Gobardhan
Gobardhan, also known as Goverdhan or Giriraj, is a sacred hill and a significant pilgrimage site located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is deeply revered in Hinduism, particularly by Vaishnavites, who associate it with the deity Krishna. According to ancient scriptures, Krishna, as a young boy, lifted the hill on his finger for seven days to protect the inhabitants of Braj from the wrath of Lord Indra, the god of rain and thunder. This divine act is celebrated annually during the festival of Govardhan Puja, which falls on the day after Diwali.
The parikrama, or circumambulation, of Gobardhan hill is a major religious ritual for devotees. This pilgrimage