Tour Report: Govardhana Parikrama

October 31, 2005

Under the guidance of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja, the Vraja Mandala parikrama has been going smoothly and blissfully. Every day more devotees arrive from various parts of the world, and there are now at least 1,000 on the parikrama. On October 30, 2005 the pilgrims moved from Vrndavana to Govardhana, where they will spend the next two weeks at Sri Giridhari Gaudiya Matha.

On October 31, the party went on the first half of Govardhana parikrama, taking darsana of Dan Ghati, Dan Nivartana Kunda (pond), Naval and Apsara Kundas, Govinda Kunda and Surabhi Kunda.

At Surabhi Kunda, Srila Narayana Maharaja mentioned that there are so many sacred places in Vraja Mandala that are not taken care of properly. The government does not do anything to help, and instead creates obstacles. Therefore, he has taken the responsibility to renovate and protect these places in Vrndavana and Govardhana, especially Surabhi Kunda. In the past couple of years, with the help of Dr. Sanjaya from Mathura, he has arranged the cleaning and renovation of this beautiful kunda.

Srila Narayana Maharaja then told the pastime of Krsna lifting Govardhana Hill ? how Indra offended Krsna, took shelter of a Surabhi cow, and then came to Surabhi Kunda to beg forgiveness. He said that one who takes acamana (sipping water from the kunda for purification) or bathes in this kunda will be forgiven of their sins and offenses, and they will get the gift of krsna-prema.

Surabhi Kund





Offering obeisances to Giriraja Govardhana



Dr Sanjaya and local villagers honoring Srila Narayana Maharaja.



Arriving at Surabhi Kunda



Taking acamana and sprinkling Surabhi Kunda water on his head.