Govardhan Restaurant (opposite the Daan Ghati temple)
Thali, snacks and sweets, affordable
दान घाटी मंदिर
Daan Ghati Temple
The toll gate of Krishna: where he stopped the gopis carrying curd and asked for a tax of love.
TempleGovardhanDaan Bihari ji (Krishna) and Giriraj shila
The story: Krishna's toll on the mountain pass
Radha and her friends were bringing curd, butter and milk to sell in Mathura, and they walked through the narrow gap in the Govardhan hills. Krishna and his friends stood in the pass, blocking the way, and said they were officers of the king of this hill, and that the gopis would have to pay a toll (daan) to cross. The gopis laughed, argued, scolded and played, and in the end the toll he wanted was their love.
The story is told in the Dana-keli-kaumudi, a Sanskrit play by Rupa Goswami (16th century), and enjoyed in Braj's folk Daan Lila. The word 'ghati' means a pass or narrow place.
The Bhagavatam does not tell this lila directly; it belongs to the later literature and local tradition. Its sweetness is the idea that love is the only coin Krishna ever takes.
Where this is told
- Dana-keli-kaumudi (Rupa Goswami)
- Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Krishna Janma Khanda, on Radha-Krishna's meetings
- Daan Lila as told in Braj is local tradition
History
- A temple stands at the pass where the parikrama begins. The present building is of recent centuries; check locally.
- Many pilgrims begin the parikrama here and bathe or pour milk on the Giriraj stone.
What to see
- The Daan Bihari ji deity
- Giriraj shila with milk abhishek
- The start of the parikrama marg
Key festivals
- Oct to Nov: Govardhan Puja
- Jun to Jul: Guru Purnima (the huge crowds)
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | About 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | About 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, and 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm |
| Closed | Afternoon |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | Not inside the sanctum. |
Indicative. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Along the Mathura-Govardhan road near the temple, plus lots in Govardhan town.
Charge: About Rs 30 to 80. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Purnima nights and Guru Purnima: cars are stopped far outside
Cab drop and walk
Drop: The cab can drop at the temple.
Walk: A few minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Govardhan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 22 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 25 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 170 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Early morning.
Crowds: Medium; high on Purnima.
Monkeys: Yes.
Comfort
Footwear: Stand at the gate.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Steps.
Scams to avoid
- Pujaris who ask for large Giriraj puja donations
Where to eat nearby
Krishna Bhojanalay (near Govardhan hill)
Rotis, curries and rice
Radha Ashtami Bhojanalay and Shree Radha Bhojanalay (near Radha Kund)
Simple Braj veg meals
Shree Krishna Prasad (near Shyam Kund)
Prasad and quick snacks
This list comes from desk research in published guides and listings. We have not visited these places for this guide. Walk and drive times are rough, and opening hours, prices and onion/garlic policy can change, so check locally before you go.
Common questions
What does Daan Ghati mean?
The pass where Krishna took a 'toll' (daan) from the gopis.
Check locally
- Timings
- Parking charge
- Present building date
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
Book a cab for Daan Ghati Temple