Reclamation of Kunds on Govardhan Hill, Braj: Journal of Vaishnava Studies

Abstract

Govardhan Hill in Braj is highly revered, as it is believed to be the metonymic form of Krishna and embodiment of his divinity. Its
visual imagery alludes to many myths, of which the most popular one is Krishna holding it up like an umbrella on his little finger to protect his community from the floods sent by the wrathful god Indra. Other representations include the mountain-river dyad of Govardhan Hill and Yamuna River flowing at its foot, the Hill Annakut as a mountain of food, Krishna filling the hollow of a cave in the Hill, and the Hill as a peacock and a bull.1 However, quite unlike its conical representations, Govardhan Hillis a long, low ridge, rising no more than 100 feet above the surrounding plain. A break in its profile at mid-range known as Dan Ghati just south of Govardhan town is a prominent point of arrival from Mathura. On its north, the Hill is visible for a short distance only, tapering off well before one reaches Radhakund Village.