-lilamrita, Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami says that Govardhana Hill is shaped like a peacock and that Radha Kunda and Syama Kunda are its eyes.

Govardhana Shilas Devotees take rocks from Govardhana Hill and worship them exactly as they worship the Deity of Krishna in the temple.

This worship is as good as Deity worship. Lord Krishna has appeared as Govardhana-shila (a stone from the hill), so that His devotees may render service to Him.

It is important that not just anyone takes a rock from Govardhana Hill. The right to worship a Govardhana-shila should be given only by the guru (spiritual master). So his permission should be taken before beginning worship.